Margaret, a lonely professional woman, is excited about the arrival of Colin, a man she met online.
However, a friend’s phone call just a few hours before the due date takes her to a nearby cemetery.
She is horrified to see Colin’s picture on another man’s tomb. Could Colin be who he says he is?
As Margaret cleaned the house, the sun shone through the windows and bathed the spotless furniture in a warm light.
She always kept a clean home, which was a reflection of her controlled and tidy lifestyle.
Everything was in its place and every corner was spotless. She saw cleaning as a ritual that filled a void in her life and was necessary and comfortable.
Work and starting her own life were always top priorities for Margaret. At nineteen, she lived alone and earned her education by working two jobs as a cook.
At the age of twenty-five, she saved up for her own restaurant and launched a career as a restaurant manager. By the time she was forty-five, Margaret had everything she could have wanted: a thriving restaurant, a beautiful home, and a luxury car.
However, despite all her success, she was unable to find personal satisfaction. She always believed that starting a family would happen organically after establishing her own life. However, when she recognized the need and desire for a family, it was already too late.
In addition to her limited experience with men, Margaret had even less experience raising a family. Her achievements and status at work scared men.
Although she was worshipped, she was also considered distant. Finding a husband at 45 was much harder than she ever thought.
While Margaret was still cleaning, the phone suddenly rang with a message. Her heart pounding, she hesitated and hurriedly pulled out her phone. A smile appeared on her face as she realized it was a message from Colin.
Colin was someone she had just met online and they got along well. They discussed books, movies, food, and their views on the world, and Colin understood Margaret.
Despite the many similarities, there was a problem. They hadn’t met yet and Colin lived in another city.
Margaret lied about her age, so she hesitated to propose a date. Afraid that Colin would reject her if he found out, she told him she was thirty.
She was ready to see him face to face, but she never imagined that their connection would go this far. “Colin, we’ve been talking for over a month now and I really want to get to know you,” she wrote in the message.
Margaret waited for his answer, feeling as nervous as a teenager. Frustrated, she placed the phone face down and checked it several times.
“That’s a great idea, Margaret,” was the final reply. Although I don’t have a place to live in the city, I would really like to meet. Staying in hotels bothers me.
Margaret said without hesitation, “No problem, stay with me!”
She started writing that she didn’t want her offer to be taken as an intimate offer when she realized it could be perceived that way. However, Colin immediately replied, “Great, I’ll be there next night. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!”
Everything was arranged; she will meet Colin tomorrow. Margaret felt very emotional. She was relieved and at the same time afraid to finally meet him.
She misled him about her age and was afraid he would leave her once she realized he was much older.
Her head was spinning as she paced the living room. Concerned by his reaction, she imagined their first meeting.
But she had to do it; it was too late to change his mind now.
Margaret was busy making preparations for Colin’s arrival the following day. She meticulously cleaned every nook and cranny and made sure the entire house was spotless.
She arranged her best dishes on the table and decorated the kitchen with new flowers. As she prepared Colin’s favorite meals, they were ready to be heated and served when he got home, and the smell of a delicious dinner filled the house.
Everything was ready. As the evening wore on, Margaret’s nervousness and excitement grew. Her phone rang just as she was ready to settle down and take a short break.
She replied as soon as she realized it was Alice, her co-worker.
“Hello, Margaret. Alice said in a strained voice, “I hope I’m not bothering you, but I have a very urgent request.
Alice, I’m paying attention. Did something happen at the funeral? Maybe I could help.” Margaret asked, remembering that Alice had a funeral to attend that day. She had requested a day off work because of that.
Alice said, “I feel so embarrassed to ask this, but my car is parked nearby,” in an embarrassed tone.
“I’ll assist, of course. Don’t worry, I’ll be there in five minutes,” Margaret replied without hesitation.
Margaret knew that if Alice called it was more than just a car, she wanted to help Alice. She must have had a hard time coping with the loss of her husband Nathan. She grabbed her keys and quickly walked out the door.
Margaret considered Alice as she drove and how hard it must be to cope with such a loss. She believed she could ease Alice’s pain by helping her.
She felt a great obligation to support her friend in need, even as she longed to meet Colin.
When Margaret arrived at the scene, she saw Alice standing next to her car, looking distraught and helpless. She wasted no time and went to work. She quickly pulled Alicia’s car out of the ditch by tying it to her with a tow rope.
It was so simple that Alice could complete it herself. Margaret looked at Alice after wiping her hands off her hands.
Margaret smiled and added, “All set,” trying to make light of the situation.
Alice said, “Thank you very much, Margaret,” in a shaky voice. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Alice lost her temper as they stood on the side of the road. She could no longer contain her emotions and began to cry. Margaret took a step closer and wrapped her in a comforting hug.
Alice cried. “It’s so hard,” she said. “Ever since Nathan died, everything seems out of reach. I can’t handle it today, even though I thought I could.”
Margaret’s heart sank for her companion. She realized how hard the last few months had been for Alice and how much she loved Nathan.
“I’m so sorry Alice. Feelings like that are okay.”
You don’t have to face it alone.
Alice wiped her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Will you accompany me on our walk to his grave? I can’t bear to go alone. I can’t bear the thought of coming home to an empty house without him now that the guests are gone.”
“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 quietly comforted her.
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 pulled out the 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 was swirling 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 it here and go,” “I’m sorry I was insincere. I just wanted to get to know 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’s face was regretful as he looked down.
“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, so 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 is what counts.”
Margaret gasped with remorse. “Also, I lied. I’m actually older than the thirty years I claimed to be.”
I am 45 years old. 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’ve enjoyed our conversations and you’re beautiful. I’m just glad to finally see you.”
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? This time there will be no lies, so after dinner, we can start again.
Colin smiled widely. “I would very much like that.”
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.
As the night wore on, Margaret and Colin spoke openly about their lives, dreams, and insecurities. They revealed parts of themselves that they had previously hidden, not only from each other but from the world.
Margaret shared stories of her lonely road to success, the sacrifices she made, and her regret that she never found someone to share it all with. Colin, in turn, spoke about his struggles with self-esteem and the pressure he felt to present himself as someone he wasn’t. They realized that they both had a similar fear – that they wouldn’t be enough as they really were.
When they finished eating, Margaret felt as if she had lifted a weight. For the first time in years,, she didn’t feel alone and Colin seemed calmer too. Despite a rough start, they found solace in each other’s honesty. As they cleaned the kitchen together, laughing and teasing, it was clear that their connection was real, not based on looks or youthful facades, but on mutual understanding and shared vulnerability.
When Colin finally left that evening, he promised to be back soon, and Margaret felt a shiver of excitement. She realized she no longer had to face the world with the same alert, lonely strength. This was the beginning of a new chapter she could let someone into, imperfections and all. As she closed the door, Margaret knew the future was uncertain, but this time she felt ready to embrace it. The way forward would be built on the truth, and she and Colin were prepared to face it together, one step at a time.