Mr. S stood motionless.

Before him stretched a vast, seemingly endless space. White and blue walls rose to impossible heights, while the horizon disappeared beneath a restless crowd of unfamiliar figures.

Some looked almost human. Others seemed to have abandoned the idea entirely.

He had entered expecting something strange. Yet the longer he looked, the less certain he became of what strange actually meant.

Eventually, curiosity overcame disbelief. He began to walk.

Mr. S moved cautiously through the crowd, both shocked and fascinated by the world around him.

The world appeared to be divided into territories.

Rooms, corridors, open squares — and markets.

At least, markets was the closest word S could find for them.

In one, furious arguments erupted between strangers who hurled insults and threats, yet never laid a hand on one another.

In another, silence prevailed. People communicated through tiny illustrations, carefully chosen symbols and only a handful of words.

Elsewhere, the exchange was almost familiar: vendors displayed their offerings while visitors negotiated over their worth.

But S could not understand what was truly being traded. Objects? Experiences? Attention? Something less tangible?

Every market seemed to obey its own rules. And everyone else appeared to know them.

Mr. S kept walking through the long corridor cutting through that world looking all around him at those very different markets in astonishment. He kept trying to observe how these worked or how those people behave, but he failed to find a consistent pattern. He ran back to that portal that brought him and in a second ... that world vanished again, and he was back to his world.

For a long while, the Stranger World remained an occasional escape. S visited, explored, and returned to ordinary life, never imagining how much the place might one day mean to him.

Then came a day when the future he had carefully constructed seemed to collapse. The world he had visited out of curiosity became a place he sought out of necessity.

After that, S’s visits became more frequent. What had once been an occasional diversion gradually became part of his everyday life.

He learned the languages of the markets, the customs of their inhabitants, and the subtle differences between a genuine face and a carefully constructed mask.

Soon, he learned to wear masks of his own.

He became skilled at recognizing what people wanted before they were willing to admit it. A hesitation, an unfinished sentence, a moment of misplaced confidence — each revealed something useful.

His negotiations improved. His victories multiplied.

He discovered that the easiest way to win was not always to offer something valuable. Sometimes, it was simply to make someone believe he understood them.

Through it all, S maintained one rule: whatever shape he assumed, he would never forget who he really was.

He considered that his greatest achievement. He never questioned how easily the rule could be broken.

S began to admire the Stranger World. He was no longer content simply to navigate it; he wanted to master it. And every victory left him wanting more.

One evening, S entered a market he had previously avoided.

Above its entrance hung a sign: FORBIDDEN DELIGHTS.

He recognized most of the faces immediately. Masks. Beautifully constructed, convincingly worn, but masks nonetheless.

Yet among the experienced inhabitants, he noticed others. Visitors who wandered with the same uncertainty he had once carried.

Innocents.

He knew exactly how they felt. He also knew exactly how easily they could be persuaded.

S established an offering of his own: an intriguing experience, apparently free, apparently harmless, promising none of the consequences that usually accompanied the market’s transactions.

The visitors came. Some returned.

And S became increasingly skilled at giving them precisely what they believed they wanted.

He told himself he was merely playing by the rules of the world.

But there was one difference between the man who had first entered that market and the man who now stood behind its counter.

The first had been curious about the masks. The second had learned to profit from them.

Eventually, the inexperienced visitors were no longer enough.

S sought more difficult negotiations, more experienced customers, and opponents who believed themselves impossible to deceive.

Every victory sharpened his appetite.

It was no longer about what the markets offered. Nor was it about pleasure, desire or the thrill of forbidden experiences.

It was about winning.

About understanding someone well enough to predict them. About entering a conversation already knowing how it would end.

And, above all, about proving that he could.

His mind grew sharper. His confidence grew stronger.

His soul, however, was becoming something he no longer recognized.

The most dangerous part was that he had never felt more like himself.

The Stranger World had begun to follow him home.

Its rules slipped into ordinary conversations. Its masks appeared on familiar faces. Even moments of kindness became puzzles to solve, negotiations to win, weaknesses to recognize.

S had once believed he could enter that world, take whatever he wanted from it, and return unchanged.

Now he understood the cost.

He could no longer distinguish between the man who wore the masks and the man beneath them.

There were only two choices.

Remain, and allow the Stranger World to consume whatever remained of his ordinary life.

Or leave, and surrender the one place where he had become extraordinarily powerful.

For the first time in a long while, S chose not to win.

He chose to leave.

He returned to the real world and closed the gate behind him.

Forever.

Or so he believed.

Because the story you have just read was not the beginning of the Stranger Tales.

It was the story of why S believed he had escaped them.

And some gates, once opened, never truly disappear.

It was a quiet afternoon at home.

S had barely spoken to his parents since their latest argument. They believed he was spreading himself too thin: university, projects, applications, and plans for a future that seemed to grow more ambitious with every passing day.

S disagreed.

Why should he worry?

His grades were excellent. His relationship with Lady Red was flourishing. His peers admired him, and every milestone seemed to arrive exactly when he expected it.

Two extraordinary opportunities appeared to confirm that everything was going according to plan.

He had already secured a place in a highly selective overseas opportunity. In Cairo, he had been shortlisted for a position with a major corporation.

One future appeared guaranteed.

The other seemed close enough to touch.

He had worked for both.

He had planned for both.

And somewhere along the way, he had begun to confuse being prepared with being certain.

Lady Red was spending the afternoon with her friends.

She sent him a photograph.

The sunlight caught her light-grey eyes, while a delicate blush warmed her fair skin. She looked effortlessly happy.

S smiled at the screen.

He made himself a cup of Earl Grey tea and opened his email.

Two new messages.

The first was from the foreign embassy.

We regret to inform you that your application has been moved from the accepted list to the waiting list. You may be reconsidered should another opportunity become available.

S read it twice.

His hand tightened around the cup.

Before he could fully understand what had happened, he opened the second message.

The corporation in Cairo.

After careful consideration of your qualifications, we regret that we will not be proceeding with your application.

He stared at the screen.

Two messages.

A few ordinary sentences.

And suddenly, the future he had spent so long constructing no longer existed in the form he had imagined.

The tea remained untouched.

For a while, S did nothing.

Then the thoughts arrived.

The sleepless nights. The postponed pleasures. The opportunities he had declined because something greater was supposedly waiting.

What had all that effort been for?

He went to his room, shut the door, and sat on the floor in a dark corner.

And cried.

Not because he believed he could never succeed again.

But because, for the first time, he had done everything he thought was right and still lost.

Eventually, he reached for his phone.

Lady Red answered.

“Hello, baby. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” he said.

There was a pause.

“S? What’s wrong?”

He tried to answer normally.

“I got rejected, dear.”

“Rejected? From where?”

“Both. Everything.”

His voice faltered.

“I lost.”

She tried to reassure him. There would be other opportunities. He would find a way. She believed in him.

S knew she meant every word.

But encouragement was not what he needed.

He wanted someone to understand that he wasn’t mourning two opportunities.

He was mourning the future he had already begun to live inside his mind.

“Enjoy your day, dear,” he finally said.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I will be.”

They ended the call.

He sat alone with the silence.

He had called the person who made him feel most at home.

Yet somehow, he still felt lost.

There was another place S remembered.

Long before that afternoon, he had discovered a peculiar world beyond the ordinary one.

A world of white walls, blue decorations, unfamiliar markets, and people who concealed themselves behind masks.

His earlier visits had been brief and scattered. He had wandered its corridors, discovered a few of its customs, and occasionally surrendered to temptations he preferred not to examine.

But he had never truly belonged there.

He had never needed to.

Now, for the first time, he wanted something more than distraction.

He wanted somewhere the young man who had just failed did not exist.

And so S returned.

At first, S returned only to forget.

An hour became an evening.

An evening became a habit.

Gradually, the Stranger World became part of his life.

In the ordinary world, he continued attending classes, preparing for exams, and answering questions about his future.

Lady Red saw a quieter version of him. His parents watched him become increasingly distant.

But behind the mask, something else was beginning.

S started noticing patterns he had overlooked during his earlier visits.

The way strangers responded to attention.

The way a carefully chosen word could alter a negotiation.

The way people revealed their desires while believing they were concealing them.

He began experimenting.

Some attempts failed.

Others worked surprisingly well.

And each small success restored a little of the confidence those two emails had taken from him.

He had entered the Stranger World to escape the feeling of powerlessness.

He was beginning to discover the pleasure of power itself.

Eventually, the pain of those two rejections began to fade.

Life continued.

Exams came and went. New possibilities appeared. The future he had once believed shattered began taking shape again.

Yet S kept returning.

At first, he told himself it was merely a distraction.

A place where expectations meant little, where identities could be invented, and where no one knew the young man behind the mask.

But gradually, he began to enjoy the encounters themselves.

The pauses in a conversation.

The meanings concealed beneath ordinary words.

The subtle satisfaction of understanding what someone wanted before they found the courage to ask.

He was becoming rather good at it.

And he liked that.

One quiet afternoon, S sat at his desk with a fresh cup of Earl Grey tea.

His books lay open before him. The familiar sounds of home drifted through the door.

Everything seemed ordinary again.

His phone lit up.

A message from the Stranger World.

S glanced at it, then returned to his books.

A moment passed.

He reached for his tea.

Then, almost absentmindedly, he picked up the phone instead.

The tea slowly grew cold.

Mobile vibrates

- "I am coming to Cairo, I want to meet you" Dr Lel texted.

"Where do you want to meet?" Another text followed rapidly.

- " It depends, What do you feel like doing?" Mr. S replied

- " I don't know, I am bored and sad and I just want do something new?" Dr L Replied

- "Have you had lunch?" Mr. S asked

" Meet you after 2 hours in Nasr City" He continued without giving her space to say no or yes *Assuming her answer*

- "Ok" she texted shortly.

3 hours later at Nasr City, Abbas el Akkad

- "Where are you?" Mr. S exclaimed while on the phone with Dr L.

- "The grey car in front of you" She replied

Mr. S walks in a steady pace to a gray new model car parked on the side of the road. He confidently opens the front door and sits in the passenger seat, looks on his side to see her face for the first time ever.

- "Hi, How was your trip here?" He asked in a calm, friendly manner, not the least signs of surprise or even impression on his face

- "Fine, I am surprised you agreed to meet. You never even asked to see my photo!" she said in surprised voice.

Mr. S gets comfortable in his chair, looks to her in the eyes " Why do I need to ask to see your photo?" he asked calmly

"Why would I ask for your photograph?" S replied. "I was going to meet you anyway. Seeing you in person seemed far more interesting."

"You’re strange," she said, smiling. "Can you drive? I’m sick of driving."

"You haven’t seen anything yet," he replied.

- "Okay, just tell me how to go" she replied with an excited smile.

- "You don't look like an L btw" Mr Stranger commented with a confident smile " But I will figure out your real name through the night" he continued in a confident calm tone.

After finishing their meal in that restaurant

- "So, you said you want something out of the routine ... let's do something stupid" Mr. S suggested

- "I want to smoke shesha" Dr L replied hesitantly.

- "Luck you, I know some places" he replied fast not giving her a chance to take back her answer

- "But you really have to drive, I won that game" she insisted referring to a game they played during the meal.

Mr. S couldn't help but approve, he took the keys and got in the driver's seat.

- "So your real name is?" Mr. S asked confidently while he smiles and turns the engine on

- " S******" she replied with a warm smile

- " Yes, you definitely are a S****** , no other name could look like you like this one" He nodded and smiled while driving out the parking spot to that roof top cafe.

It 's  a charming roof top, a beautiful view, friendly staff, and most importantly and 10 floors elevator to the top.

- " You know how many girls have I kissed in this particular elevator?" Mr. S asked while they are both alone in the elevator up the way to the roof.

- " You are not increasing the no. by one tonight" Dr L replies with a shy smile and almost no eye contact.

- " Maybe" Mr. S replies confidently

The get to the roof top cafe, Mr. S moves to his favorite table in that narrow corner and pulls out the chair for the Dr L, sits comfortably leaning his back backwards and orders his coffee and her shesha, getting ready to dig her mind and explore the possibilities .... He started.

"I have a rather unpleasant habit," S said, watching the smoke dissolve into the night.

"Which is?" Dr. Lel asked.

"I like wandering through people’s minds. Finding the doors they keep locked."

"And you think mine has locked doors?"

"Everyone does. Yours just seem particularly interesting."

She smiled faintly. "You’re very confident for someone who barely knows me."

"Confidence has never required much evidence."

After an hour of a conversation and mind games

Dr. Lel told him about the person she had loved: someone who had used her and hurt her, physically and psychologically, and whom she still struggled to forget. She spoke about the doubts she carried, her uncertain future, and her restless search for an escape from a life she no longer enjoyed.

S listened without interrupting. He could recognize the loneliness in her words, perhaps because he had spent enough time disguising his own. Yet there was something intoxicating about being trusted so quickly.

- "So give that I won 2 times in our games ... I get to have 2 requests ... like you did with me driving" Mr. S said in a calm smiley tone

- "So what do you want?" Dr L asks in an anxious matter

- "Nothing right now" he replied quickly "I will tell you when I feel like it, don't worry ... I never leave my victories without redemption" he continued with a smile

- "Ok, let's just pay and leave then" she suggested.

Mr. Stranger asks for payment, pays and they head to the rest rooms as they are leaving, meeting in front of the elevator, they get in and they start the journey down.

The elevator doors closed. S turned toward Dr. Lel, remembering his earlier joke.

"Remember what I told you about this elevator?"

"Unfortunately," she replied, fighting a smile.

He stepped closer. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and he waited. She closed the distance herself.

S wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her, slowly at first, then with the growing urgency of two people who had spent the evening pretending the attraction wasn’t there.

The elevator chimed. Neither moved immediately.

"That’s one request," he whispered.

"You’re insufferable," she said, smiling.

"And yet..."

Looking at the doors as they open they got their looks straight and walked out to the car.

Sitting in the car Mr. S holds Dr. L hand and rubs it smoothly.

- "You are not as bad as you think" He said decisively, she only replied with a smile

"It’s almost two in the morning," S said. "You’re exhausted, you’re far from home, and you still have a long drive ahead."

"I can manage."

"I’m sure you can. But I still have one request left."

She turned toward him. "You’re not serious."

"Completely. Stay the night."

She raised an eyebrow.

"At a hotel," he added. "You get your own room. You sleep. Tomorrow, you drive home without falling asleep behind the wheel."

"And that’s your grand second request?"

"Disappointed?"

"A little."

S smiled. "Then perhaps the night isn’t over yet."

Mr. Stranger gets out his phone and starts to make phone calls for hotels till he finally finds an hotel with available rooms, the drive to there and book their rooms.

At the lobby of a the hotel

Dr Lely waited on the side of the lobby as Mr. S was making the reservation. two separate rooms, each for one of them. they finished, signed and paid.

- " Sir, we just have one concern that there is no visits except in the lobby" the front desk agent said in a firm tone.

- " Don't worry, me and the Dr are too tired to what you think of, we just are resting to the morning, get our car fixed and will be on our way" Mr. S replied with a smile.

Mr. S noticed that they put her room a floor higher than his, also the lobby boy who carried their bags went to his room first, left him there and helped her on the upper floor.

Before he started to get too comfortable, the room phone rings.

- "Sir, We forgot to mention that room visits are prohibited and the floors are camera watched" a voice mentioned

- "Worry not, I just want to sleep. Can you please leave me now to my sleepy desires?" Mr. S replied sarcastly

- " Sorry for inconvenience sir" the voice replied.

A minute later his phone rings, it was her, in a worried voice.

- " S, someone called and said rooms visits are prohibited ..." Mr. S interrupts her to say.

- " They called me to say the same at the exact same moment. Don't worry they are just checking if we are each in our own room at the same time ... all will be sleeping soon anyway don't worry. let's just take a shower and then we see" He explained calmly.

45 mins later after both showered and felt comfortable

- " I am getting sleepy" Dr L said with a sleepy voice on the phone.

"No, you can come to me now," S said, hearing the sleepiness in her voice and fearing the moment might pass. "But use the stairs on the right of your room."

He had already worked out where the stairwell opened on both floors, partly to avoid another lecture from the hotel staff.

Ten minutes later, a gentle knock interrupted the silence. S opened the door.

She stood before him, her hair still slightly damp, wearing an expression that balanced hesitation with unmistakable curiosity.

"You look pleased with yourself," she whispered.

"You came."

"I haven’t decided whether that was a good idea."

"Then come in and decide."

She stepped inside. The door closed behind her, leaving the hotel’s warnings somewhere on the other side.

For a moment, neither spoke. S moved closer, his eyes searching hers. She smiled, reached for his shirt and pulled him toward her.

Their kiss carried none of the elevator’s restraint.

The teasing conversations, the stolen glances, the tension that had followed them through Cairo — everything seemed to have been leading toward this moment.

Her perfume lingered in the narrow space between them. S brushed a strand of hair away from her face, and she answered with another kiss.

Time began to lose its familiar shape.

There were whispered words, occasional laughter, and moments of silence that neither felt compelled to interrupt.

Beneath Dr. Lel’s confidence, S occasionally glimpsed the weary woman who had spoken to him on the rooftop. Yet tonight, she seemed determined to forget everything beyond that room.

And S, who had spent the evening trying to understand her, found himself content, for once, simply to be there.

When the first hint of morning appeared beyond the curtains, neither was ready for the night to end.

It was 6:08 a.m. on the clock beside the bed. They reluctantly parted so she could return to her own room before the hotel stirred.

They wake up 2 hours after, check out and leave.

Driving her to the nearest spot that they can both start a normal day without each other ...

"That was a perfect night," Dr. Lel said, smiling. "Thank you. I needed it more than you know."

"You have no idea how much I needed it too," S replied.

"Do you think I should stay another day?"

S looked at her and smiled. "No. There are still days to come."

She nodded, leaned toward him and kissed him goodbye.

He watched her drive away, disappearing into the morning traffic.

Only yesterday, she had been a stranger behind a phone screen. Now he knew her laughter, her perfume, the sadness beneath her confidence, and the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t paying attention.

Yet knowing those things did not mean he truly knew her. Perhaps that was what fascinated him most.

Some strangers were never meant to be entirely understood.

S lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, slowly exhaling the smoke of a Marlboro Purple cigarette. A faint stain of lipstick marked its filter. Dr. Sassy rested her head against his chest while his fingers wandered lazily through her black hair.

"Tell me something," he whispered. "What changed your mind? You were quite determined to give me nothing tonight."

She smiled, tracing an idle circle against his chest. "Two things you said. One tonight. The other a long time ago, when we first started talking."

S smiled. "I think I know which two."

But to understand her answer, one would have to return to where the day began.

The Night Before, 7 PM

Mr. S is scrolling that social media platform when he comes across a post that says "On my way to Cairo". He takes a second look at the person who posted those words and reads the name ... Dr. Sassy. He soon remembers that doctor from that coastal city he knew across that social platform in the past and they used to chat a lot. he remembers how he admired her direct character, bold attitude and her unique way of thinking. She was dark and twisted, but they grew a certain kind of mutual admiration back then.

He also remembers how he always admired her physical look. Her curves were very bold -just like her personality- she had the original Egyptian face, her lips were so full and so perfectly drawn and naturally red, and her hair was perfectly black and long.

He also remembers a promise that he made her back then. That whatever happens between them, they will have a cup of coffee on the rooftop of that famous hotel at that coastal city.

It's been a long time since they last spoke, but something inside him tells him to say hi. She is on her way to the city after all. Maybe it's now the time they finally meet. Hesitantly, he sent her...  "Looks like Cairo is having a lucky day ... Hi".

Minutes after his phone vibrates

= "I am already passing the gates, I will be here for two days" She replied

- "If you could spare an hour to see an old friend?" He texted

= "Actually, I would love to! What do you have tonight?" Dr. Sas texted back quickly.

- "Nothing actually" Mr. S texted even though he knew he would have to cancel other plans.

= "Meet you tomorrow at 7 AM at ...." She replied in a bold manner -as she would- mentioning a place well known to S.

= "Do you still have the same phone no.?" She continued.

- He texted his number ... "Do you have this one?"

She didn't text back. She called him instead.

= "How have you been?! it's been so long!" Dr. Sassy said in a loud friendly tone

- "Our paths separated long ago ... but I am glad they crossed again ... I am thrilled to the cup of coffee with you!" He replies excitedly

A conversation lasted for a little less than an hour where they recalled some memories and spoke about what she is going to do as soon as she arrives. She had an appointment at a famous hairdresser's and she even asked him about what she would do to her hair. The conversation ended when they were both home and ready to sleep so they can meet the next day.

The Day Before 8 AM

Mr. Stranger sits in that famous cafe Dr. Sassy has chosen the night before. In front of him is a cup of coffee, his mobile phone and a clean ashtray. The interior design is monochromatic, classy and cozy. He has chosen a cozy private corner close to the view where he could see the entrance. A while after, a sharp, edgy, glamorous girl crossed the doors. She seemed confident and comfortable in her own skin. It was her, our Dr. Sassy.

She could recognize him easily, he was so bold himself and edgy himself anyway. She came closer, they greeted each other and they started to talk.

- "So hope your trip was pleasant, was it?" Mr. S says at ease

= "It was Ok, the traffic was terrible ... but here we are" she replies boldly

She continues "So what do they have for breakfast?"

- "I never checked, Do you fancy something specific?" He asks.

= "Yes actually, A club sandwich. What would you take?" She asks back in a warm manner.

- "I would settle for coffee and a long conversation with you ... Do you have any plans for today?" He asks with a smile

= "Not really, just meeting some friends in the night, but I would like to watch a movie at the cinema today if you ask me" She replies enthusiastically.

- Mr. S replies confidently "Sounds like a plan, so we take breakfast and a conversation then we can watch a movie and see where that goes"

"There’s something you should know," S said, leaning back in his chair. "There are four things I intend to taste today."

Dr. Sassy raised an eyebrow. "Four? That’s rather ambitious."

"I’ve always preferred ambitious plans."

"And what exactly are these four things?"

S reached across the table and gently took the lipstick-stained cigarette from between her fingers.

He inhaled, then smiled. "One."

She stared at him before laughing. "You’re unbelievable."

"Three to go."

"Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mr. S."

The Day Before 4:30 PM

= " I am so in love with Tom Hardy, He is Mr. Perfect, I liked the movie so much" She says in a very excited voice.

- " Glad you did, I had such great time" He replied calmly.

"I’m not talking about Tom Hardy," she said. "You tried to make a move on me more than once."

"And failed spectacularly," S replied. "I had you to myself for an entire afternoon. I’d have regretted not trying."

"And what if I told you that you’re getting absolutely nothing?"

"Then I’d still have enjoyed the afternoon."

She looked at him suspiciously. "You’re not giving up, are you?"

"I’m enjoying your company. The rest is entirely up to you."

"So," he asked, "what do we do next?"

= She answered " I would like to have a cup of coffee from Costa, I like their coffee so much"

- He quickly responds "Let me guess ... Flat White?"

= She replies in a bold tone "How did you know, are you stalking me?!"

- He laughs and answers "Maybe, I do ... Would I be the first to do so anyway?" Smiles and heads towards Costa.

They are having their coffee while Mr. S asks to see her cup, and then tastes it saying gently "And that's two".

She looks to him with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

="You are unbelievable" She said while laughing slightly.

- "I am just different" He replies gently.

The Day before 11:15 PM

= "So, I cancelled my friends ... wanna eat something together somewhere?" Dr. Sassy says on the phone.

- "I was wishing you would, I am gonna be under your place in 18 minutes" Mr. S replied quickly.

After 45 mins in a fancy restaurant

- "So it was a great day, I am glad that I got to spend most of it with you ... I believe it is so obvious how much I enjoyed it." He says and continues " I can only wish if the night would be as much as great"

"And how could the night be as great?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I was hoping we might spend it together. Perhaps watch a movie in."

"You’re not taking me home. I’ve already told you that you’re getting nothing. What makes you think you have a chance?"

S leaned back, studying her. "Because we’re more alike than you’d care to admit."

"That’s quite an assumption."

"You belong everywhere and nowhere. You enjoy people, but you don’t particularly enjoy belonging to them. And if there’s one thing you fear more than loneliness, it’s a chain."

She stopped smiling. "You think you’ve figured me out?"

"Not even close. But I recognize the instinct."

"Because?"

"Because I have it too."

She looked away for a moment, considering his words. "And what exactly are you proposing?"

"One night. No promises about tomorrow. No pretending this has to become something it isn’t."

"You’re very sure of yourself."

"No. I’m sure I’d regret never asking."

She smiled. "What movie did you have in mind?"

S raised an eyebrow. "You mean you’re inviting me?"

"Don’t make me change my mind."

"Wouldn’t dream of it. And I can be discreet."

Their kisses grew more impatient. S drew back just enough to look at her.

"Your lips," he whispered. "That’s three."

Dr. Sassy laughed. "You’re still counting?"

"Of course. I promised you four tastes."

"And the fourth?"

S leaned closer, whispering his answer into her ear.

She raised an eyebrow. "You’re remarkably ambitious, Mr. S."

"I’ve been told."

"And remarkably confident."

"That too."

She caught his shirt and drew him closer. "Then perhaps you should stop talking."

He kissed her again, and the playful contest that had followed them through Cairo finally gave way to something neither needed to disguise.

The fourth taste was no longer a mystery. It was the intimate pleasure he had been anticipating since breakfast, and one she now openly welcomed.

The night continued beyond the reach of their teasing words.

And for once, Dr. Sassy let him believe he had won.

Later, with her head resting against his chest, Dr. Sassy watched the smoke drift toward the ceiling.

"Tell me something," S whispered. "Which two things changed your mind?"

"You once told me that some people aren’t afraid of being alone. They’re afraid of belonging to someone."

"And the second?"

"Tonight, you said you’d regret not trying."

"And?"

She smiled. "I realized I’d regret not trying too."

S looked at her, amused.

They had spent the entire day pretending that neither could be caught. Yet here they were.

Perhaps the real catch had never been the fourth taste.

Perhaps it was discovering that, for one night, neither wanted to escape.

A shivering voice narrates

He was everything I could ever ask for, he was handsome, charismatic.

He knew exactly what a woman needs. He knew how to treat me like a princess.

She trembles for a while and continues in a shaky voice

I .... I ... I just don't know why he did all of that to me. I don't know what's right and what's wrong anymore. He hurt me so bad, yet I can only wish that he is here beside me now, hugging me and telling me it would be Ok.

She takes a deep breath and continues narrating in a broken voice

I remember the first day we met. I was waiting him in that cafe downtown. He came in, looking like a hot mess, he was a bit above average kinda tall, he had dark hair and very sharp eyes. and most of all, he had the brightest smile ... very confident, very welcoming. The signs of being exhausted added nothing to his appearance but a vintage twist of mystery and an earned charisma.

He walked towards me and saluted me in a calm friendly voice telling me that I look even better in real life and ironically far more innocent.

We talked for a couple of hours and I remember him being so clear about everything, He seemed very confident and he had such a presence, I tried to catch every word he said, but I was just lost in his details. I was charmed.

Then I remembered, I already challenged him to the charm,  - We earlier challenged each other for who would charm the other first and if someone fallen for the other ... they lose and the later leaves - Have I already lost?! This easily? so I gathered my shattered self and said sarcastically

-" So that's what you say to all girls to make them fall for you? maybe even get them in bed?"

-Mr. S answered -lightly and very friendly in a confident voice-: "Yes, that's exactly what I do"

- I replied in astonishment "And you think that's going to work on me?"

- "We will see" He answered with a confident smile

- I asked quickly "Why me? why did you choose to meet me and challenge me to this?"

- He answered at ease also " You have what it takes"

And then he kept talking about other topics and kept being charming as he is.

We left that night, he texted on his way home to tell me how pleasant it was ... I didn't reply ... thinking I was playing the hard to get this way. *She  stops to sniff and cry a bit*. He disappeared ... for a day ... for a week ... I couldn't take it ... I called him, and to my surprise he answered instantly ... very friendly ... very natural ... as if we met the day before. He never asked why I didn't text, He never apologized for disappearing for days, he just asked if I was okay and if I would like to meet over a drink, and so I agreed.

She pauses, lights a cigarette, takes a sip of water and continues

I remember the last time I saw him, he had been away for 6 months, but then again I searched for him till I reached him and told him that he promised to spend my birthday with me. And so he agreed again, no questions, no blames. And on my birthday, as promised he came and picked me up, took me to his place where we found a cake and celebrations, 2 bottles of wine and a pack of my favorite cigarettes, he hugged me very tight once we walked in and started ...

Mr. S : "Happy 24th, wish you a better year this year, Do you have any wishes?"

Ms. H: " I only wish you are part of my next year, and the year after ..." He interrupts.

Mr. S: "No dear this is the last night, you won't see me again, you won't remember me even"

Ms. H: "Even if you go, I will never forget you"

He smiled without giving any reply. he started cutting the cake and serving me ... "Bon apetit"

I started eating and drinking, looking at him, being silent, just smiling at me a warm narrow smile, saying absolutely nothing.

I finished my drink and moved towards him, we started kissing, not long later I was nude in his arms, over his bed. We had the best sex ever that night, I always imagined what it would be like to have sex with him, and I can only say that that birthday was exactly how I imagined it, I slept in his arms ... both of us completely nude, the room is dark, the weather is hot and humid, but there is that breeze of fresh air that's comforting our bodies. I felt safe. I felt loved. I felt warm and for a moment there ... very happy.

I open my eyes to find the sun lighting the place, I remember we left everything in a mess before we slept, it's all clean now and everything is perfectly in place ... I am even dressed up in my bra and panties. I look at that small table beside the bed to find a glass of water, a digital clock showing "11:43 AM", and a small note saying "No you weren't dreaming last night, but it's the last night you will see me, I won't be home today so it would be useless to stay. Have a good year, and a good life". I smiled while shedding a tear, got dressed, and left.

I am such a weak needy clingy bitch, I am dreaming of him ever since, I even sometimes see him roaming around me. I can still hear his voice echoing, I can still smell his scent .... I even could see his face upon yours at some points while we are speaking right now. I know nothing of that is true, but he fucked me up so bad ... I don't know what to do

She bursts in tears, crying her heart out

- "It's ok dear" A familiar voice speaks while he reaches to her, hug her and comforts her.

He continues: "Everything will be ok, and .... maybe it's all made into your imagination ... just take him out of          your mind. He is not even real!"

- She replies back in grief: "But how do you know?!?!"

- "I just know dear, I just know" Mr. S replied back while keeping on hugging her and comforting her.

- She asks " Would you help me find him? find Mr. S?"

- Mr. S answers steadily "If he really exists yes, but if he doesn't ... promise me to forget all about him"

- "Okay" She says in a broken voice, and continues "You must go now? can't you stay a bit longer this time?"

- S replies "No dear, I really have to go"

Mr. S picks up his coat, stands and hug her one tight hug ... and leaves the place.

Mobile vibrates.

"Who’s there?" S.S typed.

"I can," S replied.

"I can who? 😂"

"I can cook. Be mine?" S smiled at his screen. Her profile had made a rather specific promise: Cook for me and I’m yours.

They talked for nearly an hour about work, music, and the ordinary things strangers discuss while deciding whether the person on the other side of the screen deserves another minute. Then S returned to a question he had asked earlier.

"You said you’d save an innocent life, didn’t you?"

"Of course. Why?"

"There’s a puppy," S typed. "Maylo. White, ridiculously cute. Our neighbor’s."

"He dies tonight."

"WHAT?!"

"Unless you give me your number and agree to meet me tomorrow."

A full minute passed.

"That failed spectacularly, didn’t it?" S typed.

"I’m actually laughing so hard. Here’s my number. But I have one condition."

"Name it."

"You cook for me."

"Deal." Somewhere in the neighborhood, Maylo remained blissfully unaware of his importance in a stranger’s romantic negotiations.

Friday Morning

Mobile vibrates

Mr. S checks his phone to find a whatsapp text form S.S "I cancelled my friend and I want to meet you at 5, can you come?"

Mr. S replies in a confident manner "I knew you would cancel btw ;), meet you at 5 at Maadi st.9"

A quick text comes alone "Eager to meet you ^_^" S.S replied " Can you bring some food?" a quick text followed

- " sure, do you have a favorite cuisine?" Mr. S asked

- "Surprise me" she replied.

3:30 on the way to Maadi

Mr. S dials the no. on whatsapp and makes the first call with S.S

-" Alo" a guy replies

-"Hi, it must have been a wrong no." shocked but in steady manner Mr. S replies

Mr. S quickly checks the no. he dialed against the one on whatsapp .... Luckily he really did a wrong dial, so he tries one more time.

- "Hello" Mr. S says in an anticipating voice as the call starts

- " Oh Hi S." a childish cheerful voice replies .... it was her.

- "So, your voice is as nice as your smile" S says confidently.

- She laughs loudly, "You really are flirty aren't you?" she said. "How long will it take you to be here?" she continues asking.

- "87 mins" he replies "let's just go back to texting so I can talk to you more freely as it is noisy" he continues

- "Okay Mr. cute smile" she replies "Catch you there" she ends the call.

On whatsapp

- "So what do you want to do?" S asked

- " Just bring food and come to my place" she texted back.

- " Ok but you have to know there are 4 things I want to do today" He texted and paused

- " Okaaay ... and what would that be?" She asked

-" 1- Have a good meal

2- Enjoy a tasty drink

3- Smoke a cigarette " He texted and stopped at 3

- " Sounds like a good plan but what's number 4?!?" She replied

- " That would be "You", you are number 4, I wanna do you" He texted confidently

- " So food, drinks, cigarettes and sex .... Sounds like a perfect evening. I am eagerly waiting to see you" She replied back instantly

Maadi, 5:05 p.m.

"Where are you?" she asked.

"Crossing the street. Carrying a Kentucky bag large enough to feed a small family."

"I see you. Come toward the big tree."

And there she was. Short black hair, sharp eyeliner, an oversized reddish-brown shirt, a loose skirt and heavy black shoes. A few piercings caught the afternoon light. Her smile was wide, mischievous and entirely unguarded.

S approached and offered his hand. She ignored it and hugged him instead.

"You brought food," she said, breathing in the familiar smell of fried chicken. "Excellent first impression."

"I do try."

As they walked, she examined his patterned shirt and pullover. "Is this seriously what you wear when you’re planning to have fun?"

"Halal on the streets," S replied solemnly, "haram in the sheets." She burst into laughter. S decided he liked that sound.

Maadi, 5:15 PM

The apartment was small, surprisingly spacious in its arrangement, and impeccably tidy. S made himself useful in the kitchen while S.S prepared a place for them to eat.

"So," she said, watching him, "you weren’t lying about cooking?"

"I never lie about food."

"Just about murdering puppies?"

"Maylo sends his regards."

She laughed. They ate, talked, and opened their drinks.

"That’s two," S announced.

"Two what?"

"Food and drinks. Our magnificent four-part plan."

"You’re actually keeping count?"

"Naturally."

She picked up a cigarette and smiled. "Then we’re making excellent progress."

The last traces of daylight had disappeared beyond the windows of the small Maadi apartment. The remains of their dinner sat forgotten on the table. Two glasses stood beside an ashtray, and the faint scent of cigarettes lingered in the warm air.

S.S rested against S, her short black hair brushing his cheek.

"So," she whispered, "what’s left of our magnificent plan?"

"You know perfectly well."

"I want to hear you say it."

S turned toward her, smiling. "The fourth part."

"And you think you’ve earned it?"

"I brought dinner."

"That was the first part."

"I provided excellent company."

"Debatable."

"And I saved Maylo’s life."

She burst into laughter. "You are never going to let that puppy go, are you?"

"He’s practically family now."

Still laughing, she caught his collar and pulled him closer. Their lips met.

The kiss began gently, almost experimentally, before lingering long enough for the last of their laughter to fade.

When they parted, S.S studied his expression.

"You’re unusually quiet, Mr. S."

"I’m appreciating the moment."

"How philosophical."

"I have my occasions."

She smiled and kissed him again.

S drew her closer, one hand resting against her back. Her fingers wandered through his hair before settling against his cheek.

The room seemed smaller now, the sounds of the street increasingly distant.

Their conversation continued in fragments: a whispered challenge, an unfinished sentence, another kiss that interrupted whatever clever remark S had prepared.

At one point, S.S pulled away just enough to look him in the eyes.

"You really are trouble."

"You invited me."

"For dinner."

"And I delivered."

"You delivered fried chicken."

"A romantic masterpiece."

She laughed, shaking her head.

Then, with a mischievous smile, she took his hand and led him away from the living room.

"Come on, Mr. S. You’ve talked enough for one evening."

He followed, smiling.

The rest of the night unfolded without the need for another plan. Their teasing gave way to tenderness, their laughter returned between quiet moments, and neither seemed particularly interested in watching the clock.

What had begun as an outrageous joke between strangers had become something unexpectedly comfortable.

Much later, S.S settled against his chest, her breathing calm, her fingers resting loosely against his arm. S held her close. For once, there was no clever line waiting on his tongue.

"That was amazing," she whispered. S smiled and gently brushed her short hair away from her face.

"I should get going soon."

She moved closer instead.

"I feel safe," she said quietly. "You really know how to hug."

S looked down at her. He had expected flirtation, laughter, perhaps another outrageous joke. Not that.

He tightened his arms around her. And for a little while longer, he stayed.

Eventually, S dressed, kissed her goodbye and stepped out into the night.

On the journey home, he found himself replaying the afternoon: the ridiculous puppy, her laughter beneath the tree, the food, the drinks, the unexpected ease of being together. And then, inevitably, those five words.

You really know how to hug.

He smiled at his reflection in the darkened window. He had gone there expecting to meet a succubus — someone who would tempt him, consume his attention and leave him with nothing but the memory of a reckless evening. Instead, what stayed with him was the memory of someone feeling safe in his arms.

"Another strange day, S," he whispered. "Another strange day."

Baby Bonita takes her diary and one of those old pens from her desk in her Slightly lighted room, goes to lie on her bed and rest her back and starts writing

Jan 31st,

It has been a long day today, the work of more than 12 hours a day is surely exhausting.

The job seems tiring day after day as the routine gets over the excitement and the fatigue

prevails.

It's mid-day, the crowd is at its most and people are just getting ruder and less decent.

The middle-aged crowd not only lacks common decency but also has an obvious lack of knowledge and interest in what we are providing anyway. And as they have been for the past few days, they are still coming for the free gifts which are cheap and insignificant.

I used to change my performance with people on the first 2 days to challenge the boredom of the task and the rudeness of the crowd. I play the arrogant once, the friendly twice, the bold once, and the beautiful every now and then; however, these tricks no longer work, the routine is killing this job anyway, and the crowd doesn't get any nicer.

The only thing that kept me entertained through the day was Mr. S's texts every now and then, but even those are getting fewer because he is busy at work.

My phone vibrates, it's Mr. S texting ...

- Mr. S: " Hey, Bonita how is your day going so far?"

- Bonita: "It's ok, just crowded, boring and a bit tiring that's all"

- Mr. S: "It's ok dear, the day is almost over. Have you eaten?"

- Bonita: "No, but why?"

- Mr. S: " I have come to realize I know someone who works nearby you, I called him and if you need anything he can make it happen, he is a close friend of mine"

- Bonita: "It's ok dear, I don't need anything. Thanks for caring"

- Mr. S: "I will make him pass anyway so you can both know each other and he will be checking on you, so in which area are you again?"

-  BB: "5th wing, 43B"

- S: "Great he will be passing in half an hour according to his break"

Half an hour passed, my phone rings, it's Mr. S

- "Hi, Bonita so the guy is coming to you to say Hi, are you there as you described to me?"

- "Yes baby"

- "Ok great will tell him"

I finished the call and an old man started asking me about the contents of the visitor guide, I started explaining to him slowly.

Out of nowhere, Mr. S appears.

He walks into the room heading towards me. He looks so elegant and handsome. His dark blue Jacket along with those khaki pants only added elegance to his grace. His face was glowing like an angel, his beard is carefully done as if it was cut hair by hair.

He looked neat, smart, and ultimately handsome. He turned heads walking in the room and most importantly, took my breath away as my heart skipped a beat.

He stood there 10 meters away looking at me while I was trying so hard to get done with that guy. and I did. He started walking towards me and in a very calm voice he started:

- "Hi, Can I ask you about something?"

- My tongue was tied for a second and I answered " You deceived me! Can't believe you are here! come let me introduce you to my friends"

He smiled that adorable confident smile he gives when I am acting childish. I can always see the love in his eyes when he does it.

I took him around the place and started introducing him to my friends. He was so confident, presentable and courteous. He owned the room. He always owned every room anyway.

I was so happy that he is here, I missed him so much, and I feel safe when he is around. My day is finally not so bad after all.

He took me to a quiet corner and asked me.

- " Have you eaten? when do you finish?"

- I answered: "No, and I finish in 2 hours"

- He replied "Ok great, I will make myself busy till you are done then we can eat together. I missed you dear"

- I smiled and replied "Ok great!, I will call you once I am done"

He looked at me, smiled and started to walk his way out of the place.

The next 2 hours were blurry, I just wanted time to pass so I can go to my dearest S anyway, and how slow the time was then.

But time did pass. and it was time to see him.

I rushed outside and there he was waiting for me. We took a car and then he started talking.

- " How was your day hunnie?" He asked in a tender calm tone of voice.

"You looked gorgeous in there, and you still look so gorgeous in this style of wear" He continued.

- "I look like a mess, but I am so happy that you came, it means a lot" I replied

"It's been a long day, and I can't stand these shoes anymore" I continued.

- "It's okay, the day is over now, you can relax. What do you want to eat?" He asked

- " Probably can't. I would be late for home" I replied.

- " There's no way you are going home without eating!" He replied firmly. He then asked the driver to head for a new burger joint that he said he wanted to try earlier.

We sat there, talked about the day while having good burgers. I was all happy and satisfied. He was my guardian angel, and he knew how to take care of me.

He took me home after and headed home as well.

It was a simple day, but It was really all the love and care I could ask for in this world.

I love that man. I really do.

I wished things would go this smooth between us forever.

But little Bonita knew, it wasn't so far away that the biggest storm would hit this relationship... but that is just another tale.

Dusk had settled over the old university building.

Its long corridors stretched beneath weak fluorescent lights, casting uneven shadows across walls that seemed to have forgotten better days.

First-year students wandered through the hallways, searching for their first tutorial classes. Some walked in nervous groups, others studied room numbers with growing frustration.

Excitement, uncertainty and anxiety filled the building.

Among them walked Mr. S.

Unlike most of his peers, he appeared to know exactly where he was going.

His steps were steady, his expression composed.

S disliked uncertainty. Whenever he entered an unfamiliar place, he preferred to understand it before it had the opportunity to surprise him.

He had already spent a week studying the faculty's corridors, classrooms and routines.

Today was no exception.

His new white laboratory coat rested over his arm. His backpack contained everything he might need for the chemistry tutorial, including extra equipment for his old friend, Ms. A.

He entered the laboratory and surveyed the room almost instinctively.

The arrangement of the benches. The equipment. The people.

Everything appeared ordinary.

Everything appeared predictable.

For now.

The tutorial proceeded exactly as S had expected.

He completed his experiment ahead of most of his classmates, packed his equipment and walked toward the back of the laboratory to check on Ms. A.

She stood over her work, visibly confused.

“Let me help you,” he said, smiling.

Then he raised his eyes.

And the world stopped.

The laboratory seemed to dissolve around him.

The voices of his classmates faded into silence. The grim walls lost their color. The harsh fluorescent lights softened into an unfamiliar brightness.

Even Ms. A disappeared from his awareness.

There was only her.

A young woman in a white laboratory coat, standing a short distance away.

Fair skin touched with the faintest blush of red. Wide, light-grey eyes framed by dark lashes. A few loose strands of hair escaping her scarf.

There was something almost disarmingly innocent about her expression, made more striking by the slight disorder of a long university day.

S could have described every detail of the laboratory minutes earlier.

Now he could barely remember where he was standing.

For the first time that afternoon, he had no idea what to do next.

“So, how did you do that?”

No answer.

“S?”

Still nothing.

“Hey!”

He blinked.

The laboratory returned all at once: the chatter, the fluorescent lights, the equipment scattered across the benches.

Ms. A was staring at him.

“What?”

“I asked you how you did it!”

S glanced at her experiment, then back toward the girl.

“Figure it out yourself,” he replied, attempting his usual sarcastic smile.

He walked away before Ms. A could protest.

The man who had entered the laboratory prepared for every possibility had just encountered one he hadn't imagined.

The tutorial ended.

S approached Ms. A almost immediately.

“Who was that girl standing beside you?”

Ms. A gave him a knowing look.

“Which girl?”

“The most beautiful one among you.”

She laughed.

“Ah. I don't know her, actually. But I've heard people call her R.”

“R?”

“Lady Red, I suppose.”

S fell silent.

Lady Red.

He repeated the name in his mind.

It seemed strangely appropriate. The faint red beneath her fair skin, the blush that contrasted with her grey eyes, the warmth of her appearance against the cold laboratory.

Even her name seemed to belong to a story he had never encountered.

And S, who had always been fascinated by stories, found himself wondering about hers.

Who was she?

What kind of person lived behind those eyes?

Would he ever speak to her?

He looked once more toward the now-empty laboratory.

“Lady Red,” he whispered.

“One day, I'll know your story.”

A faint smile returned to his face.

“And if I'm lucky, perhaps I'll find myself in one of its chapters.”

In his office, half lights open, sits Mr. S with his tie untied a bit. Looking at his Laptop screen, as he puts the final touches on what seems to be a time schedule. His mobile vibrates as it receives a text

Mr. S picks up his phone and reads the text:

"Are you joining us tonight for Halloween?"

Mr. S starts typing a quick reply to the text he received

Choose a reply to continue the story

Mr. Stranger narrates in a sad, sorrowful voice

I knew she wasn't happy.

I hadn't heard Lady Red's cheerful voice in what felt like forever.

Our conversations had become shorter. Sometimes she wouldn't answer at all. And when she did, we seemed to find our way into another argument, another reminder of how far apart we had grown.

She said we were beyond repair.

I kept telling her we weren't.

Perhaps I believed that if I could explain myself clearly enough, if I could find the right words, she would understand.

But I was beginning to run out of words.

And I still couldn't understand what had happened to us.

Nothing extraordinary had changed. No sudden betrayal. No terrible discovery. We were simply living through a difficult period, one we had promised to endure together.

I thought we were almost through it.

She seemed to believe we had already reached the end.

I was angry.

At her, at myself, at everything that kept us apart.

I had enough to endure already. I wanted Lady Red beside me, reassuring me that this difficult chapter would end and that we would still have everything we had planned.

Instead, she was asking me to leave her alone.

Didn't she remember our promises?

Our dreams?

How close we had come?

I kept asking myself those questions as though the answers might somehow change her mind.

The prison was suffocating me. Its walls, its routines, the people who seemed to take pleasure in making an already miserable existence worse.

At times, my anger frightened even me. I imagined doing terrible things to the people responsible for my confinement, if only to feel that I had some control over something.

Then the anger would pass, leaving behind the same helplessness.

I could endure the prison.

What I couldn't endure was the thought of losing her while I was trapped inside it.

We spoke briefly that day.

She sounded exhausted.

Not merely angry. Not simply disappointed.

Exhausted in a way I had never heard before.

She asked me not to call unless it was necessary.

I should have listened.

But all I could think about was how much I missed her smile.

I imagined that if I could just see her, if I could hold her for a moment, everything might become a little easier.

I called her mother.

Lady Red had come home and gone straight to sleep. She had barely spoken to anyone. She hadn't eaten.

I knew what that meant. I'd seen her withdraw into herself before.

And something inside me settled into a decision.

I couldn't fix everything between us.

Perhaps I couldn't fix anything.

But I could still do one small thing that might make her smile.

By sunset, I had made up my mind.

I was going to her.

The sun had already set. I escaped.

I knew that hidden spot in the walls of the prison that I had used more than once. But escaping was never about getting out; I always needed someone to cover my absence until I was back so it would go unnoticed. This time, however, I told none of my friends there to cover me. I didn't think about it too much. I escaped just to go make my Lady R happy. I only wanted to walk the extra mile for her. If only I had known that would be the last mile, maybe things could have been a bit different.

So I walked, having so little in my pockets and a long way to go. I was determined to do my best to make her happy tonight.

It was a four-hour journey to her house, and I only had 30 bucks in my pockets when I reached there. So I stopped by a florist, chose the most beautiful rose I could find there, and a note along with it. I couldn't even find a pen to write the note.

I walked a bit of a distance to find someone who would sell me a pen, and eventually bought a pen and a tiny bag to hold the rose and the note.

I sat down on one of the pavements and started writing my note. It said:

"This is not to bring you back to me, or even stress you into it. This is to make you happy. I always knew how roses make you happy. Maybe because you have the soul of a rose ... you are my beautiful rose, after all.

This time may be dark, but after the darkest nights comes the most beautiful sunshine ... and you are indeed my sunshine.

So be happy and bright. My sunshine."

Signed below: "Mr. S"

I called her mom, made sure she was asleep, and told her to open the door, take the flower, and tell nobody I came. And so I did, leaving there filled with hope that she would find the flower by her bedside when she woke up, that it would make her realize how important her happiness is, make her even a little bit happy. Maybe make me hear her cheerful voice on the phone once again.

Very soon I realized I only had 6 bucks in my pockets, and that was not even enough to get back home. But to me, it was worth it. Lady Red would wake up happy, and that was more than worth all of the trouble.

Somehow, I made it back.

The details hardly mattered to me then.

I went to sleep expecting to wake to a phone call.

Perhaps a thank-you.

Perhaps a laugh.

Perhaps nothing more than her familiar voice.

But the call never came.

I waited.

Then I waited some more.

Eventually, I sent her a message.

"Didn't you get the flower?"

Her reply arrived almost immediately.

"I don't accept it. Stop pressuring me to be with you."

I stared at the words.

"I only wanted to make you happy," I replied.

Then came another message.

"If you can escape your prison so easily to do something like this, perhaps you could escape it to make things better for yourself. For us."

I read it again.

And again.

I had imagined so many versions of this moment.

Her happiness.

Her surprise.

Perhaps even her forgiveness.

I had never imagined this.

To me, the journey had been an act of love.

To her, it seemed to be another burden.

I didn't know how to reconcile those two truths.

And for the first time, I wondered whether the distance between us had become something no journey could cross.

Not long after, we came to an end.

I wish I could say I understood why.

Perhaps she had been telling me for longer than I cared to admit.

Perhaps I had been so determined to save what we had that I had stopped seeing what it had become.

I cried until there seemed to be nothing left.

Then came a silence I didn't know what to do with.

Life continued, of course.

Things happened. People came and went. There were other stories, some stranger than anything I could have imagined.

But I kept returning to that evening.

The long journey.

The little shop.

The pavement where I sat to write.

The single rose.

I had traveled so far believing I was bringing us closer.

I never considered that we might already have been walking in different directions.

Mr. Stranger

S stared at the conversation glowing on his phone.

“I’m sorry. I never meant for it to happen that way. I swear I didn’t.”

“You knew. Of all people, you knew what that meant to me. You knew what it could do.”

“Tell me how to make it right.”

“You can’t. I’m leaving in the morning. You’ll never hear from me again.”

The Previous Day — 3:00 PM

His phone vibrated.

“Are you free tonight? I want to see you.” The number was familiar.

Bewitched B. Months earlier, they had agreed to keep things uncomplicated. Then feelings had entered the arrangement, and S had walked away.

Still grieving a loss of his own, S looked at the message for a long moment before answering.

“When and where?”

“Dokki Street. Nine tonight.”

“Okay.”

Months Earlier — 1:00 AM

Their WhatsApp conversation had drifted into the kind of confidence that came more easily after midnight.

“Tell me something you’ve never told anyone,” S wrote.

“I’m not a virgin,” B replied. A second message followed. “I was raped two years ago.”

“It was my second year at college. I loved someone who kept telling me he loved me. One afternoon he asked me to stay behind. We walked through the building together. He held my hand, and then his touches became something else.”

“We found an empty room. I thought nothing of it.”

“He started kissing me. I didn’t know what to do.”

“I froze. I couldn’t speak or move. I kept hoping he would stop.”

“He didn’t.”

“Nobody knows. I’m afraid of what people would think if they did. Sometimes I even feel guilty, although I know I shouldn’t.”

“What happened wasn’t your fault,” S wrote. “You did nothing wrong.”

“I hope one day I can believe that. Thank you for listening.”

Months Earlier — 2:00 AM

On another night, their messages had taken a different turn. They exchanged fantasies about dominance and surrender, each encouraging the other.

S was quick with his words, confident in the part he played. B answered in kind. On the screen, everything seemed uncomplicated: a fantasy, a response, another fantasy.

Yet S kept connecting those conversations to the confession she had trusted him with. Perhaps there was a connection. Perhaps there wasn’t.

He had no right to decide that for her. Still, the question troubled him: was he sharing something they both wanted, or taking advantage of something he did not understand?

He enjoyed their conversations. He also began to distrust his own motives. Eventually, he ended things. B was hurt and angry, but S told himself that leaving was the responsible choice.

That Night — 10:00 PM

They met in a quiet corner of a café on Dokki Street.

“Long time no see,” S said.

“Because you left like a complete idiot,” B replied. Her voice was firm, though her expression betrayed her.

“I did what I thought was right. I’d do it again if I had to. But sit down. Let’s talk.”

“How have you been?” she asked.

“Managing. What about you? You don’t look okay.”

“After you left, I promised myself I’d sleep with the first man I met. I did. Things got complicated with our families. We married to quiet everyone down, then divorced a month later.” She looked at him. “I hate myself more than ever.”

“I’m sorry you went through that,” S said. “But those were your choices. I had a choice too: stay when I feared I was using you, or leave. I left.”

“You arrogant idiot. You never understood how much I loved you.”

“I don’t think either of us understood what this was. I was using you, and somewhere in the middle of it I started to care. So I stopped.”

“You never changed,” she said, standing. “Not even a little.”

She walked out. S stayed behind and finished his coffee. He had explained himself perfectly, he thought. Every argument was reasonable. Every decision justified. Strange, then, that none of it made him feel particularly innocent.

His phone rang. It was B.

“I don’t want to go home,” she said.

“Why? Has something happened?”

“No. I just need somewhere to stay tonight. Can you help me, or should I call someone else?”

“Come back. We’ll figure it out.”

They met again at another café. S listened as she struggled to explain why home felt impossible that night. He assured her that she did not have to solve everything immediately.

After an hour, they agreed that she would take a room at a nearby hotel and decide what to do in the morning.

At reception, S made it clear that the room was for B alone. He would accompany her upstairs, make sure she was settled, and leave.

Inside, he asked whether she was all right. He moved closer and embraced her. She returned the hug.

Her familiar oud perfume unsettled him. For a moment he forgot the conversation in the café, the months apart, and the reasons he had once given for leaving.

He kissed her. Then he pushed beyond the moment they had shared, treating old messages and imagined scenes as permission for what he wanted now.

She resisted. He continued. By the time he recognized her distress, he had already crossed a boundary he had no right to cross.

He stopped. The silence in the room was suddenly unbearable. All the explanations he had rehearsed about caring for her sounded hollow.

He straightened his clothes, apologized, and left. The apology felt inadequate even as he said it.

On his way downstairs, he reached for his phone.

“I’m sorry. I never meant for it to happen that way. I swear I didn’t.”

He stared at the message after sending it.

Had he come to Dokki to help her, to make peace with the past, or because some darker part of him had been waiting for the chance to see her again?

He could not answer. Nor could he know why she had returned to him that night. He had spent months interpreting her choices as though they were mysteries he alone could solve.

But whatever had brought them into that room, one thing was clear: he had known her story. He had known her fears. And when it mattered most, he had mistaken his desires for hers.

For months, S had feared the darkness he imagined inside Bewitched B. It had never occurred to him to look more closely at his own.

Twisted.

An old picture, Younger version of Bonita, the first pic he has ever seen of her

He is sitting there, in a tight corner of that famous cafe, waiting and anticipating.

In front of him is his old iPhone and his wallet, he is dressed up in his business casual outfit, a dark blue patterned chemise over which a black sleeveless top and brownish pants. He tries to make sure his hair looks fine, but its a mess as always.

He looks at his mobile to see the time, then checks his coat behind him to make sure the rose he has bought is all there and ready.

It isn't the first time he meets a stranger but something deep inside told him this time is going to be different.

The sun is barely entering the place letting a warm light only on the empty chair opposite to his, every girl that walks into the place makes him double-check if it was her. "She was more beautiful than that" he keeps thinking the same whenever a girl passes.

And then out of nowhere a gorgeous girl walks in, her hair looks like the most beautiful silk touched by a perfect artistic brownish color, falling perfectly on her face. She moves her hair off her face to the side and looks at him, he gets stunned by her olive-green eyes, they were bright like an emerald. she smiles and starts moving towards him, he couldn't notice her moving towards him because her smile had already shattered his heart into pieces and left him completely lost in her eyes.

She reaches him, offers a hand shake and says "Hi, I am Bonita ... sorry if I kept you waiting". He lost words for seconds. He couldn't believe it was her, he knew she was beautiful but that -what he saw when she was standing in front of him- was just unbelievable kind of beauty to him.

He said: -in a shaky voice trying to ensemble his courage- "Hi"

The Sea, sunset, 4 young legs, and 2 cups of coffee alongside a snorkel in front of them

It was a very long trip, 11 hours in a bus seat. Both of them are exhausted, but they are finally there. The place is quiet, an employee takes them both each to their room and leaves. Mr. S walks to B's room and knocks. She opens up immediately.

- "Welcome baby, I am glad we made it safe and sound" Waiting for no answer, He moved closer and hugged her. then he said he is going let her take a shower so they can have dinner together, and leaves towards his room to do the same.

Half an hour later, his door knocks, he opens in a hurry. There she was, standing right in front of the door. Her dark red lipstick, her perfectly combed hair, her rich moisturized skin, her charming eyes, and her Victoria secret fragrance shocked him for seconds. He stood there and could hardly gather his courage to say " Come on in, dinner is about to be served". she moves in and closes the door. He moves towards her saying "The first hug wasn't proper, let me welcome you with a proper hug".

He moves closer and hugs her so tight, they kept hugging for so long it felt as though time had frozen as they melted into one. Then looking at each other's eyes, they started to kiss. It wasn't just a kiss, it was magic. They had nearly eaten each other's lips while they kept pulling each other closer. It would have lasted forever if the door didn't knock.

Mr. S looks at her eyes and leaves her to the door, opens with a smile and says in a friendly welcoming manner....: "Hi"

Mr. S in an elegant suit standing full of himself, beside him Baby Bonita in an elegant black dress

Same famous cafe, in their favorite corner, Mr. S sits in his newest suit ... Very elegant indeed, the grey color with the very light pattern, along with the fine couture white shirt, the Agner watch, the cuff links, and the dark brown belt and shoes. He felt so confident in his own skin. He grabs his mobile phone while sobbing his coffee and calls Bonita.

Mr. S in warm smiley voice: "Baby, Where are you? I have just been cat-fished by a khaleeji guy"

Bonita laughing: "What?! No ... I am coming for you babe ... hang in there"

Mr. S in teasing voice: "Where are you?! We are kind of late already"

Bonita: "I am at the door already" and hangs up.

Mr. S stands and looks towards the door, and there she walks in .... her dark grey shoes up to her fine detailed dark black dress adds a perfect contrast to her light fair skin that is glowing reddish, and her olive-green eyes along with her rich red lips complete the perfect charming feminine appearance ever. her hair is perfectly drawn to complement her appearance towards more perfectionism. she was what S would describe as ... Venus - The goddess of the beauty of Romans-.

Mr. S:  -In a very warm welcoming and admiring voice-"Oh, Hi ..."

Nile river in the background, night view, and her beautiful face beside his looking happy and cheerful

Baby B: "Where are we going, dear?" Mr. S: "Well, I said we should do something new ... so we are going somewhere new. You will know when we get there"

They reach their destination. It was a huge boat in the Nile river with a very elegant glass front. They cross a tiny bridge to the entrance where it has brownish elegant colors and warm lighting. There is an elegant lady waiting for them at the reception and welcomes them taking them into a hall that seems to be a restaurant. the walls are brownish, the furniture is classic and classy, very clean, very neat, very elegant. music playing in the background, Fayrouz singing "Nassam 3layna el Hawa".

"Your reserved table sir," an elegant waiter said to Mr. S

It was a big table in a quiet corner, a room space, a wide comfortable sofa, and 2 chairs, all matching the theme of the place.

They sit and choose their meal after being offered a very warm welcome from the staff.

Mr. S takes Baby B's hand and stands up ...

"Let's wait in the terrace till they make our food" Mr. S suggested. She nods into approval.

He takes her hand and walks to a glass door on the side of that restaurant and opens it. and to her surprise, there was the terrace.

"Wow, this is beautiful" Bonita exclaimed in surprise.

And indeed it was beautiful, it was the edge of that boat, a white terrace right on the Nile river. close to the water, you can actually see it to the horizon in front of you. The breeze of Nile gave the place the peacefulness a soul needs. It was sunset and they could see the dying sun rays on the water while they can smell and feel the fresh air. The antique lights on the wall start lighting as they approach the fence of the boat.

Mr. S takes her hand and grabs her waist looking straight into her eyes and  says ... "So, Hi ..."

In his dark room, crying his eyes off, sobbing loudly, while looking at his mobile. Swiping one photo of those after another.

Recalling each memory and each feeling. Realizing how badly things are right now, and how he never planned things to go this way. Realizing how truly his love is, and how everything is fucked up now. Realizing how he fucked up badly, and how he wishes that he could go back in time and fix it.

And before he swipes one more photo, his phone rings. It's her name on the screen. Is he dreaming? is she calling to blame him further? is she missing him aswell? ...  A tornado of thoughts hit his mind as he kept looking at the screen in shock. He decides to answer before the last ring goes off.

In a sad, grieving, sobbing voice Mr. S answers the phone... "Hi ..."

Messy girlish bedroom, indistinct piano tones playing in the background

The piano never seemed to be sadder than it was that night. The sad piano notes playing was only covered by the hesitant sobbing of Baby Bonita.

It was a sad night, maybe the saddest ever so far.

It was the end, the end of love as she knew, the end of whatever good she wished for, and most painfully ... it was not the proper end that they both deserved.

She could feel it again now, much stronger, never stopping. The pain in her chest is back, stronger than ever. it's like a piece of her soul is missing.

In her mind, there was a storm of ideas ...  how they reached this? what went so wrong? when did the inclination start? is it fixable? is this really the end? should I call? ... she raises the volume of the piano higher to distract the voices in her head. Sitting on the ground in her room with the mobile in her hands she kept crying out of control.

- " I love you to the moon and back," Said Mr. S Voice playing on her phone.

Bonita kept all the voice msgs that S has ever sent her one after another. His voice is just so soothing, so loving. Every time S said something funny or laughed her heart broke into smaller pieces, She could feel her soul taken away. She always loved his voice, the way he calls her "Baby Girl" even the way he roasts her often, But his laugh, She fell in love with him each and every time he laughed.

She is no longer falling in love, She is falling apart.

The room is getting darker, eventhough all the lights are on ... The darkness is already inside, deep inside.

She wanted to sleep so badly, for nothing but for that day to end. She can't stop denying how this all is just an imagination and none fo that all happened. She is in denial, her trails to sleep all failed.

She stands up nervously moving around the room after the last record ended. She moves out to that balcony, it's a humid hot night, no breeze at all, it 's like everything has collaborated to make this night even worse. she rushes back inside looking for her father's pack of cigarettes. She was never a smoker but now seemed like a good time to start.

She grabs a cigarette and the lighter and a big roll of handkerchiefs and runs to the balcony again and lights the cigarette up nervously.

She inhales her first breath leaning her head back a bit. It tasted like shit, she hated it and quickly threw it off the balcony and dropped crying to the floor. It's like everything is getting from worse to worse. she couldn't take it and broke down for good. crying and sobbing crazy while on the balcony floor in this silent night, a notification rang on her phone ...

He is online on WhatsApp. She lately installed that app that stalks when he is online on WhatsApp. He is on now.

Thoughts are starting to rush in her head, but before any can take over. he is offline again. he keeps getting online and offline.​

she kept noticing the pattern and cry non stop.

The notifications stopped, it's already 1 AM, He is probably sleeping now.

Is that it? is the day over? is it really all over now? is this all even real?!

Her heartbeat raced, her thoughts are like a never-settling hurricane, her blood runs fast through her veins.

She picks up her phone, finds his number and quickly dials it.

It's ringing!

and with every ring she wanted to cancel it and go back, he would reject her, he would blame and curse her, he would make this night even worse.

That's it, Bonita, It's over! Accept it! Cancel that damn call! ... she kept thinking as heartbeats raced through the seconds.

All of the storms inside her was cut by his tender voice saying... "Hi"

Mr. Stranger narrates heavily with an appreciative smile on his face

It's 9 AM.

I just woke up. Although I have already decided what I will be wearing today, I am still hesitating about it. Today is a big day after all. So nervous I couldn't sleep properly. It is settled though, the white Italian shirt, the grayish casual coat, and the dark blue jeans. I take a shower, grab a quick breakfast and tea and get going as it's around 10:30 AM already.

I leave the house in a hurry, cash in my pocket, my phone and charger, gift in my hand, and my plan in mind. I had already booked the birthday cake a day earlier so I should only go pick it up by 2 PM. I pick up my phone and call Fellow A as we agreed he will meet me at 11:30 to give me the ring I had him buy. Then together we go get the decorations, accessories, and other tiny details for the party.

I have had everything set in the cafe, thanks to Girl R one of Lady Red's best friends. She had connections in the cafe and helped get us the best offers and their ultimate cooperation.

Everything is perfectly planned.

And so I go on.

It's Noon. Fellow A is a bit late, but it's ok, I took traffic into account anyway.

He brings the ring, tiny beautiful simple ring ... I know she always likes simple rings. This one will be perfect. "Come on let's go to that shop I know to pick up some stuff of the party," I said.

"Let's get this done dude, IT WILL BE AWESOME!" he replied. He always sounded supportive and cheerful, and never saved an effort when I needed him. He is indeed my favorite guy out there.

I send a text to her friends while on our way to the shop making sure everyone is aware of time and place and that the 2 girls - N & R- are fully aware of the plan. Everything seemed fine.

So we proceed to the shop.

We enter the shop, I pick lots of things and the wrapping to the gift. "They are overpriced," A says.

"I don't care, this day has to be perfect" I reply confidently. We are cashing out and I suddenly see that piece of accessory ... something like a crown ... it says "Birthday girl".

"Add that to the bill please, thanks," I say to the cashier.

We take the stuff and move to go get the cake as it's becoming 1:30 already. Luckily it's only 20 minutes away.

We enter that pastry and I request my pre-ordered cake. "Yes by the name Mr. S, thank you" A few seconds and they bring me the cake. I carry it and A carries the other stuff and on our way out, I call Lady R's closest college friend to make sure she is almost there with the girls. She replies they are almost there and ready to make the balloons for the party. Everything seems perfect so far.

We get out and stop a taxi, and as a normal taxi driver, he starts to make the small talk.

" So happy birthday Mr," he says, as he sees the cake and the party stuff.

" Thanks, it's actually my fiance's birthday" I reply. "Well, hope you have a nice day" he replies. and starts chattering about his daughter's last birthday. A kept the conversation with him ... Me? I couldn't care less.

It's 3 PM and we are already here at the cafe.

I double-check the arrangement with the cafe staff, handle Fellow A and the girls' decorations to manage while I excuse them for minutes to grab some stuff.

I had one more thing to do, none of all people knew I was proposing except for A and Brother O. so I didn't tell I was going to that florist I googled the other day and found out he is nearby.

That luxury florist had those imported roses, they were big, smelly, fleshy and beautiful. I went to get one for my proposal. I got it along with tape and strings for the balloons and decorations and there I am back at the cafe. helping everyone and setting everything in place.

It's already 4:30, everything in place and I am just making calls to make sure everyone is coming in time. my mates are stuck in traffic -as always-, Brother O and Captain H are coming on their long way to the cafe, yet O assured me more than once they will be on time. I called the 2 girls that will pick up Red to make sure everything is fine. and to my relief everything was.

I cunningly call Lady Red.

"Hey dear, how has work been today?" I say, knowing that she was already off work.

"Normally boring, I hate that place as you know; However, I am on my to meet the girls. We are going out and hopefully this day is getting better" she replies.

"Oh great dear, where are you going?" I ask. "There is that cafe in Masr el gedida, I have never been there, we are going there." She replied.

"Ok baby have fun and enjoy it." I say. "what are your plans for today dear?" she asks back.

"Nothing sweet love I am just staying home" I replied then we hung up.

I smiled knowing everything is going as planned. I sighed and rested a bit while everyone is just waiting and people keep coming.

It's almost 6 PM. Almost, everyone is here, Except for my dear lady and her 2 friends. I call Girl R to check, and she replies we are 5 mins away.

I start to get nervous and alert everyone, we make the last adjustments. I text N again. "We are downstairs" she texts back. My blood runs fast and I hide in blind spot corner.

"No guys we can't sit here, someone is having a birthday party," Lady red's voice says.

"Yea it's your party" I reply in a confident voice as I walk out of the shadow towards her.

"Happy birthday dear" I continued.

I look at her face, and how beautifully shocked she is. I want time to freeze so I can meditate into the details of her beauty. Her blushing face glowing red, her fair skin, her innocent smile, her beautiful charming eyes glowing to me. I would give anything for this moment not to end.

I brought her the gift wrapped in pink with a black ribbon and the accessory to make her my birthday queen. then stood beside her while everyone approached to wish a happy birthday. then took her to our seat in the corner and kept her close to me.

The party goes on, people chatting and laughing and I can't move my eyes away from her, even though she is right by my side. she was beautiful and happy. And Oh god how beautifully happy suited her.

I snap out when Fellow A signs to me about the proposal, I excuse myself to the bathroom and get downstairs to arrange everything, A followed. I give the waiter the rose the ring and the note.

Tell him precisely what to do and he seems to understand.

We go up, and someone takes our orders as planned. I still sit beside my beloved very close.

A few minutes later,...

Now the orders and the cake is being served, and here comes our guy behind those 2 who are serving people except for me and my lovely Lady R. he approaches us with the wide plate, on which the drink, the note, the flower, and the ring are perfectly arranged. I quickly gather myself, stand up and take the plate. put it in front of lady red and quickly get on my knee. Grabbing the ring and saying the words "Would you marry me?"

The look on her face!!! I would trade the whole world for that look. She was confused yet very lovely, happy and beautiful. She glowed even more ... she says in the most innocent childish voice "I don't know what to say, No one ever did that to me", I reply "Me neither! I have never proposed before" and everyone laughs as she childishly pushes me ... She is gorgeous, and her childish reactions make her even more gorgeous. Her eyes are glowing like no other day. and they are glowing for me!!! I am the luckiest man in the world and definitely the happiest one.

Everyone is shocked, the didn't know I was going to propose, except for A who was happy from the beginning of the day and especially at this moment, and O who didn't seem to care much.

Chatters began to break again as I sit with my beloved again and I enjoy her close company while everybody approaches to congratulate and take photos with us.

I made sure I grab her close in every single photo. She is my lady, the most beautiful lady there is My lady red. She also kept close to me back ... and for that, I was the happiest man alive.

Party was over before we know it, I walked with her till we got a ride to get her home. I never stopped smiling all the way as she kept talking passionately about how good the day was and how thankful she is.

I really didn't care about thankful, I just want her to keep glowing for me and her eyes to keep shining for me. I only ever wanted to be always by my side. My love, My friend, My partner, My lady Red.

Or so he thought it will go on...

Lady Red narrates enthusiastically in a tender voice"

It was 2 PM in the afternoon, I am at work. This job is getting boring, and aimless. People here are not my favorite kind, they are so limited and has no point view, only trying to make their way through by pointless obedience, they show a great deal of indifference. It's really killing me here and absorbing all my positive energy.

I take a little rest and go talk to my only friend here Delicate H. She is tender and sweet, but yet limited and ambition-less like most of them here; Nevertheless, I like her. I just told her how I am going to meet 2 of my closest friends from faculty time after work, she seems caring and supportive like always, maybe that's why like her after all.

I have plans today as I told H. I am going to meet those 2 friends who agreed that we are going to that cafe at Misr el gedida, it's new to me and I always like new things. Not to mention how much I miss those girls. so hopefully this boring shitty workday will turn good at the end of it anyway.

It's 5 PM.

I am on my way to meet my friends; however, I am starting to get pissed off. The first of them is still at work! and the other one is stuck in traffic. I am standing where we agreed to meet but none of them showed up yet and I don't know the way to that cafe.

Minutes after, they appeared. How I missed those girls Sister N and Girl R, N is always caring and lovely. I haven't seen her in ages! we have lots to catch up. and R, I haven't seen her in ages too! she always fun and lovely, she is always giving everyone those positive vibes. R picks us up in her car and we start talking. We are on our way to the cafe. Sister R is driving and the car is already full of laughter and chatter. The day is starting to get better only if N and R stop using their mobile for texting so much!! and R shut those work calls off! ... I was happy anyway though.

It's almost 6 PM. We are almost there, Girl R enters the place before us with her phone. I and N follow. "Let's sit upstairs!" she says, "downstairs is for smokers", she continues. We agree.

Upstairs the three of us went. Right to the stairway there was that quiet corner, it seemed like a perfect place to sit and make conversations, so I followed them to it.

I walk in and I can see balloons and decorations all over the place, some people also are sitting in groups all around the corner, I didn't catch the faces though. I turn back to my girls and say "We can't sit here guys, someone is having a birthday party".

"Yes it's yours!" a voice says confidently. I can recognize this voice ... IT'S MR. STRANGER!!!

In a second he walks out of the blind spot in the corner saying softly "Happy birthday dear R". Things are getting clearer now, those people sitting in groups! They are our friends!!

I can now recognize the faces. Here sit my closest friends of the college, and there are his close mates, Brother O is here, and fellow A, Captain H is also here, and there is my closest high school friend!!! I haven't seen her in ages! everyone is smiling at me and wishing me a happy birthday!

Balloons everywhere, my closest friends, everyone is here and they are celebrating me! isn't this the best day ever or what?!

And there stands my hero! the fascinating Mr. S all dressed up in the smartest eye-catching way there is like he always is. He gives me an accessory like a crown to wear on my head -It said: "Birthday Girl"- and a big gift box carefully wrapped in pink with black ribbon. OMG, How I love this man ... He can really make me so happy. I am such a lucky girl.

I am really enjoying myself and enjoying Mr. S, he is thereby my side all the time, people come to talk to us, we even started to play a mimic game, the atmosphere is so warm and cheerful, the whole thing is so beautiful and I am so happy and thankful for it.

Mr. S excuses himself for the bathroom, Fellow A followed. The party is still going and I am making sure everyone feels included so I keep making conversations with each of them.

After 10 mins Mr. S and Fellow A return with a waiter asking us what are we taking for drinks with the birthday cake being served. so all of the attendees ordered.

Another 10 mins waiters return with our orders. I was still enjoying my time with friends, talking to this and that, and could care less about the drinks or the cake.

One of the waiters approaches me to serve me cake and drink, Mr. S stands right beside the waiter. And all of a sudden, Mr. S gets down on one knee!!!

I am shocked, my heart skips several beats as he unboxes a beautiful ring, and says "would you marry me?!" I am so shocked I can't even get all the details!

Bit by bit I see the image clearer, his red face, and blushing smile, that big beautiful rose, the handwritten note painted with crayons. Everything was so perfect and I couldn't say a word, I push him instead, and he laughs.

"I don't know what to say!!" I said. "Me neither!" he replied laughing "I never married before" he continued in cute laughter. "Say yes!!" girls shouted.

Eventually, I gathered myself up grabbed his hands and shouted: "YES YES YES". Everyone celebrates and we start playing and taking pictures. And here is Mr. S, never leaving my side not in a single game, conversation or photo. his eyes are glowing and his face is blushing, smiling happily ... I loved the dimple on his right cheek when he smiles. and on this day he looks like the most perfect man on earth. and I am surely the luckiest woman alive.

The party continues a bit more and everyone is happy, the universe is happy, and he is by my side.

Eventually, the party is over, so we wear our coats, take a final photo with only the 2 of us and leave. walking a bit I grabbed his arm and he pulls me close all the way. We then take a ride so he can drop me home. Never stopped talking all the way. I can't just wait to tell my mom and sister all about this day, I have a perfect life, many good friends, and a perfect man. Oh god, I am so thankful I have nothing more to ask.

A day that won't be forgotten!

Or so she thought ...

The room was clean. Almost too clean. Glass walls, polished wood, tailored suits, and a long table separating people who had only just taken their seats. Laptops opened. Jackets adjusted. A few formal greetings were exchanged, followed by the kind of silence that comes when everyone already knows why they are there.

Nothing had been said yet, but the room was already tense. Faces remained professional, postures carefully composed, while beneath the polished surface and perfumed air, everyone seemed overprepared for what was about to happen.

Mr. S sat among them, along with his teammate.

Five men and a young lady sat around the table, all in suits, well groomed, well dressed, maintaining tight eye contact.

The man heading the table, in a fancy suit, looked to be in his mid-40s, while three men sat on his left, all around their mid-to-late 30s. Among them was a man who looked a bit stressed.

On the right—the opposing side—Mr. S sat with his back leaned backward, and beside him sat the young lady.

“It’s nice to be having you today, gentlemen, and may we find this a fruitful meeting concluding to a brand-new start towards our mutual goals,” said the man heading the table.

“Thank you, Mr. B. We come today counting on your support to sort out the recent conflicts hindering the project, as we have been facing a very aggressive attitude from your project management team on this project,” replied the first of the three men on the left.

S starts just after the man finishes:

“Well, first of all, welcome today to this meeting. I will just state my concern on the words ‘aggressive attitude,’ as I believe our team is conducting business in a very professional manner. However, please elaborate more on your concerns as a way to move forward to sort out all the ongoing conflicts.”

The man rapidly replies:

“We have received some tough formal communications from your side in the past month that we believe are affecting the team spirit on the project, and they neither reflect nor encourage a cooperative working environment, which is impacting project delivery.”

The young lady is about to reply when S writes down a word in her notebook and makes eye contact with her, signaling her not to.

The man continues:

“Our team is doing their best to deliver the project, yet faced back with this tough communication….”

The man heading the table interrupts:

“Let’s not keep digging into the past and just plan the way forward to avoid any more conflicts.”

S replies:

“Agreed.”

He pauses briefly before continuing.

“We understand the concern is not about effort … so, back to the point … what’s the main issue with communication?”

“We don’t believe this continuous tough communication helps with project progress …”

S interrupts.

“Was the communication not professional?”

Everyone pauses.

“Was it out of context? Was it inaccurate in describing the situation? Was it verbally inappropriate?”

The man at the edge—the one addressed in the communication in question—rushes to reply:

“It was aggressive!”

His face turns red as he restrains his obvious anger—or nervousness.

S remains calm.

“Describing a previous incident and expressing our intolerance to it is aggressive?”

He looks towards all three men.

“Could you elaborate how?”

Mr. B silently observes the discussion.

The first man—the other man’s boss—replies:

“It could have been addressed more softly in a one-to-one phone call … instead of a second escalation.”

He pauses.

S replies:

“I understand. That is exactly what triggered the escalation in the first place.”

He gestures towards his colleague.

“My colleague here explained in her email what happened in the one-to-one phone call.”

A pause.

“Hence, the formal escalation.”

His voice becomes slightly more assertive as he addresses the man again.

“Which took you five working days to react to, by the way … which I believe violates our agreed escalation SLA.”

The man pauses.

An awkward silence.

Mr. B interrupts:

“Gentlemen, let’s focus on our way forward, please.”

Mr. S nods in full composure and takes over again.

“Agreed. And I believe it’s simple. If we can all agree that, moving forward, all parties will commit to professional communication manners—including Mr. W—then this escalation is resolved.”

Mr. W, already boiling in restraint at the edge of the table, suddenly bursts into a significantly louder, nervous voice, hitting the table:

“I never violated professional conduct! It was her who—”

Mr. S interrupts firmly:

“Thank you, W, for providing a live demonstration of what the escalation is about.”

Silence.

W freezes.

An awkwardness fills the room as the others absorb what has just happened.

S turns towards Mr. B and W’s boss.

“I believe the issue is clear, and I thank you for this initiative.”

He resumes:

“We’ll be at our office and let you discuss this as Mr. W calms down. Please let me know your proposed way forward to assure we get this back on track.”

S stands.

So does his young colleague.

“Sure, S,” Mr. B replies.

He then turns towards W’s boss.

“Let’s discuss this, please, in my office.”

S leaves the room with his colleague.

Later that day, S receives a call from Mr. B inviting him to his office.

As S enters, B is sitting there with W’s boss.

As soon as S takes his seat, the man apologizes for W’s manners, explaining that W has been overwhelmed with workload and under considerable stress.

S listens.

“Our profession is built around handling stress, so maybe it’s not the right position to fit Mr. W … but that’s not our say.”

He pauses.

“We can only manage our business.”

Another pause.

“And for our business, I don’t believe Mr. W is the right fit.”

The man promises to replace W on the project.

Mr. B promises an apology to S’s teammate.

They shake hands.

S leaves.

The office had grown quieter by then.

His footsteps echoed softly against the polished corridor as he made his way towards the elevator. Behind the glass walls, business carried on as usual—screens glowing, doors closing, conversations continuing as though nothing particularly remarkable had happened.

The elevator doors opened.

S stepped inside, adjusted his jacket, and watched the doors slowly close on the corridor before him.

And there it was …

That distinctive smirk.

Small. Controlled. Unmistakably S.

The doors closed.

Courtesy of Mr. S.

The rooftop was not crowded that night.

Cairo stretched beyond it in scattered lights, distant traffic, and buildings dissolving into the dark. In one of the quieter corners, there was a table the nearest lamp could barely reach. Its light arrived faded and hesitant—as though even the light itself were too shy to intrude upon the girl sitting there.

She was young. Almost twenty-three at the time of this tale.

Fair skin. Wide hazelnut eyes with an innocence they had somehow managed to keep. Thick brownish-black hair framed a small nose and full lips. She wore an elegant black jumpsuit, simple enough not to demand attention, yet fitted enough that even the reluctant light couldn't entirely hide her feminine figure.

She sat alone.

Waiting.

Her eyes wandered somewhere into Cairo's dark horizon.

She looked quiet.

Her mind wasn't.

Are my friends right?

Shouldn't I just leave?

Is any of this actually worth it?

And, as usual whenever she tried to answer questions about him, her mind answered with memories instead.

A message from him.

A question she had spent far too long composing.

His reply:

Two words.

Another memory.

One of his perfectly timed two-second voice notes. Just enough to answer her. Never enough to satisfy her.

Does he even like me?

A pause.

Does he love me?

A longer one.

What the hell am I to him?

Then another memory interrupted.

An inside joke nobody else would understand.

His teasing.

Her pushing back.

Something she had told him that she shouldn't have.

Something he had told her that perhaps he shouldn't have either.

A smile almost escaped her before another thought killed it.

Do I look good?

She glanced down at herself.

Will he like the outfit?

Her fingers instinctively touched her hair.

Does my hair even look good?

And another flash.

A photograph.

Her arms wrapped around his arm, her body leaning tightly toward him on a night out. He looked visibly exhausted. He had been sick that night.

He had shown up anyway.

For her.

That memory was particularly inconvenient.

Should I tell him how I really feel?

And then what?

Should I risk him leaving?

Should I even accept all of this?

Is any of this good for me?

Her mind searched desperately for answers.

Instead, it gave her his voice.

That distinctive tone she knew far too well.

“Good girl.”

She hated how easily she could hear it.

She hated even more what it did to the noise.

Rh picked up her phone.

He wasn't late.

Of course he wasn't.

She was early.

“Would you like to order something, ma'am?”

The waiter's voice startled her back to the rooftop.

“No, thank you. I'm waiting for someone. He should be here soon.”

The waiter nodded and disappeared.

Her screen lit again.

Her best friend.

You went anyway?

Then:

I told you. This is all too toxic.

You're better off.

Go home.

Rh stared at the messages for a moment.

Then cleared the notifications.

She opened his chat instead.

Media.

She scrolled only a little before finding it.

Their last photograph together.

A couple of months old now.

She smiled.

Another notification appeared.

This time, her boyfriend.

Are you home yet or still out with your friend?

The smile disappeared.

Rh typed:

Still out. I'll probably leave in an hour or so.

Sent.

She returned to his chat.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at the empty message field.

Then finally:

I'm here.

The reply came almost immediately.

Parking.

Her stomach tightened.

Excitement.

Nervousness.

She missed him.

She was angry with him.

She wanted to leave before he arrived.

She desperately wanted to see him.

Every feeling seemed to arrive at once until none of them had a name anymore. Her thoughts tangled so violently that anticipation almost became terror.

Then—

movement.

A figure appeared in the corridor in front of the elevator, walking toward the café entrance.

She froze.

She knew that silhouette.

Her heart raced.

Missed a beat.

Maybe two.

Yet Rh remained perfectly still.

Mr. S had arrived.

He approached the table as casually as though nothing about this meeting were unusual. As though the last months had not happened. As though there were no questions sitting opposite the empty chair waiting for him.

He reached her.

His hand brushed gently against her face.

“How are you, dear?”

And just like that, his voice cut through everything.

Rh hurriedly gathered the shattered pieces of every argument she had rehearsed before his arrival.

“Should I always be the one asking to see you?”

S smiled.

“Liar. Today I was the one who asked.”

He sat down.

“And I've been wanting to see you for a while now—”

“You're going to tell me how busy work has been. As always.”

A little smile finally betrayed her.

“You corporate slave.”

“Well…”

S settled comfortably into his chair.

“We're here.”

A pause.

“And you were missed.”

He looked toward the bar.

“So, what do we drink?”

Rh stared at him.

All that thinking.

All those arguments.

All those questions.

And this was what she had waited for.

“Aren't you one annoying man?”

S looked back at her.

“I hate you, S.”

He simply signaled for the waiter.

And somewhere between his arrival and that ridiculous exchange, Rh's heartbeat had slowed.

Her eyes were brighter.

The storm had quieted.

She placed her phone facedown on the table.

For the moment, the rest of their lives could stay underneath it.

In their own strange way, they both seemed to enjoy that particular moment precisely because it felt stolen—taken from two contradictory, carefully structured lives that perhaps had no sensible place for whatever existed between them.

Nothing had been solved.

None of Rh's questions had been answered.

Her friends were still right about some things.

Her boyfriend still believed she was somewhere else.

S was still S.

And she was still completely incapable of deciding whether she wanted to get closer to him or finally escape him.

But perhaps that was the point.

Those contradictions hadn't appeared tonight.

They had been there almost from the first day they met.

Through closeness and distance.

Through affection and anger.

Through whatever they had become—and whatever they refused to call it.

They could grow older.

They could grow different.

They could grow apart.

Yet that strange magnetic pull between Rh and S—their little mystery—had never entirely disappeared.

Not with distance.

Not with time.

Not that night.

And perhaps—

not ever after.

A quiet café in downtown Cairo.

It’s a Tuesday night. The streets outside are overflowing with rain, with the occasional voice of thunder rumbling in the background.

Inside the small café, it’s warm and cozy. Classical music plays softly, adding to the antiquity of the old furniture and the smell of overly roasted coffee.

Right in the middle of the café, two people sit across from each other at a small table for two.

The conversation begins.

“So... the challenge became real. You knew this would happen. You knew this moment would come. You knew someone would eventually get hurt. The question now is... who’s going to get hurt the worst? Is it you, my friend... or her?”

“Yes. I knew. I always know.”

“Then why are you doing this?! Why keep doing it?!”

The latter pauses before replying.

“Maybe because of the rush of the beginnings? Maybe I’m too competitive to lose a challenge? Maybe this is a childish need for affection? Maybe, on some level... it’s real.”

“So many maybes from someone like you. You know you’re not that lost guy or the gray victim. You know how you live—cutthroat, biting every bullet and moving on. Yet you answer with so many maybes. Are you even honest with those maybes? Are you even honest with yourself?”

The latter continues.

“It’s much simpler. Long ago, I decided to stop asking why. Instead, I now ask... why not? So yes. I enjoy the rush. The affection. The challenge. The moments in between. So could you tell me... why not?”

“Because you know the ultimate cost, you moron!! People get hurt. You will get hurt! You keep leaving bits of your soul behind... And I know you already know the ultimate cost. Is it really worth it?”

The latter continues.

“Also long ago, I decided that, for me, the answer is yes. It’s worth it. I decided that I would pay and live rather than regret the what if I didn’t.”

“What about her? What about the other ones before? The other ones after?”

The latter interrupts.

“So you’re going to rain me with guilt now? What about me? Does anyone feel the guilt of anything I had to go through? Does their guilt give me anything?”

The first person pauses.

The second answers his own question.

“No. And even if they did... it does me no benefit. So here’s how I see it, dear. As long as I am honest and fair—which, in this particular case, I am—and since we both decided to play this game... let every player deal with their own doings. Their own outcomes.”

The first person looks at him for a moment.

“Seems like the decision is already made. Stop the maybes. And since you know you’re both paying anyway... enjoy it while it lasts.”

The latter replies.

“Maybe that’s the whole point, dear... to just enjoy it while it lasts. Make sure it’s worth the price paid in consequence.”

Out of the blurred background of the heated discussion, the curvy, playful shape of Ms. H begins to emerge.

With every step toward the table, her details become clearer.

And with every step... the shadow of the person sitting opposite Mr. S begins to fade.

Until there is no one there.

Mr. S stands and welcomes her with open arms.

She softly jumps into them.

“I miss you. How’s your day?”

Still holding her, Mr. S looks over her shoulder.

At the empty chair across from him.

He sighs.

Then, in complete composure:

“You know how it goes. Tired from babysitting adults all day.”

They sit.

The conversation carries on.

They giggle.

And slowly, the scene pulls away from the warmth of that little café... through the rain-streaked glass... back into the cold, noisy, loud and dark streets outside.

It’s night, in the middle of nowhere.

So dark that one cannot see their own palm if it’s six inches away from their eyes.

A few strange-looking trees stand nearby, barely distinguishable from the vast dark desert surrounding them. The only light comes from the shy moon hanging above.

His vehicle has stopped.

His phone has no network.

Younger S sits alone in silence, trying to figure out how he is going to get back to the group.

Then, far away, two faint lights appear.

They grow stronger as they approach S, cutting through the darkness until they become almost blinding.

Two other vehicles stop nearby.

The lights go off.

Darkness again.

S switches on his phone’s flashlight and points it toward two faces emerging from the dark.

Brother O.

Fellow A.

They’re already laughing.

“What happened to this piece of trash?”

S looks back at his dead vehicle.

“As you said—a piece of trash. And I am the luckiest to have the trashiest piece of trash.”

The three laugh.

And just like that, the day is saved.

The café is warm and cosy, crowded with familiar voices and laughter.

They’re all there celebrating Red’s birthday when S excuses himself from the table.

“Bathroom.”

He slips away from the group.

In the corridor leading there, Fellow A meets him.

S lowers his voice.

“Is everything in place?”

“Yes, yes, don’t worry,” A says. “Don’t trouble your mind. Look good and go be ready for the moment.”

S nods.

Neither of them notices—or perhaps they do—that from a distant corner, Brother O is watching them, nervous and excited.

A faint smile is on his face.

S walks back to the group and takes his place among them as though nothing has happened.

A minute later, the waiter arrives.

In his hands is a plate.

On it, a flower.

And a note.

By the time everyone begins to understand what is happening, S is already on one knee.

And the night goes on.

The crowded, noisy square cannot cover the noise inside S’s head.

Car horns.

The loud voice of the bartender at that old oriental café.

Pedestrians shouting over one another.

The voices of people packed around the nearby tables.

All of it fails against the screams inside his head.

S sits on an old, cheap plastic chair. In front of him, an equally cheap plastic table holds a cup of coffee, a bottle of water and an empty ashtray.

His head is down.

His eyes are fixed on his phone.

A tear falls onto the screen.

Then another.

He sobs silently, carefully—as though even in all this noise, he is afraid someone might notice his mere existence.

His phone vibrates.

Fellow A: Where are you?

S replies with his live location.

Then he opens another chat.

Block.

Another.

Block.

He sobs again.

A couple more tears land on the screen.

He wipes them away with his thumb and opens Brother O’s chat.

S: It’s over. Please handle the old fellas. I don’t want anyone to try to fix anything. Please tell them not to ask me anything tonight.

The reply comes.

Brother O: Ok.

Take care of yourself.

Waiting you.

Twenty minutes pass.

They feel like a lifetime.

Then, through all the noise, a familiar voice cuts across the square.

“Heeeeeeeeey!”

S looks up.

Fellow A approaches with a soft, consoling laugh.

“It’s her loss, man.”

He pulls up a chair.

“Fuck her, her family, her friends… and anyone who decides to take her side.”

A looks at him.

“Take it easy. You’re better off.”

S gathers enough breath to answer.

“Five years, A.”

He looks at him.

“Five fucking years.”

And they start talking.

A few moments later, their voices disappear into the noise of the square once again.

The house is dark.

Only one room is still awake.

A faint light escapes from beneath its closed door, accompanied by the muffled sounds of laughter, teasing, and the occasional curse.

Inside, four guys sit around a table playing cards.

S. Brother O. Fellow A. And AS.

The game is heated.

Accusations fly across the table. Insults follow every questionable move. Every few seconds, another burst of laughter interrupts whatever argument was taking place.

Then A throws his last card.

S stares at the table in disbelief.

“You are a fucking mess! You ruin every possible way this game is supposed to be played, and yet somehow you still win!”

Brother O nods in agreement.

“He’s just too much of an idiot to even rationalize our moves. Pure chaos.”

AS laughs.

“More of a joker than the one in the cards.”

A is already celebrating.

He jumps from his chair, laughing uncontrollably, teasing all three of them as though he has just accomplished something extraordinary.

The insults grow louder.

So does the laughter.

The game goes on.

It’s 4 AM.

Inside that closed room, there is heat.

Light.

Joy.

Warmth.

And laughter.

Outside, the world is cold.

Dark.

And most of all…

Silent.

Lonely.

Cairo International Airport.

The arrivals terminal is crowded, as usual.

People pushing luggage trolleys, families waiting impatiently behind barriers, drivers holding signs with names written on them.

Among them stand S and AS.

Waiting.

Their eyes keep returning to the arrivals board, then to their phones, hoping for a message.

After a brief wait, the terminal doors slide open.

And there he is.

Fellow A.

The same person.

As though five days have passed.

Not five years.

Behind him comes a cute girl, almost matching his posture and build. Both are relatively small, shorter than average, although her skin is considerably fairer than his.

She skips a step or two every now and then to keep up with him as they struggle to drag their oversized luggage through the crowd.

S nudges AS.

“There he is.”

He looks at the girl behind A.

“That must be his foreign wife.”

The two hurry towards them, ready to take some of the luggage off their hands.

A spots them.

His face breaks into a wide smile.

He starts moving faster, leaving his wife struggling to keep up.

“Heeeeeeeeey, man!”

There it is.

That same familiar voice.

They reach one another.

Greetings. Laughter. Introductions. Welcomes.

Five years somehow disappear in a matter of seconds.

Once everyone has settled, S announces the plan.

They are heading straight to his family home for lunch.

It’s already arranged.

And Brother O will be waiting for them there.

With his newborn daughter.

Soon, the four are in the car.

AS takes the wheel.

S sits beside him, while A and his wife settle into the back.

As the car makes its way through the streets of old Cairo, A begins telling his wife more about the two men sitting in front of them.

She listens, occasionally smiling, her eyes wandering towards the passing scenery outside the window.

The old buildings.

The crowded streets.

The familiar chaos of Cairo.

And as the car moves through the city, the conversation carries on.

A different city.

A different country.

Inside S’s room, a dim, shy light barely illuminates the collection displayed in the far corner.

Thin traces of smoke rise slowly from the lit cigar resting between S’s fingers.

Across from the grey-haired S sits Fellow A, as casually as ever, a cold drink in his hand.

“And that’s my plan for the next six months,” A concludes, bringing his five-minute explanation to an end.

S takes a slow draw from his cigar.

“You’re going to follow through this time? Are you sure?”

“No, maaaan. This time I’m serious. I already made arrangements.”

S looks at him.

“You’ve made arrangements in five countries, countless jobs, eight years… I’m just making sure.”

A faint pause.

“You know I really just want the best for you.”

A smiles.

“Heeeeey! Trust me on this one.”

“I do.”

S leans back.

“Do you need anything?”

“Nah, I’m all set.”

“Then grab me that drink and play us some cool, chill music of yours.”

A gets up.

S watches the smoke curling towards the dim light.

“So, how was your journey to here?”

“Oh, you know how it is,” A replies.

S smiles faintly.

“Oh, I know…”

He takes another draw from his cigar.

“I really know.”

S once again writes:

I remember that particular night. She was working late… I was working late too.

I passed by her workplace after I finished work.

It was a particularly dark night. I was weary, yet eager to see her.

I waited under her workplace downtown for half an hour or so. I lit a cigarette, and the questions inside my head kept racing.

“What am I doing here?”

“Am I this person?”

“Do I belong?”

Those thoughts were cut short by her cheerful presence.

Running towards me, she jumped into a warm hug, expressing how happy she was to see me.

We got into my car and started moving while I asked her:

“Where to?”

She kept leading the way playfully until we arrived in front of that clothes shop. She then told me to step out.

We went in.

It was almost closing time, but the old shopkeeper let the playful girl pick up a couple of dresses and keep trying them on, one after another.

She showed me each one while making fancy poses.

Oh, how she looked perfect in every single one of them.

Her perfect curves, short black hair, shining black eyes, and full lips could make the air inside the whole room feel sexy and appealing.

I stood there, nodding in agreement to each and every dress, but she demanded that I choose.

So I chose the short black dress with the off-shoulder design, perforated fabric, and smooth, solid black fabric underneath.

We got the dress and jumped back into the car.

She lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, and handed it to me, stained with her lipstick.

As I leaned in to take a puff, she leaned in and kissed me.

Her playful energy really did make up for my weary, tired one… and we kept driving while listening to her music, which was no less playful than she was.

Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at a mid-fancy pub.

I parked my car, and we went in.

We met her friends: three guys, two girls, and us.

They were casual, around the same age as us—a very casual, some might say hippie, group.

We sat down at the high table reserved for the seven of us, ordered our drinks, and the conversations started.

“So, H, how’s your workplace now that I’ve left?” one guy said to my sweet, playful H.

She answered playfully that it was no different from when he was there…

He made no difference anyway.

The group chuckled, and H turned to me to tell me more about her workplace, explaining how things had gone there.

While she was addressing the group, she had her eyes on me…

Only me.

And while she spared no details, I could almost hear nothing, as I had all my senses directed towards her and how glamorous she looked in that black dress under the faded reddish lighting of the place.

The music got louder.

H stood up to dance.

She pulled my hand to dance with her…

And how could I resist?

I danced.

Leaning into me, she expressed how happy she was that we were here, now, doing this…

I reciprocated.

We went back to sit down, and she didn’t sit in her chair. Instead, she leaned against my hips while I sat, grabbed her drink, and addressed one of the girls for some traditional gossip.

The night went on.

For me, the loud, playful night felt warm and saturating after my already tiring day.

It wasn’t the place.

The music.

The people.

It was just H…

And the look in her eyes for me.

However, I still felt a bit detached.

Like I wasn’t there.

Like I was watching myself being there with her.

I was happy for myself to be living these moments…

But was I truly living them rather than observing myself?

We left for the car, and I drove to take her home.

She leaned her head on my shoulder, almost sleepy and half-drunk.

She whispered into my ear:

“I wish we never grow older. I wish we never leave. I wish this night could be forever.”

I looked at her.

A warm feeling inside me was interrupted only by the anxiety of the questions that had kept echoing in my head since the beginning of the night—and throughout it.

“What am I doing here?”

“Am I this person?”

“Do I belong?”

And little did the playful, warm H know…

Little did she know that night would indeed last…

Just not for both of them.

The guy she tells you not to worry about

Airport lounge, 7 AM.

A young man with light luggage stands in the middle of the vast hall looking around as if he is

waiting for someone. He is dressed in casuals of gray and blue colors and a pair of aviator

sunglasses*

S stands in the middle of the crowd looking left and right when he decides to pick up

his phone and starts texting someone.

- "Rise and shine dear, I am almost there already :P" He texts while looking at his mobile phone with a wide smile

- "I am so excited S, I will be there in 10 minutes" A text back appears on his mobile.

- "Me too dear, It's going to be amazing!" He texts back and puts his phone in his pocket.

He sits down and starts to think of how things developed. He could still remember the cafe corner seat, and her tender presence, the nights he had to spend away while she played the piano and sent him records of her melodies, the first time he held her hands ... and her tender face in the vast horizon.

Here she comes, the most beautiful girl his eyes ever fell on. Her brunette hair fell on her face covering her brownish sunglasses under which her olive-green eyes could be seen sparkling in the sunlight. Her white t-shirt with a bit open collar over her gray sweat pants and white sneakers. S was stunned, his eyes were frozen on her like he was grasping to every piece of her details like it's the first time he ever sees her like it's the last time he is going to see her like he just fell in love all over again, He was speechlessly staring.

Breaking his silence and taking him back from his magical trip being all lost in her head to toe, she started

- "Hey Boo, you look great," She said smiling and taking off her sunglasses. S could swear his heart skipped several beats seeing her eyes sparkle in the sun after she removed those sunglasses.

- "Hey babe, you look gorgeous, I love you so much." He replies in a joyful voice "It's gonna be a long trip, but I am really going to enjoy every second of it. Ready?" he asked.

- "I get sick of long trips, but with you ... I think I will enjoy every second too" She replied joyfully "But really I hope we get there in the least possible time" She continued and they both laughed.

On the plane

S approaches Bonita's head with a gentle kiss on her forehead waking her up as the jet starts landing. she rushes into his arms as if she was hiding till the jet touches down. S embraces her and plays gently with soft hair while she holds on him too tight.

That moment was magical, S felt warm, strong, loved, and since a big while ... whole.

The hotel, Bonita's room

After checking in the hotel, S headed with Bonita towards her room. They put down the bags.

- "Welcome safely dear, it was a long trip and we are finally here," S said those words in a gentle voice while he approached Bonita slowly and hugged her gently, she hugged him back very tight, he hugged her so tight and whispered into her ears, "I think we are finally here dear, we are finally home". Bonita smiled and dived more into the hug holding on so tight.

It felt warm, it felt right, it felt like the world around them dissolved into nothing, he sank his head between her neck and shoulder. Her smell was still perfectly attractive even after the long trip. Time passed and none of them know how much of it passed. None of them cared anyway.

Bonita finally takes a step back and looks at S's eyes. He could see her eyes shine like diamonds in a dark room, he approached her and kiss her head gently. She grabs his head and kisses his lips. S stops for a second and looks again into her eyes and grabs her face and kisses her passionately. The kiss was very long, very passionate. It was soon interrupted by the room's phone ringing.

It was the reception asking if they would like to go down for dinner after their long trip. S refused and asked the dinner to be taken to their rooms. He then excused Bonita to take her shower as he would go shower himself as well, and they meet for dinner in his room. She nodded in agreement, so he kissed her one last kiss and went out.

Not long after S walks into his room and starts his shower, the door knocks. He walks out and opens the door and it's Bonita. She lances towards him with kisses and he kisses back when they hear another knock on the door. S puts on his T-shirt and opens the door for the room service bringing their dinner.

They ate and S asked Bonita whether she likes to go down and enjoy sitting by the sea, she refused as she was tired from the trip. she stands to excuse herself to her room when S pulls her towards him and hugs her so tight

- "You are staying here tonight babe," S said gently

- "Can I?" Bonita asks in a shy manner.

- "Can You? I would be so fucking happy if you do" S Replied gently.

Same night in bed

Both S and Bonita hugging each other and a conversation is going.

- Bonita: "So Boo, tell me all about it," she asks innocently.

- S: "About what my dear?" he asks as he kisses her forehead.

- Bonita: "Everything, your worst stories, even the ones that will hurt," she says firmly

- S looks into her eyes "But Boo, I am not supposed to be that person to you, I mean you are not supposed to see my worst, I should be always giving you my best." He replied gently

- Bonita: "I love you S, let me know your worst and let me love you anyway" She replied calmly and kissed his forehead.

- S: "You never find it hard to convince of anything do you?" he answered with a smile.

- Bonita: " I am all ears babe," she replies.

S started to tell all the stories that he was afraid to tell to anyone, his story with Red and how things developed badly and how deep is the wound, his tales that he was hiding. He almost told her everything that night.

Bonita listened carefully and attentively. He could feel the parts that bothered her as her hand tightens on his. he could understand. He hugged her very tight and very close as he spoke. he shed a couple of tears while telling. She hugged him closer as he did.

He keeps talking and talking and she keeps listening and assuring him of her love, and out of nowhere, he falls asleep while talking.

S awakes in the middle of the night to find himself asleep in Bonita's arms as she is looking at him smiling warmly.

- Bonita: "Are you ok babe?" She asks very softly.

- S seeing only the light of her mobile phone falling on her beautiful face as he replies "When, How did I sleep?" he asked in a sleepy voice

- Bonita putting aside her mobile and moving towards him and kisses him "You were talking and I hugged you, it seemed you were very tired. you kept talking and talking and you fell asleep while taking"

- S: "How long have I been asleep dear? I am so sorry to leave you staying and sleep" he asks and apologizes

- Bonita: "It's ok dear it's been like 2 hours or so, I was concerned about you by the way. It seems you had a nightmare" she says in a shy voice while avoiding eye contact

- S: "Did I talk while asleep? Did I say something?" he asks while touching her face gently.

- Bonita: "It's ok dear we all talk while sleeping" she replies with a rapid smile.

- S: "What did I say, dear?" he asked gently while looking into her eyes.

- Bonita: "You said her name ... Red" She answered in a quiet voice looking down " But it's ok, we were telling the stories anyway ..."

S interrupts her talking by grabbing her closer and hugging her so tight and kissing her head.

- S: " I am so sorry dear, I am so so sorry, I didn't really mean it ... I promise you she is far gone, you are the only girl I love and you are the one I will love forever and ever. You are my last dear ... My all-time last ... I love you more than anyone and anything."

She sinks herself tighter in his arms and says " I love you more boo".

They both fall asleep.

Next Day

Next Morning S wakes up, showers and changes clothes while bonita is still asleep, he walks down to the reception to tell them to ready a breakfast for 2 by the sea, and then returned back to the room to wake her up.

She woke up, He kissed her and told her to get ready for breakfast. he organized the room as she took her shower and the went down for breakfast. They enjoy breakfast by the sea as they discuss the plans for the day.

They agreed to go swimming, have lunch after and spend another calm night by the sea.

It was a calm day that had not many details, yet it was magical and peaceful. They stayed together for every minute, every second, they couldn't keep their hands off each other for more than a few minutes.

By night Bonita suggested they get dinner in the room again, so S did.

After having their dinner, Bonita played their favorite music and asked him for a dance. S took her hand and started dancing

None of them actually knew how to dance but ...

The melodies of Frank Sinatra singing in the background along with the gentle breezes coming from the open window and the warm light dimming in the room around them. Bonita's smell as she gets closer to S and hugs him while they dance. The taste of her lips as they kiss from time to time during the dance. S felt like he has left this earth to some kind of heaven that he never dreamt of living in. They laughed, They hugged, They kissed and mostly ... they danced.

they kept dancing and dancing and dancing till He finally pulls her towards the bed and they both falls on it laughing. He pulls her closer into his arms, and they kiss. A very long sweet passionate kiss at the end of which he pulled her closer into his arms. and they slept.

S swears he never slept this deeply or peacefully in his entire life. He kept swearing that he woke up searching for Bonita beside him months and months after that night.

Last day

S woke up first. He kept exploring Bonita's beautiful face for minutes and minutes. she was so beautiful and so peaceful.

S always described his dream girl to be the girl that he will love to wake to see her face every morning for the rest of his life. and at this exact moment, Bonita seemed very much to be that girl that he ever dreamt of having.

He finally decides to kiss her forehead gently. that's when she wakes up.

S has planned that they would go diving that day. but Bonita disagreed as she didn't feel well. S got a bit nervous and insisted that this is the last day and they need to enjoy it. he suggested that he can postpone a couple of hours till she feels ok. she refused. so he leaves the room and goes down to the lobby.

Soon he discovers his mistake and returns to the room with medicine and food. he walks in to find Bonita sitting in a corner of the room with her mobile phone being charged while in her hands. He walks in and starts talking.

- S: " I am sorry Boo, I haven't been thinking well. I just wanted us to enjoy every bit of today; however, I was rude and inconsiderate. Let me take care of you please." he says firmly and gently at the same time.

- Bonita leaves her mobile phone and moves towards him: "It's ok dear, I understand." she replies softly.

- S puts down the food and medicine and moves towards Bonita, carries her and takes her to bed. "You stay in bed and I am gonna take good care of you," he says joyfully while putting her down gently and covering her.

He then takes the food and lets her enjoy her hot meal while he massaged her feet. he then gives her the medications and hugs her till she falls asleep. He keeps caressing her hair and repeatedly kissing her forehead. she falls asleep like a baby angel.

She wakes up by mid-day just before sunset.

- S: "How do you feel now my dear?" he asks gently and in a caring tone.

- Bonita: "Much better Boo, Thank you, babe." she replies in a joyful voice.

- S: "I love you, I am sorry if I haven't been nice at any moment," he says in a loving voice

- Bonita: "You are the greatest Boo ever!, I love you, dear" She replies joyfully "Can we go sit by the sea and watch the sunset Boo?" she asks in the same joyful voice

They go sit by the sea and while they are having their coffee and the sun is setting in a magnificent view. the color of the setting sun meets the sea in the vast horizon was glorious and warm, yet to S, the most magnificent sight was Bonita's eyes, it was like he was dreaming. He could never believe that the world would really have so much beauty if someone told him.

Bonita takes out her mobile and decides to take a photo of the view. S asks her to get the 2 cups of coffee as well. She likes the idea and adds to it their legs as to be a perfect memory ... and it was really a perfect shot *The Sea, sunset, 4 young legs, and 2 cups of coffee alongside a snorkel in front of them*

Last Night

S and Bonita in the bed hugging tight. The wind outside is strong. It's a cold dark night, and the sound of blowing wind keeps getting stronger. crashing of objects that the wind carries could be heard from the thin walls of the room. the hallowing of cold wind and periodic thunder hits could easily scare anyone. But not the lovely couple.

They were hugging so tight, feeling nothing but warmth and peace.

S swears that the sounds that night was like the apocalypse are happening outside the walls of that room. But it was a night that he slept so deep and so peaceful. he was home, in her arms, and if the world was to end that night, he wouldn't have asked for any more than what he already had.

The world didn't really end that night, but their world didn't last so long after. At least as long as S would have wished or expected ...

A quiet cafe in Nasr City, a table at the corner with 2 cups of coffee, a bottle of water,

And both S and Bonita sitting together silently*

- S cuts the awkward silence with a calm question: "So, want to explain?" he asks gently while looking into her eyes. His eye pupils are shaking rapidly. His fist tightens under the table.

He is keeping a very calm face but a distant observer can notice the depressed rage in his body. S wasn't angry, he was rather shocked, disappointed, and almost suffocating.

- Bonita: "It's nothing, I just was checking it out ... nothing important" she answers in a rush in a hesitant tone trying to avoid eye contact.

- S responds: "I would understand that it's nothing if we were still introducing or if it was our first time to get to know each other ... but we have been together for more than 4 months now and we have even traveled together, so can you please let me know what a dating app is doing on your mobile phone?" He asks after making his statement in a gentle manner while laying back his back against the chair.

- Bonita: "Why did you look on my phone's screen anyway?!" she asks her question aggressively in accusing tone.

- S swallows his guts, trying to contain his rage and answering gently: "Are we really doing this? you know the mobile was in your hand while you were showing me things while you accidentally swiped and the app showed up, so please let's not go through this discussion and answer me ... why?" he asks in a very steady tone while looking sharply directly into her eyes.

- Bonita: "I was feeling alone and bored and just wanted to know new people I guess ..." she answered hesitantly.

- S asking firmly: "Did you share your personal contact information with anyone?"

- Bonita: "No, it was just useless chats ..."

2 months earlier, During the trip Bonita and S had

In the her room, 1:50 AM

S is asleep beside Bonita, the room is dark and only the light of Bonita's mobile is illuminating the room while a conversation on her mobile is going on

- A guy on chat screen: "So gorgeous can we talk somewhere else, somewhere where I can send voice notes at least?"

-  Bonita texts back: "Sure here's my Instagram ... you can text me there"

- The guy: "Okay sweetie, gonna text you there"

S moves while asleep in a motion that is seemingly a wake-up.

- Bonita texts: "I am really asleep, let's continue later"

- S seeing only the light of her mobile phone falling on her beautiful face as he replies "When, How did I sleep?" he asked in a sleepy voice

- Bonita putting aside her mobile and moving towards him and kisses him "You were talking and I hugged you, it seemed you were very tired. you kept talking and talking and you fell asleep while taking"

1 month earlier, on a phone call between S and Bonita

- Mr. S: "I really like the new profile picture dear, you look absolutely gorgeous," he says in a joyful voice while walking in his working site observing the distant ongoing works.

- Bonita: "Oh thanks, I don't really like it though ... I think it was not a good hair day" she replies in a shy voice.

- Mr. S: "No it is really perfect dear" he assures her gently.

- Bonita: "Thanks Boo. you are the greatest" she replies joyfully

- Mr. S: "Babe, there is something I have noticed that I want to ask you about ..." he pauses in gentle silence.

- Bonita: "Sure Boo, go ahead" she interrupts in a cute welcoming tone of voice

- Mr. S: "It's that guy that is weirdly interacting to literally every post of yours on social media, who is he? I have never heard about him and I don't think I have seen him anytime before this month" he spoke gently in an exclaiming voice.

- Bonita pauses for seconds then answers: "He is just a guy from university, he is a friend of the group, he is from another college but he just did hang out with us one time, I don't really know him and there's really no more than these social media interactions" she spoke in a nervous manner and continues "Are you really doing this? doubting me? don't you trust me?" She asked nervously.

- Mr. S answering very gently: " Well I just need to know people who are this interactive don't you think? and this is clearly not about trust as I am directly asking you, and I believe what you say" he stops firmly and gently.

- Bonita: "Please don't ask me similar questions again, I feel this as lack of trust ..." She goes on in a whiny voice while S interrupts ...

- Mr. S: "Don't let me ask then, just tell me about everything and everyone and keep everything in light ... I don't care even if there is something that would hurt or seem wrong, I would always like to be told things by you rather than discovering them by myself ... how about that?" He makes his statement gently and firmly.

- Bonita: "Just don't make me feel uncomfortable ... please" she replies in a retreating tone of voice.

- Mr. S: "Now back to our main topic, you really look gorgeous in that photo ... I am literally staring and it's not fair" he laughingly continues "I know the I must be the luckiest guy on earth and all other men of this world must be very jealous of me"

S Narrates

Every once in a while I started to notice a new stranger or strangers appear in our lives through social media interactions I never paid attention at first but I started when the answers to my questions weren't always consistent. The guy that she said he joined the group once on a hangout, the next time I asked about him she said he is an old friend from another university.

The guy who was supposed to be the vet for her dog, he later on disappeared and the answer to my question because he out of nowhere started to make a move. The distant relative of her mother that is engaged, was later on answered to be a friend of a friend. and a stranger after stranger, they kept appearing and disappearing with one common thing about them all, they are all suspicious, their stories are inconsistent, and they are all hitting on her at some point.

I could notice the inconsistency, I could see that something weird is going on, so I started paying attention to the details, all the details. I hated myself for being that kind of attentive, I hated how I have to put each tiny bit of effort to do that. But what else could I do? For every time I asked myself the right question about the conclusion all the details went towards, I wished dearly to be wrong, I wished a thousand times that it was just my bad nature, and my unreasonable doubts.

It is a coin of two faces, and both faces are ugly. One face is me being a paranoid unhealthy person that sabotages all his happy moments and relationships, and the other face is that I am being taken for a fool and living a lie.

And which is worse?

Discovering that everything is you have is a lie? seeing the one you love this ugly? sabotaging every happy memory? Breaking another piece of your soul so bad that it won't possibly heal again?

Or

Discovering that you are awfully wrong? that you are badly damaged? that you are the biggest evil in your life and the truest enemy to your own happiness? that you would possibly never be happy because of nothing but your own self?

And what options do I have? Keep digging and end up with one of the two ugly scenarios or ignoring the very simple logic that is urging me to dig deeper?

If I choose the latter ... Could I ever be happy? Could I ever be happy even if I kept on digging?

A storm of thoughts is breaking out into S's mind ... but the story continues anyway ...

Back to the cafe after S found out about the dating app

The conversation between the S and Bonita resumes ...

- Mr. S replying Bonita: "Look dear, It is not acceptable at all to be on a dating app while being in a relationship with me. It's absolutely disrespectful to our relationship and to me. And most importantly it is unacceptable to have strangers in our lives when I am not aware of who they are and what kind of story they have"

he speaks firmly in a steady tone of voice with a comforting yet assuring body language as he gets closer to the table and continues

"I don't think you would really be comfortable if you were in my shoes on this one; However, I will be letting this one slide as it's the first time and I do believe that we make mistakes in order to learn. I just expect that we don't have to face this situation again, please. Can we agree on this?" He ends his firm yet gentle statement with that question to Bonita while maintaining strong eye contact.

- Bonita replies in a shy tone while avoiding eye contact: " But you don't trust me ..." While S interrupts firmly while gently touching her face to redirect her eyes into hos.

- S: "I trusted you, and I am still willing to ... please help us with this. We can easily work out things back to normal." he finishes gently

- Bonita replies softly: "Ok, but promise me this will not come up again in any discussion"

- S: "As long as it is never repeated, it shall be forgotten, I promise" he said while maintaining eye contact with her and reaching out to tightly hold her hands.

- Bonita replies in a soft shy tone: "Ok I love you, I never meant to do any harm ..." and holds back on S's hands.

- S responds back: "I know dear, and I don't love you any less ... I love you and I believe we can always fix things" he said in a very gentle manner then kissed her hand.

It was not the only time they had a similar conversation, in fact this conversation was repeated every once in a while.

S always assessed the damage and always believed it could be fixed, that his kingdom of happiness can still be intact ... but little did he know that in that kingdom, he was only sitting on a throne of lies.

Mr. S parks in front of the house. he turns off the engine, gets outside the car opens the door for  the ground floor apartment of his with the small garden in the front.

He locks the car and starts heading towards the house when the sound of a car engine outside stops just in front of the house. He opens the door to see a truck with a middle-aged man inside. The man gets opens the truck window. He looked sweating, beard messy, blad head, and darkness in the street only made him look creepier. He said in a cunning voice "Hey, Finally, I caught you"

- Mr. S: "Hi, I will get my car a bit back for you so you can move"

- The creepy guy: "Yes please thank you" in a creepy voice " And Hey ... please water the trees on the  front they seem to go on a draught" He continued while giving him the creepiest looks.

Mr. S nods and ignores him anyway, walks into the house to get some movie playing approaches him and throws himself on the couch.

Only to be interrupted by the voice of something hitting the ground in the garden outside.

He pauses for a second and thinks.

Decide to continue the story

Mr. S starts to save his documents, shut down his laptop and packs his stuff. He texts H back to make sure the part is not ca custom party.

She assures him it's just a casual party with music and drinks and some masks in one of her  friends house.

He unties his tie and packs it along with his laptop, his empty lunch box, and his cufflinks in his backpack. heads out of the office, and turns the lights off on his way to the door.

While he is walking out of the door, he thinks he hears a sound coming from inside the room.

the sound was like a wind blowing in a narrow opening or if someone would focus a distant scream.

"I must have forgotten a window open." Mr. S thought.

He walked inside the room heading towards the window. to his surprise, all the windows were tightly shut.

He couldn't care less, so he headed outside the room again. He couldn't help but notice that there was what seems to be a female black coat hanging on the back of the door, but so what? maybe a female coworker forgot her coat on her way out in a hurry. it's Thursday after all, everyone rushes to their weekend plans. Only his miserable soul remains late to finish all work before the weekend.

He gets down to the car parked in the street in front of the company building. he starts the engine, plugs in his music and puts on his seat belt -like he always does when he gets into the car-. He turns on the front lights to start moving, while he notices a shadow of a tall woman in a black coat that passes the street in front of him. he doesn't pay attention, turns the volume high and starts moving. the same shadow appears in his rear mirror view as he walks for seconds and disappears.

He picks up his phone and texts Girl H "I am 10 minutes away from the bus stop".

- She replies back "Great, I will be waiting"

He drives by the bus stop and stops. He couldn't recognize her. after all, he only saw her once before, and they only had a brief coffee. Before he could recognize her among the bystanders, She approached his car, opened the door, and sat in the passenger seat beside him.

- Girl H: "Hi, how was your day Mr. Busy?" she said in a laughing voice.

Mr. S didn't reply. He was looking at her in silence, she wore a long black coat, black lipstick, blackened eyebrows, and her black hair only made her white skin glow bolder. he realizes that he didn't reply.

- Mr. S: " Sorry, that project is really killing me. You look pretty. Bold and beautiful"

She smiles at him, grabs his mobile phone and changes the music  "Let's get into the mood!" she shouts happily as the music plays high and he drifts out into the road. She reaches out to his shirt and unbuttons the first 2 buttons. "Relax big guy, it's time to party," she says while moving her hand on his face and dances to the music.

Mr. S drives fast and maneuvers between cars as the music beat gets faster. She gets a drink from her bag, opens the bottle and starts drinking. she offers him a drink too.

Mr. S looks at her for a second and thinks ...

Choose a reply to continue the story

*Mr. S sitting in that cafe downtown, The table in the corner he always chooses to sit on.
slowly sipping his coffee while he just explores social media when a girl walks in
and sits on the table right in front of him. The girl was dressed in a black blouse and tight jeans, she had a clear face, a cute smile, short dark hair and a piercing on the side of her nose. her skin was a bit dark and her smile was bright and lovely."

S checks her out with a quick look, but the moment he looks into her eyes, she is looking directly into his and smiling. S wasn't the kind of man that would feel awkward easily, but he was shaken indeed. He looked her into the eyes for 10 seconds then went back into his mobile phone again while smiling half a smile that makes him look confident.

he keeps scrolling for some seconds and then decides that he is too lonely for this charming night to pass like this.

After all, the weather is so good, the music is calm and tender and this coffee would be a hundred times better with a good company.

so he decides to take the leap. He takes a sip of his coffee and then stands up gently moving confidently towards that pretty girl.

- Mr. S: "Can I have this chair? or are you expecting friends?"

- Girl Y: "Come on, you got better than that line ... sit down and start over please" she said in a laughing smiley voice.

- Mr. S Sits down while smiling confidently and he starts "Would you save an innocent life?" he asked firmly

- Girl Y: "What the fuck?!" She laughed loudly "Yes sure I would" she continued trying to contain her laugh

- Mr. S: "It's good, I am actually gonna try another line as my first trial failed, But first, I want to tell you about Maylo"

- Girl Y: "What the fuck are you saying!? Who is Maylo?" she starts to get confused but still smiling

- Mr. S: "My neighbor has a cute little dog, a very playful and smart one, everyone seems to enjoy his presence around. That's Maylo. So here is the deal, I take your number and Maylo lives another day"

- Girl Y bursts in laughing: "You have problems you know?"

- Mr. S: "Nope, Maylo has now. and in fact, you said you would save an innocent soul, so you kinda have no choice here" He says confidently.

- Girl Y: "Fair and square, I am Y. and you are?" she asks in a friendly manner offering a handshake.

- Mr. S handshakes her and replies "I am S, so wanna have another coffee?" he asked in a friendly voice.

They chatted a bit, exchanged numbers and before they know it was already late. Mr. S offered her a ride home, but she said she already lived 10 mins walk away from that place. so he wished her a great night and they left.

*********************************************************************************************************************

*Girl Y in her room sitting on her bed exploring social media while painting her nails*

Y's phone vibrates. it's a message from Mr. S

- Mr. S: "What if I see you tonight at that rooftop downtown. do you know the place?"

- Girl Y reads the message and quickly replies: "No, but I would like to. meet me at Talaat Harb Square at 8:00 PM"

Mr. S arrives at 8 PM at Talaat Harb square and calls Y. She is across the street. He sees her in her black dress and waves when she starts moving towards him. He starts to say Hi but she hugs him and interrupts the words inside his throat. He hugs back tight until she let him loose. He looks at her and says "You look fine today dear". She replies "Yea I know, too fancy for your coffee"

He smiles back. they walk 10 minutes till the got to that old hotel. the entrance is so old and dusty. 3 old people sitting at different corners and couldn't care less about anything in the world. the old decorations are damaged and dusty. this place hasn't been cleaned or organized in ages.

- Mr. S: "That's the place," he says. as you can see it's not very fancy, but I call it a place with perspective.
She never said a word, only smiled at him while he took her hand and walked towards the elevator.

Into the elevator, Mr. S starts making a conversation.

Mr. S: "I think 10 floors is a good distance to have a decent kiss in this small elevator," he said jokingly

Girl Y: "And how many girls have you kissed in this elevator?" she asked sarcastically.

Mr. S answered immediately: "Depending on how tonight goes ...". She laughed loudly.

The elevator reached the roof which cut their conversation.

They walk into what seems to be a very old cafe or bar. the furniture is old and aged, the floor makes a bit of a sound and the place is totally run by old people who seem to have been working there for a while.

- "What is this place?" Y asked in astonishment.

- "I like to call it, a place with perspective" S Replied wisely. He grabs her hand and heads towards a table beside the fence and continues "Look, what do you see?"

The view was a weird mixture of fancy high buildings on the horizon, old buildings of downtown and even some poor slums.

- "You can see this mixture is what Cairo is made of anyway, and I personally have made sure to see all those places down there. But I tell you, it's up here that I need to come every now and then ... for perspective."

She smiled and asked him to sit down. they do and a waiter comes to take their order. Mr. S ordered his coffee as always.

Shortly the waiter comes back with the drinks.

- Girl Y started: "You know ... I love the smell of coffee, I believe it's how someone should taste in a kiss"

- S replied: "Well I hope you like the smell of my coffee" in a confident voice tone.

- She laughs loudly and replies "You are not that lucky yet" and she winks.

Mr. S smiles and sips his coffee calmly.

A long conversation goes on with lots of smiles and laughs till a beautiful girl walks in and sits in a corner all alone, smoking her cigarettes and sipping her coffee. they both couldn't help but see her.

- Mr. S started:  "It's a shame, someone, that beautiful is sitting on her own"

- Girl Y: "Do you like her?" she asked.

- Mr. S: "Honestly, she is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen" he answered randomly.

- Y: "You should go talk to her" in a quick response.

- S: "Maybe she is waiting somebody, I don't know" he replied.

- Y in a playful voice: "Here write her a note and we can give it to her while we are leaving" she hands him a pen and a handkerchief

- S in a hesitant voice" "I don't know, okay". He takes the handkerchief and the pen and starts writing.

*You look gorgeous tonight, Call me maybe? *************" he left his number at the end of the note.

They keep the note beside them and continue their conversation until they are about to leave. He pays and both stand up leaving.

- Girl Y: "Aren't you gonna hand the note the girl you liked?" she asked in an enthusiastic manner while giving him the handkerchief.

- Mr. S smiles half a smile and replies calmly: "I already did, and it's already in her hand."

- Gir Y laughs and replies: "You really just made your own luck"

The walk to the elevator, get inside and the moment the door closes, Girl Y grabs S's face and starts to kiss him passionately. They kiss not paying attention to the surrounding. A long passionate kiss that was only interrupted by the elevator ring as they reached the ground floor.

- Girl Y laughing as she walks out: "I really like the taste of your coffee".

- Mr. S replying back: "Then we should have more coffee dates"

It was a light quick pleasant night, they had few of these nights after. but it didn't last for long. S was destined to walk other paths, and so was Y. So it was just one other Stranger Tale.

A light short story

Mr. S sits on his desk in his darkroom, the cold darkroom of his that witnessed every time he had to go through all of that again, He opens his laptop, and starts writing

He carefully starts to write the name of this tale ... dry his tears off his face and the keyboard and starts writing "Never Enough"

"So here I am, one more time, in the dark zero-point I have been trying so hard to avoid getting back to. Lonely against the world, against the memories, against my ruined plans, against my fears, against all the stress and all the disappointments.

I am one hell of a fighter I know, but this time it's a hard hit, the pain is taking me over and I am not sure how long I will survive. I still have no luxury to rest, to let down my banners, to quit.

I kept trying hard, and harder, Running instead of walking. Leaping instead of running. But now I know for sure, it was never enough, and possibly it would never be. should I keep trying anyway? should I quit?

At this point ... I really don't know. All I know that I am hurt, that I can feel the physical pain of it. and that no matter how bad I was, I didn't deserve this end.

Baby girl, Bonita, Do you think I am happy I was right? Do you think I wanted all of this? Do you think I actually wanted to prove us to be this bad? I didn't.

It hurt every time I asked a question and hurt me, even more, when I turned out to be right with the answer. It's like my heart has broken piece by piece, my worst ideas turning into my worst nightmares, and later on, turning into my reality. Do you think you know how it feels? You don't.

I loved you deeply, madly, and I was so attached. Not only to your looks or personality or to even your existence. I was attached by my soul. It's like you have been woven into the very fabric of my soul and the fact that you leave means tearing off that fabric, ripping my soul into pieces my dear baby.

Bonita, Darling, That day I stood so strong in front of you telling it was our last. You looked at me thinking about how evil I am to make you feel that bad. To make you feel that small.

But baby girl little did you know. Little did you know I cried the night before that all night long and the night before it and the night before ... I cried so hard and so long that I don't have any more tears to shed in front of you.

Little did you know, how fragile I was underneath despite looking so strong. Little did you know, how my heart hurt, my chest was full in pain and my mind clouded with fear, pain, and sorrow.

I remember our first day. I remember the first time I saw you. You turned all the heads in the place the moment you walked through the door. The rays of the sun on your face, how your eyes glowed, how your smile caught hearts and eyes. I kept blinking to believe it was you, and you are real.

I still remember our first time to hold hands. I remember your hands were smoother than silk and warmer than a mother's hug to her newborn.

I remember the first time we hugged, I remember how your warmth could melt the accumulated ice on my heart, how I could feel your heart beating against mine taking it back into life.

I remember the first time we kissed, and how the world around us disappeared like it has melted into oblivion like it has all burnt away into ashes and flown so far away leaving us standing into the middle of space, among the stars and the galaxies.

I remember our first fight, I couldn't sleep that night, I was afraid to lose you. I guess I was always afraid to lose you. I even guess I lived my whole life afraid of losing. Somehow, and despite all that I do to avoid losing, I end up losing anyway. Losing people I love the most, losing things I want the most, losing my way, losing purpose. Only one thing I didn't lose all the way, and maybe it's the sole reason for my suffering; Hope. I never lost hope; However, I am not sure this time.

I stand in front of you unshaken, steady, looking into your eyes while saying goodbye. I am raging inside, turbulent, shaken with a thousand doubts, a thousand questions. Did I deserve this? What did I do wrong this time? How could we end up here? What could have I done better? Could have I done any more? Why do we have to go through all of this? Is there another way? Can I still fix this?

I never felt so helpless. so dumb to have no answer for any of these questions. So weak that I couldn't say anything but the words I rehearsed all night long just to speak them in a very mechanic manner, Afraid to step out of the script and lose myself in front of you and break into tears.

I just wanted to kiss you one last time, to make it a perfect kiss so you can always remember me by it. I just wanted to hug you one last time to have enough of your warmth to fight the cold for the upcoming dark nights. I just wanted to hold you tight so you can't go away even when I tell you to.

I just wanted to touch your face before we go. I just wanted your smell to be all over me.

I just wanted you to stay, But how? How can I make you stay? And how can I make it work if you do? I have consumed all the possible answers, all the workarounds, and all the compromises.

How come you hurt me this way? How come after all we went through? How come after fighting the world, I get killed by you? How come you could look at my eyes, and lie at me too? How come all the plans we made, all the hope and all the dreams fall over on me and you?

I am so sorry, we are here. I am so sorry we are now. I am so sorry to ever be that sorry.

My Baby, Bonita, Boo, I loved you, I love you, I always did, and will always do.

I don't know if I any longer have the strength to fight again, or the ability to love again, or even the energy to move forward with life, or further with anything.

I don't know what the days would bring, and I don't know if I have any more hope to live with.

I am sorry. For Afterall, I still couldn't be enough."

Mr. Stranger

In the Stranger World, S was wandering after he almost became an expert of this elusive

world works, how people usually behave around, the patterns of the events and the language

of the conversations. To his surprise, he discovers a darker area, a territory he has never been

to before. A territory that seems so dark and howling. At that point, S was looking for a new

adventure, a different kind of distraction anyway. Unhesitated, he walked in.*

S walks into the dark streets of this new area he just discovered, and as he always did into the

stranger world, he kept observing and grasping the details. Analyzing how people behave in this area, he could only realize that people here seem darker and more chaotic. There were no certain patterns, groups, purposes or even language that seemed to be common among these people. Not even the faces, they tended to have faces of different creatures -not all humans-. The only thing he could feel in common all over that area was the atmosphere that was radiating negativity and paradoxical sense. It was all blue ... The darkest shade of blue.

Not so long after, S starts to establish communication with the inhabitants of that territory. He spends long hours there to gain their trust and good acquaintanceship. Freaks, Creeps, Narcissists, Gods, Sinners, and Weirder creatures. The one question that keeps wondering in his head is "How to survive this territory? how do you get this fucked up mix to keep clear of you rather than admire/befriend you?" and the answer was clear; However, the execution was not.

The idea was sooner clear enough, to befriend the weird mixture you should be a creep because creeps are unique and bold enough, creeps come in all sizes and shapes. But one problem with a creep is that creeps are always problematic in a way or another. And that was the paradox S was facing till he noticed one more thing ... that place fed on controversiality. And that was the key, the one shape of creeps that that place would be thirsty for ... the unproblematic creep.

Bold enough, different, assertive and initiated, yet unproblematic and a peace bringer. Luckily enough, S knew well how to put those together. And thus, S has started to rise among them.

Good or bad as they think, S didn't care, all he was escaping there anyway, trying to only enjoy his true self under a thin layer of the creep they would give a chance. he started to have a growing interest in some of the creatures a goddess, a demon, a Siren, a succubus and ... a Vampire.

This is a tale of when S comes to meet the vampire of that darkest place.

The Vampire of the Stranger World

That place was the darkest place in the Stranger World, typically, it's always night. And who better rules night and darkness than the rulers of the dark themselves, Vampires. Vampires held very high ranks in that place and in the Stranger World generally. They are bold, beautiful, and lustful, but as they should be ... not very approachable.

Vampires are beautiful creatures, and this one was the prettiest in the Stranger World. A perfect body with all the proportions drawn to the finest details by god himself. the finest artisans couldn't grasp her details in a single piece of art. Her aura was so strong, her character was so bold and her presence could be felt all over the territory from a distance.

S was not a commoner, he wouldn't just gain interest in things because people do. But there was one particular vampire that was very remarkable. She was different, graceful, she had quite a presence ... the most remarkable vampire in that world. Vampires always had companions around them, worshippers and even followers. That certain vampire was the most followed and worshiped one by the creatures of that dark world.

S could observe how keen were the creatures to approach the vampire. How even the most remarkable creatures didn't see to get enough interest. So he decided not to bother anyway. S never liked the crowd, never went on the liking of commoners' likings. so he decided he won't express interest, even if there was admiration indeed.

The magic, The luck, and The destiny

S kept going to that place doing magical tricks, and controversial shows that were admired by some of the creatures and despised by the others (it was a controversial place after all). Nevertheless, he became a known guest of the territory. He made friends, enemies, and even some shady relations into that dark place, He is established now.

One day S was performing, and that graceful Vampire was walking by. S is well aware of the surroundings and could notice her catching interest in the show, yet she was too graceful to show it. S perfected that show that night and admiration was all over the place. And on seeing that look, S started to grow interested in the graceful Vampire. But how do you hunt a vampire? moreover, how do you hunt the queen of vampires? that was the question that S had to answer.

the night was over, and S left the stranger world till he comes back next night, but while he was walking out of the magical portal. he hears a swift motion, he looks back into the vast dark space to find nothing. Normally you would think it is just the wind or maybe a tiny trivial creature, but S knew better ... but he decided to walk out peacefully anyway.

A few days later, while S was performing his show as always, the vampire was around so he made a trick that he kept hidden for so long, a very special trick of an old spell book he read long ago, a spellbook about vampire magic, the trick was sophisticated that only a vampire would understand. and to his better luck, the vampire was paying attention, seeing that remarkable trick ... she approached behind his stage after he finished the show.

- Vampire: "So are you the guy that approached me saying he is a magician?" she asked in such grace and ego.

- S: "No dear, I guess I am the guy you are approaching now" He answered steadily.

- Vampire smiled a confident half-smile and continued: "So who you might be?" she asked curiously.

- S: "I can tell you a name, but I know that is not the answer you are looking for" he answered confidently "I have a better offer to make. I like making good deals, so how about you get to ask me two questions you want in exchange I get to ask only one questions" he stated in an inviting manner.

- Vampire: "Interesting, Are you creep as you look or are you hiding something else?" she asked firmly

- S answered: "I am in a way; However, I can assure you I am hiding lots more"

- Vampire: "I want to see your true face" she continued right after he pauses

- S: "As you wish" S answers as he reveals his true face.

- Vampire: "You don't look much like a creep, actually you look more like a vampire" she replies in a bit surprised yet very calm tone "Go on ask your question" she continues in a cold tone.

- S: "How do you like your wine?" he asks playfully.

- Vampire: " Red, Sweet, aged and in a long goblet" she replies confused "Why would the only question you have to be about my wine?" she asked confused.

-S: "I can answer 2 more questions of yours in exchange for one more question from me" he replies smiling.

- Vampire: "Quit the games we are already talking" she answers firmly.

- S: "Because my next question would have been when would you like to join me for a red sweet aged wine long goblet?" he replies confidently.

- Vampire: "Too bold of you, don't you think?" she asks.

- S: "I believe I should be, I am asking the most graceful vampire around anyway" he replies confidently.

- Vampire: "We will talk again, farewell creep" she answers and flies away.

S never followed, instead, he gathered his tricks and magic and left the stranger world that night.

Into the vampire's lair

Romantic faded lights, 2 glasses of wine on the dining table in the background, and both of S and the Vampire are kissing passionately

S pauses for a second and says: "I know you must have heard this a million times before, but you are perfect and I am going to enjoy every inch of this perfection ... slowly, and passionately"

She replies: "I am not sure how many times you heard it before, but the only perfection here is you"

They kissed gently right after, then kissed passionately, then they were eating each other's lips. S starts to move his hand on her body while she was unbuttoning his shirt. Their harmony was like a perfect tango dance with both of them very professionally going with the rhythm without missing a single note, he kisses her neck; she unbuttons his pants, he takes off her clothes she kisses his neck, he pushes her back, kisses every inch of her body (just like he promised), and enjoys tasting her inch by inch.

She feels each inch of his skin while he eats her piece by piece. He was playing the strings of her body like a professional violinist and she was just giving him the perfect tones as he did.

The long night it was, they talked, drank, had sex for hours and hours .....

Vampire: "Nice ass, you weren't lying, and you have surely a magical stick, I understand now how you can do lots of spells," she said in a laughing voice

S: " Imagine The Vampire telling someone great ass ... and did you know my magic stick grants wishes? you just have to rub it the right way" he replied jokingly.

Vampire: "I think we have used that stick for too long tonight ... can't say it didn't grant my wishes" she replied and winked at him

S: "So ... that was a bit much for a 1-night stand don't you think?"

V: "Fuck you ... maybe we can do a 2 nights stand" she answers playfully

S: "So I have one question though ... Who prints a person's face on a cushion anyway?" he asks sarcastically pointing to a cushion beside the dining table.

They both laugh, kiss, and cuddle.

Little did they know about the upcoming days, as the stranger world they came from, this tale was about to get  ..... Stranger.

A cold night, very dark, very windy. There is not a soul in the dark wide street except one man.

The man stands there looking in his mobile phone and not moving a single muscle*

Standing there in the middle of the wind, dust, darkness, and cold. Mr. S stands there on the side of the street looking at a fixed spot where a new very good looking BMW is parked.

He just stands there .... waiting. it's only when the rear lights of the car lit up, the engine started and the car left, that S picks up his phone and chooses some contact to dial.

- "Hey" The voice of a female answer.

- "Has she left already?" Mr. S asked

- "Yes, Come in" The voice replied.

Mr. S walks slowly yet confidently towards the entrance of the building in front of which the car was parked. He buttons his jacket while he enters the building. He enters the apartment on the ground floor, the door wasn't locked, but he locked it after he entered the place and started unbuttoning his jacket.

A young lady comes from the inner room walking slowly towards him. In her sleep clothes, her curvy body could be easily seen through the silk fabric of her sleeping coat. she approaches him and hugs him tight.

- "How was your day? and your drive here?" She asked

- "Just fine" He answered in a calm voice

- "Should I make you something to drink?" She asked as he approaches the couch in the living room and sits down.

- "No, just come here" Mr. S answers pointing to the couch beside him.

She walks towards him, sits down and leans her head on his shoulder. He reaches around her with his arm and hugs her close.

- " I missed you," she tells him

- " Why was she here this late E?" Mr. S asks as he hugs her tight.

- " You know she was my roommate, she checks after me, she works for the company I work for, I can't just say no don't come" she replied looking down.

- "It's ok, but you need to avoid having her while I am coming" He replies in a calm voice yet firmly.

- " Are you gonna spend the night?" E asks eagerly.

- " No dear, I have to go" He replies in a cold tone of voice.

She leans towards his chest and puts her head on it and hugs him tight, and closes her eyes in silence. He plays with her hair until she falls asleep. He then carries her to her bed, walks to the living room and lights a cigarette.

He takes a paper and grabs his pen from the inner pocket of his jacket and starts writing.

"I know the truth behind all of this. I will vanish, and you will suffer. Not because of something I will do, but because of the mess you have made, and the evil you have done."

And he signed. Mr. Stranger

He stood up, put off his cigarette, buttoned his jacket and left the place.

In the back seat of the Uber on his way home, the memories run through his head. He remembers the first time he talked with E.

4 PM the first time he meets E

- Evil E: "Have you arrived"

- Mr. S: "Yes I am in front of the university you told me about"

- Evil E: "Okay walk to the location I have sent you, I am just changing my clothes. You can come and wait for me so we can go out together"

Mr. S feeling a bit strange, and having mixed thoughts, he walked towards the location.

He walks in knocks the door she described. She opens the door and she seems to be putting on her clothes just as she said.

He thought maybe there is nothing behind her request and maybe she just being at ease. after all a girl inviting a guy whom she never saw before to her place while she puts her clothes on is not so cheesy ... is it?

He sits in the living room. she asks him if he wants a hot drink. Mr. S replies " I will help myself, just tell me where the kitchen is."

He walks to the kitchen, finds two cups, puts the kettle on to boil, and prepares two cups of Nescafé. He then picks both cups and goes to the living room while she comes in, combing her hair, and sits beside him to have their drinks.

- Mr. S: "So where do you want to go?"

- Evil. E: " anywhere you want, what do you think?"

- Mr. S: "So, I like your place and thanks for the coffee. It's a nice place to chill btw"

- Evil. E: "We can stay here and watch something, maybe make some food if you want ..."

- Mr. S trying to hide all the questions in his head "Sure, that sounds cool"

- Evil. E: "Let me change my clothes again then ... feel at home"

Mr. S waits sitting calmly and confident while in his head storms are breaking out. he keeps control because he doesn't want to jump to any conclusions to avoid making a scene. His thoughts were cut by her coming back in more comfortable clothes. but before she sits down ... the doorbell rings.

- Mr. S: "Are you expecting someone?"

- Evil E: "No, let me check"   she goes to the door and check through. "It's one of my friends" she shakingly asks "Can you please go to my room and close the door till I see what's up with her?"

- Mr. S: "okaaay ... " he plays along

- Evil.E: "Please, she must not know you are here, I don't want her to have any impressions"

Mr. S avoiding making a scene walks to the room and locks the door. he couldn't hear a voice outside. and the 30 minutes he spends in there was like a prison.

He was full of anxiety.

She cuts all his hesitant thoughts and enters the room. "She left," she says.

Mr. S controlling all his rage and anger and in a calm voice "What was this all about?"

She starts telling him "That girl is a colleague of mine at the company I work for. She was my roommate, she sometimes comes to check and ask. that's it."

Mr. S doesn't comment.

She continues: " Please feel comfortable ... I am sorry for all of this" She approaches him and tries to touch his chest to ease him.

Mr. S takes a step backward. he stands silent for 3 seconds and then says "We need to eat something, what do you want to eat?"

She smiles and takes his hand running to the kitchen,  "We can make food!" she says.

They walk to the kitchen and Mr. S deciding on his mind to no longer control his thoughts ... he is gonna make a careful move.

Later on that night

Both S and E naked, her head on his chest she moves her fingers on his body and giggles

-Evil E: "You got to be Mr. Perfect. you are just sooooo goood!"

- Mr. S smiles with no reply. he pulls her head towards him and kisses her.

"I have to go," he says.

-E: "Can't you spend the night?"

-S: "No, I can't" he replies firmly.

Through the mess in her room, S could notice there were new boxed iPhone, Ipad, and some branded perfumes, a 3 branded bags. He couldn't care less, He wasn't after anyone's money anyway.

He puts on his clothes and walks towards the door. she follows in a rush. he looks at her and she jumps to hug him. he hugs her back and leaves.

3 weeks later 11 AM At S's Workplace

He texts on his mobile phone after receiving her text.

- E: "I need your help with something?"

- S: "Sure, what is it?"

- E: " I need to issue a driving license, but not on my current address"

- S: "Have you got a car?"

- E: "Soon"

- S: "How? and why not on your address?"

- E: "I will explain later"

3 days later, 10 PM at a resto-bar near E's house

A table in the corner, E is sitting in her nonmatching yet very expensive clothes. S enters the place in his gray shirt and his dark jeans.

- E: "You are never late are you?" she asks as S approaches her table at exactly the same time he should have shown up.

- S: "Here's your license" he hands her a driving license while smiling confidently.

"No may I ask, how are you paying for your car?"

- E: " I managed to save some money" she replies shortly

- S: "Wow, you must get paid a lot to have saved that much in few months" he sarcastically commented.

- E: "Well ... I just had good commissions on sales" she replied hesitantly.

- S: "We should celebrate anyway" He says in a fake cheerful tone "get us 2 of our fine pasta with shrimps all over and get us one of your finest wine bottles right after that, please" he loudly says to the waiter "Tonight should be classy and wild"

- E smiles awkwardly.

Mr. S knew that E has only come from another governorate to work here in a domestic business. she was a sales specialist in a small importing company that sells imported machinery spare parts. He is, of course, familiar with this kind of business due to his work exposure.

3 hours later in her house

S Naked standing in front of the window of E's room with a cigarette in his hand

- S: " So how is it at work? ... still facing problems with that bitch?"

- E: " yea she keeps acting slutty around the owner, he makes her now in charge of almost all the sales ... she is almost taking my job" she said angrily.

- S: "I see ..." he replies calmly while inhaling his cigarette and gently breathing out the smoke

" So how is he treating you lately?" he continued

- E: "Not really quite well, he keeps complaining about my performance" she replied in a sad voice.

Mr. S moves back to the bed beside E, he swiftly notices notifications coming to her mobile from someone named "B". a nickname obviously, a nickname for someone close. He acts pretty normal, takes her in his arms, and sleep.

2 days later on the phone

- E: " S help me, please!, I got fired off my job and now I have to leave my house"

- S: "What happened? I am on my way to you!"

S arrives at the location E sent him, she is out there with 2 big luggage bags sitting on the pavement and her face looks like her tears just dried off it.

- S: "It's ok, I am here. Let's put your bags in the car and talk". They put the bags and ride the car and E starts ...

- E: "I managed to find a place to stay, it's my friend's house and she is out of town for a month. I can stay there until I get out of this situation"

- S: "Ok let's head there so you can rest a bit. It's been a long day"

They arrive at the place. An old building, it's a ground floor apartment. The windows and doors look old, the place is a mess and dusty, it's like no one has been here for ages. they start to clean and sort out the house.

After they are done, they go to one of the rooms to rest. E starts telling her story ...

"That bitch!" she curses in an angry voice "She played him, she took him to her side, and took everything from me!" she continues in a quieter tone."

"She started acting slutty and bitching around him, she seduced him, he went for her and pampered her. He started treating me badly or ignore my existence and criticize my work" She kept telling the story while S started to link the chain links through the details. and suddenly asks "why did you leave your apartment though?... it's not a beginning of the month"

She pauses for a second, her eyes look a bit shocked, she answers quickly "The rent was paid by the company".

Mr. S knew that a company of such a small size and a limited number of workers wouldn't rent that kind of big apartment to a single sales employee of such a young age. It all makes sense now, the dots are making up thin lines, the lines are forming the bigger picture.

The same fancy car that often he came to find moving away from the building whenever she claimed to have a friend over. Her friend who couldn't see him on the first day, the texts from the person with an intimate nickname, the money for the car, the fancy stuff at the old apartment that is beyond E's paygrade. All of that leads only to one conclusion...

There are 2 guys who were played here, but no longer, one of them is already being played by another baby doll. And S refuses to be any longer part of the play.

In the back seat of the Uber on his way home, the memories run through his head. He remembers the first time he talked with E.

He grabs his phone and texts the number he could take from E's phone -the one that had the intimate nickname-.

"It's a shame a guy like you being played by 2 dumb useless gold diggers, the first one you can find at *he types the address of where E is staying*. And the second one you know where to find ... probably in your own office. And yea btw, I liked the apartment you rent for them, but it's a little bit space. One last thing, Nice car, didn't make you any less fool though. I expect you to act accordingly. or maybe you are just another fabled fool. Cheers"

He sends the text, blocks the number everywhere and throws the SIM away.

S Lays his back and lights a cigarette ...

The cozy living room of S's family house, a warm evening, only the 2 of them sitting together and a conversation starts

- S: "So you are the coolest guy in this family, where can I organize that day?" S asked in a sarcastic tone

- H: "Come on, suck it!" he replied

- S: "Let me tell you about what I did last year then. Liste and learn from your coolest brother"

S Starts telling a story ...

S leans his back against the couch and keeps talking at ease

"It was a magical day. I can't even claim I planned it to be this perfect. I tried to plan lots of things, I took my time, researched my options. I wanted it to be fancy, impressive, breathtaking taking and unusual.

My first thought was sushi, she always loved sushi, and she never stopped talking about that love. And the Nile, I always promised her to take her to the Nile. I wanted to give her that badly, as she never really been anywhere near the Nile. I wanted that day to be special, very special. I wanted her to never forget that day.

So I searched for every Sushi place in Cairo especially those by the Nile. There weren't many places that satisfy those criteria that I could manage to reserve, so I had to compromise, either the Sushi or the Nile.

Unhesitated, I chose the Nile. I made my plan took care of the finest details and I am going to tell you now what happened that day"

S woke up to the sound of his alarm ringing loud in the room, He looks at his mobile screen and checks the time. He chooses a rose shirt and gray pants and runs to have his morning shower. The hot water, the flowery smell, and the steam couldn't cover up the immersive stream of ideas he had inside. The different scenarios of the day stormed his head like he is preparing for some sort of a hard exam.

In fact, he never worried so much before exams. He walks out and starts dressing, then he showers himself in his favorite perfume, the one she always complimented. He doesn't rush, takes his coffee peacefully and starts reading the note he kept on his phone for how the day should go. He smiles confidently, puts on his shoes and walks out of the house.

He moves to the place he booked earlier to confirm his reservation. He arrives there and it was the first time he sees the place. It was grand. The place looked fancy, the classy oldish style of the furniture with the warm cozy lighting made the atmosphere perfect. A pretty young woman meets him and asks him for the reservation name. he mentions his name and leaves her the reservation confirmation and asks to meet the chief butler. an old man in a suit comes and had a small conversation with S. S then leaves.

S Arrives at a small cafe near the university where Bonita studies, He sits there in silence having another coffee and using his laptop to run some errands.

It is 1 PM. Bonita finishes at 1:30 PM, so he packs his laptop and stuff and gets ready.

He texts her: "Hey darling, how is your day?"

Bonita texts back: " A normal day dear, I will just finish this lecture and go home, How is work?"

S Texts: "Actually, There's no work today dear"

B: "What do you mean? are you ok?"

S: " Yes dear, in fact, I am 10 minutes away from you. you will find a car waiting for you outside, so get done with this boring lecture already"

B" "OMG, you are here!, Ok I am gonna be right there"

S: " Love you, dear"

B: "Love you"

Bonita walks out and finds a car in front of her college waiting for her. In the back seat, There was S looking all well-groomed, smart dressed, and smiling warmly.

He steps out and opens the door for her.

S: "You look gorgeous darling, Happy Birthday love," he says smiling warmly as he welcomes her.

Bonita runs at him with a huge smile: "OMG you came! I thought you won't be able to make it. Thank you dear that you are here today! It means the whole world!" She says enthusiastically.

S: "I wouldn't miss it, baby, I never would. so let's get moving?" He answers her gently and confidently.

She gets in the car and takes his hands and holds them tight into hers, and starts again:

Bonita: "So where are we going?" she asks joyfully.

S: "You already know we are going out because it's your birthday. That's enough information for now" He replies confidently.

Bonita says nothing, smiles at him while her eyes shine bright like diamonds. She then leans on his shoulders and takes his hands closer and hugs them.

The road was soon over...

They arrive.

Bonita starts excitedly: "We are going to be here by the Nile?!?!?!"

The pretty lady at the reception welcomes them.

Lady: "Weclome Ms. Bonita, have you had a good ride?"

Bonita smiles and doesn't say a word in a shy manner.

S: "Thank you, my kind lady, can you please show us our table?" he replies friendly.

Lady: "Most Certainly Mr. S, please follow me" she replies friendly and gently.

They follow her to a big table in the corner of that vast place so elegantly decorated. the bronze paintings and the warm light and the antiques. Two elegant butlers pull their seats from the big table in the corner to have them seated just when a third one gives them their menus.

"I will be back in 10 minutes to take your orders," The waiter said with a smile on his face.

Bonita's smile never left her face since she stepped out of the car. Once the waiter moved away she started

B: "OMG, This place is AWESOME S! OMG, it's perfect! and it's on a boat! in the Nile! I love you so much!"

she says that while her eyes sparkle even more the shiniest diamond in the British art museum. S is charmed, in fact, he is doomed. It's all worth it. that look, those eyes, this smile ... It's all worth it.

S: "We have to choose our dishes so fast or you are gonna miss the best part" He replies gently and calmly while he looks at her completely charmed. he starts to open his menu and make a recommendation for a dish or two to her. Sooner the waiter comes and takes their order. S then grabs her hand and takes her to a wide door on the sidewall of that restaurant. He opens it and there they are ... on the deck of that boat. Bonita is stunned.

It is sunset. the gradient of colors of the setting sun among the cloudy sky meeting the color of the water of the Nile, the green of the distant gardens on the other shore, and the crashing reflection on the calm waves on the surface of the water. It was a godly painting of beauty that could only be complimented into perfection by the gentle cold breeze of air touching their faces.

S However, he has his own interest away from such beauty. Another kind of beauty, his favorite kind as he would say. Another godly painting ... Bonita.

He looks into her to grasp as much of her details as his limited human senses could. Her brown wavy hair turning goldish under the fading light of sunset, her olive-green eyes glazing against the sunset as if another sun has raised into them, and Her, steady standing like a beautiful sculpture of a Greek goddess of beauty with perfect body details and not a slight single piece of details remotely close to a flaw.

After moments of astonishment, Bonita runs into S's arms ... Silently. She stays silent for a minute. S feels satisfied ... relaxed. It's that exact moment that he really started to enjoy the day without the tiniest bit of stress. He then starts

S: " Hey Boo, let's go to the tip of this boat?" He says in a very calm peaceful voice, almost whispering.

She jumps out of his arms running towards the tip and grabbing his hand "YES! let's go sit there and watch the sunset!" He follows with a silent satisfied smile.

They sit on the tip of the boat chatting till the sun sets completely in the horizon, and in the exact perfect moment, one of the butlers walks in to tell them that their meal is ready.

On their way back in to their table, Bonita holds on too tight on S's arm. Everyone could sense the atmosphere. It was pure love.

They finish their meal, and S suggest going back onto the deck to enjoy their dessert and drinks there. Bonita agrees.

They sit on a table near the tip, where they start talking about memories and plans for the upcoming year, Bonita's upcoming year. "S is very rational and optimistic, he always provides support and guidance" As she always described him. During their conversation, a distant chanting starts. Bonita doesn't notice what the distant chanting is about, but S ... He is well-aware. Sooner, they are interrupted by 4 butlers singing "Happy Birthday to you" and introducing a big birthday cake with her name on it. She looks at him and jumps to hug him.

- Bonita: "You really are full of surprises aren't you?" She asks in extreme joy and admiration.

- S: "Happy Birthday love, may your upcoming year carry you nothing but happiness, and gives you nothing but joy and progress, may you achieve your goals, and catch your dreams effortlessly. Happy birthday, Boo" He replies genty and kisses her hand.

- Bonita after a long pause of silence "We should take some pictures"

- S: "Oh yes we should!" replies in excitement

And a beautiful picture it was. Nile river in the background, night view, and her beautiful face beside his looking happy and cheerful.

H Interrupts the story being told by S: "We get it, you are the birthdays guru, so before you start telling me the story of the proposal after this one, please tell me ... what's your plan this time?" he asks in a nagging voice

S laughs in pride and starts talking: "This year my brother, it would be different. She does need something more than fancy places, and me trying to impress her. This year is important, she needs support, inclusion, and to feel loved, not only by me. So here is the plan, we bring in the cavalry" He said in a strong tone.

- H replies: "Ok stop the bullshit now, go right into the details man," H says that in a very impatient manner.

- S: "It will be a standard surprise party, I will get her friends all in one place." S answers in a relaxed tone.

- H: "That's pretty simple, It doesn't even compare to what you have been ranting about for the past 30 minutes" in a surprised and a critical tone.

- S: "The idea itself is simple, but listen, last year I wanted to show her how much I love her, this year I want to show her how much the world loves her, how much people do care about her, and how much she really is to this world" in a very compassionate tone.

- H: "Very eloquent as always, yet .,. I am not impressed" he replied sarcastically.

- S: "I really don't care what you think idiot, I just need your help. I grew older and I need someone younger to suggest good places to have those kinds of parties. someone who is a cool loser, like you are" he replies in a laughing yet firm manner.

- H: "Okay fair enough, I know some places ..."

The conversation continues and S starts plotting his plan for Bonita's birthday. It should be a very special birthday, it's her second birthday by his side. Most importantly, Things haven't been very good lately between them. She seems dull, their conversations are getting emptier, her compassion is fading, her replies are becoming latter and latter, the quarrels are more frequent, it's really the happiest place they have been nowadays.

S could notice that she is busy with her studies, her friends, she always complained to him that she is lonely and don't really see how people around her appreciate her existence. she always suggested that she may need to have new friends.

Also, He couldn't neglect the fact that they had a very big fight not very long before that day. And despite that they have settled it and appear to reach strong agreements of trust and love, it still throws its shadows over their relationship, and even over the individual lives of each of them.

But It's time to fix all of that, it's a big day. A start to a new year, and hopefully a new era. An era of trust, love, appreciation and everlasting love.

Little did poor S know, it was the start of a devastating end ...

When the right attention comes from the wrong person

Baby Bonita takes closes her diaries ... thinks for a second ... re-opens her diaries and starts writing again

Aside from S;

Today was such a hassle. Like the previous 10 days, I am still the center of attention in our small

group. Girls envious looks are clear to me. And why wouldn't they be envious? I mean the most

handsome guys are both developing huge crush me on, and even more, they happen to be the

leaders of the group. The first in charge is the most handsome (Boy R), all the girls have tried to talk to him to but he is playing the hard to reach. Not for me though,  everyone could see how he intends to share my tasks and exist where I exist.

I still remember that day when all the girls were together having a conversation, and how they assumed that there is something growing between me and him. He is arrogant, and an idiot, and I am already in a relationship with S, but I let them say anyway. It wouldn't hurt anyone. They don't know about S and S wouldn't know about anything that is happening or being said here. After all, what he doesn't know won't really hurt him. And well, why should I lose the nice gestures anyway?

The other guy (Boy A) though is neither as handsome nor as charismatic as the first; however, he is far more obsessed that it worries me. since we started this event he has been trying to approach me in every possible way there is, gifts, gestures, small talks, and the fact that I am stuck with him every day on my way from and to the place is just so annoying! But anyway it's still better than the hassle of getting a ride. and since he offered anyway, so yet again what's the harm?

Today was a mess, a fight broke up between the 2 guys and the second made a scene and left the place. Nobody really knows why they fought as they were really good friends (or supposed to be), but rumor has it it's because of me. I am still sitting there playing nice to everyone. Keeping my options open. I mean that's what's important at the end of the day anyway. Never run out of good options, as nobody knows what could happen next.

Despite that he left the place and is no longer part of the event, he still comes every day after we finish to pick me up and take me home. Poor guy, it was in vain today anyway, S came and took me home. I imagine how he felt for his effort to be in vain, I am sorry for him somehow, but it is really his choice and I didn't ask for any of it.

The mess didn't stop at the fight, I discovered that the mess has been traveling among the place ...

Fair court, 14 girls dressed in formal dresses and suits sitting together in the break before the next forum

The indistinct noises of girly chatters are broken by a girl raising her voice asking distinctly: "So Bonita, tell us about you and Boy R?" the voices of girly giggles aroused for a tiny while then went into silence.

- Bonita being a little shocked, gasps and answers in a shaky voice: "What? What do you mean me and Boy R?"

- The girl goes on in a laughing cunning voice: "Come on, we all can sense the tension here ..."

- Bonita starts to build defenses and answers strongly: "It's all in your heads dears, there nothing going on between me and anyone here"

- Another girl rushingly asks: "Isn't the fight between Boy A and Boy R because of you? R knew you were developing a crush on him and so he went to talk with A to stop chasing you around they say"

- Bonita in an aggressive manner: "Who said that? you guys have been running those rumors around?! cut it" she stands up after saying that.

- Girls went silent for seconds when one of Bonita's friends spoke: "It's ok dear, it's just chitty chats, they are meaningless anyway ..." Bonita walks out of the group before she even finishes her sentence. The girl follows.

Both step alone outside the building while a conversation starts between them.

- Bonita: "What was that about? Can you please tell me?" she asks in a shocked tone.

- Girl: "It's that girl ... remember the day we were talking and rating the boys on the team? she told her boyfriend that you like R and I think that her boyfriend told him. that may be the reason behind the fight" she answers calmly.

- Bonita: "What?! How can she do that?! Are you guys insane?!" she bursts.

- Girl: "Look it's all meaningless. just let it all slide with no reaction and everything will be ok" She awkwardly answers while stepping to go back inside.

Back into her diaries

I can't express how that made me angry, it's so annoying when people interfere with personal stuff. I spend the rest of the day annoyed, angry, and I could feel everyone trying to avoid me. It was obvious why.

It was only several hours before S came and the day started to get better ... much better.

Anyway, I can't help but think that maybe this why I love S, he is grown up, mature and not part of any of this childish hassle, but it's also what I am missing being with him, the rush the lively mistakes of being young and experiencing these childish mistakes and whims. He always tries to be so wise, provides support, advice, and guidance. It's great about him, but it also makes him feel like a parent somehow, especially that he can get overprotective sometimes.

He is always too busy, always working, always far away, I can barely see him. I look at all the other girls in a relationship with guys from our university ... They spend too much time together, all the time. they get to enjoy the looks, the gifts, and the feelings all the time ... all the time that I have to spend alone or waiting for him to show up.

It's worth it, I know. He is better than all of them combined, he is smart, handsome, well achieved, well mannered, ambitious, and loves me madly, but ... what about all this wasted time? why should I sacrifice all this time that I can be enjoying like all of those girls do? it's my early 20s and they say this is the time you make good memories ... the best they say.

I love S, I really do, that's why I can't give up on him. I don't think I can go on without his support and love, he somehow made me a better person, but his life is hard, and being with him makes it my life too ... I sometimes wish it was never my life.

It was a long day, a stormy one, a very bad one if S didn't show up by its end to make it a very good day eventually. He always does that when he is around anyway, he always tries his best to make everything perfect for me and for us, and he usually succeeds as he did today.

Dear diary, the blue bird in my chest is aching tonight. The storm has passed as it seems ... But I am still anxious about my forever ongoing struggle ... I believe I just deserve more than all of this ...

Bonita.

Two weeks after the Bday

In the corner of his darkroom, S is sitting crossing his legs and holding his mobile phone with both hands, sobbing with tears all over his face and falling to the ground while he is focused on the mobile screen and keeps swiping what seems to be pictures. The room furniture is as always, his laptop is on and thrown away on his bed, the room is dark and only the light from his mobile screen is illuminating the room

S swipes the mobile screen

On the phone screen there seems to be a chat between 2 people, one of them is Bonita, the other one is ... a stranger guy ... The conversation was dated to be 2 weeks earlier and it went like

- Bonita: "So how was your day?"

- The guy: "Just finished work and I am finally back home, we had a long meeting today, How was your day?"

- Bonita: "It was fun actually, my friends made me a birthday party"

- The guy: "Oh Happy Birthday! Guess I owe you a birthday date?"

- Bonita: "Of course, I am eagerly waiting for it!

When will you be back in Cairo, I really want to see you!"

- The guy: "Soon, I just have to finish work here and I will be back to Alex first, It's a shame you can't join me in Alex the place is wonderful there"

- Bonita: "I can't unfortunately because of the university, I am very eager to see you anyway"

- The guy: "Me too pretty, I have to go sleep now. Good night"

- Bonita: " Good night handsome"

S swipes the mobile screen one more time while Sobbing loudly

On the phone screen a chat between Bonita and her closest friend, The conversation is dated back to the day Bonita was locked down in the university due to weather while S spent 12 hours driving on locked roads in a failed attempt to reach her and get her back home

Bonita: " I told you before that guy is vulgar and his way is just too childish"

Her Friend: " He kept insisting that he wanted to know you and I had to introduce you to get him off my head, and I asked you before I do ... you said you think he is cute"

Bonita: " Yes he has no manners, his language is vulgar and I even paid for my own coffee when I met him. I mean look"

Bonita shares a screenshot of another conversation with an unknown guy -obviously the guy he is talking about-, the conversation between them went like:

- Bonita: "There is a friend of ours trying to reach our place so he can get me back home"   (referring to S)

- The guy: "If I were that guy I would just cut off my relationship with you all and curse you easier than making all this effort"

- Bonita: "Maybe my friend has more manners then"

- The guy: "So are you sleeping over at your friend's"

- Bonita: " Yes"

- Bonita: "See? he is such an asshole"

- Her friend: "Then why are you keeping talking to him?"

- Bonita: "It's a change of mood, he is not the one and only anyway ..."

S keeps swiping the mobile screen with a faster pattern

Bonita's photos keep appearing on the screen as a part of a dating app profile. He remembers every good comment he gave to her about every single photo of them and it only hurts more so he swipes faster in order to get past them.

Photos of conversations with random strangers on that app appear with flirtation that is even with the same words and phrases that he used to hear from her so he keeps swipes faster and faster and eventually throws the phone off his hand and breaks into crying uncontrollably.

The room became dark with the absence of the only light coming out of that screen, but it was way darker into S's mind. He was suffering. He felt like his world is crashing down all over his head. It was like after climbing up to the top that he built with efforts and time and dedication ... he was pushed off that top. Unwillingly, he lost all balance ... He was falling ... completely out of control ... a free fall. He was falling and there is nothing he can grasp to, He was falling and there was nothing down there to save him, He was falling into darkness and he couldn't even see how far was the fall.

It wasn't the first fall for S, but surely this one was the hardest and he didn't know if he could survive this one.

After all, He was right, but he cursed himself, Bonita, and the world for being right. He was so confused, so lost, so weak. A thousand questions broke out into his head ... Why did that happen? What did he do wrong? How did he end up like this? Why does he have to deal with all of this? Is this really what he is worth after all?

At the same time, another sort of questions was arising and making the situation worse ... What's next? How do to deal with all of this? Can this be fixed? Would I be able to do what needs to be done? What's after this? A start over? Haven't I had my fair share of start overs already?

The storms were cut by the sound of his phone ringing ... it was Bonita.

S Left the phone to ring and rushed to the bathroom, washed his face, went back to his room, and called Bonita back.

The phone conversation between S and Bonita

- S clears his voice and starts: " Heyyyy baby, how are you dear?" he says with a very calm and soft voice

- Bonita joyfully response: "Boo my dresses just came and they are amazing I am so excited to try them" her voice was so excited and cheerful

- S trying to share the excitement: "Oh my god dear that's amazing, I wanna see them on you already ... show me show me" In a shaky pretentiously joyful voice.

- Bonita in extreme joy for S's reaction: "Sure Boo! but tell me are you home yet? was your day okay? Am I seeing you this weekend?" she kept asking in an excited voice.

- S replies in a soft tone of voice: "I am home and ok dear, my day was fine and you are surely seeing me on the weekend ... everything is fine ... Now go try those dresses and show me how they look like on you" he concludes softly and cheerfully.

- Bonita: "Okay baby ... Love you TONS!" she replies back happily

- S:" Love you too dear, Bye" S closes the conversation gently.

S throws the mobile phone from his hand, falls to the ground, and sits putting his face into his hands and starts to cry loudly.

He knows what exactly he has to do ... and that's what broke him even harder ...

Messy room, the light of sun enters the room through the part of the window not covered by the curtains. The alarm rings as the clock strike 7:00 AM

S wakes up excited, he stops the alarm and rushes to his wardrobe. He needs to select a good outfit, the best he can maybe. It's not a big day or even a special event, but his heart can't stop beating fast. He is excited, a bit nervous, and happy.

He picks that plaid shirt he likes the most, a sleeveless black pullover and his favorite jeans and a pair of brown new shoes. "That would look both smart, and cute," He thought to himself. He goes into the bathroom looks at his clean shaved face, his well-trimmed hair and takes off his clothes to jump under the extremely hot water.

As the hot water fall on his head and body, and while his muscles are relaxing, his head was working at a rapid pace, overthinking

every piece of that conversation he had earlier the previous night, and the possible details of the upcoming day. slowly enough, he was done showering.

He is supposed to be there by 11 AM. It's not even 8 now and he is already all dressed up and ready to go, he picks his phone and checks social media for a minute and decides to get going. he ties his shoes and leaves the house.

On the way, he keeps thinking of how would the day go, how would he be like, how everything would be like. The road was done so fast. or maybe he was so distracted by his own thoughts he didn't notice the time or the road.

It's 10 AM, and he is already there, so he decides to take a walk around the place.

He finds that flower shop. He knew a flower would be too much for a first date; however, he walked in anyway, he could see that gorgeous red rose that he could not resist picking up. so he got the flower, placed into the inner pocket of his coat and decided that he would only present it if the day was above expectations. And so he walks towards that cafe ...

10:40 AM, Starbucks Cafe, Makram

In a quiet corner upstairs just behind the staircase, S has chosen a table for 2 to sit and place his coat (hidden in it the rose) on the opposing chair. He sits facing the stairs. picks up his phone and texts his date.

- S: "Hey, Morning," he says in a friendly voice.

- Girl: " Hi, Morning, Have you already arrived, I am sorry if I am late" she answers joyfully.

- S: "It's really ok, I am the one who is early ... are you all ok anyway?" he asks in a comforting voice.

- Girl: "Yea, I am 10 minutes away anyway" she answers eagerly.

- S: " I will be waiting in the corner beside the stairs, are you here yet?" He texts

- Girl: "Yup, almost there" She replies.

S keeps looking at the staircase. exploring the faces of each girl that enters the place. telling himself only one sentence every time a girl walks in "No she is more beautiful"

He looks in his mobile phone at the photo of her face on more time to remember all the fine details of her beautiful face, not so long after a girl walks in the place where he is sitting. S felt like everyone in the place is turning their heads towards that girl.

She was so beautiful, her dark long smooth hair fell over her face so perfectly to view only one side of her face with her perfect nose and her olive-green eyes which were glowing and her perfectly drawn lips. Mr. S looked at her while she was exploring the place looking for him. He was too astonished to even stand up and show her the table, or even answer her call as she was looking for him.

She turns around to see him standing and smiling warmly at her. S could describe that moment in long paragraphs, how she looked, how she was like, how he felt. It was miraculous.

She approaches him slowly while he reaches out with a warm smile and a handshake.

- S: "Hey, glad you are here, have a seat," he says as he is pulling the chair for her to sit

- Girl: "Hi, thank you," she says in a friendly bit shaken voice as she sits.

- S: "So, Wow, I thought you looked gorgeous, but seeing you now ... you are stunningly beautiful," S says in an excited voice "So, here we are Bonita, here we are" He continues smiling wide.

- Bonita: " You look better in real too," she says in a shy voice.

- S: "So let me get our coffee, How do you like yours?" he asks eagerly.

- Bonita: "Mocha with caramel, hot, cream on top, small size," she says joyfully

- S: "So Mocha with caramel, hot, cream on top, small size it is" he replies in an easygoing voice.

Shortly S Returns with 2 identical coffees with their names on them, Stranger and Bonita ...

They start to talk about their conversation the earlier night, their sense of humor, their views of several topics. The harmony they have talking could be seen from distance by anyone passing, the were talking laughing and blushing.

S finds the conversation going smoother than he ever would have anticipated, so he decides to make his move.

S: "Ok this is going to sound awkward but can you please hand me my coat from behind you?" S interrupts their conversation.

Bonita: "Ok here you are" she hands him his coat in a shaking motion.

S takes the flower from inside the coat and throws the coat away. "I never did this on a first date, but, it just feels right," he says while handing her the beautiful red rose he got. Bonita instantly blushes into all red. she replies softly "Thank you, that's ... that's very sweet of you" He cuts the awkwardness by asking her about her opinion in feminism and they share a very interesting conversation.

She then asks him about himself, so he talks eagerly and she listens very attentively with a wide smile on her face. While S was telling her about his precious ornaments that he kept collecting all over the past year and shows her one of the most precious pieces that he has with him, she interrupts him with a question "Can I have it?" She asked in a childish joyful voice.

S pauses shockingly for seconds, as she realizes that she may have asked something improper "I am sorry, it's ok if you don't want to give it to me" He kept looking steadily into her eyes like he is lost, she continues "I was jealous when you told me that Red has 3 of your most precious ornaments, I thought I want one too" She went on talking but S interrupts her saying "Yes, you can have it" and hands the card to her peacefully.

"You have no idea how precious this is, but I have an idea of how precious you are going to be, you are beautiful" He continues in a steady voice. she smiles ear to ear and grabs the card placing it in her tin bag, she takes out her mobile phone and photographs their 2 cups of coffee with their names on them.

The ornament S speaks about is a comic card, a very special one, it's for himself. It has his photo on it as a part of a game that he used to present his company to some investors in a creative way. this particular card had the signatures of 3 famous investors that was really impressed by his card game/presentation

After hours of talking, S concludes saying "So I imagined today would be a good day, didn't know it will be great, You have first grabbed my attention, then my interest, then a flower on our first meeting, then all the details about my life, and finally my most precious ornament. All of these are things I don't do, but I can tell it's gonna be worth it ... What do you think, will it be?"

Bonita is both blushing and shocked by Stranger's statement and she answers in a low shaking voice "I think it will be"

He takes her coat and they both stand up to leave ...

4:30 PM, Infront of the cafe, both of them standing waiting for an uber

The weather is chilly the sky is grayish, S approaches Bonita takes off her coat and give it to her "Hey, please wear this it's kinda chilly"

- Bonita: "No thanks, I am not cold" she answers in a shy manner.

- S: "Come on dear, it's five minutes till your uber comes, please take it"

- Bonita: "Okay" she replies shy and calm while she lets him put his jacket on her. they kept speaking about how great the day was till suddenly S takes two steps backward and says

"Wow, I thank god for sending this beam of light," S says pointing at her eyes as a very narrow beam of sunlight falls on them making them bright like a burning sun... He was astonished. She smiled at him speechlessly and soon enough they were interrupted by the Uber driver coming. They say goodbye, she takes the ride and leaves...

S stands there all sinking in his thoughts about the day and the upcoming days...

In his dark office, Alone

He puts the final words in the story and his tears fall on the keyboard as he finishes.

It was a good run S, It was a very good run ... you fell in love, you went Far and Beyond, you did your best, to the fair care, spent the sleepless nights, and now you sit on the throne of lies.

But that is another tale ...

Dark street, a big billboard on the left side of the road, not a single soul. A black Mercedes car parked 10 meters after the billboard. No lights on and what seems to be the shadows of 2 people inside appears from the front windshield.

The young lady in the driver seat slapped the man in the passenger seat beside her so hard it could be heard from a distance.

The young man beside her ... Mr. Stranger, He smiled confidently after the slap and started talking ...

- Mr. S in a calm confident tone of voice " You disappointed me. You really hit like a girl. Anyway, I pity your minions. I bet their mistress is so soft to them ..." he continued " After all a mistress needs to earn respect ..."

- Mistress Wrath interrupted " What the fuck are you?! Older men, Powerful men, bigger men ... The all kneel to me, they all got hurt from my slap! How could you be that intimidating?!" She continued in a raging yet admiring voice "What do you fucking want?! you won this bet! now what?!"

3 hours earlier, a gaming arena, in the middle on a billiard table

Mr. S stands with a tiny cute girl holding the sticks and playing a billiard game.​

- Mr. S: "So I never play a game just for fun ... what does the winner get?" he said proudly.-

- Ms. W: "I know you have something on your mind. What does the winner get?" she replies in a sarcastic voice.

- Mr. S: "They get to get an undeniable request," he says confidently.

- Ms. W: "You got yourself a deal"

They start playing and by far Mr. S is losing. He seems confident despite the approaching loss and keeps teasing Ms. W making comments about her body every now and then during the game. She plays fiercely and keeps mocking his approaching loss. Mr. S seems to enjoy the whole thing anyway.

Mr. S loses the game and therefore he was sentenced to one undeniable request from Ms. W about which she requested to think for a while before saying it. Mr. S was more than welcome to take all her time thinking.

Mr. S proposes to change the scenery, maybe go for a night ride and listen to some music. Of course, they would use W's Mercedes and enjoy a bit of luxury during the drive.

an hour earlier

Mr. S waiting in front of a place that is both a cafe and an arcade arena.

A black Mercedes comes to stop right in front of him*

- "You are S?" the girl driving the Mercedes asked.

- "Yes W. Park your car please, we are going to sit here for a while" Mr. S replied in a friendly manner pointing at the place behind him

She parks the car quickly and comes towards him, shakes hands, and then moves inside.

- "I know you have lots of questions ... and so do I" Mr. S started

" That's why we are here to enjoy a conversation over coffee ...so my first question is ... how do you like your coffee?"

In a short time, a waiter brought what they ordered and they started talking. the girl was a young doctor, from a well known rich family. Mr. S introduced himself to be the nearly average guy he is. the conversation went smooth and spontaneous.

Mr. S looking at the billiard tables  .... "How about a game?"

The morning before, 9 AM

Mobile vibrates as a text message is received

- "Do you know me?!!?"

"How did you know all of that!!!!"  The anonymous girl texted

- "I just can feel it. We aren't much different, We are both dark and twisted, yet popular" Mr. S texted back

- "You think we are similar, we are so much not. I am a sadist, I have broken many men like you" the girl texted

- "Look, I don't know you, but I know you are nothing that you claim to be. at least not to everyone" He replied confidently

"I can see through you, even though I have never seen you before." he continued.

- " So, you are an interesting guy. I give you that. What do you have tonight?" she asked.

Mr. S smiles puts his phone in his pocket and went to continue working on that project he was assigned to earlier on a very tight deadline. he left her on purpose without an answer. She is a powerful girl, so he needed to demonstrate a bit of dominance.

In the car after the slap

- Mistress Wrath interrupted " What the fuck are you?! Older men, Powerful men, bigger men ... The all kneel to me, they all got hurt from my slap! How could you be that intimidating?!" She continued in a raging yet admiring voice "What do you fucking want?! you won this bet! now what?!"

- Mr. S with a cunning smile looking directly in her face and saying sarcastically " Well ... I liked the feeling of your hand. Maybe you can put them to better use ..." he pauses looking down to his pants

Ms. W understands, she started moving slowly towards S and unbuttoning his pants ...

- "While you drive" Mr. S interrupted what she was doing in a very calm confident voice.

She didn't discuss or object, turned on the car, started driving using one hand and continuing her job with the other ...

Mr. S leaned back enjoying what's happening and saying confidently ... "Drive faster". The car is going 160 km/h now and Ms. W is really good at what she is doing. It felt like a scene from one of these dark movies.

After he was done. Mr. S started organizing himself while Ms. W is completely focused now on driving. He approaches her while she is driving insanely fast

"Let me now return the favor" he whispered in an impish tone as his hands are moving on her body.

"We could die," Ms. W says in while catching her breath not really able to resist Mr. S He replies to her with ignorance.

It didn't take long for S to finish the job for her ... then she looked at him a look that satisfied him more than the whole day. He knew what that look meant ... "You won" ... that's what the look said.

She realizes all of it was a plot by S. He even let her win. He gave her the feeling of winning and caught her off guards. He challenged her at the time she felt the most powerful over him ... and he won.

Brother O narrates indifferently

It was 2 PM in the afternoon, I already woke up two hours earlier, had my breakfast and tea, only waiting that match of English premier league.

Mr. S has already left at 10 or so, I couldn't exactly tell. He was up early, very early for a normal Saturday actually if you ask me about him, but why wouldn't he?

After all, it was not a normal Saturday for him. The guy was going to propose.

As much as I find those occasions phony, unnecessary, and awkward, I admire his daring attitude. And as much as I am not interested about the day, I would actually like to see how it unfolds.

It's 5 PM.

I am on my way to that cafe with Captain H - A brother to both of us, me and S-, the traffic is ugly, and I am getting less and less interested about the day, as Mr. S keeps calling to check where we are.

It's almost 6 PM. We are all here, I recognize most of the faces, Mr. S is nervous and Fellow A - A close friend to us both- is smiling trying to keep him steady, helping him prepare all the details. Everything seems set already, the silly balloons, the private corner, her girl friends, us and rest of common friends dressing properly and it felt warm in a silly way. Only Lady R was missing to start the action.

Not very long after, Lady Red arrives with 2 friends of her. I could recognize her voice from the lower floor. She is always loud, but happy and full of life. She enters our private corner upon one of her friends' recommendation and exclaims in a silly way "No, we can't sit here. It looks like someone's birthday". And there jumps S out of the corner saying confidently and passionately " Yes it is yours, Happy birthday dear".

The whole scene was awkward if you ask me, all of us smiling -maybe only because we should- he girl friends start hugging her and there stands Mr. S looking silly with his glowing eyes and blushing red face, beside him is Fellow A, smiling the most idiot smile and the rest of us guys, smiling awkwardly, and so the party started.

Chatters, not close friends trying to create conversations, balloons and confetti, birthday cake and desserts ... Ugh, can we get done here already?

I was only interested on how S would pull it, now are we done? I am fed up with the awkwardness already.

I didn't notice that Mr. S disappeared for like 10 mins; However Lady R is standing there making conversations with her friends, looking so happy, glowing as Mr. S would describe her -Silly Mr. S-And there he returns, all nervous again. He brings a waiter to ask what people want for their drinks. The waiter then disappears.

Another 10 mins 2 waiters return with our orders, and a third coming behind them with a single order, the music changes to "Sparks fly" -by Taylor Swift-. I realize now, I can clearly see the big red rose on the plate with that sweet dressed drink. He is going to propose now; However, looking at R, she has no clue and didn't even see that 3rd guy yet. This shall be interesting.

Moments after, Mr. S grabs the plate from the 3rd guy, presents it to her, and gets on his knee. Silly Mr. S! He is really doing it! There is also a note, a hand written note on the plate, and a ring in a red box, he opens the box while on his knee, and says the words ... " Will you marry me?" he said with a face completely red. I rarely seen him blush like this, I actually never did!

Lady Red also looks shocked, completely RED, glowing not only blushing, catching her breaths, hitting him in a childish manner while saying yes. her friends screams and hug her, while us guys are still standing smiling awkwardly.

If you asked me, it looked nice after all. Despite, how silly it looked, and how awkward it felt. I always admired S's guts.

That was about it, the party continued a bit, then everyone got on their way after taking photos and all. Lucky R and lucky S, they are both lucky and silly.

Guess it's what everything is about after all, that moment, how they felt there. Lucky them.

A famous cafe, A crowded Saturday morning, the echoes of people's conversations filling the space.

There, In a lonely corner, on a table for 2, sits a young man looking eagerly at his mobile phone.

He looks smart, a bit conservative, and a bit nervous. He lays his jacket on the back of the other

chair. He keeps looking at his phone and explores the face of everyone who enters the place.*

- " I will be waiting in the corner beside the stairs, are you here yet?" He texts

- "Yup, almost there" She replies.

Five minutes pass, a beautiful girl enters the place. Her hair was so glossy and bold, her hazel-green eyes reflected the sunlight like they were burning bright, her presence turned heads of almost everyone in the cafe. He looks towards her, and his heart skips several beats. She moves towards him and says Hi as soon as she reaches him. He smiles speechless for milliseconds before saying Hi back.

- "So, Wow you are certainly prettier than I expected." He says in a friendly cheerful voice.

- "Your smile looks pretty nicer in person too" she replies in a friendly smiling manner.

As of all the tales he had, Mr. S claims he had known he would fall in love with that girl since that day, and despite he took his time to give it time and thought, he eventually said the L word not very long after.

It was Bonita, or as he describes her, His baby girl, his favorite tale, and his favorite love story.

Their love quickly developed, they soon found themselves making lots of good memories -many tales to be told- and despite the struggles, S always confirmed that Bonita was worth it. He would have done everything for her, he would have consumed all his time and effort, he would have walked the mile after the last mile for her.

This tale started as love from "The First Sight", Went all the way "Far and Beyond", Had its share of the "Fair Care", Passed through the "Sleepless Night"s Had its A days "B day"s and all the way to Z.

But little did he know S that what seemed to be the perfect ideal love story was nothing but a "Fair lie".

He was living this lie "Far in Beyond" anything he could ever imagine ... till it was time for "The Fall" to happen terribly and shatter him into pieces to make him realize that he was "Never Enough"

Mr. S realizing the inevitable end of the unique tale takes his mobile phone and reads each episode of the tale thoroughly to figure out two things he really needs to know the first of them is what has gone wrong and the latter is the proper way to place an end for this twisted h

tale.

His tears couldn't stop flowing from his eyes all over his face making the very sight of his mobile phone extremely difficult. It took him days to go through each and every single piece of detail, to go through every happy memory and every tiny lie. He cried rivers, he cried till he ran out and were no more. He slept none and his head almost exploded from thinking and calculating every possible chance, every tiny chance for this to work ...but there was not.

Finally, he decides how the closure shall be, and he made sure he perfected all the details...

Saturday, The weekend on which S meets Bonita

S waiting in his car just outside Bonita's house, dressed up neatly and wearing her favorite perfume of his, it' almost noon of a sunny winter day and the weather is just fine. Bonita walks towards the car, she is dressed in her dark red crop top that S always admired and her black jeans, wearing the perfume splash that they bought together last time they went shopping. She walks inside the car smiling and a conversation starts

- Bonita: "Booo! You are here ... I miss you" She starts with a voice full of joy and excitement while lancing towards him and knocking his shoulder in an intimate gesture.

- S Gently replies: "Oh Wow! you look gorgeous today dear" in a very soft and gentle tone as he smiles while wandering in her details as if it was the first time he ever saw her.

- Bonita: "So where are we going today boo?" She asks in the same excitement and joy as she reaches to the aux cable of the car to use it on her phone to play music.

- S replies: "Let's spend a classic comfy day baby, we will go for coffee first, do a bit shopping, have our Asian food launch, grab some chocolate and then go home ... what do you think?" he keeps his tone of voice cheerful and his smile warm as always, while he still is completely lost into each and every single tiny piece of her details.

S Describes Bonita on that day

Bonita, My baby boo, I kept looking all across the street anticipating the very moment she appeared within my sight. I could notice how gorgeous she was from a distance. Her perfect body lines, her perfect hair, and her extremely good in clothes and colors were always remarkable and never to be mistaken with anyone else.

Her choice of that dark red crop top and that lovely black jeans could only make her bold body curves more appealing and her long dark wavy hair falling on her chest and back made only her sexy walk a thousand times sexier. I kept staring at her while she moved toward the car and my heart kept skipping a beat with every step she took.

The moment she stepped into the car, I swear I could breathe her perfume instead of oxygen for a lifetime, and to be frank, it was never her perfume but the very scent of her body that was always perfectly capturing my heart before nose. her perfectly glowing skin which is fairer than silk could be felt without even touching, especially when it sparkled into the sunlight.

Her perfectly aligned good taken care of teeth and her full lips with her perfect choice of lip gloss only made her smile more perfect. Her wide green brownish eyes sparkling in the light with her long eyelashes and her perfectly drawn eyebrows made her face to be absolute perfection.

I always had a very simple description of the "Girl of my dreams" which was "It is the girl with the face I would like to wake up next to for the rest of my life". and Bonita's face was definitely that face. I kept looking at her for that moment and wishing that the moment would last forever, that time would freeze at that point and never move a second after.

During the Drive

Bonita keeps singing and dancing to their favorite songs on the playlist but S can't help stop wandering into her face, wandering her details and holding her hand tightly. she finally notices almost upon reaching their destination. and so she asks

- Bonita: "Are you okay dear?" she asks in a concerned tone of voice.

- S: "Yes dear I am perfect, what else can I ask for having you beside me in such a beautiful day" He replies softly.

- Bonita: "You are staring at me as if there is something bad that is going to happen," She says in a messy laughing tone while smiling at him

- S: "Nothing bad can happen as long as we are together babe, I love you" he responds as they reach their destination and continues "Let's park this car and get our day started" he excitedly announces their arrival.

The couple decides to cancel the coffee and go shopping as there were a couple of items that Bonita was looking for and hoping she would find in the stores around. so the wander around the stores checking all that they got. Bonita is extremely happy with this shopping trip as she keeps exploring store after store and she keeps checking different items while S is just following and staring at her trying to capture every movement of her, every memory, every sound she makes, every expression on her face ... It's like he is recording every tiny bit of her details ... He knows he is going to miss her ... He knows he really will.

Asian food restaurant, corner table, the couple is sitting and having their meal

- Bonita: "Thank you, baby, for the day so far and I appreciate your choice to have Asian food as you know it's my favorite," she says joyfully while smiling at him with sparkling eyes

- S: "I am just happy when you are happy dear" He replies with a lovely smile and a very soft tone of voice while being still drowning in her details.

- Bonita: "What's wrong dear, I am really starting to get worried, you are looking at me as if it is the last time you are going to see me ... are you okay dear? is everything okay?" She asks in a soft concerned tone.

- S decides that he can no longer act cool and it's time. He looks to the ceiling for half a second then back into her worried eyes, swallows his guts, and starts talking "Baby, Bonita, Today is not a good day. Today is possibly the last day I see you" he speaks in a hesitant manner but with a firm attitude and a gentle tone of voice.

- Bonita: "What? Why are you saying that?" She replies rushingly as she starts to get more worried and anxious and approaches him while holding his hand

- S Continues: "We are breaking up dear. I am breaking up with you today" he says in a shaky voice as he controls a tear that would shed out of his eye.

- Bonita: "Why? What? I don't understand ... We are having a good day ....what's happening?" she keeps asking in a wondering voice while her concern is rising.

- S Responds softly with a question: "Is (mentions a guys name) in Cairo already?" he asks firmly while controlling himself tightly.

- Bonita: "Who? who is that?" She responds in an exclaiming manner.

- S Responds in a firmer manner: "The one who owes you a birthday date. that guy ...." Bonita's face changes into pale color and her expression changes from exclaiming and worried to a look of recognition and disapproval while continues "I have seen it all, please save the lies ... I know all the truth"

- Bonita changes her face into a power disapproving look and replies firmly: "Fine then, I agree, I will go home. Thanks for the meal, bye"

- S grabs her hand tight: "No, I will take you home after we finish our day, I won't waste my last day with you, and  neither should you" he explains in a gentle loving manner

- Bonita replies: "What's the point, there is nothing to say and a decision has been made. please let me leave" she responds firmly.

- S: "Point is I won't waste every last minute I can have by your side, I love you, I adore you insanely, and the fact that I am breaking up with you is just because this is not tolerable and I have researched every way to fix it and found none. I wish I could have loved you less, but I didn't and I don't ... so please take your seat and have your meal ... we will complete our lovely day and may it be the last memory to have together, a simple lovely memory to cherish after we are no longer." he makes his statement while holding her hand and looking into her eyes in the most compassionate and loving manner that Bonita nods her head into an agreement.

She sits down, and a long pause of silence takes place to be only broken by Bonita's sobbing voice murmuring the words "I was going to tell you everything" she puts her face into her hands and continues "I was just waiting for the right time so we can wash off all of this and start clear" and she starts crying and shaking

S holds her hand tight and interrupts "There is no right time to come dear, every second that past made everything more wrong and far worse" he said gently while holding on her hand tightly. "Please tell me all the truth I would like to hear it from you"

A conversation started about all the lies S discovered and to his surprise, even the tiniest doubts that he has ever had throughout the relationship were true ... But it wasn't something to bring joy or comfort to his mind or heart it was only bringing him more misery and sadness. During the conversation, the couple kept assuring each other of how much they loved each other ... but the wounds were so deep and the mistakes were so complicated... It couldn't be fixed

After finishing the couple went on a car drive instead of going directly home, through which the conversation kept going on about each and every single memory, conflict, fight, lie, and also the good memories ... they cried their eyes out and both agreed that they wanted this ride to never end ... but eventually and after 2 hours ... it ended. they were already there outside Bonita's house.

S's car, outside Bonita's house

The couple who had their eyes red and inflated because the have been crying rivers for the past 3 hours sits in the car looking to each other while a conversation breaks the silence

- Bonita: "So this it?" I am not gonna see you again? can't you stay anyway? I can't afford to lose you" she says in a calm yet a weak tone of voice while looking into S eyes.

- S: "You know babe I can't be friends with you, I won't be able to bear the possibility of you being with another, I need to disappear as far as I can ... I will keep my phone number though. For in case you ever need any help or support I won't be late for you." He replies in a comfy re-assuring tone of voice while holding her hand/

- Bonita Stopping herself from crying: "Will I get a last hug?" she asks while opening her arms and looking at him welcomingly.

- S: "You didn't have to ask" S answers while moving towards her and trying to hug her tight but the car is not making it very comfortable.

- Bonita: "What about a last kiss?" she asks in a cute manner while they are hugging.

S doesn't respond but instead unfolds her and starts kissing her lips very gently and slowly in one of their best kisses ever as they would both describe it.

- Bonita: "Wow, that kiss was amazing ... you are usually in a rush when we are near home ... but this is just amazing boo ... Are you trying to make miss you even more?" She expressed her admiration with the kiss and her feelings towards him in a cute tone of voice.

- S: "I am no longer in a hurry ...It's the last kiss and I believe it should take forever and it should really count" he responds softly and gently.

- Bonita: "Can we have another last kiss then?" she giggles and looks at him

The couple kept kissing and hugging for over 30 minutes in the car parked in the street till finally the realized she has to go.

- Bonita: "But I don't wanna go, can't we just stay?" She says in a cute sad voice while her eyes begged S to say that they can stay friends.

- S: "We will see about that dear, you have to go home now ... and I promise you that I will try my best for  us to not be forever apart"

- Bonita: "Pinky promise?"

-S: "Pinky promise" he responds while they both engage their fingers and have a last tiny kiss as she moves away from the car and enters the house.

S kept her eyes sharp on her while she walked heavy steps till she reached and entered ... he cursed his eyes for that was the last time he would see his baby girl, his loved princess, his baby boo ... the most gorgeous ... the most blissful yet the one who hurt him the most ... the one who broke him beyond repairing ... Bonita...  The one who built him a throne of happiness only to discover not much later ... that it's only a throne of lies.

Mr. S grabs the bottle and starts drinking. They start laughing while the music gets louder.

The cold wind on their skin, the beats inside their mind, the alcohol in their blood and the rush the speed creates while they are driving insane. It couldn't be a better Halloween night.

Girl H leans towards Mr. S, she moves her hand on his chest, unbuttons his shirt while she leans in

and kisses his neck. He tries to keep the focus on the road. she keeps kissing his face and neck.

while her hand is moving on his chest. she takes his hand and puts it on her thigh, moves closer and kisses his neck harder. he starts moving his hand on her thigh. she takes off her coat and moves closer they start kissing while going fast on the empty road. he kisses her, holds the wheel

with one hand, while the other hand goes all over her body, and her hand between his thighs. It gets more intense.

It gets hotter inside the speeding car. The loud music, their sweating skin, and the empty road ahead only made their kisses longer and more passionate.

Mr. S tries hard to keep the focus on the road while she keeps kissing all of his body and drinking and kissing.

Out of nowhere, a shadow appears in front of the car, A tall lady in a black coat!

Goodnight you lame S!

Mr. S walks towards the door, opens it and walks outside to the dark garden.

He lights a cigarette and heads towards the fence lighting to light up the garden. The fence lighting lights a bit but it's still too dark.

He wonders around the corners of the place as the cold wind breezes touch his skin. he feels a bit of joy and relief.

The music track running ends, and suddenly the music changes...

Mr. S stand still for a second looking around the place. He decides to walk back into the house to  Change that track that started playing.

On his way back, he hears something feeling off the floor around the dark corner in the garden

He changes his direction and heads towards that messy dark corner where he used to store his scraps and messy items.

Mr. S approaches the corner slowly as suddenly

The man he saw in front of the house appears out of the corner holding the ax

Girl H starts drinking and dancing enjoying herself and the music while S looks at her enjoys her

joyful existence. After all, she looks pretty and glowing.

Her joyful dancing, the loud music, the cold wind blowing, her keen approaches towards him with kisses on his neck and her hands on his body. Seems like this Halloween is gonna rock.

They reach the place, a small villa in 5th settlement with Halloween decorations on the front.

They ring the doorbell and someone buzzes them in. Walking inside, they met her say, friends.

Young people of ages ranging between the 20s and 30s, a mixed group of girls and guys in casual clothes, some masks, and music everywhere. Everyone seems comfortable with the atmosphere.

The whole house is empty and the group of 20ish people are spread around the place of the place.

Darkness is all around the rooms and spaces. corners have what seems to be Halloween decorations.

Different kinds of drinks are everywhere. It looked like the perfect Halloween party.

Mr. S took a drink and started to enjoy the music, dances a bit when Girl H takes his hand and they started dancing.

- Mr. S: "So who are these guys?!" He shouts as the music is loud

- Girl H: "I don't really know, they are just friends of friends. I only know the girl that owns the house, we met once in a cafe" she shouts back

- Mr. S: "This is so cool though, I really like it" He shouts while dancing hard to the music.

- Girl H: "What about going somewhere private?!" She shouts into his ear while she approaches him and slid her hand over his chest to between his thighs.

Choose a reply to continue the story

Hey you! you chose to be the creep!

A very distinctive choice indeed. To help you progress in this territory as The Creep of Surrelea, Mr. S has chosen to write to you a bit about The creep. With a few lessons, you would learn about this character and along with a few stories that he lived, your expertise and mastery of the character would be highly increased.

So my friend, here is how it all started ...

In the dark corner of a fancy room

Mr. S sits in the corner of a fancy room on the floor, all silent, the room is completely dark with only  the moonlight coming through the wide window

After all the bizarre distractions he attempted, he is no longer able to escape his mind. Neither the distance nor the company, and not even every single foolish act of adventure could help ... He is alone again, deep into the darkness of his own mind ... thinking.

And how could he escape? After all the cut was so deep and the pain could only go away as long as the distraction goes on, but in the night, when all of the distraction fades away, the pain haunts his soul to eat it from within.

S could only see how broken of a man he has become, but he couldn't accept it anyway, so he couldn't help but think of a new distraction, a stronger one ... not long before his thoughts are directed towards a very old place to go with all those unprocessed thoughts and feelings ... The Stranger World.

However, the old territories are now boring, he has grown bored of them and they are no longer a proper distraction. It had to be something new, a new territory. He stood in front of the portal to the Stranger World and started to look at the territories that he hadn't explored. Not so long before he made his mind ...

Surrelea, a Dark territory. The cold dark nature of thهس territory along with the ability of people to shift shapes makes it a great place to expose complex crude feelings, opinions, and events. And what better than that could he ask for? it is like Surrelea is a reflection of his own soul recently ... Dark, Cold, Crude, and exposed. so quickly he decided to explore this territory of the Stranger World.

S in Surrelea

S lands in Surrelea.

The place is a huge multi-story building, all the lights are dim, people among those stories of the building seem to be taken lots of shapes ... animals ... creatures ... fiction characters ... or even other humans!

In each story of this high huge building, you would find a creature, a human, a fictional character, a shape controlling the events, and the context of each compartment in each story. The stories of the building are not related by any means, they seem to be randomly placed in order or that they may have been taken over by different creatures of different interests; However, from each story, you can access almost all the others.

And the order of the stories seems to be continuously changing, as if every time you try to ascend into the building new stories are added, but even those new stories, they could be the ones you already passed! ... it was endless! A huge high building of endless stories that keep changing their order randomly.

Nevertheless, nothing extraordinary happens here. The language people use, the events that happen around ... they are all very humanly even that most of the humans are not into humans shape, and even though the territory itself is far from ordinary.

One other thing he could notice is that the prevailing atmosphere of the territory is complex feelings that won't be easily processed into the real world ... or even into other territories. Dark feelings of every sort are prevailing but still among which you can find some cheerful moments of pride, vanity, or even joy.

S keeps wandering to learn more about the place, he notices that people here have some kind of ranks, and somehow growing through these ranks gives you power over more stories of the building which in turn increases your influence through the territory, But apparently, that comes at a cost that you become more exposed, more vulnerable to the random creatures wandering through this territory.

S has 2 golden rules that say "NEVER MIX THE REAL WORLD TO THE STRANGER WORLD", and "NEVER CAUSE DAMAGE TO SELF OR OTHERS", so he would have to be very careful around this territory ... it's real and it's unreal and that is exactly where it was risky. But nevertheless, it was exactly what he was searching for. So he started to plan his upcoming moves...

Looking around the shapes that are wondering Surrelea, and considering what feelings he needs to distract inside, S thinks about what shape he shall choose to wander this territory of the Stranger World.

People are dark, aggressive, and bold ...Vanity and Pride seem to take a vast majority of the atmosphere of feelings around the place. Considering that along with the fact that his unprocessed feelings are related to love, care, and heartbreak all along with his golden rule to never risk getting all the worlds to collide.

He came to the conclusion that he needs to be bold enough to fit into the darkness, yet decent enough to stand out, simple enough to be understood, yet sophisticated enough to catch attention, relevant enough to be heard, yet extraordinary to grasp interest ... I know what you are already thinking my friend ... how can you put all the contradictions into a single shape ... it's almost a paradox!!

S thought the same, how can all those traits be into the same shape, it would look much like a mutant, a singularity ...

A SINGULARITY! EXACTLY WHAT S NEED IS A SINGULARITY!

But singularities are not possible, not even in the Stranger World, so he had to plan something else...

The Creep of Surrelea

S had an idea. Something unique that reflects the very nature of Surrelea. It's about how Surrelea connects the real world to the Stranger World. How the real events are reflected here by those unreal shapes that real people have taken!

S's plan was simple ... "Relate the inhumanly shapes to the human events they reflect so you can get reach the humans within".

It sure sounds simpler than it actually works. But it requires that S can get through all the walls of pretended beings to get to the real selves of each person he gets in contact with, in Surrelea!

However, a major problem was that trying to penetrate walls people build to protect their comfort zones is considered creepy even in Surrelea, So how could he manage to do that without being pushed away?

Luckily for you my friend, S had figured out the answer back then ... It was a very simple answer that was taken from the nature of the place itself ... Surrelea.

S has chosen the shape of "The Creep" ... and here is his theory about that choice:

If you are to see a creep, you would expect him to be creepy and anything far from decent. And that's would have been much of truth in the real world, my friend ... but in Surrelea ... No, it doesn't have to work like this. Because if you remember shapes are only shapes ... they don't influence who you really are. so you can be nice even if you are a creep and that was exactly the plan.

How "The Creep" Works

For the upcoming part, you have to read carefully my friend, if you are going to be taking the shape of "The Creep" you should probably know how it works.

How to relate to the unreal shapes and the real humans behind:

=======================================

S based most of the creepiness approach towards others on a very simple sociological theory which is "6 Degrees of separation". So let's walk you through it briefly.

"For any 2 individuals on the planet, there shall be less than 6 degrees of social connection between them" which means that you can relate to any person on earth in a 6th-degree relation. So imagine if that person shares with you the following:

- The same country, Provenance, or even region.

- The same age range.

- Similar social classes.

- You are both visitors of the Stranger World and Surrelea in particular.

Considering all the above you can easily know a thing or two about the real human behind any shape in Surrelea.

Example: Imagine that stranger that was standing beside you in a concert ... he is in here too, but with a different face. so if you find someone here talking about that concert ... you know the rest.

How would people love the being behind The Creep shape:

====================================

It's easy.

Not only you, and S my friends that realize how Surrealea works, in fact, all of the people here know that those unreal shapes are eventually real people with real feelings and doings ... so you -as S did- need to be as much as of a decent human as you can be.

How to outstand

===========

Well, my friend. You really have to figure this out yourself; However, here is how S did it ...

The Creepy Friend:

S would have walked as the creep on one of the floors of the huge building of Surrelea, and introduced himself decently to its owner. They are careful around him (because he is a creep), they found joy in his decent, smooth way with them.

The Bold and Graceful:

S understood the dynamics of Surrelea, so he started trying to announce himself as the owner of compartments of the building one by one. With his bold attitude, his sane strong arguments, it was easy to win the approval of other visitors, thus, he could take over multiple stories of the buildings ... one after another.

The Magical Show:

Gaining enough ground in Surrelea, S has devised his own show to attract more visitors and thus acquire more power and reach to further parts of the building. The show was light-hearted and friendly, but most importantly ... S managed somehow to make himself the very reward of that magical show ... and that worked like magic (as it should be)

There is nothing much more to tell you, my friend, you have to put your own style to "The Creep" to make it work; However, following this scroll, you would find other scrolls telling stories about S as The Creep of Surrelea. I would recommend you read all of them so you can get a glimpse of his experience, learn from his mistakes, and earn from his expertise.

I will leave you with a fast summary of S as The Creep of Surrelea.

S, The Creep of Surrelea

S started wandering the territory of Surrelea as The Creep. With a bold attitude and decent character, he could easily earn the fondness of Surrealea's visitors, even some of the powerful ones.

Step by step he grew stronger and his influence increased, but that sometimes came at a price, and that price was sometimes the very opposite of what S wanted from all of this in the first place.

S had many adventures, His rise in ranks, His fallback with an unexpected visitor, His Adventures with the famed Creatures, and his disappointment in most of them.

S eventually renounces The Creep ...

But for you my friend, your journey with The Creep has just started!

Get Ready my friend, things are about to get interesting!

Mr. S grabs her hand and they run out of the place. Rushing into the car the 2 of them kissed passionately. She unbuttons his shirt and starts kissing all over his chest and neck.

He starts the engine, plugs in his music and puts on his seat belt. He turns on the front lights to start moving, while he notices the shadow of the tall woman in a black coat that passes the street in front of him AGAIN!.

he pauses for a second, turns the volume high and starts moving anyway. the same shadow appears in his rear mirror view as they drive for seconds and disappears.

She looks at him as he pauses, and the shouts at him  "Let's get into the mood!!!" she shouts happily as the music plays high and he drifts out into the road.

She reaches out to him, gets closer and kisses his lips. "Relax big guy, this party just started," she says while moving her hand on his face and dances to the music.

Mr. S drives faster and faster as the music beat gets faster. She gets that drink from her bag, opens the bottle and starts drinking. she offers him a drink too. "Wanna drink this time?!? Come one don't kill the mood!"

Mr. S looks at her for a second and thinks ...

Choose a reply to continue the story

She grabs his hand and they run. she runs and drags him after her, she goes into a room.

He follows. she pulls him inside and shuts the door.

He stands in the middle of the darkroom illuminated only by the light of the moon coming from the open window. She keeps dancing while she locks the door.

He rests on the sofa in the corner, while enjoying her dancing and moving her body to the music that can still be heard from outside.  she gives him her back while shaking her body to the music slowly and smoothly. He sits back and enjoys watching her.

The music track running ends, and suddenly the music changes...

Girl H stands still facing the door, he could only see her back. Her long coat covering her back.

With the moonlight only lighting the room, Mr. S could rarely see anything but the coat as if it was hanging against the door.

He could only recall the image from the office!!!, it's the same coat hanging against the door!

The music playing now is horror music, the beats getting faster. Girl H is still standing still in her place.

Mr. S stands up, starts to approach her carefully ... "H, ... Are you okay?" He asked as he could barely see as the moonlight leaves the room.

She turns to face him as the moonlight reveals her face

Mr. S parks in front of the house. he turns off the engine, gets outside the car opens the door for  the ground floor apartment of his with the small garden in the front.

He hands Girl H the keys telling her which is for the apartment door while he goes back to lock the car. He locks the car and starts heading towards the house when the sound of a car engine outside stops just in front of the house. He opens the door to see a truck with a middle-aged man inside. The man gets opens the truck window. He looked sweating, beard messy, blad head, and darkness in the street only made him look creepier. He said in a cunning voice "Hey, Finally, I caught you"

- Mr. S: "Hi, I will get my car a bit back for you so you can move"

- The creepy guy: "Yes please thank you" in a creepy voice " And Hey ... please water the trees on the  front they seem to go on a draught" He continued while giving him the creepiest looks.

Mr. S nods and ignores him anyway, walks into the house to find Girl H has music playing approaches him and starts dancing with him.

- Girl H: "Isn't it about time to get more private Mr. busy?" she said in a seductive tone. only to be interrupted by the voice of  something hitting the ground in the garden outside.

Choose a reply to continue the story

Sherouk Samman

An old picture, Younger version of Bonita, the first pic he has ever seen of her

He is sitting there, in a tight corner of that famous cafe, waiting and anticipating.

In front of him is his old Iphone and his wallet, he is dressed up in his business casual outfit, a dark blue patterned chemise over which a black sleeveless top and brownish pants. He tries to make sure his hair looks fine, but its a mess as always.

He looks at his mobile to see the time, then checks his coat behind him to make sure the rose he has bought is all there and ready.

It isn't the first time he meets a stranger but something deep inside tell him this time is going to be different.

The sun is barely entering the place letting a warm light only on the empty chair opposite to his, every girl that walks into the place makes him double check if it was her. "She was more beautiful than that" he keeps thinking the same whenever a girl passes.

And then out of no where a gorgeous girl walks in, her hair looks like the most beautiful silk touched by a perfect artistic brownish color, falling perfectly on her face. She moves her face off her face to the side and looks at him, he gets stunned by her olive green eyes, they were bright like emerald. she smiles and starts moving towards him, he couldn't notice her moving towards him because her smile had already shattered his heart into pieces and left him completely lost in her eyes.

She reaches him, offers a hand shake and says "Hi, I am Boniata ... sorry if I kept you waiting". He lost words for seconds. He couldn't believe it was her, he knew she was beautiful but that -what he saw when she was standing in front of him- was just unbelievable kind of beauty to him.

He said: -in a shaky voice trying to ensemble his courage- "Hi"

The Sea, sunset, 4 young legs, and 2 cups of coffee alongside a snorkel in front of them

It was a very long trip, 11 hours in a bus seat. Both of them are exhausted, but they are finally there. The place is quiet, an employee takes them both each to their room and leaves. Mr. S walks to B's room and knocks. She opens up immediately.

- "Welcome baby, I am glad we made it safe and sound" Waiting no answer, He moved closer and hugged her. then he said he is going let her take a shower so they can have dinner together, and leaves towards his room to do the same.

Half an hour later, his door knocks, he opens in a hurry. There she was, standing right in front of the door. Her dark red lipstick, her perfectly combed hair, her rich moisturized skin, her charming eyes and her Victoria secret fragrance shocked him for seconds. He stood there and could hardly gather his courage to say " Come on in, dinner is about to be served". she moves in and closes the door. He moves towards her saying "The first hug wasn't proper, let me welcome you with a proper hug".

He moves closer and hug her so tight, they kept hugging for so long it felt time has frozen as they melted into one. Then looking at each other's eyes, they started to kiss. It wasn't just a kiss, it was magic. They had nearly eaten each other's lips while they kept pulling each other closer. It would have lasted forever if the door didn't knock.

Mr. S looks at her eyes and leaves her to the door, opens with a smile and says in a friendly welcoming manner .... : "Hi"

Mr. S in an elegant suit standing full of himself, beside him Baby Bonita in an elegant black dress

Same famous cafe, in their favorite corner, Mr. S sits in his newest suit ... Very elegant indeed, the grey color with the very light pattern, along with the fine couture white shirt, the Agner watch, the cuff links, and the dark brown belt and shoes. He felt so confident in his own skin. He grabs his mobile phone while sobbing his coffee and calls Bonita.

Mr. S in warm smiley voice: "Baby, Where are you? I have just been cat-fished by a khaleeji guy"

Bonita laughing: "What?! No ... I am coming for you babe ... hang in there"

Mr. S in teasing voice: "Where are you?! We are kind of late already"

Bonita: "I am at the door already" and hangs up.

Mr. S stands and looks towards the door, and there she walks in .... her dark grey shoes up to her fine detailed dark black dress adds perfect contrast to her light fair skin that is glowing reddish, and her olive green eyes along with her rich red lips completes the perfect charming feminine appearance ever. her hair is perfectly drawn to complement her appearance towards more perfectionism. she was what S would describe as ... Venus - The goddess of beauty of Romans-.

Mr. S:  -In a very warm welcoming and admiring voice-"Oh, Hi ..."

Nile river in the background, night view, and her beautiful face beside his looking happy and cheerful

Baby B: "Where are we going dear?" Mr. S: "Well, I said we should do something new ... so we are going somewhere new. You will know when we get there"

They reach their destination. It was a huge boat in the Nile river with a very elegant glass front. They cross a tiny bridge to the entrance where it has a brownish elegant colors and warm lighting. There is an elegant lady waiting for them at the reception and welcomes them taking them into a hall that seems to be a restaurant. the walls are brownish, the furniture is classic and classy, very clean, very neat, very elegant. music playing in the background, Fayrouz singing "Nassam 3layna el Hawa".

"Your reserved table sir" an elegant waiter said to Mr. S

It was a big table in a quiet corner, a room space, a wide comfortable sofa and 2 chairs, all matching the theme of the place.

They sit, and choose their meal after being offered a very warm welcome from the staff.

Mr. S takes Baby B's hand and stands up ...

"Let's wait in the terrace till they make our food" Mr. S suggested. She nods into approval.

He takes her hand and walks to a glass door on the side of that restaurant and opens it. and to her surprise, there was the terrace.

"Wow, this is beautiful" Bonita exclaimed in surprise.

And indeed it was beautiful, it was the edge of that boat, a white terrace right on the Nile river. close to the water you can actually see it to the horizon infront of you. The breeze of Nile gave the place the peacefulness a soul needs. It was sunset and they could see the dying sun rays on water while they can smell and feel the fresh air. The antique lights on the wall starts lighting as they approach the fence of the boat.

Mr. S takes her hand and grabs her waist looking straight into her eyes and  says ... "So, Hi ..."

In his dark room, crying his eyes off, sobbing loudly, while looking at his mobile. Swiping one photo of those after another.

Recalling each memory and each feeling. Realizing how badly things are right now, and how he never planned things to go this way. Realizing how truly his love is, and how everything is fucked up now. Realizing how he fucked up badly, and how he wishes that he could go back in time and fix it.

And before he swipes one more photo, his phone rings. It's her name on the screen. Is he dreaming? is she calling to blame him further? is she missing him aswell? ...  A tornado of thoughts hit his mind as he kept looking at the screen in shock. He decides to answer before the last ring goes off.

In a sad, greiving, sobbing voice Mr. S answers the phone ... "Hi ..."

Hey you! you chose to be Dark Gray!

A very daring choice indeed. To help you progress in this territory as The Darkest Shade of Surrelea, Mr. S has chosen to write to you a bit about Dark Gray.

With a few lessons, you would learn about this character and a few stories that he lived to increase your expertise and mastery of the character.

So, my friend, here is how it all went ...

In the dark corner of his old room

Mr. S sits against his office in his room, all silent, the room is completely dark with only  the laptop screen light showing only half of his face when all of sudden he decides to go to the stranger world

Mr. S has been drowning into the distractions lately. In the real world, in the stranger world where he lived as the famous creep, or even inside his own mind. Left with so many unprocessed feelings, some of those feelings started to float up to the surface, and along with those feelings, some dark thoughts, fantasies, and desires are reaching to the surface as well.

Realizing that keeping the fight against those feelings is not going to be any good to himself, S started thinking of how to contain them, channel them, and eventually ... adapt. Not so long that he comes up to the conclusion that he needs to change the distraction he has been taking lately, The creep. The creep is no longer the answer to his self-quarrel, thus, a different choice has to be made ... a darker one ... a bolder one.

Surrelea, the dark territory. The cold dark nature of the territory along with the ability of people to shift shapes makes it a great place to expose complex crude feelings, opinions, and events. And what place better than this territory could you be Dark Gray? it is like Surrelea is all in gray anyway ... Dark, Cold, Crude, and exposed. so quickly he decided to shift to gray and get back to this territory of the Stranger World.

Gray in Surrelea

S enters the portal as Gray. Making his way into Surrelea ...

The place is a huge multi-story building, all the lights are dim, people among those stories of the building seem to be taken lots of shapes ... animals ... creatures ... fiction characters ... or even other humans!

In each story of this high huge building, you would find a creature, a human, a fictional character, a shape controlling the events, and the context of each compartment in each story. The stories of the building are not related by any means, they seem to be randomly placed in order or that they may have been taken over by different creatures of different interests; However, from each story, you can access almost all the others.

And the order of the stories seems to be continuously changing, as if every time you try to ascend into the building new stories are added, but even those new stories, they could be the ones you already passed! ... it was endless! and huge high building of endless stories that keep changing their order randomly.

Nevertheless, nothing extraordinary happens here. The language people use, the events that happen around ... they are all very humanly even that most of the humans are not into humans shape, and even though the territory itself is far from ordinary.

One other thing he could notice is that the prevailing atmosphere of the territory is complex feelings that won't be easily processed into the real world ... or even into other territories. Dark feelings of every sort are prevailing but still among which you can find some cheerful moments of pride, vanity, or even joy.

S keeps wandering to learn more about the place, he notices that people here have some kind of ranks, and somehow growing through these ranks gives you power over more stories of the building which in turn increases your influence through the territory, But apparently that comes at a cost that you become more exposed, more vulnerable to the random creatures wandering through this territory.

S has 2 golden rules that say "NEVER MIX THE REAL WORLD TO THE STRANGER WORLD", and "NEVER CAUSE DAMAGE TO SELF OR OTHERS", so he would have to be very careful around this territory ... it's real and it's unreal and that is exactly where it was risky. But nevertheless, it was exactly what he was searching for. So he started to plan his upcoming moves...

Looking around the shapes that are wondering Surrelea, and considering what feelings he needs to distract inside, S thinks about what shape he shall choose to wander this territory of the Stranger World.

People are dark, aggressive, and bold ...Vanity and Pride seem to take a vast majority of the atmosphere of feelings around the place. Considering that along with the fact that his unprocessed feelings are related to love, care, and heartbreak all along with his golden rule to never risk getting all the worlds to collide.

He came to the conclusion that he needs to be bold enough to fit into the darkness, yet decent enough to stand out, simple enough to be understood, yet sophisticated enough to catch attention, relevant enough to be heard, yet extraordinary to grasp interest ... I know what you are already thinking my friend ... how can you put all the contradictions into a single shape ... it's almost a paradox!!

S thought the same, how can all those traits be into the same shape, it would look much of a mutant, a singularity ...

A SINGULARITY! EXACTLY WHAT S NEED IS A SINGULARITY!

But singularities are not possible, not even in the Stranger World, so he had to plan something else...

The Creep of Surrelea

S had an idea. Something unique that reflects the very nature of Surrelea. It's about how Surrelea connects the real world to the Stranger World. How the real events are reflected here by those unreal shapes that real people have taken!

S's plan was simple ... "Relate the inhumanly shapes to the human events they reflect so you can get reach the humans within".

It sure sounds simpler than it actually works. But it requires that S can get through all the walls of pretended beings to get to the real selves of each person he gets in contact with, in Surrelea!

However, a major problem was that trying to penetrate walls people build to protect their comfort zones is considered creepy even in Surrelea, So how could he manage to do that without being pushed away?

Luckily for you my friend, S had figured out the answer back then ... It was a very simple answer that was taken from the nature of the place itself ... Surrelea.

S has chosen the shape of "The Creep" ... and here is his theory about that choice:

If you are to see a creep, you would expect from him to be creepy and anything far from decent. And that's would have been much of truth in the real world, my friend ... but in Surrelea ... No, it doesn't have to work like this. Because if you remember shapes are only shapes ... the don't influence who you really are. so you can be nice even if you are a creep and that was exactly the plan.

How "The Creep" Works

For the upcoming part, you have to read carefully my friend, if you are going to be taking the shape of "The Creep" you should probably know how it works.

How to relate to the unreal shapes and the real humans behind:

=======================================

S based most of the creepiness approach towards others on a very simple sociological theory which is "6 Degrees of separation". So let's walk you through it briefly.

"For any 2 individuals on the planet, there shall be less than 6 degrees of social connection between them" which means that you can relate to any person on earth in a 6th-degree relation. So imagine if that person shares with you the following:

- The same country, Provenance, or even region.

- The same age range.

- Similar social classes.

- You are both visitors of the Stranger World and Surrelea in particular.

Considering all the above you can easily know a thing or two about the real human behind any shape in Surrelea.

Example: Imagine that stranger that was standing beside you in a concert ... he is in here too, but with a different face. so if you find someone here talking about that concert ... you know the rest.

How would people love the being behind The Creep shape:

====================================

It's easy.

Not only you, and S my friends that realize how Surrealea works, in fact, all of the people here know that those unreal shapes are eventually real people with real feelings and doings ... so you -as S did- need to be as much as of a decent human as you can be.

How to outstand

===========

Well, my friend. You really have to figure this out yourself; However, here is how S did it ...

The Creepy Friend:

S would have walked as the creep on one of the floors of the huge building of Surrelea, and introduced himself decently to its owner. They are careful around him (because he is a creep), they found joy in his decent, smooth way with them.

The Bold and Graceful:

S understood the dynamics of Surrelea, so he started trying to announce himself as the owner of compartments of the building one by one. With his bold attitude, his sane strong arguments, it was easy to win the approval of other visitors and thus, he could take over multiple stories of the buildings ... one after another.

The Magical Show:

Gaining enough ground in Surrelea, S has devised his own show to attract more visitors and thus acquire more power and reach to further parts of the building. The show was light-hearted and friendly, but most importantly ... S managed somehow to make himself the very reward of that magical show ... and that worked like magic (as it should be)

There is nothing much more to tell you, my friend, you have to put your own style to "The Creep" to make it work; However, following this scroll, you would find other scrolls telling stories about S as The Creep of Surrelea. I would recommend you read all of them so you can get a glimpse of his experience, learn from his mistakes, and earn from his expertise.

I will leave you with a fast summary of S as The Creep of Surrelea.

S, The Creep of Surrelea

S started wandering the territory of Surrelea as The Creep. With a bold attitude and decent character, he could easily earn the fondness of Surrealea's visitors, even some of the powerful ones.

Step by step he grew stronger and his influence increased, but that sometimes came at a price, and that price was sometimes the very opposite of what S wanted from all of this in the first place.

S had many adventures, His rise in ranks, His fallback with an unexpected visitor, His Adventures with the famed Creatures, and his disappointment in most of them.

S eventually renounces The Creep ...

But for you my friend, your journey with The Creep has just started!

Get Ready my friend, things are about to get interesting!

It was night. Surrelea is as always, dark, skeptic, random yet real. The creep was wandering the stories of the huge building aimlessly

Mobile vibrates as text message is received

- "Do you know me?!!?"

"How did you know all of that!!!!"  The anonymous girl texted

- "I just can feel it. We aren't much different, We are both dark and twisted, yet popular" Mr. S texted back

- "You think we are similar, we are so much not. I am a sadist, I have broken many men like you" the girl texted

- "Look, I don't know you, but I know you are nothing that you claim to be. at least not to everyone" He replied confidently

Morroco