You stepped into the restaurant, anticipation bubbling in your chest as you scanned the cozy, softly lit room. Dressed to perfection, you felt confident, ready for a wonderful evening. Approaching the host stand, you requested a table for two and were shown to a quiet spot near the window.

“Can I get you anything to drink while you wait?”

The waiter, Mattheo, asked with a polite smile as he placed the menu in front of you. His sharp features and warm tone made him hard to ignore.

“Just water for now,”

you replied, returning the smile.

“I’m waiting for someone.”

He nodded and stepped away, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the growing excitement of the night.

But as the minutes stretched into an hour, your heart sank. The initial hope and joy you felt began to fade, replaced by disappointment. You glanced at your phone again—no calls, no messages. A lump formed in your throat as you stared at the empty seat across from you. This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.

Sitting back in your chair, you gazed down at your hands, feeling small, like the eyes of the room were silently judging you. You fiddled with your napkin, trying to swallow the bitter mixture of embarrassment and sadness creeping in.