They met again a few days later. He called her and asked her to come by the clinic to pick up the results.
She approached the meeting with intensity. In the days before, she had tried to convince herself that everything she had felt was just the result of the moment—but at the sight of him again, her doubts burst like tiny bubbles. The same excitement, trembling, and restlessness rushed through her from head to toe. Overwhelmed by the unfamiliar feeling, she could no longer act composed. A kind of fire took over her, growing stronger in her core, and the more she tried to hide it, the more entangled she became.
At first, he acted as if he had noticed nothing. But soon, it became clear he was enjoying himself, unable to hide his amusement. He liked the way she had turned into a confused teenager, and noticing the growing blush coloring her cheeks, he began flirting more freely.
"I must admit, we didn't expect such an outcome. The boys' results are excellent. I assume that's partly thanks to you. I believe they gladly accept your positive guidance," he went on without pause, then added something that flustered her even more:
"After all, who in their right mind would refuse cooperation with such a charming lady?"
At that, she widened her eyes, her expression unintentionally comical. He struggled not to laugh out loud. Annoyance struck her as soon as she noticed.
"I don't want to be misunderstood. I can see you feel uncomfortable, but I'm not mocking you. You're so endearing that I can't help but feel the warmth I do. It's rare these days to meet a woman who is both beautiful and sincere."
Ida took a deep breath. Unable to come up with anything clever to say, she wisely chose silence, giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts.
"Would you like to go out sometime? I think we can finally drop the formalities. What do you think? You and me? Coffee? Lunch? Maybe more?"
He kept going, while she felt increasingly weak, slightly dizzy, and short of breath.
"I'd gladly have coffee with you sometime," she replied vaguely.
He remained dissatisfied and insisted on setting a time.
"I'm free on Friday at six. We could go to a cafe by the river. I like the Vardar River," she said, giving directions. He nodded in agreement.
Despite knowing nothing about him, she made her choice.
"Just a simple meeting," she told herself—though deep inside, she hoped for something more.
And just like that, their relationship began—unexpected and unplanned.
The day of the date arrived. She spent the entire day humming to herself. Everyone at home already knew about her upcoming rendezvous. The children watched her with curiosity, but she paid little attention. Determined to break free from routine and enjoy herself, she rummaged impatiently through her wardrobe.
It felt as if she had spent a lifetime attending to every need of those around her. There wasn't a single detail she hadn't been involved in. In every joy, argument, desire, illness, or doubt—she had been both the beginning and the end. Not only did she care for her children, but she also took on her parents when she moved in with them. Somehow, everything became her responsibility. She carried it all without complaint, tirelessly doing whatever was needed.
Finally, she chose a pale pink skirt that reached her ankles and paired it with a floral blouse. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled with quiet satisfaction. She looked proper, elegant—perhaps even slightly seductive, thanks to her blonde hair falling freely over her shoulders.
"Good luck," she whispered to herself, grabbing her bag and heading out.
She arrived on time. He was already there, sitting on a wooden bench at the start of the quay. When he saw her, his face lit up. His curls bounced as he nodded approvingly, quickly rising and moving toward her with open arms. She blushed at the gesture, not expecting such warmth or such genuine delight. Without hesitation, he placed his arm around her shoulders as if they had known each other for years and walked with her toward the cafe.
Her high heels made it difficult to keep her balance. It felt as if he were leaning into her, pressing against her awkwardly. She didn't understand his approach, nor his spontaneity. In truth, her inexperience played a big role in how she interpreted everything. As she had done in many uncertain situations previously, she chose silence and decided to bear the moment.
They spent the evening talking about everyday life, family, and hopes for the future.
"I live with my mother and my son in Karposh," he mentioned. Ida didn't dare to ask about a wife, and he conveniently skipped that detail. Their cycle of avoidance and hesitation went on.
Her gaze was soft as they resolved to leave.
"I don't feel like saying goodbye."
"To me, that's a sign," he thought.
For him, it was an open invitation he couldn't resist. He stepped closer and kissed her passionately. In that moment, her world turned upside down. A powerful fire spread through her body. She trembled, every cell awakening with an intensity she had never known. Unable to think, she searched for his lips again and again. She had never felt anything like it before.
When she finally pulled away, breathless:
"It's time for me to go home," she whispered.
"It's still early. We could go to my place," he suggested.
"Maybe it's early for you—but for me, it's too soon. Everything is happening too fast. I don't even understand what's happening to me. I'm sorry, but I have to go."
She turned to leave. He caught her hand and offered to drive her home.
They rode in silence. At her building, he tried to pull her into another embrace, but she slipped away, brushing his lips lightly before stepping out.
Ten long days followed. She didn't call. He didn't either.
She replayed everything in her mind, analyzing every detail.
"What if he didn't like me?" the thought tormented her.
Every memory of the kiss reignited the same burning inside her. She had never felt such desire before. It frightened her.
Her mood shifted constantly. From joy to irritation in seconds.
On the tenth day, when she heard his voice, she could barely breathe.
"Hello, Ida. How are you?"
They agreed to meet again.
The next day, she could barely focus. Nothing helped—not coffee, not breaks, not even the surrounding noise. Her mind kept drifting back to him.
When they met again, something had changed.
The chemistry felt different.
The conversation was formal.
At one point, she asked directly:
"If you have obligations, maybe we should leave."
He turned off his phone to reassure her—but something still felt off.
Later, as they walked, he took her hand without asking.
"Do you act like this with every woman?" she asked.
"What's strange about it?" he replied.
Before she could react, he kissed her again.
She didn't resist.
He pulled her toward his car.
"Where are we going?"
"To my place."
His tone left no room for discussion.
A flicker of fear crossed her mind—but she pushed it away.
"Am I safe?" she asked.
"That depends on you," he laughed.
Soon they arrived.
Inside, everything was dark and quiet.
"It's a friend's apartment," he said.
She followed him.
And she let herself go.
Desire overcame reason.
He was attentive, gentle, and skilled.
"Your fire, Ida," he whispered.
Hours later, lying in her own bed, she stared into the morning light.
Everything felt blurred—passion, tenderness, confusion.
Exhausted, she finally fell asleep.
The next day brought restlessness again—but also a strange happiness.
She smiled.
She believed she had finally found the key to happiness.
The world looked pink.
And she had not a single doubt left.