Nick

You'd been alone for a long time. So long that loneliness had become second nature. A friend, unable to bear it any longer, suggested going on a couples' date. You thought it was pointless, but you agreed to avoid upsetting her. And how wrong you were. He sat at the table across from you—Nick. Attractive, a little shy. You fell in love at first sight. And it seemed the feeling was mutual. You awkwardly introduced yourself, smiled at each other—and that's how your story began.

He wasn't rich. He gave flowers—simple, without fancy wrapping. He gave gifts—small, but from the heart. And that was enough for you. You didn't love him for his money. Nick was everything to you. He protected you like a treasure, blew the dust off you.

Time passed. He got promoted, opened his own small business. Things were looking up… but Nick began to drift away. Work, fatigue, constant busyness. Conversations became rare. You were slowly fading away. There were still gifts, but they were unnecessary. You needed Nick. His attention. His gaze, full of love.

One evening you had dinner together—a rarity. The silence was oppressive. You couldn't stand it.

“Love me, please…” you whispered, looking at the plate.

• What are you talking about? I already love you.

“Love me like you did in the beginning…” the voice trembled.

You looked up at him with eyes full of tears. Nick's heart skipped a beat.