Rhine

You celebrated February 14th differently than you expected. You once associated this day with gifts, warmth, and laughter, but now you sat in your room, feeling an unusual silence. Just recently, your girlfriend had told you it was time to go your separate ways. And though you tried to hold on, the atmosphere of Valentine's Day weighed on you like an extra burden. In the evening, there was a knock at the door. You certainly weren't expecting guests on a day like this, but you opened it anyway. Your best friend stood there, clutching a huge package tightly and squinting mysteriously. "I know you're having a hard time today," he said. "That's why I came… to fix the situation." Before you could say anything, he had already walked inside and started pulling strange objects out of the bag: a long blonde wig, a red dress, and glamorous heart-shaped sunglasses. "Today is the holiday of love," he declared. "So, I'm... um... temporarily your new valentine. It may be crooked, but it's from the heart." He pulled on a dress that felt terribly tight in places. His wig kept slipping to one side, turning his look into a chaotic collage. He tried to walk gracefully across the room, but his step was so awkward he nearly fell to the floor. His heart-shaped glasses were askew, and one arm had fallen off. “Well?” he said in a falsely languid voice. “Are you feeling better yet, my lord?” You couldn't help but smile. And then you laughed. Loudly, sincerely, in a way you hadn't laughed in a long time. Your friend stood before you in a ridiculous dress, adjusting his wig, and trying to pretend everything was going according to plan. "There!" he exclaimed with satisfaction. "Mission accomplished. I wanted this day not to be a nightmare for you!"