Margaret, a lonely working woman, is looking forward to meeting Colin, a man she met online.
But just a few hours before the due date, she gets a call from a friend who takes her to the neighboring cemetery. Colin’s photo on another man’s tomb scares her. Is Colin who he says he is?
The sun shone through the windows as Margaret cleaned the house, casting a pleasant glow on the spotless furniture.
Her home was always immaculate and reflected her orderly and disciplined way of life. Every corner was spotless and everything was in its proper position. For her, cleaning was a convenient and necessary habit that filled a void in her life.
Margaret always put a lot of emphasis on her career and starting her own life. At nineteen, she was living alone and working two jobs as a cook to pay for her studies.
When she was twenty-five, she began a career in restaurant management and saved up for her restaurant. At forty-five, Margaret had everything she could ever want: a successful restaurant, a beautiful home, and a top-of-the-line vehicle.
However, despite all her achievements, she was unable to find personal fulfillment. She always thought that having children would come naturally once she established a life. But by the time she realized she needed and wanted a family, it was too late.
Margaret’s experience with men was limited and her experience of raising a family was much less.
Men were intimidated by her achievements and status at work.
She was revered, but at the same time, she was perceived as aloof. Finding a husband at 45 was much harder than she ever imagined.
Margaret was still cleaning when her phone suddenly rang with a message. She hesitated and quickly pulled out her phone, her heart pounding. She smiled when she recognized it was a message from Colin.
She recently met Colin online and they hit it off.
They talked about movies, books, food, and how they saw the world, and Colin was able to bond with Margaret.
They had a lot in common, but there was a problem. Colin lived in another city and they hadn’t met yet.
Margaret was reluctant to propose a date because she misrepresented her age. She told Colin she was thirty because she was afraid he would reject her if he found out.
Although she was ready to meet him in person, she never thought that their relationship would develop to this point. She sent a message that read: “Colin, we’ve been talking for over a month now and I really want to get to know you.”
Margaret waited anxiously for his answer like a teenager. She checked her phone several times before placing it face down in frustration.
Finally, he said, “That’s a great idea, Margaret.” I would really like to get to know each other, even though I don’t have a place to live in the city. I hate staying in hotels.
Margaret replied, “No problem, stay with me!” without hesitation.
Realizing that her offer could be interpreted as an intimate offer, she began to write that she did not intend it that way. But Colin immediately responded: “Great, I’ll be there next night. I can’t wait to meet you!”
Everything was planned and she was supposed to meet Colin tomorrow. Margaret’s emotions were full. When she finally met him, she felt relief and fear at the same time.
She was afraid that once he found out he was much older, he would leave her because she had lied to him about her age.
She paced the living room thoughtfully. She imagined their first meeting, worried about his reaction. But she couldn’t change her decision now, so she had to do it.
Margaret was busy making preparations for Colin’s arrival the next day. She meticulously cleaned every corner of the house to make it clean.
She decorated the kitchen with fresh flowers and put her best dishes on the table. The smell of a delicious dinner filled the house as she prepared Colin’s favorite meals to heat up and serve when he got home.
Everything was ready. As the night approached, Margaret’s joy and anxiety grew. She was about to settle down and get a quick rest when her phone rang. Seeing that it was her co-worker, r Alice, she immediately answered.
“Hello, Margaret. Alice’s voice was strained as she said, “I hope I’m not bothering you, but I have a very urgent request.
Look, I’m listening, Alice. Did something happen during the funeral? Maybe I could help.” Margaret asked, remembering that Alice was supposed to be at a funeral that day. Because of that, she asked for the day off.
“I feel so embarrassed to ask this, but my car is parked nearby,” Alice replied, sounding embarrassed.
“Of course,e I’ll help. I’ll be there in five minutes, so don’t worry. Margaret didn’t hesitate to answer.”
Margaret wanted to help Alice because she knew that if Alice was calling, it was more than just a car. She was most likely trying to cope with the death of her husband Nathan. She quickly grabbed her keys and left the room.
As Margaret traveled, she thought of Alice and how difficult it must be to cope with such a loss. She thought that helping Alice would ease her suffering.
Despite her eagerness to meet Colin, she felt a strong sense of duty to help her friend in need.
When Margaret got there, Alice was standing next to her car, looking desperate and helpless. She started working right away. She tied Alice’s car to hers with a tow rope and quickly pulled it out of the ditch.
Alice could do it herself because it was so easy. Margaret wiped her hands and turned to Alice.
“All set,” Margaret said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
“Thank you very much, Margaret,” Alice replied, her voice shaking. “I don’t know what I would do without you.
As they stood on the side of the road, Alice flew into a rage. She started crying because she couldn’t control her feelings anymore. Margaret stepped forward and gave her a reassuring hug.
Alice sobbed. She remarked, “It’s so hard.” Ever since Nathan’s death, everything seems out of reach. I thought I could do it today, but I can’t.”
Margaret’s heart ached for her friend. She knew how much Alice loved Nathan and how hard the last few months had been for her. “I’m so sorry Alice. It’s okay that you feel this way. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”
Alice wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. “Will you go with me to his grave? I can’t bear to go alone. Now that the guests are gone, I can’t bear the thought of coming home to an empty house without him.”
“Of course,” Margaret muttered to herself. “I’ll be right next to you.
The scent of flowers and freshly turned earth filled the air as they walked through the cemetery together.
As they walked between the rows of headstones, Margaret held Alice’s arm and offered silent comfort.
Margaret was looking around the cemetery when she noticed a picture on one of the nearby tombs. She recognized the face and her breath caught in her throat. It was Colin’s photo.
The sight before her was amazing.
Heart pounding, she walked over to it and compared it to the picture she’d seen on Colin’s website. The individual was the same.
Margaret felt a wave of panic and confusion. What could this mean? Who was she talking to all this time? A chill ran down her spine.
With trembling hands, Margaret gently took out her phone and texted Colin.
“Hi, is everything still on for today?”
“Yes, of course, I’ll be there at eight!” was a quick response.
Margaret was unsure of her thoughts. Although she was afraid and her mind swirled with uncertainty, she knew she had to know the truth.
There had to be a reason. Maybe she couldn’t think of another reason, or maybe it was a misunderstanding.
She turned to Alice and squeezed her again for support. “I have to go, Alice. But if you need anything, call me. I’m here for you.”
Alice replied, “Thank you, Margaret,” in a weak but grateful voice. “You did so much for me today.
After saying goodbye, Margaret went home with a head full of horrors. She tried to relax as she walked through the familiar streets. Whatever happened, she had to be calm and ready for Colin’s arrival.
A beautiful dinner, flowers, and a laid table were prepared. As she waited by the door, her mind swirled with thoughts and feelings, especially in relation to the mysterious graveyard pictures.
As she waited by the door and looked out the window, her thoughts and feelings swirled.
She kept thinking about who was coming to her house, what was waiting for her, and what mysterious picture she saw in the cemetery.
She finally noticed the parking lot at the residence.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of a man emerging with a bouquet.
However, Margaret was taken aback when she saw his face. He was nothing like the man in the pictures. Unsure of what to do, Margaret panicked and rushed to the door.
Colin went to the door and rang the bell.
Margaret said nothing, her thoughts swirling with confusion and terror. She remained motionless as the bell rang again. Colin’s voice was finally soft and contrite.
“Margaret, I know you’re inside. I understand why you don’t answer. The man in the photos is not me. I am sincerely sorry.
Margaret felt her heart pounding. After a moment’s hesitation, she heard Colin place the bouquet on the doorstep. When he said, “I’ll leave them here and go,” “I’m sorry for being dishonest. I just wanted to see you.”
Margaret was at breaking point as he turned to leave. With a shaky voice, she opened the door. “Wait.”
Colin stopped and turned, his gaze meeting hers. He seemed relieved to see her.
“I’m so sorry Margaret. I can elaborate.”
The tension between them was evident as they entered. Margaret took a deep breath to calm herself. “Why did you lie about your appearance, Colin?”
Colin looked down, a look of regret on his face.
“I have a hard time meeting new people. I have almost no relationship experience. I was so nervous that I thought no one would be interested in the real me, so I made a profile with a picture of a good-looking man. I was afraid that you stop talking to me, I wanted to tell you repeatedly.
Margaret’s heart softened as she listened. She could see the sincerity in his eyes. “Colin, it doesn’t matter what you look like.
The fact that you told me the truth about who you are inside counts.
Margaret gasped with remorse. “I lied too. I’m actually older than the thirty years I claimed to be. I’m 45. I was afraid you wouldn’t want to meet someone that old.”
Colin took a step forward and met her gaze.
“Margaret, age doesn’t matter to me. I loved our conversations and you’re amazing. I’m just glad we can finally see each other in person.”
A smile appeared on Margaret’s face. “Isn’t it funny? Because we were scared, we both acted like someone else.”
Colin nodded in agreement and laughed. “Indeed, it does. However, this may indicate that we have more in common than we first thought.”
Margaret felt a wave of relief. Do you want to enter the house? There will be no lies this time, so after dinner we can start again.
The flowers on the doorstep served as a reminder of their new beginning as they entered together. As they laughed and talked over dinner, they shared who they really were.
A developing sense of understanding and connection replaced fear and uncertainty. They both understood that this honest beginning is the first step to something real and lasting and that starting a family cannot be based on a lie.
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As the evening wore on, Margaret and Colin found that their vulnerability and fear brought them closer rather than tearing them apart. The lies they initially told stemmed from insecurity, but their shared honesty over dinner allowed them to connect on a deeper level. Their conversation was full of laughter, warmth, and understanding, which created the basis for real trust.
The flowers on the doorstep symbolized a new beginning for both of them – a reminder that authenticity and acceptance are the keys to building a meaningful relationship. Margaret realized that her age and Colin’s looks were insignificant compared to the bond they had formed through their conversations. Colin also understood that the courage to reveal one’s true self is far more valuable than any idea.
As they shared their thoughts and dreams, Margaret felt a glimmer of hope she hadn’t experienced in years. For the first time, she saw the possibility of not just companionship, but a chance to redefine her life with someone who truly valued her. Colin, on the other hand, was grateful for Margaret’s willingness to forgive and accept his flaws, feeling a sense of belonging he had never known.
This evening marked the beginning of a journey that will teach them the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and second chances. Margaret and Colin’s story was a testament to the power of honesty and the beauty of finding a connection when you least expect it. It reminded them, and anyone who heard their story, that the truest relationships are not built on perfection, but on mutual acceptance of each other’s imperfections.