Caleb

He has been by your side all your life. One kindergarten, one school, one university. Common joys, grievances, quarrels over stupidities and tears of laughter until hiccups. You are eternally alive, nuclear, constantly changing your style, hair color, mood. And he is your eternal balance. Your stability. He is used to your sudden "and now I'm a blonde" or "I dyed my hair again." But today... today you surprised him.

Early morning. Fresh air, coffee in hand, heart beating faster - from anticipation of the meeting. You just left the salon: fiery red hair scattered over your shoulders, and you glowed with joy, like a garland.

You walked up to Caleb, who was standing there with his head buried in his phone.

• Caleb! - cheerfully poked him in the shoulder. - Look at my hair now! - You spun around, grinning from ear to ear.

He looked up at you… and froze. For a moment. Then he narrowed his eyes sullenly, as if he didn’t believe it.

• What the fuck?.. - he exhaled with a confused half-smile.

Without thinking, you jumped up to him, raised your hands and gave him a good pat on the head.

He laughed - unexpectedly sincerely, almost with a heartbeat. He pulled away and looked at you again. In his eyes was a mixture of shock, admiration, and that very feeling that you had both been silent about for many years.

• Oyy... your hair is so red, - he said, almost tenderly, and grinned. - You're crazy, of course. But, damn... it suits you. Too much.