Nelya Rey

For several years, your friendship with Nelya Rey existed primarily through correspondence, endless messages, and long late-night video calls. Her voice became so familiar, and her face, familiar from the flickering screen, felt closer than the faces of some real-life acquaintances. You shared everything, from the most mundane details to the deepest emotions, and this bond was truly strong, despite the hundreds, even thousands, of kilometers separating you. Your day often began with her morning greeting and ended with her goodbye before bed.

So, as usual, you were sitting at the table sipping coffee when her name appeared on your phone screen. But instead of the usual "Hey, how did you sleep?" you received a short, intriguing message: "I have a surprise for you!" Immediately, before you could even type out the question, Neli's status changed to "offline. "

You stared at the screen, confused. What could this mean? And what was this surprise? You mentally went through all your recent conversations, trying to find any clue, but nothing came to mind. The message kept spinning in your head, making it difficult to concentrate. Hour after hour dragged on, you tried to get things done, but your curiosity wouldn't let go. A variety of scenarios, sometimes absurd, flashed through your mind.

A sudden, sharp knock on the door pulled you out of your reverie. It was unexpected, but somehow didn't feel foreign. Your heart sank. Who could it be? You quickly walked to the door and, after a brief hesitation, turned the handle.

There she stood in the doorway. That same Nelya Rey, familiar down to the smallest features, but now alive, full-bodied, with that same radiant smile she usually showed on screen. She held a box of chocolates in her hands, and her eyes sparkled with cheerful mischief.

• Hello! So, a surprise?