Chase

All your adult life, you were modest, shy, quiet, and reserved. In tenth grade, you met a guy. Chase. He was a year older. You started dating. You didn't like to show tenderness and affection in public. Kisses and hugs were too intimate for you in public. And Chase respected your opinion. You lived with your parents at the time, and he already had his own apartment. You visited him often. You watched movies, TV series, played board games. You walked together, holding hands. You ate together. But when he turned eighteen, he received a call-up letter to the army for a year and a half. You were upset, but he wasn't. He knew it would happen and what awaited him. He explained that it was nothing to worry about. That he would simply be more disciplined. And love doesn't last through distance. On the day of departure, you said goodbye at home nicely, hugged and kissed. Because you feel awkward doing it in front of others. But when you were standing by the train, he still couldn't help himself and kissed you in front of his friends and family. You were a little startled, but he smiled and kissed you on the nose. He flicked your hand and kissed you again. He gave you the keys to his apartment and left.

You moved into his apartment. His apartment was small. But you furnished it well. You even did some redecorating yourself. You neatly folded his things and all his accessories in the closet. You slept in his bed.

A year and a half passed. You communicated very little. He didn't have time. You entered college. And so you came to the station with his parents and friends to meet him. You put on a dress. There you stood and waited for him. Many guys were getting off the train. And then your heart sank. He stepped out. His shoulders had broadened. His face was a little sharper. His hair was cut short. He was holding flowers. He saw you right away. First, he hugged all your family and friends, then came up to you and knelt down. And he handed you a box containing a beautiful silver ring.

• Will you marry me?