It all started with a moment of laughter, a loud, mocking laughter that echo around Tania. Closing her eyes, she longed to vanish, to escape the teasing and avoid the cruel faces.

Her financial situation allowed her mother and her to get by only on cheap processed foods, which unfortunately complemented a predisposition toward weight gain due to their irregular meal timings.

Sure, Tania could have chosen to exercise or renovate her daily routine, but she was driven by the promise she had made to her father. It was paramount to complete her studies and not leave her mom in solitude.

Her academic endeavors were tough. Juggling her mother’s meager pension, endless study sessions, and chronic fatigue from night shifts didn’t make life any easier. In her case, stress didn’t cause weight loss; quite the opposite—it increased her roundness.

Listening attentively, the coast seemed clear. Everyone seemed to have left, presenting her with a chance to step outside. Yet, as she opened the door, she was met with waiters once more.

“Tania, there you are,” they spoke up.

On guard, Tania watched them warily, knowing nothing good typically sprang from these encounters.

“Why?” she inquired.

They exchanged glances, and Tania sensed sarcasm was imminent. Recalling her father’s words, “You are the smartest, the most beautiful. Even if it’s tough, fight. No matter what happens, smile and fight.”

“Alright, ask away,” Tania asserted.

“Tania, we’re having a party after our shift tomorrow. Can we close early? Everyone will bring their partners. Will you join us? Although, who would consider being with someone who’s as big as a barrel?” their laughter ringing around her.

Their boisterous laughter filled the air, just as their manager joined them.

“What’s going on here? Your laughter might topple our customers out of their seats! Get back to the dining area! Now!”

The group dispersed quickly, leaving Tania the chance to escape outside for some fresh air. She tried to collect herself, but tears soon started falling uncontrollably. Truly, she did not have a partner and, perhaps, the others were right. She was overweight and overshadowed with failure, seemingly unwanted by anyone.

“I must do something,” Tania told herself. “Should I cut food completely? Or see a doctor? But what would they say? Diet, healthy eating… And where would the money come from?”

“Ah, Dad, what should I do? If I don’t show up with someone tomorrow, they will ridicule me further.”

Tania stiffened, hearing someone cough from the bushes. Nighttime had arrived silently, and she hadn’t expected anyone lurking behind the restaurant in the dark.

“I’m sorry if I startled you,” a man, appearing to be in his thirties, spoke. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Can I help you with something?”

Tania sighed:

“No. Besides, what could you do for me? Excuse me, but you seem more in need of help than me.”

The man gestured toward a bench.

“May I sit here?”

He sat, remaining silent for a moment before turning to speak.

“You know, I learned long ago that tears don’t solve problems; they only complicate life. About a year ago, I found myself in a dire situation, unable to remember anything. Yes, fear consumed me, but tears did nothing but waste time. I figured I must have been living somehow before. Waking up in a basement, I assumed it was meant to be. I roamed the streets, practically begging people to recognize me, but to no avail. No one acknowledged me. I concluded I had no one. Attempts to restore my documents were met with disdain wherever I went. No one wants to deal with someone from the streets. Now, I am nothing.”

“An invisible man,” Tania whispered, turning to face him.

“Odd that I remember how to talk, eat, but can’t recall who I am,” the man remarked.

Suddenly, Tania thought of a plan:

“What’s your name?”

“Weren’t you listening? I don’t remember. Call me whatever you like.”

“Well, I’m Tania. Maybe you could help me?”

Tania unveiled her plan to the man, deciding to call him Anton, after her father.

Anton pondered:

“This sounds like an adventure. I like it… But how? I’m dressed in rags, ready for a trash heap, not a restaurant.”

“That’s not important. My mom is quite the magician; you won’t even recognize yourself once she’s done,” Tania smiled.

“You’re a lucky one. And your father…”

“He’s gone for some time now. You remind me of him. He always believed in fighting through hardships. If you’re not up for this, I understand, but if I were you, I’d fight. So, please, fight alongside me.”

“Will your mom accept me?”

“Of course. She’s amazing. Here, let me write down the address…”

“Tell it to me. I’ll remember it easily. I may not know who I was, but I have an excellent memory.”

Returning to work, Tania felt guilty for her minor deception but held hope that her plan would bring some peace.

That evening, she recounted everything to her mom, who surprisingly agreed:

“Tania, you’re an adult now. I support you. Let’s see how it works. But…you’re sure he’s not some con artist?”

Tania kissed her mother:

“I hope not, he seems genuine. Just unlucky. You’re the best!”

“Well… The best support I can give.”

Anton arrived promptly. Hesitating slightly at the door, he left his shoes and entered the immaculate home barefoot. Tania beamed at him.

“Everything’s good. It’s most important that you came; the rest will follow,” she reassured.

At the party, all eyes were on Tania. Silence reigned as everyone waited for the expected embarrassment. But when Anton approached, confidence shining through his elegant demeanor, he stunned the crowd.

“You look wonderful, Tania. I’m glad we’re together,” he said.

Shock washed over their faces. Someone murmured:

“Isn’t that Anton? It’s Dmitri Stupin. Vanished a few years ago… From an extremely wealthy family.”

Tania felt faint, sinking into her seat.

The next day, Anton knocked on her door.

“You ran away. But you promised you’d marry me,” he teased.

“You’re kidding, right?” she replied, surprised.

“Not at all. I love you.”

“But I’m… heavy,” she hesitated.

“That just means there’s more of you to love in my heart.”

The tears flowed as she lunged into his arms.

Soon enough, a few months later, they were wed.

We’d love to hear what you think about this heartwarming story. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!