Lina in Berlin

Lina is 29, and Max looks 33.
For several weeks, they have talked by video almost every night.
He lives in Berlin, and although they have never met in person, Lina feels that their connection is real.

While Lina packs her suitcase, her friend says the trip sounds mad.
Her friend knows where she is going and is worried.
Lina understands, but she has made her choice.
She puts in her red dress and leaves for the airport.

On the plane, Lina sits beside the window and watches the sunset clouds.
Her heart beats faster whenever she thinks about Max waiting in Berlin.
In a few hours, she will meet him in person for the first time.

Max is waiting in the arrivals area with a large bunch of flowers.
Lina recognises his smile at once and walks towards him with her suitcase.
An old silver signet ring shines on his right hand.
She hugs him with relief, and he holds her gently.

That night, Lina wears the red dress in Max's warm flat.
He comes closer, but stops before touching her.
“Can I kiss you?” he asks quietly.
Lina says yes, smiles, and moves towards him.
They kiss and spend the night together, exactly as they both want.

The next morning, Lina finds an old photograph in Max's flat.
It shows a man standing at the Berlin Wall.
The date on the back is 1989, but the man looks exactly like Max today.
He even wears the same silver signet ring.
Max holds a coffee and watches Lina carefully.

Max claims that the man in the photograph is his father.
Lina nearly believes him, but then she compares the two rings.
The man has the same ring that Max wears on his right hand.
While Max watches her, Lina quietly reaches for her phone.
She does not believe his story.