Brotherhood

The day slowly dawned, continuing to revel in the intoxicating night. The moon's tired face was slowly being obscured by brightness. The golden rays of the morning sun appeared in increasing numbers in the sky. It was very early. The entire city, immersed in hours of relaxation, had no intention of breaking its blissful slumber. The silence and stillness of the urban landscape were only disturbed by the steady sound of waves rustling along the shore. The turbulent water, lapping against the wooden pilings supporting the jetty, played a distinctive melody, stirring the entire Blue Lagoon to life.

The birds were the first to awaken. They began to soar across the expansive sky, signaling the dawn of a new day.

The city remained deserted. The hazy blanket that curled between the buildings slowly dissipated, replaced by silvery droplets of morning dew, covering the grass and gardens.

The town's main street ran along the sun-drenched beach. It was often called a tourist destination. Its name derived from the large number of hotels located on its outskirts. The residents of this small town lived solely off the backs of wealthy tourists, who possessed an irresistible desire to relax and, of course, spend more money. The pristine landscape allowed some to forget their daily worries and be transported to a magical world of simplicity and carefreeness.

The sun rose higher and higher. Its glare, reflecting off the road, blurred the image of the figure moving along. However, after a short time, the boy's blurred face began to take on the proper features. The well-built brunette, dressed in trousers rolled up just below the knees and a loose T-shirt, at first glance gave the impression of a wanderer heading into solitude. The young man's gloomy, or perhaps simply tired, face seemed impersonal. The heavy equipment slung over his back hindered his movements somewhat, making him move slowly and awkwardly.

Passing several hotel buildings and shophouses, he headed toward a large, white-brick house. Stopping beneath its awning, he saw the figure of an elderly man on the porch.

"Hi, Daniel," a familiar voice said.

"Good morning, Mr. Wetter," the boy recited.

"How are you? Are you still living with your sister?"

"Yes. Since I moved out, my father hasn't even tried to persuade me to stay in his so-called home.

" "When did you last speak to him? "

"A long time ago. My mother gives me news from him." The man chuckled out of the corner of his mouth. "Funny. Right? If only I could get news from my father, who lives a few streets away, from my mother, who is on the other side of the country."

"Are you coping?" he asked with a note of concern in his voice.

"I have a place to sleep and food, so I'm not complaining."

"If anything—"

"Yes, yes. I'll let you know."

"Exactly," the man said, squeezing the boy's arm.

Mr. Wetter was Oliver's father. In town, he was known as the Town Father. Many adults called him that. Parents of the younger generation. He wasn't given that nickname without reason. Not only had he contributed to raising a significant number of children, but he also worked at a psychological counseling center. He was a pleasant and kind man, which is why most young people willingly came to him in difficult situations. Daniel included.

Meanwhile, Oliver appeared on the porch.

"Hi, Daniel.

" "Hello," he replied, shaking the boy's hand. "

Ready?" he asked, stuffing the last items necessary for an overnight stay outdoors into his backpack.

"Always. But I see you're not quite ready." "Those are just details," Oli replied, tightening the last zipper. "Beer?" he asked, tossing his friend a can of brown liquor. "

Have you got much of this?" he asked as he stepped out onto the road.

"Plenty. Enough for the entire trip."

"In this heat, it doesn't take much to make your head spin.

Oliwier was one of the few teenagers in the city who lived with both his mother and father. He never hid his joy. Most of his peers had lost their guardians in unfortunate twists of fate. He never left the fear that he, too, might live to see the day when his parents would turn their backs on him. Daniel was the complete opposite of Oliwier. His parents separated when he was a teenager. He remembered his family through the prism of constant arguments and constant fights. The whole situation calmed down when his mother decided to leave for the capital. There, she was to rekindle her life and pursue a dazzling career as a financial advisor.

After getting out on the road, Daniel and Oliwier immediately headed for the coast. They had planned their trip quite carefully, so they didn't intend to deviate from that plan.

"Do you have any plans for the holidays?" Oliwier asked.

"I thought that sun, beach, women, and cold beer in all their abundance would fill the void in my wild life," he said, smiling discreetly.

"Seriously, though. "

"Remember the boat I inherited from my grandfather last year?"

"That wreck?" Oli asked. "

That one. I plan to renovate it. I don't know how long it will take, but I plan to go on a cruise on it."

"My vacation will be limited to working on the house renovation and gathering materials for a new script."

"What about the previous one?

" "You know full well it was a complete failure.

" "Too personal?"

"Exactly. Besides, everything fell apart when Asia left me."

"The love story that life was written by ended with her leaving? Is that possible?" Daniel asked.

"It seems so. She was my conscience, my soulmate. My inspiration."

"Have you come to terms with that?"

"Yes. You can always write a different script.

" "Did I ask about Asia?" he said, looking at him with a different look than usual: suspicion. "

I've already gotten over it. The worst is over," he replied as they approached the forest.

The sun rose high, almost reaching its zenith. The day was hot, and the sweet scent of summer hung in the air. Radiant rays, like fires, lit up the nearby buildings. Joasia Adamczyk appeared around the corner of one of the houses. With a vigorous and cheerful gait, she moved toward a small shop located on the corner of the "Plaza" hotel. Her innate beauty quite clearly showed off her carelessly styled hair and still-sleepy eyes. Dressed in denim shorts and a flowing, crimson T-shirt, she gave the impression of a slightly disoriented girl.

She would turn nineteen in December. She was very mature for her age. She and her mother lived in a cottage by the sea. After her father's death, she was forced to face a double struggle with life's hardships. Unfortunately, her mother couldn't cope as well as Asia. Her descent into alcoholism forced her daughter to work even harder on herself. Despite these cruel events, the girl gave vent to some of her emotions, and from a helpless girl, she transformed into a young, brilliant, and wise woman. She owed all of this largely to the Wetter family, who, from her earliest years, had helped her grow up and cope with all the other challenges of her childhood.

The girl was just about to enter a grocery store when she heard the voice of a schoolmate behind her.

"Wait!

" "Hi Sylwia," she said, turning around.

"Hello," the blonde beauty replied in a pleasant voice. "Are you going shopping?" she asked. "

I was planning to," Asia replied, opening the shop door.

"Did you hear," she hinted, "that Daniel and Oliver decided to reminisce about their youth and went on a trip to the East Coast."

"They didn't tell me anything about it," she replied, wondering why they hadn't taken her with them. "You don't know why?" "

They said it was a guys' trip. You know how they are. Their conversations, bad jokes, and self-pity."

"I understand," she said, closing the door behind her.

They were just emerging from the forest when a solitary tree came into view. It perched on a small hill, climbing high. It was old, like a living monument to the glory of the invincible, glowing in the glow of the shining sun. The widely spread branches were astonishing in their strength and the power hidden within them. Daniel and Oliwier stopped for a moment, gazing at it in awe. Deep in the branches, a wooden house could be seen. A makeshift, imaginatively constructed, it was perched on the western edge, overlooking the sea. From this side, they could also see the remains of an observation window, its glass so badly cracked that it could serve as a screen rather than a viewing window.

"A fortress," they thought simultaneously.

"Remember?" Daniel asked, looking upward.

"Never anyone. Never now. Never again," Oli recited.

"The words of our oath. I've almost forgotten it," Daniel admitted.

"Sealed with blood," the boy added.

"Yes," the other laughed. "It was funny cutting my thumb to get a single drop of blood." "

It was supposed to be childhood, but it has stayed with us to this day." Oliwier became strangely serious. "

After nearly ten years, our alliance has made sense.

" "Like this wooden house. I wonder how long it will last?

" "Nothing is eternal," Daniel replied, bringing the boy back to earth.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Nothing. I'm simply a rationalist," he replied bluntly.

"You don't believe in the power of higher things?" Oli asked.

"I don't believe in their existence, let alone the greatness of their power," the other replied, carefully examining the old tree.

They stood there for a moment, staring at the limp statue. A smile appeared on their faces. They probably recalled their childhood years, when, as young boys, they could revel in the simplicity of their beliefs. In this brief moment of their distant journey into the past, they wanted to relive everything they had experienced in this place. "

We need to gather firewood," Oli said, interrupting a moment of reflection. "It might be chilly in the evening. We'll build a fire to warm ourselves," he finished.

Without a reply, Daniel set off into the forest in search of dry branches. His stroll through the thorny dwarf pine had ruthlessly cut his bare feet. Meanwhile, Oliwier was preparing a spot for the fire. He created a circle in the center, setting aside a spot for the fire.

"You're here," he said, seeing Daniel approaching. "

I've gathered as much as I could," he replied, throwing the dry branches to the ground. "There should be enough for the whole night," he added, leaning over the stone-lined fire pit.

Oliwier began stacking the wood. He did it with great precision, like everything else. This sometimes irritated Daniel, as he himself was more of a messy person than a purist.

Evening was approaching. The first stars twinkled in the wide sky. They shone brightly and intensely, as if their brilliance was trying to pierce the full moon, which was glazing over. "

We'll spend the night here. It might be uncomfortable, so if you want, we'll change locations," Oli said, unfolding the packed sleeping bags.

"It's not a five-star hotel, but at least let's try to assimilate to the ground," the boy replied.

Daniel also began preparing to spend the night under a cloudless sky. He spread his mattress behind a tree. The gusts of wind blowing in from the sea couldn't reach him there, and the heat from the fire warmed his body. Oliwier did the same. The sleeping bags were pressed together parallel to each other, and the hikers lying on them couldn't see each other's faces.

"Remember how we'd break away from our parents and come here," Oliwier recalled, "and then sit in a tree until dusk, staring out at the sea?"

"Like today. I'll never forget the beating my father gave me when I was late for dinner," Daniel replied, a little disgusted. "But there are still advantages." "

I can even guess what they are?" Wetter added, gazing at the stars.

"Anżela, an angel in human skin," he reminded with a smile. "

She had huge freckles," the second one joked.

"She was my first love."

"Yes. I'll never forget how you ran to her window with a bouquet of flowers, dressed in black moccasins, slacks, and a snow-white shirt. A complete gentleman," he said, chuckling quietly. "

I was madly in love," Daniel sighed, explaining.

At this point, there was a long silence. They both looked at the sky, admiring the glint of silver glitter. A stream of reflection flowed across their faces. Lost in thought, they returned to distant years, which now seemed to come alive again. Oli broke the silence with a deep sigh.

"You know," the boy whose raven-black hair was changing color in the glow of the nearby fire said. "I'm

listening," the other one asked, rubbing his tired eyes. "

When I told you today I'd pulled myself together, I lied," he confessed, and Daniel's face, instead of tired, was filled with surprise.

"So you still?" he said, staring upward.

"I guess I'll never come to terms with this," Oliwier confessed.

Daniel wondered why the boy hadn't told the truth right away, but had instead carefully concealed it from his friend. It wasn't a big deal. At least, that's what he thought, at first.

"Someday it will be necessary," Daniel uttered tartly, but the other man didn't hear it, having fallen asleep shortly after the last words.

The evening was long. The absolute silence in the area prevented Daniel from sleeping, for whom his friend's lack of truthfulness proved more painful than expected.

The next day, the sun appeared quite early in the sky, breaking blood-red across the horizon. From the depths of the nearby forest came the sweet sounds of singing birds. This intoxicating state didn't last long. The enchanting undertones were drowned out by the cries of a group of children approaching.

"What are those cries?" Oli asked, wiping his sleepy face.

"I have no idea," Daniel replied, awakened by the same sound.

"Did you sleep well?" Wetter asked. "

Until now? Yes," he lied, having spent a significant portion of the night awake, or rather, thinking.

What the boy was wondering about. One could only guess.

"Who are you scoundrels?" one of the handful of boys approaching the tree squeaked in a high voice.

"They're either thieves or homeless people," another added.

Daniel smiled to himself, then looked at Oliver.

"This is our base. Get out of here!" shouted the child leading them.

He crossed his arms at the elbows, scowled, and glared at them sternly. Or so he thought. "

You built it, Captain Hook," Oli asked.

"No. It's been empty for years, so we took it over. " "

At least he's not lying," Daniel said to his friend.

"How do you know?" the child asked coldly.

"Because we did it."

"Really?" he asked in disbelief. "

When we were your age, we arranged everything ourselves. We spent weeks building the fortress. Then, when we finished it, we watched the ships arrive at the city port. We wrote down their names and checked to see when they would reappear in the bay," he explained the treehouse's history to the young sailors.

"As true sailors, we must return your property to you," the boy said in a different voice than before. "

Keep it. Make sure it doesn't fall apart," Daniel declared, gathering the scattered items from the ground.

"Next time we come here, we'll check how you're taking care of it," Oliwier added. They packed their belongings and headed towards the forest.

They were entering the town. The eastern part of the coast sparkled. The main and largest building in town came into view: the Plaza Hotel. Its white brick facade gleamed in the sun. It was here that the largest number of tourists gathered each summer.

The figure of a girl emerged from around the corner.

"Like memories?" Asia said, seeing her friends approaching.

"Very positive," replied Oliwier. "It's just a shame it was so short."

"I understand you couldn't take me with you."

"I'm sorry. It was a men's trip. Women weren't allowed to be on it," Oli explained again.

Daniel, however, stood a little to the side, as if hiding behind his friend's back. After arriving in town, he didn't speak, only gazing silently at Asie. His head was tilted down, and large green eyes were visible from beneath his thick eyebrows.

"Are you going to the festival?" asked Joasia, quickly changing the subject. "

I suppose; yes," Oliwier nodded. "It would be difficult not to participate in this general social event," he added with a touch of cynicism in his voice. "I

know you hate this broadly defined disharmony, but it would be nice if you showed up," the girl tried to spur her friends on to greater enthusiasm.

After all, no, they were allowed to participate in the opening of summer every day. The entire town's inhabitants wait for this moment all year long.

The next morning was intoxicating. The closer to noon, the more oppressive the sun became. Fortunately, it was still early, so Daniel, as he had planned, began modernizing the boat he had inherited from his grandfather. His old boat was tied to the dock. He began looking around, assessing the components that needed repair or complete replacement. He constantly grabbed the wooden hull panels, checking their strength. He also scrutinized the mast, which was supporting the sails rather precariously.

While the boy was meticulously inspecting the boat, Asia strolled along the shore. As always at this time, she headed for the shop. Warm bread for breakfast couldn't be compared to anything else. Perhaps besides coffee, and since she wasn't used to drinking it, hot rolls were the quintessence of her desires. Besides, she had never been overly demanding.

Spotting Daniel on the boat, she quickly made her way towards him. Combing her carelessly styled hair, she glanced at him.

"Have you been working long?" she asked, looking at the boy bustling about the ship's deck.

"I've only just started," he replied, getting to work. "

Where's your crew?" she asked sarcastically, but without malice. "

We have a long and incredibly difficult mission ahead of us," he asked, understanding the gag, "that's why I allowed my soldiers to rest before this dangerous voyage."

"I understand," she replied, surprised. "What does one have to do to join your company?"

"A soldier must be tough, brave, tenacious, and above all, a man," Daniel smiled. "But if you like, start with this?" he suggested, pointing to the paint and brush lying in the corner of the ship. "

Can I start work tomorrow?" she asked.

"A true companion doesn't ask, they do," he replied wryly. "However, your exceptional charm and beauty won't let me refuse," he added after a moment's thought, seeing the girl's disappointed face.

"Thanks, boss.

" "It's said. Yes, sir," he said firmly despite the smile tugging at his lips.

"Yes, sir," she said, saluting, then turning on her heel and heading towards the shop.

The darkness was gathering, and the sky was covered with stars. Asia was sitting by the bay. She lived in a cottage by the sea, so she went out to the pier every evening. This time it was no different. With her feet immersed in water up to her ankles, she thought about the future.

Oliwier was walking from the park behind her. His hands were in his pockets, he was heading towards her. He moved slowly. The girl didn't notice the boy approaching. Only when he reached the bridge did she turn to face him.

"Evening walk?" she asked.

"As if," he replied, sitting down next to her. "

How am I supposed to understand that?" she asked again, looking at the mirrored reflection of their faces in the water.

"I had to think about something," he said heavily. "

It sounds serious.

" "That applies to you too," he said, and the girl looked at him, expecting an explanation. "Remember?" he continued. "We always sat here when you had a problem," Oliwier added after a moment.

A look of confusion crossed Joasia's face. She wasn't quite sure what the boy was getting at. But after a moment, everything was clear.

"We had a good time together," the boy confided.

"Yes," she nodded, so surprised she didn't know what to say.

She immediately remembered when he told her everything was fine after their breakup. She hoped they would still be friends, because in the context of their shared childhood, he meant so much to her.

"Do you think it will ever come back?" he asked, a little shyly.

"I don't think so. It's a long time ago," she replied, confident.

"Any past can be the present. Just a little effort on both sides, and miracles can be achieved."

"Forgive me for saying this, but you're an incurable dreamer. I've explained to you many times that when it comes to you, I'm looking for a friend. Someone I can confide in, someone who will understand my problems, who will look at me objectively and try to verify the mistakes I make."

"I don't know if I can meet your expectations," he replied to her brief monologue. "I don't know if I can judge you objectively. You'll always be infallible to me. Perfect, in fact," he explained, then stood up and walked away toward his own house.

The space separating them was limited to the city park. Their houses stood on opposite sides of this tree-filled garden. At some point in their shared experiences, it became a symbol, a metaphor that reminded them of their converging childhoods and later adolescence. A cycle full of ups and downs, filled with strong emotions. At first, friendship, then great love. In the end, only respect and a strong sense of attachment remained. At least on Joasia's part. Oliwier, on the other hand, constantly recalled their time together. He wanted to reverse this, but he didn't realize that his vision of regaining his still inexhaustible love would soon shatter like fragile glass.

It was early morning. Daniel was moving along the harbor toward the boat. The local marina, just after sunrise, looked impressive. The wind blowing in from the sea stirred the iron bird perched on the building. Most of the fishing boats had set sail before dawn, so only the small yachts of wealthy tourists remained in port. Terns soared in the cloudless sky, hunting for prey from the early hours. The boy walked slowly, mentally devising a plan to repair the wreck.

"Please, please. Punctual as ever," he said in greeting, noticing Joasia waiting for him. "

Better safe than sorry," she replied with a smile.

"Yes. Foresight is almost priceless these days," the boy said, eagerly jumping onto the boat.

"Where should I begin?" she asked, full of enthusiasm for the work ahead.

The beautiful, brunette girl looked politely and with palpable satisfaction at her colleague. An irresistible desire to do something completely different than before was evident in her eyes.

"We need workers like that," he said, for the girl had impressed him with her determination. "We should paint the side of the boat, but before we get to that, we'll clean up a bit."

"Okay," she replied without protest.

Meanwhile, Oliwier was at home. As expected, the boy had been forced to work on the house renovation. Dressed in old rags and a paper hat, he stood on a ladder. Brush in hand, he tried to paint the house as thoroughly as possible. His face was covered with white paint spots. The image of his failed attempt to win back Joanna still lingered in his mind. Perhaps from the very beginning, he hadn't believed in the success of this endeavor.

Recent events related to his relationship with the girl were increasingly painting his next scenario. The autobiographical statement of the work in progress was probably meant to soothe a wounded soul rather than be an artistic creation.

"Hello," he heard a voice suddenly coming from somewhere below.

"Hey," he returned the greeting.

Sylwia stood on the ground, staring at him with her large, blue eyes. An inexplicable bitterness etched on her face, which she cunningly tried to hide from the busy boy.

"What are you doing?" she asked, shielding her eyes with her hand as the sun made its presence felt again that day.

She looked beautiful, as always. Her golden hair, tucked up at the ends, fell charmingly over her bare back. The pastel blue of her slim dress with a side slit made her look unearthly.

"As you can see, I'm not idle," he replied. "Who knows, maybe if I don't get into the academy, I'll have to paint houses," he said, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye and smiling mischievously.

"You don't believe it yourself, do you?"

"You're right. I don't think anyone predicts such a bleak future for themselves."

"You know Joasia is helping Daniel repair his boat," she announced, changing the subject and getting to the point.

"I've heard something," he replied indifferently.

"Doesn't that worry you?

" "Why would it?" he asked, not understanding the question.

"I don't know. You used to be different."

"She made it clear to me that nothing would happen between us, so I gave up," Oli admitted.

"That's it. Where's your horrendous optimism that drove you through the most inextricable obstacles? It made you break down all barriers. Finally, it led from victory to victory," she asked, disappointed with her friend's attitude.

"Do you think I should try again?"

"I won't suggest anything. You decide what's most important to you."

"Frankly, that wasn't the response I expected."

"I'm sorry," she said, crossing the street.

Her house was tucked between the law firm where her mother worked and a fisherman's cottage, from which an unpleasant odor often emanated. The girl had lived in the neighborhood forever, but it was the brunette on the other side of the park who stole Oliwier's heart.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Joasia were still working on the boat. The boy was pacing the deck, checking the sails.

"It doesn't look good," he said. "

They seem solid," the girl replied to the boy's concerns. "

The jib is poorly tensioned, and the mast to which the mizzen is attached will collapse any moment.

" "I'd like to help you, but I have little knowledge of boat rigging," she said energetically, brushing

the side of the vessel with her brush. "I have to take care of this myself," he said, glancing greedily at the busy girl

. An unidentifiable glint appeared in his eyes, and an equally strange smile appeared on his face. The girl's astuteness prevented him from looking at her for too long. She quickly realized what Daniel was up to.

"What are you staring at?" she asked with cruel sincerity.

"How?"

"Lecherous, like some kind of trophy or porn star.

" "Not true," the embarrassed boy categorically denied. "I'm watching because you're not doing your job properly," he thought up on the spot.

"You're awful," the girl replied, not believing his words. "You're not fit to be the head of public works."

"That's good, because I have more ambitious plans than leading a gang of social outcasts.

" "Yes. What?" she asked curiously.

"I'd like to sail around the world on this boat.

" "And more down-to-earth things?"

"There are many things you can do in life," Daniel replied.

"Which of those many things suits you?" Asia asked.

"Honestly, I don't know yet.

" "Those are ambitious plans indeed," she said sarcastically, but with a smile.

"Professor Adamczyk, if you'll excuse me, but the side is still unpainted," he replied just as sarcastically, starting to tidy up the boat.

Daniel, when discussing his future plans, seemed more interested in impressing the girl than actually sharing his own. In reality, he had no idea what to do with his life. After a difficult childhood, the peace he experienced after moving in with his sister brought him contentment and fulfillment, which he didn't want to abandon too quickly in search of new challenges. Unlike his friends, he had no idea what he would do after high school.

The last few months of Daniel's life were filled with turbulent family events. It all began in his early childhood. His domineering father, refusing to accept his own failures, took his anger out on a child who was in no way to blame. By regularly scolding the boy, he led Daniel to hate his father to the point of obsession. Only the support of the Wetters helped him recover from his life's misery.

It was already evening. Daniel, legs stretched out, lay on the sofa. Lost in his worries, he didn't hear his sister enter the room. The lights were off. In the opposite corner, only a small candle smoldered, its flame gazing glumly at the boy.

"What's up, little brother?" asked the girl standing in the doorway.

Dressed in a flowing T-shirt and shorts, she regarded him with dark eyes.

The boy's sister was three years older than him. She had chosen to live alone in a cottage by the sea for similar reasons to Daniel. Her relationship with her parents had never seemed commendable, so there was absolutely nothing to brag about. She had begun living alone at the same age as her younger brother. After moving out, she worked in a restaurant and simultaneously studied at the local Maritime Academy.

Despite his riotous lifestyle, the boy was always ready to help his sister with rent and other household chores. Living under the same roof benefited them both. They learned to compromise and solve all problems together. It was completely different in their father's house. There, the domineering boss only followed orders from his subordinate children.

"Who's this lucky woman?" she said, approaching, noticing that the boy hadn't reacted to the greeting.

"What?" Daniel said cautiously.

"Oh, so there is someone. " "

Clarity isn't your strong suit," the boy replied, pretending he had no idea what she meant.

"Don't pretend you don't understand."

"When, that's exactly how it is. Be so kind as to enlighten me.

" "Stop," she insisted. "I can see you staring at the ceiling for several minutes now.

" "It's hard to think sometimes. Besides, I'm tired." I didn't think repairing the boat would take so much energy," he explained. "I know when you're tired.

" "Are you getting somewhere, or are you just being mean?" he asked dismissively, but Nika didn't give up.

"Yes. I'm stating that the symptoms of apparent fatigue, gloomy eyes, and hearing loss indicate a depressive breakdown in the patient's mental state.

" "Did you..." he continued, jumping out of bed.

"Colloquially speaking, you've fallen in love," she drawled confidently.

"Is that the doctor's diagnosis?" he uttered sarcastically.

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

The initially confused boy looked at her with a sneer.

"Don't worry," he said, gently patting her shoulder. "Even the best specialists make mistakes," he articulated as he walked to the kitchen.

"I saw the way you looked at her," she retorted to her brother's remark. "It wasn't just a look," she added, following him.

"Did you see the hard-working brunette with green eyes?" he looked at her expressively. "It was me," he added, irritated by his sister's exceptional persistence. "

I did." That same brunette was shamelessly looking at the princess helping him the whole time," she said maliciously.

"There was no princess there. Only Asia?" He didn't finish, as the girl looked at him unambiguously. "Do you think Asia and I?" the boy began gesturing nervously. "

You're perfect for each other," she interrupted. "She's beautiful, you're whiny. The perfect couple," she explained.

"You know perfectly well that's not true."

"True.

" "No, no, no." Daniel wagged his finger pointedly. "You were wondering what kind of storm such an unfortunate union would cause," he tried to explain, but Nika still stuck to her gun. "

You didn't deny it.

" "Oh, why should I deny it? Nothing happened."

"If nothing happened, why are you so upset?" she asked slyly.

The boy was speechless for a moment, buttering a slice of bread in the kitchen. He futilely searched the cabinets for something to distract him from the awkward topic. His sister, however, wouldn't give up.

"Aren't you going to answer?" the girl pressed again.

"I don't know what the answer is," he replied, walking back into the room. "It's not as simple as it seems," he added finally, putting his weapons down.

"Why?"

"If Oliver found out about this, the storm would turn into a hurricane. The problem is complex, and the alternative is terrible," he said, a little disappointed.

"Do you care?"

"I don't know if she cares," he replied.

"Right now, the most important thing is how you feel. Suppressing your feelings isn't the best solution.

" "And do you see a better solution?"

"Talk to her."

"Talk to her?! I don't think that's the right way to maintain gravity in this situation. If I told her, the sun would stop rising, the tides would disappear, and darkness would fall over the earth. As a result, death squads would march across the world, devastating everything in their path, creating widespread chaos and confusion. "

It's a better solution than hiding a love that's still blossoming. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, you'll quickly bleed to death," she said, leaving for the next room.

The boy, however, pondered for a long time what he should do to make everyone happy. There were thousands of ideas, and the solution remained unrealistic. Deep down, something told him to take radical measures rather than quietly sneak into the girl's heart. However, he rejected every idea, finding a suitable explanation for each one. It wouldn't have been so complicated if it weren't for Oliver. He was the reason the boy didn't have the courage to tell himself that somehow everything would work out. Whenever he thought of his friend, images from their childhood began to flash before his eyes. He didn't want to miss the only good thing that had happened to him during that period of his life.

Several days had passed since Daniel's conversation with his sister. During that time, the boy had worked a lot in solitude, as Asia couldn't always be with him. The girl spent much of her time in the library, deepening her journalistic experience. In the future, she wanted to work for a reputable and well-known newspaper or television station.

Saturday arrived. Preparations for the festival kicking off this year's summer vacation had been underway since early morning. Oliwier took Joasia's words to heart and helped with the preparations from the early hours. The shore was swarming. Dozens of people began energetically preparing for the all-night party. Preparing a special shell-shaped stage took up most of the time. The specialists handled that, but ordinary townspeople were excited about arranging the trinkets and colorful decorations. "

Can I join in?" Daniel asked, seeing his friend hanging colorful lights. "

Sure," he replied without protest. "How's the boat renovation going?" he asked, remembering the boy's talk about the old boat. "

Okay. You're certainly determined."

"I heard Asia is helping you.

" "Yes," he replied, a little slurred.

"How's she doing?

" "I'm not complaining. She's a good worker.

" "He he," Oli laughed. "A typical professorial statement."

Daniel, however, couldn't help but laugh. He knew he was somehow deceiving Oliver. It didn't feel good. He had a feeling it wouldn't end well for their friendship.

"You know. I have to tell you something," he stated, frowning characteristically. "I think I'm in love," the boy

managed to utter a small word. "Fantastic," he said happily. "What kind of girl could bear your huge heart?" he asked with a smile.

"Mhm..." he began, a shadow of sadness flitting across his face.

"Oli! Oliwier! Come here," they heard Sylwia suddenly shout from across the street. "

I have to go. We'll talk later. Okay?" Oli jumped up, walking toward the girl.

"Sure," he said to himself in a dejected voice.

That same day, Daniel decided to return his unfinished books to the library. Walking toward the most architecturally beautiful building in the city, he hadn't expected to encounter such a beautiful girl inside.

The boy stepped inside. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced around the room. Asia was sitting in the corner. The boy approached her silently.

"You surprise me every day," he said.

"Why?" she asked, looking up.

"Hard-working, punctual, and now eager. Are you hiding any other strengths?

" "I don't know. Try to find out," she replied, slightly embarrassed.

Daniel nodded. He had no idea if it was encouragement or just another bit of teasing from the girl. Their previous relationship had mostly consisted of harmless teasing intended to spice up their apparent friendship. However, the last few weeks had completely changed things.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, concerned by the boy's sad expression.

"Everything's fine," he lied deliberately.

"Our relationship has grown much closer lately. You can tell me what's troubling you. I'll try to advise you."

"Believe me, you'll find out everything," he said with conviction. "Just not yet," he added, not wanting to torment the girl.

"If you want?" she said, looking at him.

Their gazes locked for a split second. Both Daniel and Joasia felt it. At that particular moment, neither of them dared to speak. "

Shall we meet at the festival?" the boy recalled, breaking the awkward situation they found themselves in. "In the evening?

" "Of course. We've already arranged to meet.

" "Oh yes," he remembered. "See you then," he said, then turned and left the building.

The long-awaited evening had arrived. Most of the residents were already prepared for the all-night fiesta. Darkness had enveloped the world, and the cloudless sky and the colorful lights shimmering along the shore were captivating in their beauty. The stars scattered across the sky sparkled with brilliant light. A cool breeze blew from the sea, thinning the muggy air.

The festival was held every year. For the residents of the Blue Lagoon, this holiday coincided with the town's founding, so many of them threw themselves wholeheartedly into preparing the festivities. For some, it was the most important event of the year; for others, it was a wonderful opportunity to escape their daily lives.

During the summer, the entire beach was adorned with thousands of trinkets, streamers, and other such decorations. Only when autumn arrived did the town fall silent, falling into its winter sleep.

The coast was bustling. Music played on every corner. People danced under the open sky. For wealthier tourists and important figures, the party was held on a yacht, which set sail just after dark.

Sylwia and Ariel, a tourist temporarily staying at the Plaza Hotel, joined the group of friends sitting at one of the tables. At first glance, the boy seemed like a pleasant, slightly older teenager. He lived in the capital with his mother, who, unable to tolerate her pedantic husband, pursued a solo career as a lawyer.

"Meet Ariel," Sylwia said, approaching the table occupied by the other three.

"Sit down," Daniel, quiet that day, said.

Sylwia's partner, dressed in shorts and a loose T-shirt, was indistinguishable from the others. He kept a sharp eye on the new faces around him. Gazing around with dark eyes, he caught Joasia's attention, who asked.

"Are you here for vacation?

" "Yes. I come here every year," he replied succinctly.

"Strange," she thought. "I've never seen you before."

"Apparently, there was no opportunity," he replied, a little flustered.

Oliwier, sitting in the corner, didn't look kindly on his new friend. From the first moment, he sensed a rebel in him, one who might disrupt his plans, and he hadn't anticipated such a turn of events in his scenario. His fierceness toward the things he cared about had reawakened. He seemed to take Sylwia's advice to try again to get closer to Asia quite seriously. He just hadn't realized that fighting for her soul wasn't a priority on the path to regaining it. " Are

you still studying?" Joasia asked, turning her gaze to his new friend.

"Naturally," he replied curtly.

"Are you a student?"

"First year," he finished. "A few weeks ago, I finished the hectic exam period." The girl looked at him with admiration. "Result? Satisfactory," the boy concluded.

Oliwier frowned. Sylwia, sitting next to Ariel, followed the behavior of her neighbor. She smiled as the boy stubbornly began to observe the exchange between the two.

The brief conversation was interrupted by a voice coming from a platform placed by the beach. A specially prepared platform awaited the most important speaker that evening. It was the town's mayor. Even though the festivities had begun hours earlier, everyone was eagerly awaiting their leader's speech. Every year, it was he who officially opened the summer season, comforting the shattered hearts of the people with his words.

Everyone turned their gaze to the source of the sound. Only Ariel lowered his head, silent. Whispers spread across the beach from the residents, growing increasingly impatient with the wait.

Finally, the emcee announced his successor. From behind the red curtain of the Bandshell, a short man, dressed in a suit and polished shoes, emerged. Ariel raised his head, wrinkled his nose, and turned his face away again. "

We are gathered here to officially open the summer season in our town together, with our entire small community," Mayor Sapa spoke. "Once again, I have the honor of participating in this extraordinary undertaking. I know it hasn't always been as good as this moment," he smiled at the sight of the multitude of people listening to him. "However, I hope that each subsequent year will be better than the previous one."

"You always promised a lot," Ariel said irritably.

"What do you have against him?" Oliver objected. "He seems like a nice man," he added, certain the boy would agree.

"You don't know him!! He's a real bastard," he said, biting his lip.

"You two know each other?" Daniel interjected, slowly losing track of the others.

"Poorly," he replied, "he's my father," he finished, and surprise appeared on everyone's faces. Including Sylvia, who until now had no idea that the mayor was their new friend's father.

A thick blanket of stars covered the cloudless sky. The evening was in full swing. A gloomy Daniel had imperceptibly separated himself from his group of friends. He was sitting on the railing of the dock to which his boat was tied. He gazed wearily at the rising water. The enormity of his problems was weighing him down.

In his reverie, he didn't hear Ariel approaching, the first to speak.

"I know the state you're in," he said in a whisper, striding along the wooden dock. The planks sizzled beneath him, making a sad sound.

Daniel looked at him glumly. A faint smile, like a cool glint of sunlight on a winter's evening, flitted across his face. "

Funny. I've heard that somewhere before," he said dryly. "

We only met a few moments ago, but that look—you have to tell her," Ariel advised.

"You don't know what you're talking about," he replied.

"The way you look at her is extraordinary. It's rare."

"You know what," Daniel interrupted, "you were right. We don't know each other very well," he added, dissatisfied with the direction the conversation was taking.

"You can deny it, but some feelings can't be hidden. At least not in the long run."

"Should I tell her the truth so she can laugh in my face? Come on. It's more complicated than you think.

" "It was never easy." "

I keep wondering why everyone sees it but her," he said, weary of the situation around him. "

Maybe it's the exact opposite, just that she's afraid to show it. Have you thought about that?" he said, leaving.

Daniel decided to return to his friends. Meanwhile, Sylwia and Ariel were walking along the shore. The evening air had a soothing effect on them. It was clear they were growing closer. Their relatively short acquaintance wasn't as complicated as the one between Joasia and Oliwier. It seemed strange that the blue-eyed beauty had been single for so long, and when she was finally on the right track to a relationship, she met a newcomer from the other side of the country.

"You didn't say the mayor of Sapa was your father," Sylwia said.

"Yes. Oda has a habit of referring to himself that way from time to time. In reality, he's only a father on paper," he announced. "Three-quarters of my life so far has been the awareness of living without him. We only see each other once a year. Here." "

It's sad, because he really seems like a decent guy."

"It's his job. He has to look good.

" "But you're different?" she asked anxiously.

"Don't worry," he reassured her. "I didn't inherit his genes."

"Will you stay here long?" she asked, hoping he'd say "forever

." "Only until the end of the summer," he said, noticing her sad expression.

Asia was sitting alone at the same table as before. Daniel was a stone's throw away when he noticed no one was with her. "

Where is everyone?" he asked.

"Oliwier went to get something to drink," she replied, "and Sylwia and Ariel are walking around the Lagoon," she finished, sipping her orange juice.

The boy stood over her, his hands in his pockets. The girl, her expression dejected, stared at the table. Daniel finally broke down and asked, concerned.

"Is everything okay?

" "I should be the one asking that question," she replied. "You've barely spoken for the past few days. You're walking around like you've been under a spell. I'm starting to worry," she confessed. "

Why are you worried?" The boy pushed back his chair.

He sat down next to her and looked at her with a strange sternness.

"Shouldn't I ask?" she declared, caught by his cold gaze.

"I'm not angry that you asked?" he explained. "I wonder why you're worried about me?" That's all I want to know now.

"Simply," she replied, not understanding the ambiguity of the question. "I've already told you. Our relationship has grown very close lately. I could count on you whenever I needed it," the boy listened attentively to her short monologue. "You never set conditions," she continued, "or asked for anything I couldn't give you. You're the first person I can turn to."

"What do you mean?" he whispered.

"You mean I can talk to you constantly, and you'll listen.

" "And you're never tired?

" "No."

"I do. I don't want to talk anymore.

" "What?" she asked, surprised. "I don't understand. Why? What do you mean?" she said, frightened by the words of the boy she'd counted on so much.

"I don't want to," he managed.

"Me?" she began.

Daniel interrupted her mid-sentence and kissed her. For a split second, their lips pressed together. Immersed in a sea of ​​passion, they seemed to be daydreaming. The once distant poles now shared a kiss. It was as if the sun had caught up with the moon, and the earth had become level with the sky.

Oliwier observed the entire scene from afar. With the image of his best friends engulfed in a fiery kiss before his eyes, he felt as if a boulder had been tied to his heart. He stood, hypnotized. He felt as if the entire world around him had crumbled before him. The man he trusted implicitly was kissing the girl he couldn't live without. Nailed to the wall and trampled, he momentarily lost his identity. He didn't even notice that a moment ago he had been holding glass vessels. The fragile glass shattered silently against the ground. He lost himself silently. In the enormity of his ambition, he had failed to notice the most noticeable thing under the sun.

Asia and Daniel continued kissing. The seemingly endless blissful state was interrupted by the girl's scream.

"Are you crazy?! How could you?" The girl jumped up from her chair and marched toward the street. "How could you?" she shouted in frustration at Daniel, who was following her. "How could you use a simple declaration of friendship to hurt me? Answer me! How?" The girl couldn't calm down. "What were you thinking? What?"

"What? I don't know," he replied. "God. It was an impulse.

" "Impulse?"

"Yes, impulse. A sudden, uncontrolled reflex. Believe me," he tried to explain, but strangely, nothing sensible came to mind. "

Do you have any more constructive ideas about this meaningless impulse?" she asked nervously. "The result is that our small, fragile world could fall apart." "

You're right," he replied gently. "Forgive me, because I thought a kiss was just a kiss."

"That's true, but not between us, and you know it perfectly well," she retorted. "Oliwier, remember? Can you imagine what would have happened if he had seen us?" she asked, concerned. "

Forgive me if, in this greatest tragedy in human history, Daniel Makowski was too impulsive and, with one unforeseen reflex, drove Joasia Adamczyk mad. And you know what's worst about it?" He looked at her distrustfully. "You let me do this. And you know it perfectly well."

While Daniel and Asia, absorbed in a fiery exchange, were moving along the street, Oliwier emerged from around the corner of the library. His face was shrouded in rage, as if a horde of evil-hungry devils had irrevocably entered him. He walked at a dynamic pace, heedless of anyone. Before his eyes were only two apparent friends who had unscrupulously stabbed the boy in the heart.

Suddenly, silence fell between the two. They walked like that for a long moment. The infinite silence was broken by Oliwier, who with a single blow knocked the completely surprised Daniel to the ground. The girl, walking slightly behind, suddenly jumped up towards the fallen boy. He, in turn, looked steadily at the aggressor, who a moment later disappeared around the corner without a word of explanation.

"Everything's alright!" she shouted, running over.

"I think so," he replied, a little dazed.

"You're bleeding. It needs to be treated," she said, helping him up.

Despite his utter surprise, Daniel could have foreseen this situation. He just hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. Asia, for the moment, didn't think about the whole incident and instead focused on the boy's black eye.

When they entered his apartment, Daniel without a second thought threw himself onto his favorite couch. The one where he had to make decisions whose consequences he was now experiencing. The girl went to the kitchen, looking for ice. While rummaging through the refrigerator, she heard the boy's cracked voice.

"He's got a punch, that bastard," he said, grabbing his sore face.

"He's never hit you?" she asked, sitting down next to him.

"Never this hard." He chuckled halfheartedly, as it was obvious it was causing him pain.

"It doesn't look good," she announced, wiping the boy's cut eyebrow with a damp towel. "

You said it yourself, it was my fault. I deserved it. "

"The surprise attack is the worst crime he could have committed.

" "Nothing changes the fact that our friendship has ended, and all sins are the result of my carelessness," he admitted, feeling uneasy as the perpetrator of the entire event. "I guess he'll never speak to me again," he added. "

Do you regret it?

" "About kissing you? No," he replied. "I'd do it again; only differently. And you? Do you blame me for doing it?" he asked, seeing the blush on her cheeks.

"I don't know," she replied, remembering the consequences that awaited her when she faced Oliver.

The next morning, Daniel was working on the boat as usual. Although there was still much to do, the work progressed quickly. He hoped he could get out into the bay early. It was a great opportunity to gather his thoughts. But for him, spontaneous decisions were the best, and planning ahead was counterproductive.

Joasia was strolling along the dock. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Daniel. She must have subconsciously hoped she'd meet him at the boat. It had been a while since she'd helped him restore it. Her life had become so chaotic, and she wasn't quite sure how to get out of this awkward situation.

"Hi. The paint and brushes are in the cabin," he said when she approached.

"I can't," she replied, worried.

"No problem. Will we meet tomorrow?" he suggested. "

I doubt it." She looked at him with feigned coldness.

"Are you still complaining about yesterday?" he asked, just to be sure. "I thought everything was fine." I apologized to you.

"It's a more complex matter. There's no point in going through it now.

" "I understand this is about Oliver?"

"I thought about it a lot yesterday and...

" "And you've already decided," the boy finished regretfully.

"I didn't decide anything. I was thinking about a more diplomatic way to resolve this conflict."

"Euphemisms won't help here, and you'll have to make a choice anyway.

" "What choice?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

And indeed. It didn't take long to realize the boy's unpleasant premonitions.

A girl was swinging on one of the swings in the park. The glow of light from the beautifully shaped lanterns illuminated the quiet space. In the center of the park stood a sculpture of a soldier, or rather a sailor, who had become famous in the town as its bravest defender. Asia knew the story of the brave soldier intimately. However, she could never fathom the last words spoken by the man immortalized in stone. The epitaph read as a warning: "For those who murdered their brothers to understand the world." The girl often came to this place and mentally repeated the quote on the monument hundreds of times. But to no avail. Meanwhile, when she tried again to decipher the mystery hidden in the fallen soldier's words, Oliwier also appeared. The boy was not kind, as he bluntly began to question his displeasure.

"How could you do this to me?" he said reproachfully. "You can't just throw friendship into the balance like that. You never know what's on the other side of the scale."

"And you call this friendship?" she asked, surprised and simultaneously irritated by his words. "You don't care about her at all. You only think about yourself. You're a self-absorbed egotist.

" "Do you really think so?"

"The last few weeks have given me reason to think so."

"I don't deserve to be treated like this. What makes him better that you're defending his side?"

"Nothing. He's different. You should know that best."

"How can a girl who just a few months ago had a clear vision of her future try to destroy him because she fell in love with a simpleton? " "

Is that exactly what you think of him?

" "What am I supposed to think after what he did to me? He deceived me at every turn. He betrayed me and stomped me without a second thought like a bug. On top of that, he kissed my girlfriend.

" "I'm not your prey. You have to finally understand that. You can't treat me like a girl for hire."

"I never did that," the boy denied firmly.

"We've been separated for a long time, and you treat me like I'm a consolation prize in a competition where no one knows why you're losing."

"If you want our relationship to stay the way it is, you have to choose. Him or me. You have a free hand," he articulated, then turned to leave.

Asia immediately saw that Daniel was right. But why did it seem so cruel to her?

The next few days dragged on. Each moment seemed to drag on, and there was no way to remedy it. The three friends spent the entire time apart. Hurt by fate, Oliwier began writing the script. His first thoughts, as he put them on paper, were: "Everything has two sides, like a coin with two sides." The pessimistic beginning didn't predict a beautiful love story with a happy ending. Quite the opposite. It promised to be a Horacean drama with a tragic ending. Trapped within the four walls of his room, he felt like a prisoner, so he crafted his plan for a good script by the bay. However, far from the harbor, where he might stumble upon Daniel.

Daniel, on the other hand, was constantly working on the boat. The sails' elements still didn't mesh well. Working on such details required exceptional precision, especially when working alone. Solitude wasn't the best companion in these circumstances. Instead of focusing on his work, it caused the boy to think about something else entirely. The image of the conversation he would have to have if he encountered Oliwier constantly flashed before his eyes. He replayed the moment their eyes met again in a thousand ways. The result was always the same: Daniel was knocked to the ground again, and there was no chance of another conversation.

Asia, as if cut off from their telepathic struggle, tried to organize her thoughts on how to resolve the conflict gently. Even though there was no theoretically viable solution, she kept thinking about it. The choice she faced after her conversation with Wetter further complicated the problem. She spent a lot of time at home in bed. Whenever she found herself in a similar situation, she could hear a knock on the door. Then Oliwier would appear and solve her problems. In her current situation, she couldn't expect the distinctive sound when he appeared at the door. She also couldn't count on a conversation with her mother, who had long since lost contact with her daughter. However, the girl retained inexhaustible reserves of determination, which allowed her to navigate life with ease and success.

Asia devoted no less time to working in the library. The municipal reading room building was one of the embodiments of Gothic architecture. Slender and imposing, it towered over the city. Colorful rosettes carved into enormous, towering windows illuminated the interior. Sculptures of great scholars at the entrance towered on the colonnade, loftily and proudly gazing skyward. The building's interior was in no way inferior to its exterior. Although more adapted to modern use, historic elements still remained, standing out. Above all, the immortal frescoes on the eastern and northern walls were eye-catching. However, the jewel in the crown remained the book collection, which included original volumes dating back three and four hundred years. The library remained the town's pride.

Joasia was fascinated by literature. Being able to hold an old print from the seventeenth century in her hands was quite an honor for her. She particularly enjoyed ancient and medieval art. Or perhaps the library was simply a place of exceptional tranquility for her, away from the noise of the street.

The girl was sitting at one of the designated work stations. To her right was a lamp, providing her with the necessary light. In front of her was a stack of books, from which she diligently jotted down useful passages. There were a few other people in the room who, like Asia, valued their peace and quiet.

At one point, absorbed in their work, she didn't notice Daniel entering. He approached the librarian at the other end of the room, asking about something. A moment later, he appeared soundlessly at Joanna's desk.

"Can we talk?" he whispered. "Outside," he added, pointing to the front door. "

I'm busy," she replied, sliding her glasses up onto her nose.

"It will only take a moment," he repeated. "

I can't do it now.

" "It's urgent," the boy insisted.

"Leave me alone. You're disturbing others," she drawled in a low voice.

"I can't wait any longer," he said in a loud voice.

The sound echoed through the room. The librarian cast a cold glance at the boy. The others also looked up from their books.

"What is it you want to tell me?" she asked, pausing in her notes.

"Much has changed in recent weeks," he began, when she immediately interrupted him.

"That's what you wanted to tell me."

"Let me finish. Someone advised me not to give up on things we care about. That's why I decided not to give up. I've been observing your problems for years," he said, referring to Oliver. "I've stopped caring about the dysfunction in your relationship. I know you have to make a choice. Unlike him, I don't intend to impose any conditions. I fell in love with you. I didn't want to. If I could decide by heart, I wouldn't. Not at all, so that you wouldn't have to endure the cruelty of that decision. When I kissed you, I was fully aware of what I was doing. I couldn't bear to look at how beautiful you were any longer. I wanted to experience it," Daniel continued, and the girl looked at him in amazement. "Know that whatever choice you make, I will fully respect it and won't impose," he concluded with a smile. "

I don't know what to say," she replied, stunned by the boy's words. "

You don't have to say anything. This is a library, after all. Silence is the order of the day," he said before leaving.

The sky darkened. Ariel quietly circled the dock. He walked slowly, almost majestically. Despite its simplicity, the harbor looked charming after dusk. The light from the lamps' plates gave it a touch of charm and mystery. The wooden railings of the jetty extended far out into the sea, disappearing into the darkness like schools of fish diving into the depths of the bay. Boats anchored nearby rocked in a cyclical dance across the smooth surface of the water. Joasia sat on the pier, where Daniel's boat was tied. Ariel wouldn't have noticed her if it weren't for the lantern hanging above the girl's head. The young woman's saddened face caught his attention. Her large brown eyes gazed into the silent space of a thousand things. At one point, the girl turned her face away. Her small, charming chin twitched nervously at the sound of someone approaching.

"Bad day?" the boy asked when he decided to approach.

"Ariel." What are you doing here?

"I should ask the same thing," he replied. "What are you thinking so hard about?

" "Just little things.

" "Is that what's getting you down?" he asked. "You don't look happy. At the festival, I met a young, beautiful girl, gifted with incredible charm and a lovely smile." It vanished.

At that moment, Asia felt a strange warmth radiating from the boy. She had the strange feeling that she could confide in a complete stranger. It was unusual, because the girl had never grown attached to people easily. Most often, it came naturally, over time. Presumably, the girl felt she needed to pour out the problems that were troubling her and rid herself of the burden weighing on her soul.

"No. It's really nothing." Despite her inner desire, she still insisted.

"Do you hear?" the boy asked, and for a moment, a vast silence fell.

Asia strained her ears, but only the sound of the crashing waves reached her ears. The girl looked at him questioningly.

"It's a cry of silent love. Let it ring out in its full voice. Don't resist it. Don't let anyone muffle her cry for freedom."

"How do you know what's troubling me?" she asked, astonished by the boy's aptness.

"Everyone knows it, but do you?" Ariel replied. "You have to ask yourself that question, and you have to answer it yourself."

The day Daniel was to set sail began much like all the others. The nearly finished boat was waiting for its christening and, of course, its maiden voyage along the seashores. Naming something that was the result of many weeks of work wasn't easy at all. The boy was thinking of something special. He wanted the name on the side of the boat to not remain just an empty slogan, associated with a thousand other things. He wanted it to be guided by the idea of ​​life. He yearned for the absolute. The rest seemed banal.

He pondered for a long time what name would be most appropriate. However, none of the ideas met the established criteria. The boy postponed the final decision until later.

To begin work, he decided to acquire some paint to paint the boat's name. As it later turned out, this wasn't an easy task either. He was wandering around the store, searching for the right color. He settled on a golden shade that would shine brightly in the sun and still be visible at night. He spent quite a while looking around the store shelves, eagerly browsing through cans. When he finally made up his mind, he approached the cash register and paid for the goods. Reading the label on the packaging, he headed for the exit. He inadvertently bumped into someone entering the store.

"Excuse me," he said instinctively.

Looking up, he saw that the person he'd bumped into was Oliver. They were both speechless. The tension between them had heightened, and their eyes sparkled. A certain resemblance was palpable. The tension between the two forces, as if a smoldering fuse connected two pairs of eyes, ready to burst into flame at any moment.

This was their first meeting since the fateful brawl after the festival. The mark on Daniel's eye was slowly fading. For a moment, the boy revived hope that they would be friends again. He hoped that, like the bruise on his eyebrow, Oliver would forget the misunderstandings between them. However, Wetter's fiery gaze, the anger in his eyes, and the dark expression on his face dispelled his suspicions. Daniel looked at him with teasing, but without malice. Rather, with pity. This reaction infuriated Oliver even more. His eyes flashed, and he wanted to lunge at the boy's throat, but he restrained himself at the last moment. A split second later, Daniel left the room, heading for the harbor. The other, using his words sparingly, bought more white paint for the house.

That same afternoon, Asia and Oliwier met on the pier in front of the boy's house. Due to the enormous mess, it would have been tactless to invite the girl inside.

"The sea looks calm today," she began first.

"Yes. There's no sign of a storm," he replied, sensing that they wouldn't end up talking about the weather in the bay.

Silence fell for a moment. The girl didn't know where to begin. She felt it getting harder with each passing moment. "

I have a lot of work. When you invited me here, you didn't want to talk about the weather, did you?" the boy suggested impatiently.

"Yes, or rather, no," she replied, hesitantly. "I want you to know that you shouldn't feel guilty about what happened," she forced herself to say. "

I don't feel guilty, I feel betrayed," the boy replied sardonically. "

You're right, because it's all my fault. I should have told you everything, except that I didn't even think it would come to this.

" "I know." He's the traitor.

"Will you never forgive him?" she asked.

"I don't think so.

" "And me?

" "You?" he asked, surprised. "But you haven't done anything wrong. You haven't made any mistakes, so if you want to apologize, don't.

" "Oh, if not. A few days ago, you yourself made it clear you disagree. You don't remember how you shouted.

" "I was wrong," he admitted.

There was a moment of silence. The girl tried not to look at him. He, however, stubbornly sought her gaze. "Whenever I looked into your eyes, I knew what you were thinking," he said, looking at her.

"And now?"

"You hope he and I will be friends again. You also delude yourself that I will forgive you everything, that everything will be as it always was, and that you can return to him as if nothing had happened." The girl looked at him in astonishment.

He truly could read her mind. He knew her like no one else.

"I also know," he concluded, "that you desire him as much as I desire you. You love him as much as I love you. Except that he loves you just as much." Asia lowered her face, barely holding back tears. "Believe me, a greater tragedy than a broken heart is overlooked love. I don't want to stand in your way."

"I want us to remain friends. I want to know you won't hate me.

" "Those are just words, Asia. Just words," Oliwier replied, turning his face away.

The girl stood before him, unable to decide which path to choose. Love or friendship. She realized she was standing on a tightrope above a precipice. Any movement, one way or the other, meant a fall into the abyss and an eternal wandering through the endless reaches of the abyss. The worst part was that she had to make a choice. Deep down, she hoped she could combine the two, but Oli made it clear that such a solution was impossible.

"Go now. Go," he said, his eyes welling up. "Go before I change my mind," he added, covering his face with his hands.

The girl turned away and ran toward the port.

Meanwhile, Daniel was preparing to set sail. The weather was perfect for sailing. The sun was shining brightly, and the sea was exceptionally calm. The boy was checking the boat's condition one last time.

On its starboard side was a newly painted gold inscription: FLAME. To the uninitiated, the boat's name wasn't anything special. But for Daniel, it held a much broader meaning. Above all, flame reminded him of the warmth of family, which he had never experienced. The many years of torment in his father's home weren't associated with pleasant memories. He hoped that in the future, he would be able to bestow such warmth upon someone.

On the other hand, he interpreted the word flame as life, and the values ​​associated with it, such as love and friendship. He believed that even the greatest fire would eventually extinguish itself, leaving only ashes, like life ending, like friendship and love losing their value at some point.

All these associations were not encouraging. The boy didn't believe in the permanence of the values ​​he so desperately desired.

As Daniel stared at the inscription, his face darkened with sadness and contemplation. He stared for a moment longer, then began to unmoor the boat. Asia appeared behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, untying the ropes. "

Were you planning to tell me?" she asked, breathing heavily.

"About what?"

"About the cruise," she explained. "Do you always avoid problems?"

"The cruise was obvious. Besides, I'm just making your choice easier."

"Very merciful, but it didn't improve my mood. "

I thought you'd be happy if one of us gave in." "

You were wrong."

"Maybe you're right, but I'm tired of your problems." I've always stood on the sidelines, watching this little drama. Your world is strangely constructed. There's no room for me in it. It'll be better for everyone if I disappear for a while," he explained, untying the moorings. "So, why did you come here?" "

I wanted to talk to you.

" "Do you want to say goodbye?"

"A lot has changed in my life in recent weeks. I've gained confidence. I think I'm starting to understand what I really want."

"I'm leaving in thirty seconds. I suggest you hurry," Daniel urged, glancing at his watch.

"I think I'm in love with you," she blurted out without hesitation in a resigned voice.

Embarrassment, happiness, and surprise. The boy felt all of it at once. At first, he wanted to say something, but stopped himself, turning his head away. He considered for a split second, then asked, a little vaguely.

"Do you think, or do you know?

" "I know," she replied after a moment's thought. "I've known it ever since you kissed me, maybe even earlier. The terrifying thing about all this is that I can't deny it.

" "So, what are we doing here?" he asked, more delighted than ever.

"I want to sail with you.

" "What? Have you gone mad," he articulated.

"I don't want to stay put. I want to move forward with you.

" "What about Oliver? He needs you.

" "No more than I need you," she announced, trying to climb aboard.

"No, no, no. Not so fast," he said, blocking her way. "

Should I ask permission?" he asked, holding out his hands.

"You don't have to," he replied, kissing her passionately. "Can you swim?" he asked, smiling.

"Of course. I'm just afraid we'll starve to death. "

"There's nothing to worry about. We'll reach shore in a few days.

" "A few days?"

"Or a few days later." "Who cares," he replied, raising the sails.

The boat slowly drifted away. Sunset was near. The sun was rubbing bloody against the horizon. Daniel stood at the helm, clutching the girl in his arms.