A fun fact about fate—
It doesn't arrive quietly.
It crashes in, sets your soul on fire,
And walks away like it did nothing at all.
I never really believed in fate.
But I guess this Traveler guy does.
Just like always, I went to the metro station.
And when the train arrived, I got in.
The world felt a little more colorful than before.
Maybe this is what the author calls The Sofia Effect.
I sat down across from her.
"Do you believe in fate?" she asked suddenly.
I looked at her.
"I don't. Why do you ask?"
She smiled, eyes never leaving mine.
"Out of all the metros, we keep ending up on the same one. Same time. Same train.
And the train still runs—just for the two of us.
Doesn't sound like the real world to me.
Sounds like something out of a fantasy love story."
"Well... that's true," I said.
Her words had weight.
Maybe fate really does exist.
And if it does—
Why me?
"Do you believe in this Sofia Effect thing?" I asked.
She tilted her head. "Sofia Effect? Like in Traveler's novel?"
I nodded.
She smiled.
"I didn't expect you to actually read it.
But yes. I do believe in it."
I smiled, maybe for the first time in years.
"I'm shocked myself. Never thought I'd end up reading a book like that."
She looked out the window, then back at me.
"The world looks more beautiful when you realize...
the person you love only exists in this world."
"That sounds beautiful," I said softly.
A minute of silence passed.
Then, for some reason, I spoke again.
"Isn't this the part where we exchange names or something?"
She laughed.
"You're completely clueless about human interaction, aren't you?"
I laughed too.
"Everyone has flaws. No one's perfect, you know."
She pointed a playful finger at me.
"Wrong, mister. Not everyone is imperfect."
I raised an eyebrow.
"You're not about to tell me Perfect Cell from Dragon Ball Z is perfect, are you?"
She burst out laughing.
"So, you do know how to make jokes."
We shared a real laugh. The kind that leaves a mark.
Then she looked into my eyes.
"When you fall in love with someone...
they seem perfect to you.
Not because they are perfect—
but because to your eyes, their flaws just don't exist anymore."
I smiled.
"Sounds beautiful.
Way too beautiful."
"Do you think it'll rain tomorrow?" she asked, out of nowhere.
I looked at her.
"Nope. I don't think so."
She grinned.
"Wanna make a bet?"
I smiled back.
"Sure."
"Well, if it rains tomorrow—you buy me dinner.
If it doesn't, I'll buy you. Deal?"
I laughed.
"Whatever you wish."
We didn't realize how fast time flew.
That's never happened to me before.
When she left, it felt like she took my will to live with her.
I pulled out a cigarette, placed it between my lips—
but didn't light it this time.
I'm like this cigarette.
I have no power
Until someone gives me a reason to burn—
And when they do...
I only end up hurting them.