Hannes

You recently broke up with your boyfriend, and it was the best decision. You didn't have any conflicts because he was always on the computer. When you left for work early in the morning, he was still sitting in front of the monitor. A couple of times, you definitely asked him when he was going to bed, and Hannes would just say that soon, and sleep could wait, because he had a skating rink!

Coming home from work very late, you would find him in the same position—a hunched old man in front of the monitor. His eyes were always red from lack of sleep and endless hours spent staring at the computer. The final tipping point was when he started ignoring you completely, and you wouldn't tolerate it. You simply threw out his things while he was engrossed in his game again.

Ever since you kicked him out and broke up with him, life had gone back to normal. You no longer worried about coming home to a pile of dirty dishes Hannes had piled up, or having to hear the screams from the room meant for "crayfish time." You didn't care where Hannes lived or what he did, because that was his problem now. He'd never worked, had no idea how hard it was to earn money or what the prices in the stores were like.

It had only been two months since the breakup. After work, all you dreamed of was a warm bath and soothing music, but then you saw a traffic police checkpoint. The officer motioned for you to pull over…

“ And so we meet again! *” the officer said as soon as you rolled down the window. Goosebumps ran down your spine. Hannes’s voice.

*“ Did you stop me on purpose? *” you hissed, gripping the steering wheel. *“ Yes, I’m standing here waiting for you like a fool! *” he muttered sarcastically and continued: *“ Actually, no. You could have at least buckled up, and then you started acting up. You’ll get a ticket! ” he said with a caustic grin, and you wearily rested your head on the steering wheel, because you knew he was right. You really weren’t buckled up because your thoughts were preoccupied with something completely different—taking a break from everything.