Lorenzo's heart skipped a beat as he stepped into the secluded park, his eyes scanning the surroundings for inspiration. The air was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine, and the ground was carpeted with soft moss. The trees, ancient and towering, whispered secrets in the wind. A gentle stream meandered through the park, its waters shimmering with the last rays of the setting sun.
As he ventured deeper into the park, he saw her.
She stood by the edge of the stream, her figure illuminated by the ethereal glow of the twilight. Her long, flowing hair was white, cascading over her shoulders like a river of moonlight. The soft breeze caught it, making it shimmer with an almost supernatural luster. But it was her eyes that captivated him. They were violet—not just a simple shade of purple, but an otherworldly, iridescent violet that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe. They shifted and danced with the light, giving her an air of mystique. And there was something in those eyes, something that pulled him in. They weren't just beautiful—they were filled with stories, stories of pain, loss, and a sadness that felt ancient. Her gaze held far more sorrow than happiness, a weight of experiences that seemed too heavy for one soul to carry.
Compelled by an irresistible force, Lorenzo approached her.
"Excuse me," he began, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and uncertainty. "Would you be willing to be my model for a moment?"
She turned to face him, her violet eyes locking onto his with an intensity that took his breath away. For a moment, she said nothing, merely observing him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through him, as if she could see right through his soul.
He continued, his words flowing more freely now. "I've been searching all day for something... something perfect for my photography contest. And I think I've found it in you."
She blinked slowly, as if processing his words. Then, in a voice as soft as the evening breeze, she spoke. "You can see me?"
Lorenzo nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes, I can see you. And I see you as the most beautiful girl in the world."
A faint smile played on her lips, but it was tinged with sadness, a sadness that made her eyes seem even more profound. "But you are the only one who notices me," she said softly.
He was taken aback by her words but didn't dwell on them. Instead, he raised his camera, his hands steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. "Please, just a quick shot. I promise it will be worth it."
She nodded, and he captured the moment. The click of the shutter echoed in the stillness of the park.
Lorenzo looked down at the screen, his eyes widening as he saw the image. The picture was breathtaking. Her white hair shimmered like a halo around her, and her violet eyes reflected the last light of the setting sun, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly glow. The sadness in her gaze only deepened the beauty of the moment. He whispered to himself in awe, "This is it. This is what I've been searching for."
He stared at the photo, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you," he muttered, barely aware of his own words as he marveled at the shot. "This is perfect."
His hands hovered over the camera, unwilling to pull himself away from the beauty he had just captured. But as his gaze lifted, he was startled. She was gone. Vanished. No trace of her, no lingering presence in the air.
Lorenzo stood frozen, his heart racing. He scanned the park, looking in every direction, but there was nothing. She was simply... gone. His mind struggled to make sense of what had just happened.
"May I know your name?" he called out into the empty space, hoping for a response that never came.
Nothing.
He stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been, a sense of unease growing in his chest. What had just happened? Had it all been a dream?
Later that night, Lorenzo posted the photo online, eager to share the breathtaking image with his followers. As the comments began to roll in, he found something strange. Not one person mentioned the girl.
"Where is this place?" one comment read.
"This is like a dream. I want to go there."
"Where did you take this photo? It feels like it's from another world."
Lorenzo frowned, his confusion deepening. The place was beautiful, yes, but wasn't the girl the focal point? His eyes darted over the comments again, looking for any mention of her, but there was nothing.
He called his friend Zyric, hoping for some clarity.
"Hey, Zyric," he said, his voice tight. "Did you see the girl in the photo I posted?"
"What girl?" Zyric replied casually. "Oh, you mean the nature? It's amazing, man. You're going to win for sure. It's so beautiful, like a place trying to tell us a story."
Lorenzo's heart sank. "No, the girl. Did you see her?"
Zyric paused, then laughed. "What girl? Ren, I think you're just seeing things. That place is incredible though. It feels unreal. Like a dream."
Lorenzo ended the call abruptly, his mind reeling. He had seen her. He had spoken to her. She was real. Wasn't she?
Her words echoed in his mind: "But you are the only one who notices me."
His head began to ache. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.