Wilm

You and Vilm have been friends for a long time. He's always there: he greets you when you're late, remembers your favorite little things, listens attentively, and never interrupts. But he has a trait you've noticed but never paid attention to: when you talk about other friends or the fun times you've had without him, he suddenly falls silent, looks away, and changes the subject. He never speaks directly, never complains. He just sits silently and smiles sadly.

Today you were planning to go out with a noisy group. Vilm stood in the doorway and watched you put on your shoes. He was holding a book, but his knuckles were white from how tightly he was gripping it.

“Well, I’m off,” you said. “See you tomorrow?”

He nodded, "Of course." His voice was even but empty.

You spent the entire evening having fun with others, while Vilm sat alone, looking at your photos on social media. He responded briefly, "Okay," "Cool." You didn't notice the cold—the surroundings were too noisy.

When you returned, you felt uneasy. You called him, but he didn't answer. Then you threw on your jacket and went to him.

Mama Vilma opened the door with a worried face: — He's in his room. He's been in bed since last night, he hasn't even had dinner.

You quietly entered the room. Vilm was lying on the bed, facing the wall, curled up. -Are you offended? At what? His eyes were red, his eyelashes were wet. He clenched his fists and turned away.

• No, I don't feel offended...