He would invite her out for coffee, or to the movies, or just for a walk along the lakefront. He was such a good guy—so familiar, so warm, so easy to be around. One afternoon, it just happened, and Olivia found herself telling him everything.

  • You know, — Chris said after listening intently, — he didn’t really want you, Liv. Yeah, he was comfortable. You cooked great meals, you made the house a home, you took care of him… but he didn’t want you, the person. He wanted a live-in housekeeper, not a partner. When a man really loves a woman, he doesn’t say things like that. You don’t hurt the person you love; you’re terrified of losing them. So don’t be too upset. You’re a human sparkler, you know that. You’ll always be that way, and I like you exactly the way you are.

Chris gave her a disarming smile, and a warmth spread through her chest for the first time in weeks. She stopped answering Nick’s calls and learned to tune out her mom. Life began to find its own, quieter rhythm.

She and Chris kept seeing each other. She got used to their meetups; she looked forward to them more than anything. Olivia caught herself thinking that she liked Chris. A lot.

But he just acted like a good friend. Then, everything changed in an instant. Summer faded into a crisp Chicago autumn.

One evening, Olivia came home from work. Her mom met her in the hallway, holding a bright bouquet of colorful balloons.

  • More kindergarten games! Who is this admirer with these ridiculous antics? — her mother asked indignantly, handing her an envelope.

Olivia took the letter from Chris, unfolded it, and read. «I’m leaving tomorrow for a month-long work trip. I can’t stay quiet anymore. I don’t want to be just your friend, because I’ve been falling in love with you for a long time. You, the human sparkler. You, the girl who is happiness. You, the girl who is sunshine. I want to be with you. I want to fly with you. If you feel the same, just let these balloons go from your balcony. Fly with me?»

  • You found another fool just like you? — her mom shouted. — There is a normal, stable man who still wants you back! You’d be safe with him! And you found… this guy. For once in your life, use your head! And don’t you dare release those damn balloons! I won’t let you ruin your life!

Her mom quickly shoved the bunch of balloons into her own bedroom and slammed the door shut.

  • Mom, what are you doing? Don’t you see that you’re the one trying to ruin my life right now? I will not be with someone who doesn’t want me, who hurts me, no matter how successful he is. And yes, I love this guy, and he is not a fool!

It was useless. Her mom wouldn’t open the door. Olivia bolted from the apartment and ran down the stairs. She frantically circled the building, her eyes scanning the street for Chris.

She couldn’t find him. Olivia tried calling, but it went straight to voicemail. «Of course,» she thought, her heart sinking. «He thinks I rejected him.»

The next day at work, Chris was gone. He had left, just as he’d said. The month that followed passed in a state of suspended animation. Olivia’s vibrant world turned monochrome. She was just going through the motions. Work-home, home-work. Her relationship with her mom was cold and strained. Her mom saw her daughter’s deep unhappiness and seemed to realize she had gone too far, but the damage was done.

Olivia realized how unbearable it would be to work alongside Chris now, to see him every day knowing she had ruined everything. So, she quit. She found a new job in a different part of the city. The people were nice, but she kept to herself. Her former colleagues told her that Chris was back.

She thought about trying to see him several times, but fear always held her back. One evening, when Olivia got home, her mom suddenly asked, «Hey, that guy… the one who sent you the balloons. Is he back yet?»

  • Yeah, he’s back. What difference does it make?
  • Listen, I know I messed up, I admit it. But let’s try to fix this… Meet with him, if you love him. Please don’t deny yourself this.
  • Mom, how do you possibly imagine that happening? He’s convinced I rejected him. Besides, I quit my job. It’s over.
  • I imagine it… like this, — her mom said, a small, hopeful smile appearing. — Go buy some balloons.