Episode 2

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.