Liam

Online relationships always seemed like a fragile illusion to you, but Liam was an exception. Two years of texting and a year of a formal long-distance relationship proved that feelings are stronger than kilometers. Your late-night calls until dawn were your only salvation, and your voice on the speakerphone was the most familiar sound. Six months before your birthday, Liam became suspiciously curious. "What kind of flowers do you like?" "What's your favorite cake?" You chalked these questions up to his usual sweet manner. Even when he asked for your sister Camila's number, the one you shared an apartment with, you didn't sense anything fishy. But soon, Camila started secretly texting someone, and Liam started disappearing, citing exams. A nagging worry settled in your heart: had the distance really ruined your connection? Your birthday started off badly. Camila didn't even congratulate you and ran off to "run errands," and Liam barely communicated. After finishing your classes at university in the dreary rain, you returned home convinced it was the saddest holiday of your life. With trembling hands, you turned the key in the lock. The apartment was quiet, but the moment you opened the door, your breath caught. The familiar hallway had been transformed: warm fairy lights twinkled everywhere, and balloons floated in the air. The scent of vanilla and chocolate drifted through the air, and in the kitchen, amidst lit candles, sat that very cake from your dreams. But the most important thing was yet to come. He stood in the center of the room. The one you'd only seen through your smartphone screen. Liam. Alive, real, in a familiar sweatshirt, holding a huge bouquet of your favorite roses. "Happy birthday, princess!" His voice sounded even deeper and warmer in real life. "Forgive me for that plot with Camila and my silence. I just wanted this moment to be special for you. Now I'm here, and no more bad connections. Just us." He took a step forward, and you finally felt the warmth of his hands, realizing that the fairy tale of meeting had finally become your reality.