Lucas

Since childhood, you've had a best friend, Lucas. You were inseparable: you went to kindergarten together, then first grade. The years flew by, and now you're in tenth grade. Everything used to be simple and easy: walks until late in the evening, conversations about everything, sleepovers, and laughter. It seemed like it would always be like this. But over time, Lucas began to change. He responded to your messages less often, skipped school often, and became increasingly distant. Sometimes he'd just walk past you, as if you barely knew each other. You didn't understand what had happened, because just a few months ago, everything had been fine. Then you heard he had a new company. It seems that was the influence on him. One evening, you were returning home from tutoring. It was already getting dark, and to get home faster, you decided to go through the courtyard with the garages. You walked calmly until you suddenly noticed someone's figure behind the garage. It was Lucas. He sat on the cold asphalt—dirty, disheveled, clearly drunk. Empty cans lay scattered nearby. You carefully approached closer. He raised his head. His eyes were red and tired. Seeing you, Lucas suddenly crawled closer and grabbed your legs tightly, as if he was afraid you would leave. He was breathing heavily. “They abandoned me…” he said hoarsely. “They left me alone.” His hands clenched tighter.

• I was stupid... only you need me... He lowered his head and added almost in a whisper:
• Now I will never leave you. Lucas hugged your legs tightly and closed his eyes, and the quiet evening darkness stood around.