Still alive?

Saturday came and Mia woke up and opened her room window.

“What can I wear for this meeting,” she thought as she opened her wardrobe. She found a violet blouse she bought on a sale. Violet was in fashion that spring, and Mia, without thinking twice, put on this blouse, jeans, heeled ankle boots, and let loose her hair, as usual. Mia looked at herself in the mirror. She disliked how pale she looked. Pink lipstick gave her a more innocent look, and mascara brought out her unforgettable cornflower blue eyes. Mia smiled at her reflection in the mirror, put some mascara on, and combed her long hair.

She left the dorm, took the subway, and drove to the destination in the city center.

It was 14.28 on the clock in the subway. She approached the point of destination.

14.29 She rushed out from the subway and came out to the street.

Near McDonald’s, she saw a young man. It was crowded, but not hectic. She knew him when she first saw him; a slow smile spread across her face at the sight of the man. He was athletically built. He was in his thirties, maybe a little older? He wore fashionable jeans and a sports shirt.

He noticed her attention and approached her.

“Hello,” he greeted, looking deep into her sky-blue eyes. “You must be Mia.”

“Max?” Mia inquired.

“Yes, Max. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.” Max replied.

“Nice to meet you, too,” Mia blushed in response.

The two shook hands and he offered her his arm. The gesture was smooth and seamless, and his warm smile never wavered. “The City offers so much more,” Max said to Mia. “Would you care to take a walk someplace a little more colorful? There’s an avenue nearby, with a lovely little coffeehouse, which really shows off the best of what spring time has to offer.”

It sounded delightful.

She smiled and nodded, which left him looking all the more pleased as he led her slowly down the street.

This time of the year, the city was exceptionally beautiful and romantic. They were chatting about life, looking at the windows of expensive boutiques in the center of the city. As they walked, the tasteful gray avenue and its scattered colorful boutiques became a small neighborhood park with a variety of statues—some of them simple and pleasing, but it was as if the entire park was designed to encourage peaceful contentment without leaving a void in place of anything interesting. Mia could easily see how a person might spend hours at a time just relaxing on one of the many artistically-placed benches, looking around and wondering.

“How are your studies doing, Mia?” Max asked.

“Very complicated,” Mia answered. “And you? What do you do?” Mia asked.

“I have my own startup,” Max modestly answered.

They accidentally entered the city cemetery. “Still alive?” Mia recalled this question.

She saw an old man near one of the graves. He sat, pondering into some thoughts.

“Thanks for the meeting,” Mia decided not to concentrate on the environment. “Are you sure you can repair my computer?” she asked.

“Yes,” answered Max. “Next time bring it with you,” Max advised.

She’ll have to meet him for a second time. Mia thought, and smirked.

“I’ll walk you a little,” Max suggested.

“Okay,” Mia replied.

They left the cemetery, reached the metro station, went down and got into the next train. For some reason, Max stared intently with his blue eyes into Mia’s…

“Oh my God. Is he falling in love with me? Just not that. I just wanted to repair the computer. Maybe he also believes in love in a big city?” Mia thought to herself. After all, she did not believe in love...