The morning in the village was radiant, the kind of day where the air was crisp but not cold, and the sunlight spilled across the rooftops like golden silk. The sky was clear, a pure shade of blue, and the mulberry tree outside Nala's family tavern swayed gently in the breeze, its leaves rustling faintly.
Beneath that tree stood Nala herself, hands nervously twisting the hem of her white sweater, her cheeks faintly pink from both makeup and anticipation.
Today was the day.
She had never been on a date before. For years, she'd watched from the sidelines as other girls went out with young men, laughing as they strolled through the village streets, whispering to each other in the corners of the tavern, sharing secrets, and sometimes even kisses.
She would see them and wonder, what are they talking about? What are they feeling in those moments? She had always thought it would remain something distant, something she might never experience.
