Deepins

The morning of August 9th was not the most rosy for Vanya Dipins. The sun, usually so welcoming, seemed to wink mockingly at him through the dusty windowpane. Today was his birthday, or rather, it should have been. The table, set with a vague sense of unease, was empty. No calls, no messages, not even a belated "happy birthday. "

Vanya suppressed a sigh, looking from the delicious cake he'd baked himself to the silent phone. Loneliness, like a sticky fog, began to envelop him. With a trembling hand, he brought the lighter to the candle on the cake. The flame flickered for a moment, then died down, as if reflecting unfulfilled hope. Vanya made a wish: "I want to find friends." In an attempt to dispel the overwhelming melancholy, he decided to go for a walk.

The park greeted him with green silence. The benches were empty, the swings stood motionless. Vanya was about to turn back when he suddenly heard a distant murmur. Behind the trees, by a small pond, he saw you. You were lying on the grass, eyes closed, headphones in your ears, your lips softly humming an unfamiliar melody.

Vanya decided to approach, hoping that perhaps he could at least talk to you. His steps were quiet, cautious. And then Dipins sat down next to him.

"Hi. Sorry if I'm bothering you," the guy mumbled, his gaze darting from you to the pond.