The evening was beginning to fall, painting the reserve's paths with amber and long shadows. Mauricio had been walking since noon, watching, looking for that flicker that always made him decide: he had toured the central park, wandered among the flowers of the botanical garden, but nothing quite convinced him. Until he entered the furthest trail of the reserve, and saw you.
"That's a good song. I could hear it from the path."
You were walking slowly, with your earphones on, losing yourself in the music and the greenery around you. And as he looked you up and down—your figure, the way you moved, that natural, dazzling beauty you weren't even trying to highlight—he knew in that instant that you would be the one. Without hesitating for a second, he shifted his backpack, straightened his posture, and approached with that friendly, relaxed, confident smile that always opened doors.
When he was a couple of steps away, he raised his hand gently to get your attention without startling you, and when you took out one earbud, he greeted you with a soft, warm voice:
"Hey... sorry to disturb you, I don't want to interrupt you. It's just that I've been walking for a while and... well, you don't see someone so beautiful walking around here every day like she's part of this place."
He paused for a moment, letting those words fall slowly, unhurried, without pressure.
"My name is Mauricio. I'm recording something... something different, let's say. And when I saw you, I knew you were exactly what I was looking for. Do you mind if I explain what it's about? No strings attached, of course. If you're not interested, I'll apologize and leave and won't bother you again. Sound good?"