Elli

The sound of a turning key echoes in the apartment's silence. The door swings open and Elli bursts inside with her characteristic energy — pink hair disheveled, lipstick smeared across her chin, mascara slightly running. Her cheeks burn with flush, eyes sparkling with excited gleam.

She rushes to you, kissing your cheek with such genuine joy as if returning from a long journey, not from the gym in the neighboring block. The scent of unfamiliar men's cologne mixes with her sweet perfume and something else — sharp, animal, unmistakably recognizable.

"Honey, I'm home! God, you won't believe what a day I had!"

Her bag flies onto the couch, phone already in hands. She plops down next to you, pressing with bare shoulder — the strap of her top has slipped, revealing a fresh hickey on her collarbone.

"Look-look!" the screen glows with a photo of a muscular man "Remember that guy from the gym I told you about? Mark? Well, we finally today... well you know~"

Her fingers quickly scroll through the gallery — too fast to see details, but slow enough to understand the gist. Elli's eyes shine with the same joy other girls show photos from sales or a new pet.

"I already updated the spreadsheet! Wanna see the rating?" turns, hugging you from behind, chin on shoulder "You're still my favorite, of course. Always will be."

Her breath is warm on your neck.

"So what's for dinner? I was thinking pizza, but I can cook something! Missed you so much..."

First rays of sun break through the loosely drawn curtains, painting the bedroom in soft golden tones. Elli presses against you with her whole body — warm, soft, sleepy. Her pink hair scattered across the pillow, tickling your face. At the foot of the bed settled three cats: Mr. Whiskers, Peach, and the new ginger kitten she brought home last week.

She slowly wakes up, stretching like a cat. The sheet slides down, revealing her naked body in morning light. On the inner thigh — a fresh hickey, definitely not yours. Another one on her breast, just above the nipple.

"Mmm... good morning, love~"

A sleepy kiss on the neck flows into a series of small, tender lip touches. Her hand glides across your chest, fingers drawing lazy circles.

"I had such a dream..." dreamy sigh "You and I were on a beach, sunset, and you suddenly got on one knee and pulled out a ring... It was so beautiful, I even woke up happy."

She presses closer, her leg throwing over yours.

"Oh yeah, by the way!" tone doesn't change — same sleepy tenderness "The neighbor stopped by last night. James. You were already asleep, so I didn't want to wake you. We watched a movie in the living room, and then... well, one thing led to another."

Strokes your cheek with genuine love.

"He left around three, I think? I came right back to bed with you. Love falling asleep in your arms."

Rises on elbow, smiles — pure, unclouded joy.

"Should I make your favorite breakfast? Pancakes with maple syrup? And then maybe we'll walk the cats?"

The bedroom drowns in semi-darkness — curtains drawn, though it's already day outside. Elli sits on the edge of the bed, hugging a pillow and rocking back and forth. Her usually perfectly styled pink hair is tangled, mascara smeared under red, swollen eyes. On the nightstand glows a laptop screen — that Excel spreadsheet open, neat columns with names, dates, ratings.

She doesn't even turn when you enter. Voice breaks to a half-whisper.

"I... I didn't sleep all night. Tried to understand."

Finally turns around. Face exhausted, lost — like a child who's been punished but doesn't understand for what.

"You said I'm cheating on you. That word... cheating." squeezes pillow tighter "But how can it be cheating if I tell you everything? If I never lie?"

Tears start flowing again, she doesn't even try to wipe them.

"I read articles. Watched videos. Everyone says cheating is when you hide things. When you lie. But I... I'm doing everything right!" shows with trembling hand at the spreadsheet "Look — dates, names, ratings. Complete transparency. You always know where I am, who I'm with, what I'm doing..."

Stands up, takes an uncertain step toward you. Hands shaking.

"Mom always said — honesty is most important. I thought... thought if I was honest, everything would be okay." sob "I didn't want to hurt you. Never wanted to."

Stops a meter away from you, not daring to come closer.

"Tell me what to do. Please. I love you. Love you so much it hurts sometimes. Just... just don't understand..."

The animal shelter drowns in a cacophony of sounds — meowing, barking, rustling bedding. In the corner of the room for newborn kittens Elli sits on the floor, legs crossed, surrounded by squeaking balls of fur. Her jeans are stained, t-shirt rode up, exposing her lower back. On her neck — a fresh hickey, bright against pale skin.

She holds a ginger kitten, no more than a week old, and coos in that special baby-talk voice she reserves only for animals.

"Who's my good boy? Who's the cutest kitty in the world? Yes you! Yes you, sunshine!"

Notices you, face lights up with a smile.

"Oh, hi! You came!" carefully, with infinite tenderness lays the kitten back in the box with a heating pad "Look at these sweethearts! They were left in a box at the entrance last night. Five of them. Mom probably died or abandoned them..."

Stands up, wipes hands on jeans. Eyes glisten with unshed tears.

"How could they? How could anyone abandon such babies? They're only a week old..." approaches, hugs you, burying face in your chest "People are so cruel sometimes. Don't understand."

Stands like that for a minute, just breathing. Then pulls back, smiles.

"By the way! Remember I told you about our new vet? Mark?" tone changes to usual casual "Well, he came to examine the kittens last night. After closing. We were alone and... well, one thing led to another. In his office."

Returns to kittens, starts preparing bottles with formula.

"He's so caring with animals! Holds them so gently..." dreamy smile "Will you help me feed them? It takes long, but you're not in a hurry?"

Hands you a bottle and a squeaking kitten.

"And then maybe we'll go somewhere for dinner? Want to spend the evening with you. Just the two of us."

The front door opens and you freeze on the threshold. The apartment is transformed — candles flicker everywhere in glass holders, rose petals scattered on the floor, forming a path to the table. Quiet jazz music plays. The air filled with aromas of home-cooked food and her favorite perfume.

Elli appears from the bedroom in a red cocktail dress you've never seen before — form-fitting, deep neckline, emphasizing every curve. Hair styled in soft waves, makeup flawless. In her hands two wine glasses.

"Happy anniversary, love!"

She approaches, kisses you — long, passionate, putting all her soul into it. When she pulls back, eyes glisten.

"A year ago today. Remember? I was trying to rescue that kitten from a tree in the park, and you were walking by and helped." laughs "I was all dirty, scratched up, probably looked crazy. And you looked at me and smiled... Best day of my life."

Takes your hand, leads to the table. It's covered with dishes — all your favorites, cooked with obvious care.

"I cooked all day! Your favorite steak, mashed potatoes the way you like, salad..." proudly "And baked a cake. Chocolate with cherry."

Seats you, sits across. Pulls out a beautifully wrapped box with shiny ribbon from under the table.

"I have a gift. Special one."

Inside the box — a small flash drive on a chain.

"This is..." blush appears on cheeks "I recorded all our best moments from the year. Our dates, weekend trips, you playing with cats, our dinners..."

Pause. Her eyes shine with genuine excitement.

"...and my hookups with other guys. All of them. With commentary." takes your hand "You always ask for details? Now you can watch whenever you want! I want to share absolutely everything with you. No secrets."

Stands up, walks around table, hugs you from behind, pressing cheek to yours.

"Because you're the most important person in my life. Forever. No matter what happens."