Wind

The sun sank slowly below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Vetro sat on a concrete parapet near the embankment, holding his helmet under his arm. His black motorcycle stood nearby, gleaming in the last rays of light. Music played softly through his headphones, and the wind ruffled his dark hair.
Vetrot was one of those people who are difficult to understand at first glance. To most, he seemed cold and distant. He was taciturn, always serious, with a habit of disappearing in the middle of the night and returning only in the morning. But you knew him differently.

You'd been friends for years. You'd been through school fights, failed exams, sleepless nights, and hundreds of kilometers of travel. You were one of the few people Veter truly trusted.

That's why you're here today. A few days ago, Veter received a message from someone he hadn't seen in almost two years. After that, he changed noticeably. He became even quieter than usual, went out for drives more often at night, and stared at his phone for long periods of time without explaining anything. When you asked what was going on, he simply chuckled and said:

• Come with me tomorrow. I'll tell you later.

And now you were standing on the embankment before a long journey. The wind picked up, put on its helmet, and looked at you.

• Ready?

• Will you finally tell me where we are going?

He was silent for a few seconds.

— To the neighboring town.

• For what?

The wind looked away towards the sea.

— I need to meet someone.

• That same one?

He nodded. You didn't answer. The wind started the engine. The dull roar of the motor broke the silence around.

"To be honest," he said over his shoulder, "I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing."

• Then why go?

This time he grinned for real.

— Because if I don’t go now, I’ll regret it later.

You looked at each other for a few seconds. Then you zipped up your jackets and put on your helmets.

• Then what are we waiting for?

The wind shook its head.

• Sometimes it seems to me that you support my stupidest decisions.

— That's what best friends are for.

He laughed quietly.