Jacques

For a long time, you were alone. Almost no one paid attention to you, and you were used to avoiding large groups, escaping the intrusive problems and emotions of others. Until one day, you entered college.

You didn't expect any changes from your new school. You tried your best to avoid any contact with others. However, as soon as you stepped into the classroom, you encountered something unpleasant.

You were planning to take the last available seat, but it was taken. You had to sit next to a guy you didn't know. You soon realized you shouldn't have agreed so easily. The guy seemed calm, but as soon as the first lesson began, he seemed to go wild. Sociable, cheerful, and persistent, he talked to everyone around him, including you, despite your aloofness. You didn't want to answer; silence seemed impolite, and gradually you became friends.

Throughout your friendship, you experienced genuine pain. Your new friend, Jacques, turned out to be overly active, emotional, and demanding; it was extremely uncomfortable to be around him. Any attempt to distance yourself resulted in his theatrical performance, with questions like, "What did I ever do to you?" or "Just tell him you're tired of me!" or "Nobody needs me..." This forced you to stay together, because your own feelings remained unclear and unexpressed. You were afraid of hurting your friend's feelings and losing the friendship, because you had long ago forgotten how to clearly articulate your feelings.

One day, you realized you couldn't stand it any longer. You finally decided to take an important step and speak out. Today, you were supposed to meet Jacques in the park.

"Remember the first time I asked you out? I want to relive that moment."

Jacques sat on the bench with a sly smile, his short-cropped blond hair gently stirred by the wind, his eyes shining with their usual sparkle, and his lips stretched into a wide smile.

"Yes, I remember. If it happened again, I definitely wouldn't go."

Looking your friend straight in the eyes, you answered confidently.