"Of course, go ahead," said Rosie, smiling tenderly.

  "I read part of the book you gave me, and I'm curious—what do you think about it?" Lily asked with clear interest.

  "I love books because everyone can see something different in them. 'Lolita' is one of those. Some see the main character as a misunderstood romantic."

  "An interesting thought. And what do you see in them?" Lily asked with curiosity.

  "For me, Humbert is a pedophile. In Lolita, I just see a girl. I feel sorry for her—no one ever loved her, she simply has no understanding of what love is. That's what happens when an immature child falls under the influence of a sick person."

  "An interesting point of view. I think you're right. So what is love, in your understanding?"

  This question made Ray pause before answering.

  "The truth is, love is something very fragile. It can only be real if it's mutual. Love can be salvation or it can turn out to be deadly poison. I believe the best foundation for any retionship is mutual respect."

  "And how do you see it yourself?" Ray asked with no less interest.

  "You're definitely right about one thing: love can be salvation or it can turn out to be dangerous poison. I think love should make a person better. Meeting you made me better and breathed into me the desire to fight again. So I hope to repay you in kind and become your support on your path through life."

  "So much pathos, but you really do awaken in me the desire to become better," Ray said sincerely.

  "Good to hear. You were the one who breathed life into me, and I'll do my best to become a reliable support for you. You said that for you, the most reliable foundation for any retionship is mutual respect. So tell me—what is there to respect about a girl who, broken under the weight of her problems, was ready to sell herself?" Lily asked with a clear note of self-deprecation.

  These words made Ray stop. Looking into her eyes, he said sincerely:

  "I'm not saying your decision was right, but it was precisely your determination to take such a step that conquered my heart. And even if we had met after it had happened, my attitude toward you wouldn't have changed."

  "In my eyes, love is a wonderful feeling, but something too ephemeral, incomprehensible, and most importantly—impermanent. I'm convinced that people stay together as long as it's beneficial for them. Tyler has had many girls, but if he became disabled tomorrow, I highly doubt any of them would stay with him."

  "I know you'll be there—no matter what happens. And given my illness, starting a retionship with you that will inevitably bring you a lot of pain sooner or ter would be hypocritical. But your beauty, character, and modesty turned out to be an incredible combination that I couldn't resist."

  For Ray, this was his first love, but saying all these words, he didn't even feel embarrassed. Having overcome his hesitation, he could speak them calmly—because they came straight from the heart.