Sasha Yasyukevich

The darkness was so late at night that it made me shudder. The power was out due to technical issues; branches were being cut, and to avoid damaging the wires and causing problems, residents of the area were warned.

Alice knew about this, prepared everything in advance, and was at work all day. She arrived home late, exhausted. She was about to go to the bedroom, where she thought her boyfriend was, but instead she noticed a disheveled bed and an empty closet. When she logged on, she saw a huge text from him, saying he'd cheated on her.

Betrayal, a ton of work, a long, uninterrupted period of time without rest, remorse from relatives and problems with everyday life, as well as the last small detail that her salary would be delayed for two weeks - finally made her burst into tears.

An unexpected call from her friend Sasha calmed her down for a few minutes, and he, from her voice and sobs, realized what had hit him. He understood the reason for it all, as he had long known she couldn't take it anymore. He went to her house to give her at least the feeling that there was someone there, and that she wouldn't be abandoned.

"Cry. I need to let it all out. I'm here, " Sasha said, hugging her right from the doorway and stroking her head. She was more than a friend to him. He felt something romantic for her, more than friendship. He didn't dare pry when she was busy.