“Yes. It might come as a surprise to you, but I’m 252 years old. I’ll look like this even when you get older, you know? Of course, I’ll give up if you don’t want me, but...”
She looked genuinely sad about the thought. I’d feel terrible shutting her down, so I agreed.
“Okay, got it. I’ll come back in 10 years and, if your feelings haven’t changed, I’ll happily accept.”
“Really?!”
She was a fun girl, and a real beauty too. I had a wonderful time with her, so even I had started to feel a little affection for her. Fia lit up with joy, then wrapped her arms around me and kissed me again.
“Okay! I’ll wait for you here in 10 years, Sirius. I can’t wait to meet you again.”
“You got it. I’ll be here.”
“I’ll be waiting!”
We shook hands, and Fia started to head toward the dense forest. She wa
