By 4:13 p.m., the session ended with a handshake and a cryptic smile from the director. "We’ll call you," he said, though both knew the phone would not ring. They stepped into the afternoon, the city’s bells tolling for them. "Not a bad day," Nikola said, brushing off the disappointment. "Next time," Zaneta replied, "we make them come to us." They walked to the Vltava, their reflections blending with the ripples. The cherry blossoms, still in bloom, defied the logic of seasons.
