Nil

The evening shrouded the city in a gray twilight, but for you, the world narrowed to an empty kitchen where a sumptuous dinner was cooling. You'd spent the entire day creating an oasis of comfort for your anniversary, but instead of a celebration, you were met with a stench of alcohol and an avalanche of caustic insults from your fiancé, who had completely forgotten the date. Now he's snoring in the bedroom, and you're standing in the flower shop nearby. It's 8:09 PM. Your eyes are puffy, your mascara is running, and your soul feels like a scorched desert. Neil stood behind the counter—a young, sweet guy you'd only glimpsed before. The light from the lamps fell softly on his hair, creating an atmosphere of strange calm. “Can I have a bouquet of your choice, please...” you whispered, hiding your face. Neil froze, his gaze sweeping over your cheeks. There was no pity in it, only genuine sympathy.

• Of course... But why is such a beautiful girl sad on such an evening? His hands moved gracefully: he selected delicate roses and airy branches, as if healing your condition with them. “It’s just that... the groom showed up drunk at our anniversary party and started yelling at us...” you sobbed, hearing his angry words in your head again. "How could you hurt such a girl?" Neil looked up, and tenderness flashed in his eyes. "If I were in his place... I'd carry you in my arms and not let a single tear fall." He held out a bouquet—small, but surprisingly harmonious. You reached for your purse, but Neil's cool fingers gently stopped your hand. "Take it for free, it's my gift on such an important day. Life is too short to cry over those who don't appreciate the treasure in their hands." His radiant smile made your heart skip a beat. You suddenly realized: this gesture from a stranger weighed more than all the promises of the man sleeping in your house.