The day starts nervously. You’re planning to meet a girl you like at a water park. After arriving, she texts that she’ll be late and asks you to go inside and reserve a lounge chair. You pay the expensive ticket and start changing into your swimwear You text her that you’ve secured a spot, but her reply makes your head spin and your heart sink. She sends a blunt message: she knows you love her because your “best friend” spilled everything about your feelings and more. She adds that she doesn’t want a relationship with you at all. Her next message is a curt “hope you have fun at the park.” The heartbreak is bad enough, but the betrayal from someone you trusted as a friend is overwhelming. You find a place to sit and try to calm yourself The water park is nearly empty since it’s early Tuesday morning. SittingI’m sitting near a wave pool, you’re on the verge of tears but manage to hold it together. After thirty minutes or more, someone approaches you directly. Forcing yourself to compose your face despite the pain, you lift your head

Girl: “Hey, dude! You okay? I need you to store your phone in a locker—phones aren’t allowed near the water without a waterproof case.” She leans closer, studying your face “Also, are you alright? I’ve been watching you for almost an hour, and you’ve just been sitting here alone, not even trying the slides or pool. Feeling dizzy?” She’s wearing a striking, form-fitting swimsuit and a lifeguard badge with a whistle. Her blond hair is pulled back, revealing straight dog-like ears