Lend me your life

“You’re still not done, David?” asked the blue-eyed blond, dragging his feet behind his friend. He didn’t want to be the weak one, but luckily their training was over - except David had started running the stairs again. He wiped the sweat rolling down his face, though the rest still soaked his brown hair. His green eyes stung, but David didn’t stop.

“I’ll do two more sets and then I’m done, Casey. Go ahead,” David replied as he ran back down. Casey just shook his head. He knew his friend wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. He gathered his things and turned back to see David still charging up the steps.

“You’re insane, Dave. This will land you in a grave before it gets you to the NHL,” he muttered as he headed to the locker room. David kept running. He’d always been driven and knew exactly what he wanted in life. It wasn’t unusual for him to push harder than everyone else after practice.

After a packed afternoon of training, David’s focus shifted to the evening plans. He was meeting his friends, as usual - but tonight was different. When he arrived, they were already seated. He mumbled an apology for being late, expecting the usual round of sarcastic remarks.

“Sorry, guys. Had something urgent,” David said as he approached. Tomáš gave him a mischievous grin. Here it came - the teasing started within seconds. Tomáš leaned back in his chair, setting down his glass.

“Sure. What was her name? Klára, Sára, or Bára? Oh wait, you don’t care about names,” Casey added ironically. David’s approach to women never ceased to amaze him.

“Not my fault they throw themselves at me. I’m a hot commodity, Casey. Unlike you, I’m free as a bird,” David smirked as he sat down. Casey liked David, but they didn’t always see eye to eye.

“Alright, settle down. It’s Libor’s farewell party. Where is he anyway?” Tomáš jumped in. David took a sip of the whiskey the bartender had just placed in front of him. Libor, of course, arrived last. It was his farewell, but he didn’t seem bothered. He was the only one in the group who’d received an offer he couldn’t refuse. In a few days, he was flying to Washington for a new contract.

“Where have you been? You don’t show up late to your own farewell, Libor!” Tomáš grumbled as Libor finally joined them. The boys’ night could officially begin.

Late that night, on their way home, they passed a local landmark - the wishing well that had never granted David’s wishes. Maybe that’s why he stopped believing in miracles and started relying only on himself. The full moon reflected in the water as the guys debated its powers.

“I’m telling you, it works. Here, take a coin. Try it!” Libor said, tossing one to David. He was mostly joking, not really believing in it. And that was the mistake.

“I’m telling you, it doesn’t work and never will. If it did, I’d rather be a woman! They have it easier,” David shouted, and the coin slipped from his hand. He turned to look for it. Everyone laughed. David tried to keep walking straight, but a small woman suddenly crossed his path - and he bumped right into her.

“Your soul is black as coal! Know this: you shall become what you despise most! Repent, and you may break the curse!” the mysterious woman declared into the wind and vanished into the darkness. The guys laughed again. - except Casey, who didn’t find it funny. He didn’t like messing with things like this.

“Guys, I wouldn’t laugh,” Casey said thoughtfully. The others kept chuckling.

“Come on, Casey. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like he’s actually going to turn into a woman!” Tomáš added, nearly doubled over with laughter.

“Can you imagine David as a woman? She’d be the worst woman on the planet. Probably worse than my sister,” Libor shouted. The guys laughed again. But the laughter wouldn’t last long - especially for one of them

Mariana sat in her office when her phone buzzed. She swiped the screen and declined the call. She wasn’t in the mood for his endless excuses and empty promises. She’d heard enough over the years. But he never gave up.

“Mar, aren’t you going home?” came a female voice from the doorway. Mariana’s eyes stayed fixed on her computer.

“I’m swamped. My brother’s having his farewell party before flying to America, so I wouldn’t get any peace at home to write,” she replied, typing another part of her article. She’d been living with her brother, who seemed like he’d never grow up - and now he was moving to America.

“You always say that. Come on, please. Just a quick dinner from the food stand. It won’t kill you. This will all survive a few minutes,” pleaded her long-haired friend, eyeing the paper-covered desk. Mariana finally looked up.

“Alright, but just for a bit. I really need to finish this tonight,” she said, standing up. Her friend grabbed her purse and coat from the rack. Minutes later, they were eating dinner from their favorite stand, walking through the nearby park. They stopped at a local curiosity.

“Sára, do you think this thing ever worked?” Mariana asked, pointing to the well.

“Girl, I get that you believe in this stuff, but I seriously doubt it. If it did, I’d have thrown all my money in already. But go ahead. It’s a full moon - maybe it’ll work.”

Mariana leaned against the edge of the well and looked down. She’d always believed in something between heaven and earth. The rising moon lit up the surrounding landscape.

“So it’s nonsense? That’s what you’re saying?” she asked, catching her friend’s gaze.

“Then try it. Here’s a coin. And make it meaningful, okay?” Sára said, handing her a coin. Mariana leaned over the well.

“I wish my life would completely change. Is that meaningful enough?” she laughed and tossed the coin into the water. From the other side came the sound of male laughter. Someone was clearly having a good time tonight.

“Come on. I’ve got a lot to finish, and I don’t want to run into that drunk group heading this way,” Mariana said, pulling her friend away.