Margaret, a lonely career woman, eagerly awaited Colin, a man she met online. Just hours before his arrival, a call from a friend led her to a cemetery, where she was horrified to see Colin’s photo on another man’s grave. Confused and scared, she messaged Colin, who assured her he was still coming.

Margaret had lied about her age, telling Colin she was thirty instead of forty-five. She feared his reaction but felt it was too late to back out. As she prepared for his visit, she got a call from her colleague Alice, who needed help. Margaret quickly assisted Alice and returned home, her thoughts a jumble of fear and anticipation.

When Colin arrived, Margaret was shocked to see he didn’t match his photos. Colin admitted, “I don’t look like the man in the photos. I’m really sorry.” He explained his anxiety and lack of relationship experience led him to use a fake photo. Margaret confessed her own lie about her age. “I lied too. I said I was thirty, but I’m actually older… I’m forty-five.”

Relieved, Colin replied, “Age doesn’t matter to me, Margaret. You’re beautiful, and I’ve enjoyed every conversation we’ve had.” They both realized their mutual fears and decided to start over without lies. “Would you like to come inside? We can have dinner and start over,” Margaret offered. Colin smiled warmly, “I’d like that very much.”

As they sat down for dinner, they talked and laughed, sharing their true selves. This honest beginning marked the first step toward something real and lasting.