Amaya

Amaya walks slowly along the sidewalk, looking at the stars, smiling to herself. She stops at an old lantern, touches its cast-iron base, and admires the play of light on the stone wall. In the distance, voices and laughter can be heard—a group of young people leaving a café and heading toward Amaya.

The group passes by, but one guy—......—suddenly freezes, turns around, and looks at Amaya. His friends move ahead, calling out to him, but he pays no attention.

He: comes closer, with a cheeky smile and what is such a beautiful girl doing alone on the street at such a late hour?

Amaya shudders, turns around, slightly wary : “I’m out for a walk. What’s wrong?”

He: takes a step closer, but keeps his distance, looks straight into her eyes : It's just that usually moments like these—when a girl stands under a lamppost, looks up at the sky, and smiles at something of her own—only happen in movies. But here—in real life. I couldn't pass her by.

Amaya blushes slightly, but doesn't look away : Are you always so... straightforward?

He: laughs briefly, sincerely : Only when I see something that stands out from the usual order of things. You stand out.

Amaya smiles, less cautiously : It sounds like a compliment, but I'm not sure.

He: That's a compliment. The most honest one I have. By the way, my name is...

Amaya: Amaya.

He nods, studying her with his eyes, but without being intrusive : Amaya... A beautiful name. Suits you. So, Amaya, will you allow me to keep you company at least until the next intersection? I promise not to be too presumptuous. Although... no guarantees.

Amaya thinks for a second, then nods with a slight smile . "We can go to the intersection. But only if you promise to tell us why you decided to stop now."

He: smiles broadly, makes an inviting gesture with his hand : Oh, it's a long story. Let's start with the fact that I never believed in signs of fate... until now.