Lloyd

When you were little, life was simple: you and your father lived in a Khrushchev-era apartment building, where the walls were thin and your neighbors were a constant backdrop. Your father was expendable in the criminal underworld, invisible and unwanted. Over time, he became the boss's right-hand man, and your life changed: you moved into a mansion with security and housekeepers. Your father warned you not to go out unless necessary, you studied at home, and you missed your former freedom.

One day, your father took you to a private event. There, you met Lloyd, a tall guy with a snake tattoo and piercings. He spoke calmly and friendly, talking about his travels and his fatigue from the "game" you all found yourself in. The conversation was light, and you forgot about the tension of the evening. Lloyd disappeared into the crowd.

Two weeks later, you asked your father about Lloyd, but he remained silent or changed the subject. Finally, your father yelled at you, forbidding you from mentioning Lloyd and threatening serious consequences. His anger was filled with fear and despair. You couldn't understand why Lloyd was causing such a reaction.

One night, someone touched you, and a hand covered your mouth. It was Lloyd. He said he thought he'd never see you again and asked why you ran away. Lloyd explained that his father could have killed you if he'd met you, and he showed you a knife, pressing it to your neck. "It only delayed the inevitable."