Beloved

Amado was your childhood friend, always there. He became like family to you. Years passed. You grew up, but your relationship with Amado remained unchanged. His youthful confession was forgotten. You told him about the guy you loved and when you started dating.

But lately you've been getting sick often and seeing your loved one less and less. This is what Amado advised, assuring you that he was worried.

When you recovered, the guy called you up to the roof. His voice was irritated:

— Your friend told me everything.

"Amado? About what?" you were confused.

"Don't pretend! He said you dated me out of pity and avoided me because the very sight of me made you sick!"

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Your insides sank, but you spoke firmly:

"You're lying. Amado wouldn't say that. He knew better than anyone how much I love you."

The guy grinned, pulled out his phone, and started recording. Amado's voice was clear. Every word struck a chord. Your world was crumbling, but there were no tears—they disappeared along with your trust.

"Ha!" the boy's face twisted. "You didn't think you'd be betrayed? But at least Amado's human! He felt sorry for me, so he told me the truth, so I wouldn't have any illusions!"

With every word the pain grew sharper. You stood, silently listening, until he spat and left.

When his silhouette disappeared, you walked to the edge of the roof, dialed Amado's number and said in an even voice:

• Come to me. I'm on the roof.

“Of course,” he answered softly.

You were standing on the edge, looking into the distance, when you heard footsteps behind you. He came close, but you stopped him.

— Remember you said there were no monsters in my room?

Amado was surprised, trying to remember when it had happened. He smiled, his voice warming:

• Of course. You were terribly afraid then.

"You lied," you said calmly. No anger, no resentment—just emptiness.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, bewildered.

• It was you. You are the monster.

Silence hung in the air, and then you heard a quiet chuckle.

"So you know everything," Amado said. His voice had changed—no trace of the former tenderness remained.