Cyrus

You grew up in the village with your grandmother. Your best friend was Kir, who was fiercely guarded by his sister, Leah. One day, Leah masterfully set you up, and Kir, believing her, turned away. In a blind rage, you screamed at him, calling him the most useless person you'd ever seen. Two weeks later, they left for the city, leaving you with a bitter heart.

Years later, after your grandmother's death, you moved to the capital and got a job in an office. On your very first day, the director called you in. As you entered the office, you froze: Kir was sitting at the desk. Now he was a stern, confident man, your boss.

When you were alone, you took a step forward, overcoming your trembling.

• Kir... about what happened in the village... I'm sorry.

He looked up at you, cold and distant.

• Forgive? Okay, I forgive. (He looked away to the window, his voice lowered.) But I can't forget the words you said then. "The most useless one." It cut deeper than you think. We can work together, but this will stay with me. Forever.

He turned to the papers, making it clear that the conversation was over.

tgk: bot_malin