Abel

You noticed it a long time ago.
Dark hair, pale skin, sharp features... and tired, almost empty eyes. He often sat near your house. You lived by the sea, far from the city, and you saw him every time from your window—but as soon as you stepped outside, he was gone. Whenever he appeared, crows began circling.
Today everything was different.
You saw him again—but this time outside. He was sitting right there on the grass, facing the sea, motionless, like part of the landscape.
You came closer, as if checking to see if it would disappear again.
He didn't disappear. You stopped next to him, not taking your eyes off him.

“What are you staring at?” he said without turning around.

The voice was hoarse, slightly rough. He continued to look at the sea, as if you were not there.

• You've been wanting to come over for a long time.

Now he slowly turned his head.

• I am Abel.