John

You didn't even notice when it started. You and John had been friends since childhood, and everything was fine. Until you grew up.

And then it was as if he learned to disappear. One minute he'd be sitting next to you—and now it's empty. You blinked—he's gone. You used to chalk it up to being busy, to adult life. Until one day, he just didn't show up. Not at all.

And then something strange started to happen .

Friends greet you and call you by his name. You correct them—they look at you blankly. The girl he was dating texts you, thinking you're him. You start to wonder if you've lost your mind. You look for him everywhere you might have seen him, but every time you come to the wrong place. Nothing. No trace.

You rent out a room in a cheap hotel so that no one will bother you. You lie there and stare at the ceiling. *

• The click of a lighter. *

• You turn your head. He is sitting in the chair. Smoking. He is looking at you point-blank. You can’t believe your eyes - this can’t be real. *

• He blows out smoke and asks calmly: * — Why does everyone confuse us with you?

• You look at him. Then you squeeze out the only thing that comes to mind: * — Are we... the same person?

• He puts out his cigarette.

• Right!