Sophia approached the windowsill and glanced at the sheet. It depicted a boy and a girl. The girl stood behind the boy, hesitating with her hand halfway to his shoulder. Her medium-length curly hair flowed freely, and delicate freckles were visible on her cheeks. One strand was tucked behind her ear, revealing a pointed ear that resembled either an elf's or a fox's.

“I don’t want to overthink it, but I think he’s drawing me.”

Startled, Sophia quickly glanced to the right corner.

A naked red-haired girl with bright blush and green eyes nervously twitched her fluffy tail.

She stood partially in the shadows, with half of her body erotically illuminated by the midday sun.

"Kalliduses are jokers, beings with high adaptive functions. They embody sexuality, always hungry for sexual energy. They can adjust to any circumstances, being cunning and quick to act. They ignite their charges with ideas but also let them fizzle out without completing anything. However, they ensure an inexhaustible supply of inspiration for such people," Sophia recalled.

“It looks that way, doesn’t it? He wakes up in the middle of the night and starts drawing frantically. Once, he painted the girl’s hair in bright red. I’m starting to get anxious. That’s why I brought him here. Though the girl was so sensual, just beautiful. A bright spot in a gray world.”

“The self-love of the Kallidus is also not to be underestimated.”

“Excuse me, you haven’t introduced yourself,” Constantin called out to Sophia, interrupting the guide’s tirade, but (to his fortune) unaware of it.

“Sophia. Sophia Ryoskin,” the girl replied and turned to him. “Beautiful drawing, you have a vivid imagination.”

“Do you think so? Sometimes I wish the girl in the drawing would finally touch her companion, but I feel like the time hasn’t come yet,” Constantin hesitated, as if shy about his drawing.

“And I hope it won’t come,” the Guide scoffed.

“Do you mind if I take the drawing?” Sophia asked. “It’s just so unusual.”

“Of course, I have plenty of them,” Constantin hesitated for a moment. “Tell me, how long will I be here?”

“No, there’s no need for that. Panic attacks aren’t uncommon these days. I’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Otherwise, you can return to your normal life.”

“Thank you. I have an exhibition tomorrow. It’s nothing spectacular, but maybe – will you come?”

She looked at Constantin, who couldn’t stop smiling at her. Sophia hadn’t planned on establishing a connection with him so quickly.

“Yes, of course. Write the time and address on the back of the paper. You already have a pencil.”

Constantin laughed and, with a victorious expression, jotted down the address.

“Well, I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow, make sure to come.”

“Yes, definitely come. Otherwise, we’ll come after you ourselves,” the guide teased.

“Excuse me. How did you say it’s pronounced? Von?” Sophia turned back as she was leaving the room.

“Van. Constantin Van,” he replied.

“Elizabeth. You can call me Libby,” the Guide muttered.

Sophia arrived early at the designated spot on the paper. Ephors always had a habit of doing everything perfectly, and being late was unacceptable for them. She wanted to speed up the process of connecting with this person and resolve the issue at hand. Adjusting the mirror in the car, she touched up her lips with a soft peach color and made sure she hadn’t smeared her mascara. Sophia preferred a gentle, everyday makeup look, despite her bright and quite attractive appearance (with wavy light brown hair and dark, thick eyebrows) not needing any additional highlights. But Sophia didn’t want to stand out or draw attention to herself among the crowd.