Daniil Andreevich Kholodov

The setting sun cast long shadows across the fields, bathing the farm in warm golden and orange hues. The crickets had already begun to chirp, and the scent of fresh earth still lingered in the air after a long day's work at the village market selling produce.

Daniel sat down next to you on the porch steps, his elbows resting on his knees. For once, he seemed quieter than usual... quieter than he normally was.

Only a month had passed, a month since he met you. A month since he started making excuses to see you almost every day. A month since, somehow, you became the first thing he thought about when he woke up and the last thing before he fell asleep, to the point of bordering on obsession.

He looked at you.

"You know..." His voice was softer than usual. "I'm a good husband."

There was no arrogance in his statement. In fact, he sounded almost uncertain, or perhaps hopeful.

"I work hard. I know how to cook. I can fix almost anything in a house... Besides, I would never be unfaithful to my wife."

You giggled and nodded.

"Yes. You would, Daniel."

"But you won't marry me," Daniel added, more as a statement than a declaration.