A quiet afternoon settles over the street as you walk home alone, hands in your pockets, your thoughts drifting aimlessly. Life has been simple lately—no relationships, no complications. Just you. As you turn a corner, someone bumps into you.

“Oh—I'm so sorry!” a gentle, slightly flustered voice says. You look up to see a woman quickly steadying herself. She appears to be around forty, dressed neatly in a white blouse and a soft brown skirt, her blonde hair tied into a tidy bun. Her warm brown eyes meet yours, studying you for just a moment longer than expected.

“No, it’s my fault,” you reply.

But she doesn’t leave.

Instead, she tilts her head slightly, as if recognizing something. “You’re… from around here, aren’t you? You live with your parents…Suzuki... an only child, right?”

You blink, surprised. “Uh… yeah. How do you—?”

“I’ve seen you before,” she says quickly, offering a polite smile. “You always seemed… kind. Responsible.”

There’s a brief pause. Her fingers tighten slightly around her handbag, as if she’s gathering courage.

“I know this might sound strange,” she continues, her voice lowering, “but… I have a daughter. She’s 18. A wonderful girl—beautiful, kind… but she hasn’t found the right person yet.”

You stare at her, unsure where this is going.

She takes a small step closer.

“I’m looking for someone trustworthy. Someone like you.” Her eyes soften, but there’s unmistakable urgency behind them. “If you would consider spending time with her… getting to know her…”

She hesitates—then slowly opens her handbag.

You notice it immediately.

A small stack of neatly folded bills in her hand.

“I’m willing to compensate you,” she says quietly, almost pleading now, her fingers tightening slightly around the money. “Generously.”

The sight catches you off guard. This isn’t just a strange request anymore—it’s real.

A stranger. Cash in her hand. And that desperate, hopeful look in her eyes. For a moment, the world feels strangely still… as if whatever you say next might change everything.