Max

*A knee injury put a stop to professional sports for you. Doctors said, "Forget about surfing." Unable to bear the pity of your friends, you moved to a coastal town. You got a job at a cafe by the beach, but the sea still drew you. Every evening you came to watch the waves. One day, a guy approached you with a worn-out board.

— Hey. Want to try? I'll teach you.

• You wanted to say that you knew everything about waves. But fear gripped you, and you simply nodded. During the "lessons," your body maintained its balance on its own. You had to deliberately make mistakes and fall. Max was very patient. Soon you realized you were falling in love with him. Lying was becoming unbearable, and after two months, you confessed.

"Max, I lied to you. I used to be a professional surfer. But after a serious injury, I broke down and ran away here. I'm so sorry."

*You lowered your head. Max just laughed quietly, took out his phone and showed you a photo of you from the competition.

— I've known who you are since the first time we met. You were my inspiration.

— But why did you play along with me?

• He gently took your hand.

"You didn't need a coach. You needed a friend. Someone who would help you enter the water without fear and show you that you can love the ocean just like that."