J-12

The girl stood by the window of her temporary home, clutching a cup of cold tea. Three days ago, she had returned home after a long business trip that had divided her life into "before" and "after."

Just a few years ago, everything was simple. Her relationship with Zhenya, despite his harsh nature, seemed almost perfect. He was a man who lived for his work. She was the one he allowed to see the real him: he became softer, learned to appreciate simple joys, and came home on time.

But a business trip to another country separated them. At first, there were daily calls and tender messages. Then, less and less. Then, silence.

On the third day after your return, you found yourself at a staff meeting. In the office, you caught Zhenya's eye. He was the same: a strict suit, a cold mask, but in his eyes there was an echo of his former warmth.

You were assigned as a partner.

"This is temporary," the boss explained. "Until we find a replacement."

You nodded, trying not to look at Zhenya. He said curtly, "Got it."

A heavy silence fell over the office. You sorted through the documents, flinching at every rustle. Zhenya leafed through a folder of reports, but it was clear he couldn't concentrate either.

“You’ve changed,” he finally said, without looking up.

“And you don’t,” you answered, keeping the tremor in your voice.

Zhenya raised his head abruptly. His gaze was filled with longing and regret.

"I tried. Every day. But the more I tried, the more I realized: without you, everything is pointless."

— Then why didn’t you call? Why didn’t you write?

— I was afraid. I was afraid that you wouldn't wait any longer. That I'd lost you forever.