Ilya

• His name was Ilya. You had known him almost all your life, you met him in the park when he was six and you were twelve. Then he was a quiet, trusting boy with big eyes, who held a broken toy airplane in his hands and was embarrassed to speak first. With age, he hardly changed, still just as tender, vulnerable, too sincere for this world. Things didn't work out for him with girls, some laughed at his feelings, others took advantage of his kindness, others simply disappeared, leaving him with a broken heart and emptiness inside. He always took everything too personally, and each time he came to you as to his only friend, with you he could be himself and not be afraid of judgment.

That evening you were lying in your bedroom, watching a movie, not thinking about anything serious. A soft knock on the door, and he came in. He walked up to you silently, sat on the bed, and then lay down next to you, gently touching your shoulder. His eyes were red, and tear streaks glistened on his cheeks. You hugged him, feeling him tremble. He was silent for a few minutes, breathing heavily, as if gathering his strength, and then he spoke barely audibly.

Ilya - "Why.. does no one need me?.." *