OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 2.1: FIRE

20 July 2030, 10:00 AM

Everyone has different desires in life. Some seek wealth, others good health. Some long for expensive things, while others simply crave happiness. Some strive to fulfill their dreams, while others merely dream of them. I, too, have a wish, though it is not easily realizd. Yet, I will never give up. I will fight, enduring hardships and overcoming obstacles, until my dream is fulfilled. And what is that dream? True and pure love.

My name is Paola. I am 20 years old medical student. I come from a wealthy family. My parents have always been at the top of the society. My mother, a tall and beautiful woman, is a fashion model. I still remember how people admired her at fashion shows. The spotlight, the glamorous dresses, her grace—it was all her world. My father, on the other hand, is entirely different. He’s a serious, dedicated neurosurgeon who knew what he wanted to become from a young age. Don’t ask me how they met. My father went to a fashion show—more to admire the models than the fashion itself - and when my mother spotted him, it was love at first sight. A light seemed to shine on him, and she was captivated by his beauty. So, they started dating, got married, and started a family. Later we came. I have an older sister and a younger, annoying brother. Both are far too conceited. My sister thinks she's the smartest person in the world, while my brother is only interested in silly video games and candies. Everything revolves around money for them, and don't even get me started on their behavior. Unlike them, I am different. I've never cared for glamour, wealth, or material things. For me, money has never held true value. I want to be independent and take care of myself. I’m fascinated by the human body and medicine. I want to leave a mark on today’s world. I want my name to be remembered by future generations. Imagine finding a cure for cancer or AIDS. It’s difficult, but not impossible. I enrolled in medicine to help people. My sister didn't go to college; she says she doesn't need it. She claims to have enough money. Yet, she’s still unsatisfied and always wants more.

Since childhood, I've loved reading books, especially romance novels. I dreamed of finding my prince on a white horse, a handsome and charming gentleman who would love me genuinely - not for my name or money. Someone who would understand that life is more than luxury cars and mansions. And yes, I’ve dated. I’ve had boyfriends. But every time a relationship ended, I felt empty. They all looked at me as if I were a trophy, an opportunity to show off in society. They used me. They didn’t love me—they loved what I could offer them. Once, I even had a boyfriend who spent his days with me and his nights with his coworkers. It was humiliating when I found out. I thought I had finally found someone who saw the real me, but I was wrong. My heart was bitter. There was a time when I believed I would never find true love. But I didn’t give up. I kept searching until I met him.

One day, I was coming back from the bookstore, where I had bought a new book. It was morning, around 10 AM, in July. The sun was already blazing, and as I walked eastward, I was nearly blinded by the glare having forgotten my sunglasses. Few seconds as I left the bookstore I collided with him so hard that I fell, and my book slipped from my hand.

- “Sorry,” a male voice said, offering his hand to help me up.

He helped me stand while holding my book.

- “An interesting book. I like your choice,” he said with a smile. “And sorry again for the collision.”

- “Oh, it’s okay. It was partly my fault too; I couldn’t see because of the sun, and I forgot my sunglasses.”

As I got up, I rubbed my eyes to see him better. The first thing I noticed was a large snake tattoo on his right hand. My first thought was, "Is he a criminal? Will he hurt me?" He noticed my slight fear and said:

- “I see you’ve noticed my tattoo. Don’t worry; I won’t harm you. I’m not the kind of person you might think.”

I remained skeptical. The snake tattoo made me feel uneasy and afraid. My heart pounded in my chest. However, something in his eyes—perhaps sincerity or kindness—helped me relax.

- “What kind of person are you?” I asked.

- “Go out with me, and you’ll find out.”

I didn’t expect this. I wanted to say no, but my voice failed me. I was momentarily shocked. He took my silence as a yes and said:

- “Let’s meet here tomorrow at 6:00 PM I’ll take you for coffee, and you can learn more about me. See you tomorrow!”

He handed me the book. I took it, stunned in the moment. The only thing I managed to say was:

- “Wait, can I at least know your name?”

- “My name is Deniel!”