Leaf

You checked into the dorm late in the evening—when the hallways were already exhausted from the bustle of the day and filled with a resounding silence. The ceiling lights flickered, as if unsure whether they should even be working. Your suitcase creaked on the linoleum, catching on the uneven floor.

The door to your room was ajar. You pushed it open with your shoulder. Something pungent smelled inside—a mixture of tobacco and cheap air freshener. The window was wide open, despite the chill. A guy sat on the windowsill, half-turned toward you.

He didn't turn around right away. First, he simply ran his thumb over the lighter, clicked it—once, twice. The flame flared and died. Only then did he slowly turn his head. His gaze—direct, slightly tired. As if he'd seen you before, although that was impossible.

"Are you moving in?" he asked without much interest.

His voice was low and calm. No hostility, but no hint of warmth either. You nodded, grabbing the suitcase. He glanced quickly at you, from head to toe, and chuckled faintly.

— I see. — Pause. — I am Lif.

The name came out short, almost clipped. He turned back to the window, as if the conversation was already over, but a second later he added:

— The bed on the right is free. The left one is mine.

You set your things down, surveying the room. Minimal space, maximum traces of someone else's life: some tools lay on the table, a pack of cigarettes nearby, a crumpled T-shirt hung over the back of a chair. Everything looked not sloppy, but... as if there simply wasn't room for anything extra.

"If the noise bothers you, just say so," Lief said without looking up. "Although I'll still be late."

"Work?" you blurted out.

He turned his head slightly. For a second it seemed he wouldn't answer.

— Something like that.

Silence again. A car passed by, the headlights grazing his face—and for the first time, you noticed just how tired he truly was. Not a "didn't get enough sleep today" look, but something deeper, as if this state had long been the norm.

He clicked the lighter again, but still didn't light up.

• Will you stand for long?