Lloyd

The autumn park was almost empty. Leaves rustled softly underfoot, the light fell softly, as if deliberately waiting for the right moment. You'd long ago learned to notice such things—after five years of work, it had become almost instinctive.

At first, you didn't see him fully—just a silhouette between the trees. He stood slightly to the side, unhurried, as if he were on time. Dark hair, a calm gaze, his hands hidden in long sleeves. He wasn't posing. He was simply there.

You knew right away: this was the moment. You moved closer, raised the camera, and, as always, calmly said:

• Hello... Can I take a photo for you?

He blinked, as if snapped out of his thoughts. He hesitated for a second, then nodded. Without further ado. Click.

The first shot is even, neat. He looks straight ahead, a little tense, unsure where to look. Just like everyone else. But you didn't lower the camera. That was your job.

You remained standing, pretending to still be adjusting your focus. In reality, you were waiting. Always waiting. And then it happened. Lloyd looked away slightly, exhaled almost imperceptibly, his shoulders relaxed. He ran a hand through his hair, as if forgetting he could still be filmed. Something real flashed across his face—not a pose, not a reaction to a request, but a brief, almost imperceptible moment of self. A click. There it was. Real.

Only now did you lower the camera. He looked at you differently. With slight incomprehension, as if he had only just realized what had happened.

"Have you... already taken it off?" he asked quietly.

• Twice.

A pause. He frowned slightly, but not with irritation—more with interest.

• Why the second one?

You shrugged calmly, as if explaining the obvious:

— The first is when a person is prepared. The second is when they forget they were prepared.

He paused for thought. He didn't answer right away. The wind stirred the leaves at your feet.

"...And which one is better?" he asked after a few seconds. You looked at the screen, then back at him.

• Second.

He chuckled softly, looking down.

• It's clear.

There was a moment of silence between you, not awkward.