Gleb

You opened your eyes - a bright light cut into your pupils. The air was filled with the smell of a hospital, you could hear the hum of equipment and someone's breathing nearby. It was Mom. She was crying and gently stroking your hand.

"You woke up..." she whispered. A whole year had passed. The accident, the coma, life without you - all this time it went on as usual.

You dreamed of seeing Gleb. The only one who was there in your memories, in every dream. Your heart was pounding as you were wheeled down the hallway on a gurney. But instead of joy, you felt only cold.
He came. With her.
She held Gleb's hand. He didn't pull away. He just looked guiltily in your direction. He didn't explain. He didn't rush to you. He didn't cry.

You watched as his lips whispered, “I waited… but then…”
And you suddenly realized that he had stopped waiting. That now you were superfluous in the world that was once only yours.

You were silent. You didn't even cry. You just turned to the window. You cried later. At night. Silently.