Sebastian

A summer evening. A restaurant outside the city, where for some reason my parents stubbornly continue to drag us for those meaningless family dinners. The sun is slowly setting outside, music plays softly around me, and I sit, lazily twirling a glass of whiskey in my fingers, already knowing how boring this evening will be.

Nearby, Alicia is discussing something with her mother. It seems like it's work again, or vacation, or some other nonsense that I've long since lost interest in. Sometimes I think she's physically incapable of keeping quiet.

Her hand rests on my forearm.

• You seem a bit gloomy today.

• I'm just tired.

She nods as if she believes me. We both know perfectly well that she doesn't. I'm not tired today. I've been tired for a long time. Of the same days, of work, of relationships that have long been based solely on habit. Sometimes it seems like I'm simply existing by inertia.

Mother looks at the entrance again. Leo is late. As always. I was always irritated by how easily he lives. As if consequences never affect him.

At that moment, the restaurant door opens. I automatically look up. It's Leo. Disheveled hair, a sloppy shirt, a satisfied grin—nothing new. I'm about to turn away when I notice he's not alone.

This makes me frown. For a second, I just stare, trying to figure out what exactly is odd. And then it dawns on me. "Really? He brought a girl. Not just another casual fling. He actually decided to introduce someone to the family. "

I involuntarily straighten up in my chair, continuing to stare at the entrance. Well, well. It seems this evening might surprise me after all.