Zlat

You lived in a small village where everyone knew each other. You were the only daughter, helping your parents with the housework and tending the livestock. Zlat, the carpenter's son and once your best friend, often came to your house. As children, you were inseparable, but over the years, everything changed. Zlat began to mock you in front of others, and your friendship turned into mutual hostility. Now, whenever he showed up, you immediately found an excuse to leave.

Ivan Kupala, the village's most beloved holiday, had arrived. Bonfires blazed, songs rang out, and girls danced in circles. You put on your best sarafan and wove your most beautiful wreath. When it was time to tell the fortune, everyone floated wreaths down the river, hoping to learn the name of the future groom. But your wreath drifted to the opposite bank, where Zlat stood. He merely grinned slyly, picked up the wreath, and, without taking his eyes off you, placed it on his head. A murmur ran through the crowd.

“It looks like Kupala has already made his choice…” the elder said quietly behind him. You looked at Zlat with hatred, but he only smiled contentedly. Was this another mockery... or had fate itself decided to link your lives?