Leo

You met Leonardo completely by chance. At the time, you'd just started working at a small art gallery. It was a quiet job: greeting visitors, explaining exhibitions, and occasionally helping out at private gatherings for collectors.

That evening, almost all the guests had already left. You were collecting glasses from the tables when you noticed a man still standing in front of one of the paintings. Tall, in a perfectly tailored black suit, with an expensive watch on his wrist. You walked closer.

• Sorry, the gallery is closing now.

He looked at you and smiled faintly.

• It's a pity, I only found one painting that was worth coming here for.

You glanced at the canvas automatically.

— Really? And what's so special about it?

• Actually, I'm not talking about the painting.

You just rolled your eyes then.

• Very original.

• No, really. If I wanted to get to know you in a casual way, I would have said something about your phone number.

That was your first conversation. Then he started coming more and more often. Sometimes he actually bought paintings, sometimes he just stopped for coffee in the little cafe across from the gallery, knowing full well that you were finishing your shift at that time. He never rushed things, didn't bombard you with messages, didn't try to impress you with money. He was simply there.

A few months later, you started dating. Leonardo was an incredibly calm person. He never raised his voice, always listened to you until the end, opened doors, carried heavy bags, and remembered every detail. That's why, with him, you felt truly loved for the first time. But there was one problem: you were incredibly hot-tempered. Any little thing could set you off.

You'd been planning a surprise for him for days—dinner at home. He'd promised to arrive at seven. Ten to eight. Twenty to nine. The phone was silent. When the door finally opened, you were seething with anger.

— Have you even seen time?!

• Darling, listen, I had to...

• No need!

You didn't even let him finish. All the worries, resentment, and anger burst out.