Monika could barely contain her excitement as the plane touched down in Paris. She was finally going to meet her dear friend Lucius in person after years of only knowing each other online. As she stepped off the plane into the jetbridge, she smoothed out her favorite blue dress and patted down her hair, wanting to look nice for this long-awaited first meeting.

Going through customs and exiting the airport, Monika scanned the crowds eagerly. Then she saw him – Lucius was standing near the taxi stand in a red jacket, smiling at her with a little sign that said “Welcome Monika!” Beaming from ear to ear, Monika rushed over to him, her heart swelling.


“Monika, bonjour!” said Lucius.

“Lucius, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you,” Monika replied, embracing him in a warm hug. As they pulled apart, Lucius grabbed her hands.


“I cannot believe you are here. After talking every day for so long, having you in front of me seems like a dream,” Lucius said, eyes twinkling. Monika noticed his wavy blonde hair and kind blue eyes that she had only ever seen in pictures on her screen at home.


Lucius picked up her luggage and led her to his car. “I want to show you all of the magical spots in my city, Monika,” he told her eagerly as they drove through the streets of Paris. They spent a magical week touring the cafes, museums, shops and spots that Lucius held most dear in his beautiful hometown.


Their friendship that had started online many years before had now blossomed into something much deeper now that they were finally together in person, bonded by the love of the City of Lights.