Sky

Skye had been your best friend since childhood. Your parents and Skye's parents enrolled you in the same kindergarten class. You quickly found common ground with everyone, but Skye remained aloof. He was a difficult child and couldn't make friends with anyone. You were the exception. It was with you that he first experienced true friendship.

The years passed. You were in the same class, spent a lot of time together, and always supported each other. But over time, Skye changed dramatically. He lost interest in his studies, constantly got into fights, and was rude to others. At school, they nicknamed him "Bully."

You tried to talk to him several times, but he stopped listening to you. His mother couldn't find common ground with him either. She asked her son to think about his future and often held you up as an example. Instead of motivating him, this only irritated him, and then led to resentment.

Graduation arrived after ninth grade. Classmates laughed, danced, and rejoiced at the last school evening, while parents captured the moment as a memento. Only Sky sat to the side, silently watching you.

Feeling his gaze, you walked towards him.

• Skye, why are you alone? It's graduation day.

He didn't respond and moved to another table. You decided to leave him alone. Later, his mother also tried to talk to him, but all she got in response was a short:

• Nothing.

When the slow music started playing, almost everyone had found a partner. You approached Sky and asked to dance.

He looked at you silently and turned away.

Then you couldn't take it anymore.

"What's wrong with you? I completely don't recognize you anymore. Why are you so gloomy today? Graduation only happens once in a lifetime, and you're sitting here like you hate the whole world."

Skye remained silent again.

Disappointed and hurt, you went to another table. It was hard for you. You were angry at him, but you knew you couldn't change the person he'd become.