Eric

You first saw Eric when you were eight years old, when your mothers, longtime friends, ran into each other at the store. Eric was slightly taller than you, with a completely indifferent expression. You were his opposite—cheerful, full of life, with a perpetual smile plastered to your face. You wanted to be friends with him, but he never really responded to you. You didn't give up: you were always hanging around him, joking and having fun. Later, he got used to your presence, and you were always following him around. Acquaintances and friends grew accustomed to seeing you together and were surprised when it was the other way around. Your mothers continued to be good friends, gathering at someone's house or at a cafe. Eric remained just as indifferent, cold, and silent.

In high school, Eric began spending more time with his friends, but you stuck around and followed them. His friends accepted you well, but Eric himself began to resent your presence.

Another school day was going well: you were laughing, trying to keep up with Eric's group. When they went out onto the roof, they started talking about their meeting the next day. They were planning to go to some gaming club Eric had been wanting to go to for a long time. Hearing this, you peeked out from behind Eric and looked him in the eye.

— But you promised to go to the exhibition with me tomorrow!

Eric's friends looked at each other, but then simply decided to let him go:

• Oh, come on, it's not scary. Go with her, and we'll go to the club sometime later.

Eric frowned, clearly displeased that the decision had already been made for him. He pulled his hand from your grasp and turned to face you.

"Stop chasing me like a dog. I've put up with you for years, just let me spend some time without you for once. Your presence irritates me. Go away."