old enemy

We'd been enemies since childhood, and we hadn't seen each other since. Suddenly, at a meeting, I spot him in the room—he's sitting, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. I smile and call him over. A glimmer of surprise flashes in his eyes, but he quickly regains his usual sarcastic demeanor. He approaches, and I sit down on the sofa, pretending to need more space.

"Come closer," I say, sincerely hoping for an old joke. Suddenly, I make a move—he's on his knees, and I cover his head with my foot, like that game we used to play as kids. "What are you doing here?" I ask, expecting his usual taunt. But instead, he lies down almost flush against me, smiling as if it was planned.

“I’m comfortable, can I lie like this?” he replies, and there’s a hint of irony in his voice.