The evening stars

Message

Monday in Alex's life began with a run, which was not just a physical exercise for him, but a kind of ritual for refreshing his mind and preparing for the new week. He enjoyed the morning air, which was fresh and invigorating, and allowed himself a few minutes to reflect on what lay ahead.

Returning home after his run, Alex saw that his family was still asleep. He paused briefly by his daughter Sammy's bed, feeling a warm sense of love and responsibility for her happiness. Then, dressed in a formal suit, he headed towards the exit.

His office, located in downtown Chicago, was an example of how high rental costs could be comparable to an ordinary person's annual salary. It was a necessary evil to maintain the image of a successful company and attract the best specialists. The tall glass facades of the buildings and the endless streams of cars created a unique atmosphere that, although exhausting, added its own dynamism and energy.

When Alex entered the office, he immediately felt the familiar atmosphere of tense business activity. Colleagues, already engrossed in their tasks, greeted him, and he, giving a slight nod, headed to his office. His day began with work meetings, planning, and addressing important issues, but deep down, his thoughts kept drifting back to Sophie, to that evening moment that left him in contemplation.

Looking out the window of his office, Alex suddenly realized that he still didn't have Sophie's phone number. This fact seemed strange to him, considering how close they had already come to each other. He remembered that evening when they spent time together and how easily and naturally he communicated with her. Her smile, her voice, her gaze resurfaced in his thoughts once again.

He remembered how Sophie looked against the backdrop of the evening forest, how they laughed and joked. He understood that, despite his professional duties and busy schedule, this detail — the absence of her number — remained important. It's not just a desire to stay in touch, but a longing to get to know her better and understand what is happening in her life.

Alex picked up the phone and dialed Nigel's number. After a few rings, he answered.

— Hi, Nigel, it's Alex, — said Alex, trying to sound as casual as possible. — I have a small request for you.

— Hi, Alex, — replied Nigel. — What happened?

—I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier, but I need Sophie's phone number. Do you think you could send it to me in a text message?

— Ah, I see, — said Nigel. — Wait a minute, I'll send you her number.

In a few seconds, Nigel sent Alex the number of Sophie.

— Thank you, Nigel. "I appreciate it, — Alex said, preparing to end the call.

— Always happy to help. "Good luck, Alex! — replied Nigel and hung up the phone.

Now that he had the opportunity, he decided not to delay and write to Sophie right away. The feelings he experienced were strong enough to motivate him to act decisively.

— Sophie, hi, it's Alex. I got your number from Nigel. I hope you don't mind.

Sophie, barely holding back a smile, read the message from Alex. He got her number from Nigel and hoped she wouldn't mind. Excitement and joy overwhelmed her, and she quickly typed out a response.

— Hi, Alex! Of course, I'm not against it. "How are you?" she wrote, trying to maintain a calm tone.

— Well, I hope you haven't forgotten that you promised to teach me how to skate? — he typed.

Sophie smiled again as she read the message. Remembering his request, she replied:

— Of course, I haven't forgotten! How about setting a date? When will it be convenient for you?

Alex quickly replied:

— Excellent! I think it would be best if we scheduled this for the weekend. This way, we will have more time to practice and not rush. How do you like Saturday?

Sophie pondered, recalling her plans for the weekend. She replied:

— Saturday is coming up. I can offer you an evening time if that works for you.

Alex responded immediately:

— The evening sounds great. Let's agree on 8 in the evening then. Where shall we meet?

Sophie decided to make a proposal that would be convenient for both.

— How about meeting directly at the skating rink? I know that there aren't many people there at that time, and it will be easier for us to ride.

Alex was delighted by such an offer.

— I agree! I will wait. Thank you for taking the time for this.

Sophie felt warmth in the response and replied:

— You're welcome, I will find it interesting too. See you on Saturday!

The correspondence had ended, and Sophie returned to her lessons with the children, feeling the excitement of the upcoming meeting overwhelming her.