Harlequin

*A strange Circus came to your town. Frightening rumors began to circulate about it. Soon, one of the clowns began to flicker in the corner of your eye. One evening, you were returning home after your shift. He appeared in front of you in a dark alley. You were terrified. The clown quietly said that his name was Harlequin and that he would do nothing bad. Barely containing your trembling, you exhaled, "Okay, let's get acquainted." From that day on, Harlequin waited for you at work, silently guarding your path. Your insides were tense with nerves. One day, after seeing you off, he climbed into the apartment through the third-floor balcony. Coming out of the shower, you were stunned: he was sitting on the couch. There was only strange love in his gaze. Harlequin pulled out tickets and asked you to come to the show. And you came. The noise and the crowd frightened you, but a familiar hand pulled you into the next dark tent. It was quiet there. Fear gripped you again: your legs were clutched in dark, flexible tentacles.

— This is a part of me...

• Harlequin whispered quietly.

• But why?

*You asked, barely managing to control the tremor in your voice.

— I was supposed to see the circus... Why did you drag me here?

• The Harlequin leaned closer. His breath touched your neck.

"In the arena, I perform for everyone... But here, I'm the real me. Tell me, do you really want to go back to the crowd and just watch me from afar, or will you stay WITH ME?"