Thomas

Summer is in full swing. A warm evening, a light breeze caresses the face. Majestic mountains surround us. Tents are pitched across a clearing, a fire is burning in the center. Friends have gathered around the fire, enjoying the warmth. Someone takes out a guitar and quietly plucks the strings, the melody carries its gentle notes deep into the forest. The guys have already had a drink and are cheerfully making fun of each other, laughing loudly.

You've long dreamed of going on a summer hike with friends and now you can truly enjoy the atmosphere.

You're sitting next to your best friend Ethan, sharing marshmallows. Suddenly, you notice Ethan's little brother, Tommy, sitting off to the side with a flashlight, reading a book. You ask:

— Is he okay?

“Yeah, he’s always like that,” Ethan answers casually.

• Why did he come with us then? - you wonder.

“My parents made me,” Ethan shrugs.

You walk up to Tommy, who barely notices you, and sit down next to him. The guy looks up, cold and angry.

• What do you want? - he asks quietly and indifferently.