In the year 1880 in California. It was a warm summer in California, and the town basked in the golden sunshine, with the air filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Fourteen-year-old Ryan had a cherished daily routine—walking by the lake near his home to feed the swans. Among them, one swan had formed a special bond with him, refusing food from anyone but Ryan himself. Over time, they grew inseparable, and Ryan often found himself talking to the swan as if it were a dear friend.
One afternoon, Ryan’s mother sent him to the bakery to buy bread. But when he arrived, he realized, to his dismay, that he had lost the money she had given him. It wasn’t the thought of telling his mother that troubled him—it was the long journey home and back again that seemed impossible. Just then, the warm, inviting aroma of fresh bread filled the street. Ryan looked around and noticed a young girl, about his age, selling bread on her own. She had a kind face and a gentle presence, and Ryan found himself drawn to her stall. Read more
Delia: “Hey, you there! Would you like to buy some fresh bread?”
Ryan: “Well… I was supposed to buy bread from the bakery, but I just realized I lost the money my mother gave me.”
Delia: “Oh, that’s no problem! I’d be happy to give you some for free.”
Ryan: “Really? That’s incredibly kind of you, but I wouldn’t want to take from what you’re selling.”
Delia: “Don’t worry about that. It makes me happy to help someone in need. No way I’d let you go home empty-handed.”
Ryan: “Wow, that’s so generous. I don’t even know how to thank you! What’s your name?”
Delia: “You can call me Delia. Or Delly, if you prefer.”
Ryan: “It’s really nice to meet you, Delia. I’m Ryan. Do you always sell bread here? It looks delicious—maybe I’ll come to buy from you instead of the bakery.”
Delia: “That’s sweet, Ryan. But actually… tomorrow, my family is moving to a village far from here.”
Ryan: “Oh… really? That’s unfortunate. Where are you moving?”
Delia: “My father mentioned a place after the lake.”
Ryan: “That’s quite far… I wish you and your family the best. And thank you so much for your kindness today—I’ll never forget it.”
Delia: “You’re so welcome. Take care, Ryan. I hope fate brings us together again someday. Oh, and say hi to your mother for me!”
Ryan: “Take care too, Delia. You’re a truly kind person, and I’m really happy I got to meet you. Goodbye!”
“What a kind and wonderful boy Ryan is,” Delia thought with a smile. “His warmth and gratitude truly touched my heart, and I’m so glad I was able to help him.” As she watched him walk away, a gentle longing settled within her.
“I hope our paths cross again someday,” she whispered to herself. But as the thought lingered, a question arose in her mind—was this just admiration, or was it something deeper?
“Could this be the beginning of love?” Delia wondered, feeling her heart flutter at the possibility.
As Ryan walked home, he felt a warmth in his heart, a feeling he had never quite experienced before. He told his mother all about Delia and her kindness. She smiled knowingly, happy that her son was beginning to understand the beauty of human connection—perhaps even the first stirrings of love.
The next day, Ryan visited the lake as usual, and his swan greeted him eagerly. Sitting by the water, he spoke to it for an hour, sharing his thoughts about Delia, his admiration for her kindness, and the way he longed to see her again. The swan, as if sensing his emotions, gently rested its head on his shoulder. Ryan stroked its feathers, feeling an unspoken bond of understanding between them.
As winter approached, Ryan’s thoughts of Delia only grew stronger. With Valentine’s Day nearing, he decided he wanted to find her and surprise her with a visit.
When he told his mother about his plan, she not only encouraged him but also suggested bringing a bouquet of roses as a gift. Excited, Ryan began preparing for his journey.
However, three days before Valentine’s Day, the weather turned harsh. Snow fell heavily, and the lake froze solid, making it impossible to travel by boat. Frustrated, Ryan sought his mother’s advice.
Ryan’s mother: “What if we attach skates to the bottom of the boat? You could glide across the snow like a sleigh!”
Ryan: “That’s brilliant, Mom!”
With his father’s help, they modified the boat into a makeshift sleigh. But when Ryan reached the lake, he realized he needed a strong push to get started.
Just then, his faithful swan waddled up to him. As if understanding his mission, the swan nudged against the boat with its head, signaling that it would help push him forward.
Ryan’s heart swelled with gratitude. With a deep breath, he stepped into the sleigh, and together—boy and swan—they set off, gliding across the snow to Delia.
Do you think Ryan Would find Delia to surprise her on Valentine’s Day?
