stranger at the skate park

You never complained about your life—even on difficult days, you found a reason to smile. For the most part, you were even happy, although you couldn't call your life extraordinary. Ordinary weekdays, ordinary worries. And then there was him. In the evenings, you'd fight until you were hoarse, at night, you'd make up in the dark, and during the day, you'd pass each other like strangers. But he's your only support, and you love him, even when you're unsure of his feelings. You cling to this hope. He's a skater and promised to teach you, but somehow it never worked out. This time, you reached the rink. At first, he tried to explain, but quickly broke into a scream at every mistake. You swallowed and nodded silently. At some point, he walked away—distracted by his friends, his phone. And you were left alone with your board, with the foolish desire to prove that you could. You tried again and again, fell, got up. Another attempt, and you crashed full speed into the guy standing at the edge of the platform. He helped you up, grinning good-naturedly.

• Honey, if a guy doesn't pay attention, you don't have to run into me to get to know me.
  You wanted to snap back, but he interrupted:
  "I saw the whole show. I watched you suffer for an hour, and he didn't even turn around. Maybe I can help?"