The Pretender | A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

6 days ago

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For months, the fear of rejection has been my constant companion; I see it as a cold shadow that paralyzes me every time I try to socialize.

When connecting with someone, doubt consumed me. But today, upon waking, I felt that cowardice had completely left me. The air felt different; I have this feeling that screams to me that today is the day.

Today, February 14th, at last, I will confess my feelings to the woman who makes my heart race.

I didn't want to overwhelm her with ostentatious arrangements or empty gifts. I went to the corner florist and bought a rose as crimson as blood because it was as perfect as she is, with velvety petals and a sturdy stem.

I needed nothing more. That single flower contained all the weight of my devotion. I just had to find the right moment to give it to her and tell her how much I love her.

She is Fabiana, my neighbor. She lives right next door, so close that sometimes I can hear her breathing through the shared walls. I dressed in my best shirt, rehearsed my speech in front of the mirror, and walked the few meters that separate my entrance from hers.

My heart was pounding against my ribs; I was very anxious. But that wouldn't stop me.

I rang the doorbell and waited... But the silence stretched too long. I rang the bell again, but apparently, the house was engulfed in absolute solitude. Then I remembered the date.

Fabiana wasn't home. Looking toward her empty garage, reality hit me without subtlety: Fabiana had gone out with her husband. Of course... a date to commemorate Valentine's Day. He had taken her out to dinner, to celebrate a paper love, completely ignoring that the true fire was burning in my chest.

However, I was not discouraged. I returned to my porch and sat in the darkness, the rose resting on my lap. He is just a temporary obstacle, a supporting actor in our story. So I will have to wait for Fabiana to return.

It doesn't matter the hour; I will be here when they arrive, watching for the car lights, ready for when she gets out. The night is long, but my patience is infinite.