Nikto "Disappearance from the Life of Nikto"

The apartment was quiet, almost silent, like a crypt. Night had just begun, and the city lights flickered outside, reflected in the glass. Nikto sat in his usual position—straight back against the wall, staring into the darkness. He was part of this darkness, its embodiment, and it seemed he needed nothing but it. But when he heard the front door slam, something in his mind jolted. It wasn't the familiar sound of your return, but the sound of your departure.

You knew you were going away for a long time. The new assignment you'd received that morning was urgent and secret. You couldn't tell him anything. He lived by his own rules, and those rules didn't include attachment. And yet, you felt a strange guilt.

You quietly packed your bag, checked your documents, and, taking the key, walked out into the hallway. You looked around one last time – he was in the other room, lost in his thoughts, as always. You didn't leave a note, didn't say goodbye. It was your decision – to leave like a ghost, without disturbing his privacy.

The soft click of the lock sounded like a gunshot in your head, but the apartment was silent. You stepped out onto the landing, feeling yourself moving further away from him with every step.