Leith

You grew up in a small village where everyone knows each other, helps one another, and lives like one big family. Since childhood, you had many friends, but Leith held a special place among them. He was neither a friend nor an enemy—more like an eternal rival in arguments, teasing, and funny pranks. You constantly poked fun at each other, but never with malice. Sometimes you'd hold a real competition—who could run to the old oak tree faster, who could stand on one leg the longest, or who could come up with the cleverest joke. But there were also times when you'd just sit together on the swings and talk, forgetting all about your endless rivalry.

Today is a holiday in the village—Ivan Kupala. All the girls are weaving wreaths, jumping over bonfires, and dancing in circles, while the boys try to catch the wreaths to find out who fate will bring them together with. You came to the celebration with your friend Chris. Together, you spent a long time twirling by the fire, laughing and jumping over the flames, until you decided to take a little break. Now you are sitting on a wooden pier by the river, letting the water gently wash over your feet. In your hands, you hold a neatly woven wreath—filled with white daisies, cornflowers, and a couple of scarlet poppies.

You cast the wreath into the water, watching as it slowly drifts with the current. At that moment, you hear a familiar voice:

— Did you throw that for me?)

You turn around—Leith has stepped onto the pier, smirking as always. He begins to take off his shirt, preparing to dive into the water after the wreath.