He wandered aimlessly past the shops that lined the snow-dusted street, the windows sporting Cupids and hearts and expensive special-someone gifts almost before the Christmas displays had been removed. The cold air bit his skin, and he drew his coat more tightly against him, huddling his face into his collar to ward off the sting. He continued his meandering progress down the sidewalk, dodging the busy pedestrians that seemed in a hurry to escape the February wind. A book in one window caught his eye and he stopped briefly to consider the latest romance novel on display. Did she have it already? He knew she read a lot – but he wasn't sure the style of book that she liked, now that he thought about it. Funny how, no matter how long or how well you've known a person, there always seems to be a question or two that you've never thought to ask.

Not that he had anyone in mind for his shopping. In fact, if anyone had stopped him just then and asked him who he was shopping for, he would have denied shopping at all. Even as he found himself entering the last store on the block, he would have maintained that he wasn't shopping. He was browsing. For no one in particular, just... browsing.

The denial was harder to hold onto when he heard himself ask the overly-eager clerk to see the item that had captured his attention from the display window. "It's perfect," he decided when he finally held it in his hand. "She'll love it."

"Would you like me to wrap it up for you, sir?" the clerk asked, barely concealing her glee at the possibility of a sale.

He hesitated. Should he buy it? Did he have a right to give her a present for Valentine's Day? And not just any present... this present? Fingering the item that he held, he found it difficult to breathe as the implications of her response to such a gift took hold. This was crazy. He was crazy.

Looking up at the clerk who was waiting for an answer, he surprised himself by saying:

- No, thanks. This will be for a special person, I will wrap it up myself.

The shop assistant smiled, put the book in a bag and gave it to the man.

- That woman must be really special… It is obvious she means a lot for you.

- Yes, she is… The most wonderful woman in the world – the man smiled.

He exited the shop, back to the cold winter, holding the book close to him, and headed home hurriedly. The biting cold spread through his body, but he felt nothing of this. All his thoughts were filled by one person… and this heated up all his body. Will she like the present? He quickened his steps. He couldn't wait to get home and wrap the present for the love of his life.

He didn't notice the shadow who was watching him from the other side of the street. So you are here. It took a lot of time, but I've found you at last. You cannot escape from me…

The woman was walking musing in the cold February afternoon. What would be the most suitable present for him? It's crazy that I want to buy him a present for Valentine's Day… Of course, Valentine's Day is also the celebration of friendship, but… What will he think if he unwraps the present? I cannot write on the card „with much love, as a sign of my friendship"... Especially because it wouldn't be entirely honest. What I feel is much more than friendship… She suddenly stopped. Something grabbed her attention in one of the windows. Yes… this is perfect.

Jack entered his apartment, threw his coat and keys down, and took the recently bought book out of the bag. – Yes… This is perfect. But isn't it crazy to buy her a present for Valentine's Day? We aren't even dating… Won't she feel I am too pushy? Although nothing would make me happier than being together with you… I would love to spend this Valentine's Day with you… and every other Valentine's Day after this. And tell you every day how much I love you. He took a white wrapping paper, bought especially for this occasion, and then carefully wrapped the book. I can't wait to see your face when you unwrap it… I hope you will like it… This book tells everything I feel towards you.

Sue stepped from the biting cold in the warm flat, and was happy to find that Lucy wasn't at home. She wanted nothing less than looking at her best friend's „I knew you are in love with him" – face. After all, she bought a present for Jack for Valentine's Day, although they aren't even dating… Although this is what I would like the most in this world… To be with you, my love… She took the present out of the bag and looked at it more thoroughly. This is just perfect. She took the recently bought, white wrapping paper, and started wrapping up the present. But will he like it? Won't he find it strange that I bought him a present for Valentine's Day? Won't he think I am pushy? If he sees it, he will immediately realize I love him… And if he rejects me, right on Valentine's Day? When everyone is walking happily, holding hands with their loved one? I couldn't bear that.

The woman was walking with a contented smile in the Washington winter. I found you at last, Jack Hudson. I let you get out of my sight once, but this time, you cannot escape…