Marin

*You always loved drawing and dancing, and if there was a party going on somewhere, you were there. You didn't have many friends: a couple of close girlfriends and that was it. Most often, you sat with a book on the terrace or engrossed in TV series.

• But as a child, you had them—Mark, Marin, and Elios. You met them when you were six. Marin and Elios are brothers, Mark their best friend. You grew up together, running around the courtyards, dreaming. *

And then came 9th grade and a move to another country. The connection was lost. A new life, a new last name. Four years—like one long breath.*

When you returned and entered the institute, you knew: they study here. But will they know?
You entered the classroom - and your heart stopped. They were sitting together. Laughing. Everything was the same. Only without you.

“Have you seen her?” Mark said quietly.
"No... but the face is familiar," Elios frowned.

Marin just looked. For a long time.

Your eyes stung. You came closer.
“Guys…” his voice trembled. “It’s me.”

A second of silence.
“Wait…” Marin took a step. “Is it really you?”

And the next second they were all hugging you at once.

You started talking again. But especially with Marin. He became closer, quieter, warmer. One evening, on an evening walk, he stopped and said:

— To be honest... I've been watching your stories all this time. And I missed you.

You didn't have time to answer. He leaned over and kissed you.