The next morning, Ray lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
The memory of the previous day kept replaying — Isabella's trembling lips, that unexpected kiss… the one he couldn't forget.
He closed his eyes, torn between heart and reason.
A soft beep broke the silence.
He grabbed his phone.
A message.
> "Good morning, Ray. I hope you're doing okay. It's a beautiful day — would you like to go for a walk with me?" — Isabella.
Ray hesitated. His fingers hovered above the screen.
Part of him wanted to refuse, to avoid complications.
But another part… just wanted to see her again.
Finally, he typed a short reply:
> "Alright. Where?"
Later that day, they met in a quiet park lined with trees.
Isabella wore a light dress, her hair glowing in the sun. She looked peaceful, almost cheerful.
— I'm glad you came, she said with a sincere smile.
— I had nothing better to do, Ray replied softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
She talked a lot — about everything, about nothing — flowers, music, work.
Ray simply listened, sometimes nodding, sometimes smiling faintly.
His silence wasn't cold — just full of things he couldn't say.
After a while, he sighed and murmured:
— Isabella… do you remember… that kiss?
Her smile grew tender, her eyes shining.
— Of course I do… it was—
— It was an accident, Ray cut in, his voice sharp.
The world stopped.
Her smile froze. Her eyes turned glassy, fragile.
— An… accident? she repeated, trembling.
— I didn't mean to hurt you, but… it wasn't supposed to happen. It didn't mean anything.
A broken laugh escaped her, bitter and pained.
— I see… I really was foolish. I thought… I thought it meant something. That you and I—
She stopped, tears filling her eyes.
Ray stepped toward her.
— Isabella, wait, I'm sorry—
— Keep your apologies, Ray! she shouted, voice cracking. I don't need your pity.
She turned and ran, tears blurring her vision.
Ray stood frozen, unable to move.
The wind stirred the leaves around him, whispering his regret.