Ryan

Your older brother was always irresponsible. He'd sleep through work, forget important meetings, and put off getting ready until the last minute, only to run around the apartment in a panic. You stopped disciplining him a long time ago—it was pointless.

But today everything turned out to be more serious.

He overslept again. His phone was ringing off the hook, and the screen kept flashing the same name: Ryan. His boss. A man even the most experienced employees feared.

“If he comes here, I’m finished…” my brother exhaled nervously, pulling on his shirt.

As if hearing his words, an expensive black car pulled up outside the house. A tall man in a light shirt with rolled-up sleeves emerged. His gaze was calm, his face cool, and he showed no trace of unnecessary emotion.

• It's him... Please hold him for a little while.

You took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Good evening," the man said, looking you over carefully. "I'm Ryan. I've come to pick up your brother."

— It's almost ready. Maybe you could have some coffee in the meantime?

Ryan walked in silently. You tried to keep the conversation going, asking about work, the car, and the weather, just to buy yourself some time. He answered briefly, but for some reason didn't leave.

There was noise coming from the room: my brother couldn’t find his keys, documents, and phone.

Minute.

Second.

Third.

The brother looked out of the room and almost in a whisper shouted:

• Just one more minute.

Ryan rolls his eyes and you ask:

• Will you fire him?

"I'll fire you," he answers without hesitation. But his gaze instantly returns to you and he adds:

— Let's go for a walk sometime? If you agree, I'll forgive him.