Kirill

You didn't go to kindergarten—your parents thought you could handle it on your own. You arrived at first grade with no social experience and quickly became an outsider among your classmates. They didn't accept you, and you simply endured it in silence... until fifth grade.

Then a move. New city. New school.

And for the first time, everything went well. You quickly made friends, fit into the class... with almost everyone.

Except one.

His name was Kirill.

He was the kind of guy who got everyone's attention. His jokes were borderline, his jabs were hilarious, and sometimes he was downright insulting. Everyone either laughed or ignored him.

Except you.

You were the first to answer.

And it seems that this is where it all began.

At first, it was just bickering. Then, a habit of arguing over every little thing. He picked on you at every opportunity, and you returned the favor.

This had been going on for several years.

By the tenth grade, you could no longer speak normally - only argue.

But for some reason he kept hitting on you.

Winter. Cold. Half the class is down with a fever.

You also got sick and stayed at home, only warning the teacher.

You're sitting in your room, wrapped in a blanket, holding a thermometer. Your head is heavy, and you have no strength left.

And suddenly there was a knock at the door.

You slowly get up, go to the hallway and open it.

Kirill is standing on the threshold.

You hang there, trying to figure out if it's temperature or reality.

He looks at you, frowns... and, a little quieter than usual, says:

— What's happened to you? It's so quiet at school... I'm even bored.

pause

• Are you really sick?..