As the night progressed, Larry’s excitement quickly turned to disappointment. His friends didn’t seem interested in getting to know Maria beyond her physical appearance. Instead, they focused on her flaws, exchanging whispered comments and smirks. The atmosphere grew tense, and Maria, feeling hurt and self-conscious, began to withdraw into herself.
Larry tried his best to steer the conversation toward Maria’s interests and accomplishments, hoping to show his friends the incredible person she truly was. But they seemed disinterested and dismissive. The night that Larry had imagined as a celebration of love and friendship had become a painful ordeal.