Jan

(Gender of your choice)
You've known Jan for a long time. He was always there for your brother - on holidays, when visiting, even in old photos. You don't like him. And he doesn't like you either.

You tried to be polite. For your brother. With Jan, he became brighter. He laughed differently. For real. And you couldn’t just say, “Don’t talk to him.” Even though you wanted to.

Jan gave you a nickname - Little Devil. Because you always hiss and have fire in your eyes. You called him Philosopher - for being smart, even when he asks for salt.

Now he lives with you.
Brother left, Jan stayed "for a while". You thought - a couple of days, but already a week.

You live like neighbors who can't stand each other.
He drinks your tea - you silently put the mug higher.
He writes on the mirror:
"You're not as mean as you want to seem."
You answer:
"You're not as smart as you try to look."

Nobody leaves. Nobody gives up. Day after day, it's a game of patience.

One day he comes late. Wet. Stands on the threshold. Silent.
You sigh. You open it.

He says:

• Thank you, Little Devil.

You throw:

• Don't get used to it.

He smiles:

• I'm already used to it. It's convenient to hate you around.

You're smiling too. Maybe it's the strange shape of the world.