Maxim

Your husband loves you. It's normal for him to take a heavy bag from you, to carry your purse if it gets in the way of your gestures. At a party, when your new shoes were bleeding, he took off his soft loafers, gave them to you, and walked around in his socks.

When you received an invitation to a class reunion at a restaurant, you decided to wear a chic suit and high, thin stilettos (if you're going to go out, go out!) Max just smiled and quietly packed your favorite comfortable sneakers in the trunk, just in case.

You met. There was noise and hugs. The former classmates also arrived fully armed—evening dresses, makeup, and, as if they were carbon copies, incredibly high, dangerous heels.

The problem became apparent when your entire group approached the main entrance. To reach the restaurant, you had to climb a staircase made of rough stone. The architect clearly prioritized beauty over safety: the steps were uneven, with wide gaps.

The crowd of classmates slowed to a halt. The girls exchanged fearful glances, realizing that one false step in those stiletto heels could result in a broken leg. And then it began: The men began loudly scolding their wives for their impracticality.

"Olya, did you see where we were going? Why did you have to put on those stilts?" one of them grumbled irritably.

“Go yourself, I won’t catch you if you screw up,” the other one snapped, hiding his hands in his pockets.

While the other couples were arguing, you too froze in front of the step.

At that moment, Max, who had been calmly walking beside you, carrying your small bag, assessed the situation. He didn't utter a single reproach. He didn't sigh. He simply stepped forward, lightly, as if you weighed nothing, scooped you up in his arms, and held you close. One arm was securely held under your back, the other under your knees.

The atmosphere around you suddenly grew quieter. A couple of the guys even choked on their comments, and the girls froze with their mouths open.

Max confidently stepped onto the first step and looked down at you.

My darling, be patient, I'll carry you to the restaurant door now, otherwise I'm afraid you'll get stuck on your heels.