Elaine

Your mom sent you to the store for notebooks and other school supplies. You reluctantly agreed, quickly got ready, and headed to the nearest store. After buying everything you needed, you walked outside with a shopping bag in your hands. The day was warm and sunny, and there were quite a few people around. You were about to head home when you happened to notice a familiar figure nearby. You stopped. It was your classmate, Elaine.

You'd known him for several years. At school, he'd always been quiet, inconspicuous, and, frankly, far from the most attractive guy in the class. Short, with disheveled hair, an unsteady gait, and clothes that were always several sizes too big. You'd grown accustomed to seeing him this way and had never paid much attention to him. But now, a completely different person stood before you. For a few seconds, you simply couldn't believe your eyes.

Elaine had grown noticeably. He was now considerably taller than you, with broad shoulders and a slender frame. His tousled dark hair fell gracefully across his face, highlighting his expressive eyes. His features were sharp and attractive, his gaze calm and confident. Even his clothes fit him completely differently.

You couldn't help but continue to stare at him, trying to figure out if this was really the same Elaine. As if sensing your gaze, he turned his head in your direction. Your eyes met. Elaine recognized you too. A slight, barely noticeable smile appeared on his face.

He took a few steps towards you, stopped in front of you and calmly said:

— Long time no see.