Margaret, a career-driven woman, eagerly awaits the arrival of Colin, a man she met online. Hours before he is set to arrive, a call from a friend leads her to a nearby cemetery, where she is horrified to discover Colin’s photo on another man’s grave. Who is Colin, really?
The sun streamed through the windows, illuminating Margaret’s meticulously kept home. As she cleaned, each polished surface mirrored her orderly life. For as long as she could remember, work had been her priority. By the age of nineteen, she was already living independently, juggling two jobs to fund her education. By forty-five, she had achieved her dreams—a successful restaurant, a beautiful house, and a nice car. Yet, personal happiness eluded her.
Margaret had little experience in relationships; her career success had made her unapproachable to many men. At last, she thought she might have found a connection with Colin. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with shared interests in books, movies, and food. Yet, a lie weighed heavily on her conscience—she had told Colin she was thirty, fearing rejection if he learned her true age.
As the day approached for their first in-person meeting, Margaret’s excitement mingled with anxiety. She paced the house, her heart racing at the thought of Colin discovering her age. Finally, he confirmed their meeting, and everything seemed set.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Fakedetail
The day of the meeting, she prepared a lovely dinner, wanting everything to be perfect. Just as she was about to relax, a call from her friend Alice interrupted her. Alice, dealing with the recent loss of her husband, needed help. Without hesitation, Margaret rushed to her side, her heart aching for her friend.
At the cemetery, as they walked, Margaret’s eyes fell upon a familiar photo on a nearby grave. It was Colin. Panic surged through her. How could this be? She quickly texted Colin, who replied that he was still coming. Confusion and fear mingled within her.
Returning home, she braced herself for Colin’s arrival. When she saw him park outside, she froze. He looked nothing like the man from the online photos. Panic gripped her as he approached the door. Colin rang the bell, his voice gentle yet apologetic. He acknowledged his deception about his appearance, leaving Margaret to decide what to do next.
Gathering her courage, she opened the door. Colin stepped in, and as they faced each other, both revealed their truths. Colin admitted to using a false photo because of his anxiety about meeting someone. Margaret, too, confessed her age.
To her surprise, Colin reassured her that age didn’t matter. As they shared their authentic selves over dinner, laughter filled the room. The fear and uncertainty that had clouded their meeting began to dissipate, replaced by a blossoming connection. They realized that honesty was the foundation for building something meaningful together, leaving the lies behind as they embarked on a new chapter.
