I slowly get up from my seat and head toward the kitchen. I take a glass, pour some cold water, and return to the room. There, I see Katrin. She is sitting, motionless like a statue, as if absorbed in her thoughts. In moments like these, words seem unnecessary, but I still approach her.
Taking the glass of water from my hands, she holds it, its cold edges lightly touching her fingers. At some point, she leans forward, her lips touching the rim, and she begins to drink.
"Thanks for the water," she says, lifting her gaze. A faint spark appears in her eyes, almost imperceptible, but I am glad it is there. Then her face turns serious again, and I notice her struggling to take a breath. "Did you decide to wear me out first thing in the morning?"
"I just wanted to have a little fun."
"Thanks again. The battle was epic; I really enjoyed it."
"Me too. You were magnificent," I praise her, unable to hold back a smile. I feel pride for her overflowing within me. She deserves that praise. There is so much strength in her that I can't help but admire. Every gesture makes me feel like I am part of something significant, something great. She is so alive, full of energy and passion, like a fire that can either warm or burn, but from which you can't look away. I am proud to be by her side, to be part of her life, her world.
"Can I ask you something?" The question hangs in the air, but I am not sure how to phrase it properly. "It's about yesterday's conversation."
I notice her tense up. Confusion flickers in her eyes, but there is something else too—wariness, as if she is trying to anticipate what I will say, searching for any hint of threat in my words. Perhaps she thinks I will pretend that nothing happened yesterday, that the words and actions Katrin spoke and did hold no meaning. But I can't ignore what happened, and I don't want her to ignore it either.
"If you're talking about me kicking you out yesterday, I've changed my mind. You can stay; I don't mind. And we'll continue with the wish too. Sorry, I was emotional yesterday."
As always, Rebel Girl hides her vulnerability behind a facade of strength, but the small details give her away. Gradually, wariness replaces doubt, as if she realizes that not everything is under her control. She is used to being strong and not opening up, but I know she isn't ready to fully trust yet. It is evident in her expressions, her movements, the tension hanging in the air. But to move forward, we both need to be honest, despite the difficulties.
"It's fine. But that's not what I meant."
"You told me a lot about your life yesterday," I say softly, trying to choose the right words to avoid triggering her defenses. But no matter how I try, her expression remains tense. I can feel the tension thickening in the air between us, as if any misstep on my part could send us back to that shadowed corner where she closes herself off and refuses to speak. We both know this topic carries too much pain, and I am not sure if she is ready to open up to me that deeply again. In her eyes, there is a shadow—a pain etched in those memories she shared. It is like something frozen, something that won't let her go.
"Yes, I know. I did it because I completely trusted you. I hope you won't tell anyone."
"I'm not like that, and I have no one to tell anyway."
Katrin freezes, her gaze shifting to the side as if searching for hidden meanings. Then, overcoming her doubt, she speaks, as if testing whether she can trust my words:
"What about Dimka? Aren't you two friends?"
I look into her eyes, full of fear and uncertainty, and sigh. No matter how difficult it is, I have to explain everything honestly, leaving no room for doubt.
"As strange as it sounds, I don't have any friends here. Dimka and I are, at best, good neighbors. We just live together, trying not to get in each other's way."
"I see," she nods, as if understanding that I am trying to be honest.
"So, here's the question. You told me everything, but you never said how you went from being a book lover to a lover of entertainment."
"Phew, you scared me," she looks at me with surprise and relief, almost laughing. "I thought you were going to ask me another difficult question."
"You always think that, but it turns out to be the opposite."
"You might not notice it, but you're just as unpredictable as I am," there is a spark in her eyes, as if she has only just realized it herself.
We are both trying to control the situation, to keep everything under control, but at some point, we realize that it is this unpredictability that makes us feel alive, that we are both capable of surprising each other even in the simplest things. It is like a moment of acknowledgment that each of us is, in some way, an unsolved mystery to the other.
"After that incident, I decided to go to a local bar and get drunk. The music there was so good that I ended up dancing all night. I liked it so much that I started going to those places more and more often. And, well, you know the rest," she shrugs slightly, as if she hadn't expected it to end up like this. "I just love having fun, that's all."
"What about your grandma? How did she let you go there?"
"Remember I told you about that friend who was my first boyfriend's sister?"
"Yeah, what does she have to do with it?" I try not to let the surprise in my voice show.
"She was my cover, though she didn't know it. When we were friends, she used to visit me and my grandma often. And my grandma loved her so much that she was willing to let me stay over at her place even overnight. I lied, saying I was going to her, but instead, I went to bars, clubs, parties."
I can't help but admire her resourcefulness, how cleverly she plays the situation, how skillfully she manipulates the world around her to maintain her freedom despite all the restrictions. It is both smart and brave—she is willing to be herself even when she has to hide her true life.
"You're so cunning, Rebel!"
"Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it," Katrin blushes, but a smile appears on her face.
"So, what are we doing today, my very, very cunning Rebel?" I lean closer to her, a slight smile on my face as I gaze into her eyes.
She thinks for a moment, her gaze dimming, and then she frowns slightly, as if everything she has wanted suddenly loses its appeal. It is strange—she is always energetic and ready for adventure, but now… something has changed. I understand her—fatigue creeps in like a shadow, dimming the brightness.
"I thought about going to a club, but after this battle, I don't feel like going anywhere."
"Then let's stay home? Spend some time watching TV and eating. How does that sound?" I move even closer to her, almost touching her lips with mine.
She looks at me, apparently not wanting to give up her usual routine—movement, events. But her eyes say she is ready to at least stop for the evening.
"I like the idea, but I thought about going to the club and resting tomorrow, since Friday is a very important day for me. So I've decided for sure that on Thursday, I'll spend the evening at home with you, resting and recharging. Otherwise, I'd have to stay home for two days."
Her words fill me with a warm feeling of care. She is trying to consider everything, even what is important to me, without forgetting her own needs. It is touching, and I feel grateful for her attention.
I hug her without words, conveying my support. We both know that sometimes just being nearby is enough. Then I kiss her on the temple, feeling her relax at the gesture.
"You're such a silly girl! I don't care where we spend time, as long as I'm with you. With you, it's always fun and interesting."
She blushes, but I realize those words mean more to her than I expected. It is an acknowledgment that I am here, by her side, and that it isn't the outside world that matters, but what is between us. It is sincere, and I feel all the fatigue disappear, leaving only us.
The following days are less intense but still unforgettable. We walk in the park, enjoying the simple joys of life, talking about everything. Those are the moments when you appreciate the little things, when even mundane situations feel interesting with the right person. We kiss endlessly, as if we can't get enough. She is everything to me, amazing in every way, and I keep discovering her over and over. Even in the most ordinary places, she becomes the center of my world, a bright light around which my reality revolves.
We race along the paths, laughing like carefree children. Her laughter is contagious, and I can't help but laugh with her. I watch her as she stops to catch her breath, gasping from laughter. Her eyes sparkle, and her cheeks turn pink. That image imprints itself in my mind like a painting I want to preserve forever. I see her as she truly is, genuine, and it deepens my attachment to her.
Winter will come soon. I imagine how the world around us will change: trees covered in frost, the air crisp and cool. My rebel will bundle up in a puffer jacket, her hair peeking out from under a hat in a charmingly messy way. We'll walk along snowy paths, leaving footprints behind, skate hand in hand to keep from falling. I picture us having snowball fights, laughing and shouting when snow slips down our collars. Then we'll return home, make hot tea with honey, and sit by the window, watching snowflakes dance outside. That cozy moment—her, me, and winter.
And then spring will come. I already imagine buying her the first flowers—daffodils or tulips—just to see her face light up with joy at the unexpected gesture. I wonder if she even likes flowers. I'll have to find out. We could walk in the rain, jumping over puddles, laughing without caring about wet shoes. Or maybe kiss under an umbrella, feeling raindrops touch us, mingling with our emotions.
Summer will bring its own magic. We could travel to another city, explore new places, or just stay here, enjoying the ease and warmth of her presence. I'll suggest visiting her grandmother to understand where she gets her strength and stubbornness. Will I be able to win her grandmother over? What if she thinks I'm not good enough? But if Katrin wants to be with me, nothing else matters.
I imagine us swimming in the sea, laughing as if life is made for moments like these. Then we'll watch the sunrise, holding each other, feeling the sun touch our faces. I imagine us spending every season together, savoring everything life has to offer. And in every moment, I see her by my side, just as happy, just as real.