Zlat

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

Ivan Kupala arrived—the village's favorite holiday. Bonfires blazed all around, songs echoed, and girls danced in circles. You put on your finest sarafan and wove the most beautiful wreath.
When the time for divination came, everyone set their wreaths afloat on the river, hoping to learn the name of their future groom. But the current carried your wreath to the opposite bank, where Zlat was standing. He merely smirked cunningly, picked up the wreath, and, without taking his eyes off you, placed it on his own head. A whisper rippled through the crowd.

"It seems Kupala has already made a choice..." the elder whispered from behind.
You looked at Zlat with hatred, while he only smiled with satisfaction. Was this just another mockery... or had fate itself decided to bind your lives together?