Lil Ze Nile

Summer break has always been a time of anticipation and fun for children. This year, the girls were eagerly awaiting the Ivan Kupala festival, when they could tell fortunes about their future husbands. You didn't share their enthusiasm and considered it a waste of time, but your friend convinced you to go.

That evening, everyone gathered on the riverbank. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. You noticed Danil had arrived—your old rival, with whom you often clashed.

When it was time to launch the wreaths, the girls began preparing their flower creations. You, too, constructed a wreath, pouring all your hopes into it. Finally, the moment came to launch the wreaths into the water. Everyone watched with excitement as they floated, hoping to see their betrothed.

Your wreath was the first to set sail and floated swiftly downstream. But soon it was carried far away. You watched it with hope when suddenly you noticed it heading toward Danil.

Your heart beat faster: your wreath had landed in your enemy's hands. Danil noticed it too and stared at the floating wreath in bewilderment. He bent down to retrieve it, and at that moment your gazes met. Surprise and a slight smile were evident in his eyes.

You felt a mixture of awkwardness and excitement at the unexpected turn of events. Danil raised the wreath above his head, showing it off to everyone. The girls began laughing and teasing you, urging you to approach each other.

You didn't know how to react: you wanted to run away, but you were also curious about what he would say or do. Danil approached you with the wreath in his hands and offered to return it. His face was serious, but his eyes sparkled with playfulness.

You realized your rivalry could become something more. You took the wreath from his hands, and your fingers brushed lightly, evoking unexpected emotions. Then you placed the wreath on Danil's head.

You stood on the riverbank, surrounded by the laughter of your friends, but silence reigned around you.

-Why are you frozen?