It all starts with the most handsome, romantic, and kind man in the world. He is tall, with dark blond hair, almost golden. He has beautiful green eyes. He is always wearing social clothes and often repeats the color gray. It must be his favorite color. And even under those elegant clothes, you can tell he is physically attractive.

A highly dedicated professional, he is always giving the best advice on food and health. He likes to drink sparkling water and enjoys cinnamon candy.

His name is Alan Serrane. His age is not known for sure, but he is between twenty-five and twenty-eight years old. And he has a sports car, also in gray.

Now, let's talk about my neighbor from the Terra Gemea building. He is a twenty-four-year-old young man. He is a tennis player. He's not very famous outside of our city, but here, everyone knows him. Although he is an athlete, he has a slightly protruding belly, probably the result of the beers he always drinks on the weekends. His long, dark brown hair is always tied back in a ponytail. Sometimes, with a headband. He only wears designer clothes. His name is Denny Camara. He doesn't have a driver's license and hates red roses.

How do I know this information? Well... I am the envious one from the apartment next door.

I am also twenty-four years old. But unlike him, I have no success whatsoever.

My hair has a different color, it's orange-blond. The famous rusty red. Very ugly, it's not straight and it's not curly either. My hairstyle is always the same, tossed to the side of my right eye.

In school, I played tennis, and won eight competitions in a row. When I graduated, I was going to pursue a career in tennis, I was very excited, but, as not everything is rosy, I went from conquering a dream, to being broke in a week. I suffered a serious car accident, which left me limping and half blind in my right eye, in addition to having several scars on my legs.

Because of this problem, I can no longer pursue a career in sports. Mainly because of my impaired vision.

My parents are already elderly, my mother was forty-seven years old when I was born. The long-awaited son, who they thought would never arrive. They always help me with money for the rent.

I don't have a steady job, sometimes I work at the cashier of a parking lot during the day, and at the cinema box office on weekends when they call me.

It's normal to find other people's lives more interesting. So when I'm bored, I just sit by the window, watching the square in front. And keeping track of everything my neighbor does.

This is the story of a boy named Theo Urione. Someone who once dreamed big, but now enjoys the dream life of others.

___ || ___

That morning I received the most annoying news anyone could receive.

"You need to lose weight!"

The doctor examined my shorter leg and found that I had excess fat between the ligaments in my knee and was concerned about possible inflammation where I had the pins.

°°°

Theo Urione: What do you mean I have to lose weight? Am I that fat?

Doctor Reinaldo: Unfortunately Theo, you are ten kilos overweight.

Theo de Urione: Ten??? Ten kilos? Are you telling me that I'm going to have to lose all that? I won't make it.

My eyes filled with tears.

Doctor Reinaldo: Calm down Theo, it's not the end of the world. You can do it.

Theo Urione: I can't do it! There's no way. I don't want to stop eating. You know? Hamburger, pizza, soda, ice cream. These things are what make my life happy. They're all I have, I can't lose that.

The doctor laughed

Doctor Reinaldo: How dramatic! All this is poison for your health, Theo! If you don't lose weight, it will complicate your leg. And you could end up in a wheelchair, I know that's not what you want.

Theo Urione: And if I succeed? Do I get rid of this stupid cane?

Doctor Reinaldo: That's quite possible.

Theo Urione: Then I want to! But, I don't know where to start. Is it just a matter of stopping eating those things?

Doctor Reinaldo: I got someone to help you. But first, I want to know if you accept?

Theo de Urione: A person to help me lose weight? How's that?

Doctor Reinaldo: He's a friend of mine from college. He's working at this clinic now.

Theo de Urione: Another doctor?

Doctor Reinaldo: Yes, but he has another specialty. He's a nutritionist. Want to meet him?

Theo Urione: I'm embarrassed. Will he have to look at my legs?

Doctor Reinaldo: No. You don't have to. But, you also shouldn't hide your legs. Always in long pants, you never sunbathe. Your skin needs sun.

Theo de Urione: I live in an apartment, the sun doesn't shine there.

Doctor Reinaldo: You're funny! Try going out in shorts.

Theo Urione: Never! I don't want them looking at my legs.

Doctor Reinaldo: Okay, I give up! Let's see Serrano.

The doctor stood up and walked out in front of me.

I picked up my partner, the damn cane, and went with him. We walked to the back hallway, and entered a very pleasant room. There was a wooden sofa with leafy green upholstery. A wooden coffee table, also made of wood, and some plants around it. The shiny table, also wooden, had a computer, a basket of pens, and a plaque.

Theo Urione: {Alan Serrane!?}

Doctor Reinaldo: Alan! Come here for a moment?

"Hi Reinaldo! I'm on my way!"

From the hallway, footsteps revealed the presence of the man who stopped in front of me.

Alan Serrane: Good morning, I'm Doctor Alan Serrane!

He held out his hand to me, a bright white smile on his face.

Theo Urione: {How beautiful!!! Am I dreaming? Is this man real? There must be a hidden camera here, this can only be a lie}

Doctor Reinaldo: Theo, this is the person I told you could help you.

Theo Urione: Ah! Yes. Of course.

I held out my hand to him.

Alan Serrane: It's a pleasure to meet you, Theo, shall we talk?

Theo Urione: Yes... As long as you want.

___ || ___

That's how I met that wonderful man. There was no way I couldn't fall in love at first sight. The most unpleasant news in the world, I completely forgot, all that mattered to me was being close to him as much as I could.

I left Doctor Alan's office very determined to start the diet. He gave me a sheet with instructions and restrictions, and I intended to follow it to the letter.

Arriving at my building, the famous Terra Gemea, I saw a young man leaving, wearing a tennis uniform. It was Denny Camara, a real hit in our city. Sometimes, a group of fans would stay at the entrance to ask for his autograph when they knew he was leaving.

Theo Urione: What a beautiful uniform. It would look much better if he wore the headband the same color, and styled his hair a bit.

As soon as he got into the car and left, I approached the building's entrance.

Theo Urione: It's not always safe to walk where he is.

"Hey! Theo!"

When I looked back, I saw my coworker running towards me. Her name was Rubi Castor. She was small, with almond-shaped eyes and black hair, so smooth that not even a butterfly could land on it.

Rubi Castor: Are you coming to work today?

Theo Urione: Seriously? How boring! Nobody told me.

Rubi Castor: Well, they asked me to let you know. That's why I came.

Theo Urione: Right. Want to come in and have some water? I only have water to offer.

Rubi Castor: Oh, I'd love some.

°°°

We went in and I served her a glass of ice-cold water.

Rubi Castor: How was the doctor today?

Theo Urione: It was a dream!

Rubi Castor: A dream? You always complain.

Theo Urione It's because this time, my friend... I met the most handsome man in the world! He's the man of my dreams.

Rubi Castor: Uh-huh! So they replaced your doctor?

Theo Urione: No, he's a nutritionist who's going to help me lose some weight. Tomorrow, I'm going to see him again. He's going to teach me exercises I should do.

Rubi Castor: Wow! But is he really that handsome?

Theo Urione: He is! He's amazing! He doesn't look real.

Rubi Castor: Now I'm very anxious to meet him.

Theo Urione: Want to come to the appointment tomorrow? Then you can see him.

Rubi Castor: I'd love to!

|||

Rubi and I worked in booths, selling movie tickets. And the daily routine of this job sometimes left us a little depressed. Especially when we saw couples entering hand in hand.

Theo Urione: There's not even a romance movie on today and I've already seen three. How about you?

Rubi Castor: I saw two. But you know, the smartest guys don't come looking for romance. They come to see horror movies, because that way the girl gets scared and clings to them.

Theo Urione: Really?

Rubi Castor: Of course! That's how people get to cuddle inside.

Theo Urione: I get it.

The next one to buy a ticket at my booth was none other than Denny Camara.

Denny Camara: Four for "Annihilator of Ordinary People."

Theo Urione: Okay, four coming up. You can choose the seats.

Denny Camara: I don't know. You choose.

Theo Urione: Me?

Denny Camara: Yes. Choose for me, you must know which seats are the best, right?

Theo Urione: Okay, so it's these. Center rows. Enjoy the movie!

Denny and three other guys walked in. Luckily, no one noticed him. Otherwise, it would have caused a commotion.

Rubi Castor: Hey, Theo? Did you know there's going to be a very rare comet passing on Wednesday?

Theo Urione: A very rare comet? Here we go again. You're not trying to climb that antenna again, are you? You know it's very difficult for me.

Rubi Castor: I know, I thought of an easier place this time. I just wanted some company, will you come?

Theo Urione: Why don't you go find a boyfriend? You do these things with boyfriends.

Rubi Castor: I already have a boyfriend.

Theo Urione: Seriously!? You little rascal, when were you going to tell me?

Rubi Castor: It's just that... He doesn't know we're dating yet.

Rubi gave a mischievous little smile, and I burst out laughing.

___ || ___

The next day left me very elated. I never cared much about the clothes I was going to wear, but this time I chose the best I had. I was going to see that incredible man again, and so I was very excited.

°°°

When I arrived, he approached me again with that smile.

Alan Serrane: How are you, Theo?

Theo Urione: I'm great! And very excited.

Alan Serrane: Theo, I'm also a physiotherapist, so I'll guide you through the exercises myself, okay? Since your leg is compromised, we can't do just any exercise.

As he spoke, I saw several hearts floating in the air.

Alan Serrane: Come back and see me next week.

Theo Urione: Not until next week?

Alan Serrane: Right, you don't need to do this more intensively. And the time shouldn't be too extended.

Theo Urione: But I want to!

He suddenly put his hand on my shoulder and looked me straight in the eye.

Alan Serrane: You are a very determined person. I find your willpower very beautiful. I studied your case very carefully, Theo, and I promise I will help you recover.

He finished those words with a kind smile. My heart raced, so fast that it scared me at first.

Theo Urione: Thank you very much. In that case, I'll be going.

I walked away feeling all giddy and forgot that I had brought Rubi, she was waiting outside.

Rubi Castor: Hey! Crazy, where are you going?

Theo Urione: Ha! I was leaving. Shall we go?

Rubi Castor: Yes. And how was it?

Theo Urione: He touched my shoulder.

Rubi Castor: Aw, that's nice. And he really is the most handsome man I've ever seen. You're lucky if he falls for you. Make that wish to the comet!

Theo Urione: Wish to the comet? What do you mean?

Rubi Castor: This comet takes many years to pass by Earth again. They say it can grant wishes, much more effectively than the little shooting stars.

Theo Urione: Oh yeah? Okay then. I'll make my wish. What about you? Do you already have a wish in mind?

Rubi Castor: Yes.

Theo Urione: And what is it?

Rubi Castor: I can't tell you. Otherwise, it's bad luck, and what if it doesn't come true, right?

___ || ___

ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ If the comet had passed that night, I would have made the right wish.

I was very tired when I got home. I took a long shower and made instant noodles. The night was clear because of the moon, so I looked out the window.

From the balcony of my apartment, I had a view of the central square, neighboring buildings, and straight ahead, past the square, a small open space, showing the sky.

...

Suddenly, the most romantic scene I had ever seen unfolded before me when, none other than; Alan Serrane parked in front of the building. He was wearing a teal shirt and black dress pants. In his hands, a bouquet of red roses.

Theo Urione: Wow!? What is he doing here at this hour of the morning?

My curiosity couldn't be contained. I stretched to see, but I didn't know where he was going; I only knew that he had entered my building.

Theo Urione: Those flowers... Of course, he must have a girlfriend. A man like him wouldn't be alone.

Just as I thought about going out and snooping around the corridors, I saw him coming back to his car.

Theo Urione: What, already!?

Alan got back in the car, but without the bouquet in his hands.

Theo Urione: Leaving so soon, handsome? Who was that bouquet for? Tell me.

Without the answers I wanted, I went to sleep, eagerly awaiting the day of my appointment with Dr. Serrane. Maybe I could see a wedding picture on a picture frame.

||

During the morning of the appointment, I experienced several signs that should have alerted me that things were not going to go well.

After a black cat crossed the street, I took a shortcut in the alley and passed under a staircase, which immediately made me bump into and knock someone down.

...

Denny Camara: Are you ever going to get off of me?

Theo Urione: Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Denny Camara: Are you blind or something?

Theo Urione: Partially, in one eye.

Denny Camara: Are you kidding me?

Theo Urione: No! It's true.

Denny Camara: Right, whatever! Just get off of me, man!

Theo Urione: I was already doing that. It's just that my leg is messed up.

Denny Camara: Blind and crippled? You shouldn't even be out on the street!

Theo Urione: I would choose not to leave the house, but you know how it is, we have to work and all, and...

I looked at him, the tennis player Denny Camara. He had a handsome face, but I smelled cigarettes on him, and that disappointed me.

Theo Urione: Wow! You smoke? Why do you smoke if you're an athlete?

Denny Camara: Look, man, mind your own business! Get out of here, freak!

He continued walking, and after standing still for a few seconds, I decided to pull myself together and continue on my way as well. But I felt like slapping him, I really did, for ruining an athlete's body like that.

I finally entered the office.

Alan Serrane: Hello, Theo! How are you feeling?

Theo Urione: Very well, and now happier than I was this morning.

Alan Serrane: I'm glad you're happy. And how was the first week of the diet I gave you?

Theo Urione: What did you say?

Alan Serrane looked at me smiling, with those beautiful white teeth of his.

Alan Serrane: You forgot about the diet?

Theo Urione: Oh my god!? You won't believe I actually forgot? You know, I even had a lot of salad yesterday, but at the end of the day, it was a sandwich that ended up sustaining me. But, that's because it was the only place open near my house where I could buy anything to eat.

Alan Serrane: I see. But you can't repeat this forgetfulness this week, okay? And now, I'm going to give you a walking exercise.

Theo Urione: Walking!? I don't want to do that one. Don't you have another one?

Alan Serrane: Why? What's wrong with walking?

Theo Urione: I feel bad... You know, people stare at me. That's when they don't ask me if I've been like this since I was born.

Alan Serrane: Theo, you have to get over this. You're strong, and you're still young. You can recover, you can improve this condition. But, you need to take the initiative. I really want to help you.

Theo Urione: I appreciate it. But even so, it's very difficult.

Alan Serrane: Tell you what, let's walk together. What do you think?

At that moment, my jaw dropped. He actually invited me to walk with him!? Even after thinking for a few seconds, I came back to my senses and accepted the offer.

Theo Urione: I think it's a wonderful idea. It's... Because you would be giving me a head start. Thank you so much!

Alan Serrane: So let's start today. Shall we?

Theo Urione: Now?

Alan Serrane: Yes, let's go.

||

That man, Alan Serrane, was completely wonderful from head to toe, inside and out. I was completely smitten with his charm and kindness. I enjoyed the afternoon walking beside him, and when it was over, he gave me a ride home.

||

Alan's car pulled up and we got out.

Alan Serrane: How nice! You live here too.

Theo Urione: Yes. Would you like to come in and have a coffee or... some water?

Alan Serrane: Maybe next time, I have a meeting to go to later.

As we said goodbye, Alan looked directly behind me and took a step forward.

Alan Serrane: Denny!

Denny Camara: Oh, you again!? Stop bothering me!

Alan completely forgot about me, a few steps away.

Alan Serrane: Denny wait! Did you... Did you get my note?

Denny Camara: The note!? Along with that hideous bouquet?

Alan Serrane: Hideous!? You... You didn't like it?

Denny Camara: Of course not! What a load of crap! And besides, I hate roses! Now if you'll excuse me!

Denny continued on his way, leaving Alan heartbroken, just standing there watching him.

Alan Serrane: Denny! Please, at least have dinner with me! Is that too much to ask!? Look, I promise I'll never contact you again. Just accept one dinner.

Denny Camara: You promise!? You'll never show your face in front of me again? Okay, maybe.

Alan Serrane: Yes! I'm so glad.

Denny Camara: I'll think about it, and when I decide on the day, I'll let you know.

||

ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ The scene was exactly that; my guy was courting my neighbor. And it was for him, for Denny Camara, that that beautiful bouquet was intended.