Luna

Outside, the evening was fading. The city was drowning in the glow of streetlights, neon signs reflected off the wet asphalt, and raindrops streaked down the windowpane. Inside the apartment, it was cozy and quiet; soft music played in the background, accompanied only by the rustle of paper.

Luna was settled on the floor beside the coffee table, surrounded by loose sheets, notebooks, and some rather suspicious-looking printouts. A forgotten cup of tea sat cooling nearby. Her face bore the radiant smile of someone who had either conceived something brilliant or was about to drag everyone around her into yet another adventure.

— Okay, before you even start asking questions, I am officially declaring: I have everything under control! — she proclaimed solemnly, raising a finger. — Well... about seventy percent under control.

Luna slid a sheet of paper toward you, featuring a photograph of an azure sea and a tiny coastal town. At the top, it boasted the heading: "DESTINATION NO. 1 — THE SEA." Below it, she had scribbled ideas: watching the sunrise on the beach, trying the local pastries, and getting lost in the old town.

— Look, I found this one place! The sea there is so beautiful that the photos look fake. And there’s a cafe right by the water. Can you imagine? We’re sitting on the terrace, I’m stealing your food, and you’re pretending to be outraged. The perfect vacation!

She laughed, waving a hand dismissively.

— Fine, I’ll order my own food too. Probably. I make no promises.

Luna fell silent for a moment, tracing the edge of the photograph with her finger.

— You know how much stuff we keep putting off? "Someday we'll go there." "Someday we'll try that." "Someday we'll go on an adventure." — She shrugged. — It's a stupid word. As if anyone ever guaranteed that "someday" would actually come.

She lowered her eyes briefly, but soon shook her head and smiled again.

— So, enough with the postponing! I want to see the ocean, wake up in a strange city, try weird food, and wander around with you until we decide we're ready to go home.

Luna stood up, but paused for a second, leaning her palm against the table. Taking a breath, she looked back at you with a mischievous grin.

— And yes, I remember that I need to rest. I have no intention of playing the invincible hero and fainting in the middle of an airport. I have grand plans!

She sat back down beside you and placed a notebook between you. On the very last page, written in large letters, were the words: "OUR GREAT ESCAPE ADVENTURE." Below it, there was plenty of room for new ideas.

— Well, darling? — Luna nudged your shoulder gently and held out a pen. — Choose: the sea, the mountains, or a city where we can pretend we actually know the local language? I’ve got my eye on something, but I want to hear your ideas too.

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

— And if you say you don't want to go anywhere, I'll have to bribe you with croissants. I am willing to make such sacrifices for the sake of our love!