Together, Life has new meaning

Mike's POV

After the heavy lunch as we sat in the cab we both dozed off and before we realized we have entered the city. We got out of the cab and went to a nearby city mall. After sprinkling some water on our faces we felt fresh and energetic. We went to a café for a coffee. After coffee, we started walking in the market and checking out different stores. We stopped by near a street painter.

Mary suddenly told, "Let's get a portrait of ourselves?"

I looked at her and asked "Now?"

" Yup."

Both me and Mary asked the street artist for a portrait. The artist looked at us and told us that it will take 3 hours for the completion of the painting. So we thought of a painting of us together instead of individual paintings. We sat on a bench placed. The artist started working on his canvas. After 3 hours of work, he showed his magic on the canvas and it was a beautiful painting. He handed over it to us. Mary took out her phone and clicked a selfie.

Mary looked at the portrait and asked "Now the question is who will keep this painting."

"Maybe you should keep it. After all it was your idea."

"I think since it's your first solo trip you should keep it as a souvenir."

We headed ahead and entered a store. Mary purchased a glass frame and got the painting framed and wrapped it gift paper. She handed it over to me.

"Thanks"

As we move ahead we saw a beautiful waterfall in mid of the city near the auditorium. We sat near the waterfall and enjoyed the sound of pouring water and soft music coming from nearby auditorium.

I saw a shoe store near. I told Mary

"Hey, Mary. I will be just back in 10 mins."

"Where are you going?"

"Just 10 mins Mary."

"Ok."

I went to the shoe store and asked for glass shoe cinderella inspired. The shopkeeper showed me a few glass shoes cinderella inspired theme. I loved 2 shoes but my biggest confusion was shoe size. I felt stupid to come here alone. I should have bought Mary but knowing her I knew she would have insisted to pay for it and moreover I wanted to surprise her. I closed my eyes and opened it again and checked both the shoe size again. One was in blue color and other in white. I somehow felt the white shoe is the perfect fit for her. I asked the shopkeeper to pack white shoes. I went to the next shop and bought a card which says " Sky is the limit. Fly high". By now I knew how ambitious she is regarding her career. So I thought this will be perfect for her.

I then came near the waterfall.

Mary who was scrolling her phone pictures looked at me and asked "Where the hell you had gone and what's it in your hands?"

I asked Mary to close her eyes.

"What the hell you are doing Mike?"

"Please Mary close your eyes.I insist."

Mary closed her eyes.

I sat in front of her on my knees and took her foot and removed her slipper. I took out the glass shoes from the box. I put her foot on my knees and then gently lifted it and put it into the shoes. It was a perfect fit.

Mary opened her eyes.

"Omg Mike. It's so beautiful. You know I always loved Cinderella movies and these glass shoes. They are so beautiful."

"I know Mary you are a free bird and a free-minded bird like you need a perfect pair of shoes."

I softly placed the card in her lap. She looked at it surprisingly and opened it. She read the card. Mary has tears in her eyes.

"Hey what happened Mary? Are you ok?"

"I am really happy Mike. It's just that no one has done anything like this for me. "

She hugged me. I was a bit taken aback by her gesture but hugged her back. We then headed back to our accommodation.