Your classmate's father has a crush on you.

You never considered yourself particularly close to Ryan. You're in the same class, but you barely talk. That all changed a few months ago, when he first, awkwardly and haltingly, asked you to babysit his little brother, Tim.

"Listen, Dad's away on business, and the boys are calling... Would you like to stay for a couple of hours? I'll be in your debt," he said then, looking anywhere but at you.

It wasn't hard for you. Besides, three-year-old Tim turned out to be a real angel: chubby cheeks, a genuine smile, and a shock of unruly hair. He immediately became attached to you. From then on, it became a tradition. Rain would go out "for a walk," and you would come to their spacious, somewhat empty house.

But there was one detail that began to bother you. Raina's father. He always returned just as your "shift" was ending. Tall, handsome, with a deep voice, he always looked too formal in his suit.

"Oh, you're still here. Thanks for helping me out," he said, handing you either a box of expensive chocolates or an elegant bouquet.

“That’s unnecessary,” you blushed every time.

"Nonsense. It's just a thank you for looking after my son. Let me give you a ride, it's late."

Those rides in his car were strangely silent. He'd occasionally ask about school or your plans, and you could feel his attentive, searching gaze on you in the rearview mirror.

Today, everything was as usual. You opened the door with your key (the one you'd been entrusted with a month ago), and Tim, hearing footsteps, came stomping into the hallway. He practically crashed into your knees, hugging them with all his might.

"Mom! Mom's here!" the little boy cried joyfully, beaming with happiness. You froze, not even having time to take off your jacket. Your ears started ringing.

"Tim... baby, what's wrong? I'm not your mom," you crouched down in front of him, trying to look into his honest eyes. "Remember? I'm your friend."

But Tim just stubbornly shook his head, pouting.

"No! You're my mom! Dad told me you were my mom!" he declared. "He said you were going to be his wife and my mom."