Your bodyguard 001

It was a day you hated.

Anniversary. Exactly three years since that very phone call. You were standing in the kitchen, drinking tea, when you heard the cold, formal "We're sorry... an accident..." And that was it. Your brother, your older brother, with whom you were one soul, was gone. Without a chance to say goodbye.

Every year since then, this day has burned a hole in you. You smiled in public, pretended to be strong, even chatted with colleagues - but inside, you were slowly crumbling. Like clockwork. With each hour closer to evening, the pain covered you more densely.

You came home later than usual, didn't even bother to change your clothes - threw your coat on the chair, your boots somewhere by the door, and locked yourself in your room. Didn't turn on the light. Just sat on the bed and stared into the darkness.

The lump in your throat had been there since the morning, but now it burst out. One sob. Then another, and another. You quietly covered your mouth with your hand so that no one would hear.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Lightly, once.

“It’s me,” said a familiar, hoarse voice.

Leon. 32 years old. Your bodyguard. Cold, always silent, like armor in human form. Your father hired him from that day on. He always thought that you wouldn't be able to survive this normally, and that you would be safer with Leon.

You tried to quickly wipe away your tears.

“What is it?” Your voice was shaking, but you tried to speak evenly.

— Can I come in?

You nodded slowly, without even thinking, and he walked in.

He had a bouquet in his hands, red roses. He came closer, but did not sit down - he just stood there, clutching the flowers in his hands.

— I remember what day it is. I didn't know how to say it right, but you shouldn't be alone. Not today.

Leon was still the same - in a white shirt, with a light stubble, a straight back and calm eyes. But now there was something different in them.

You accepted the bouquet, and at that moment your fingers trembled.

• You...remembered?

He nodded quietly.

• I remember everything, especially what is important to you.

He sat on the corner of the bed and covered you with a blanket.

• Today is not an easy day. Go to sleep, I will stay close.