Please don’t take this the wrong way… Is it strange if I say I wish you were here? I don’t know you, but you are the reason for this beautiful day and although I’m not alone and I’m not even lonely—surprisingly for me—I would’ve loved to share all these amazing things… with the person who made it all possible.

This is kind of crazy, isn’t it? And risky. No, it’s not risky. Why would it be? I’d feel it if something was wrong. No, this is me wanting to thank a kind man in person. That’s all. Right. Who am I kidding? I’m dying to meet him in real life because I already feel like I know him. I’ve already been ‘meeting’ him and getting to know him all day. If we were next to each other, we’d just continue where we left off with our conversation. Unless it would be awkward. I don’t know. I hope not. Did I just do this? I check my messages. Yes. Sent.

I take a deep breath and a shiver goes down my spine. I’m so incredibly nervous.

It’s been minutes and no reply. It usually takes him seconds. I ruined everything, didn’t I? Maybe I should text him and say I was kidding. Or ask directly if he wants to meet. Maybe my message just confused him. Can I be that direct though? I can’t. I want to but I can’t. It’s not in my nature. Today, well, yesterday since it’s past midnight, was utterly out of my character. Being alone in a new place, doing all these things, not me.

So, I do what I’m best at. Chicken out. Retreat.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward. It’s just that nobody has ever done anything this nice for me and I’m a bit woozy from all the wine and beer. Been drinking a lot at the bonfire. I just meant that I’m grateful, that’s all. It would be totally strange if you were here. We don’t even know each other. Please ignore what I said.

He doesn’t respond to that either. What did I do? That’s why I never act like this; that’s why it’s better to stay in your lane and mind your own. Not dream too high, not imagine crazy things. Magical, over-the-top, once-in-a-lifetime things are not for me.

The fire is getting smaller. Some people leave; others lie in the sand and fall asleep. Remy finally gave up on trying to convince me to go to an after-hours bar and left. Thankfully.

I’m sad. And now I do feel lonely. And stupid. I should leave, get some sleep before my flight. That’s when my phone finally beeps.

Not strange or awkward. I wish I was next to you at the bonfire too.

I can’t help but grin. But what took him so long? He must think about all the things I’m thinking too. He must think this is crazy. We don’t even know each other.