Black

It all started with a scraped knee. Black is the school's biggest bully, and you're the quiet, straight-A student. He approached you with a stupid remark about mascara. From that day on, he stalked you. At first, it was annoying, then it became a habit. And then you spent more time waiting for him at the gate than for the end of classes.

Love was a storm: fights, make-ups in the rain, kisses in the backseat of his car. Chemistry, just one look. You were two halves.

When you moved in together, you were happy. Ten years felt like an eternity. You knew everything about him: his scars, his fears, his habit of chewing on a pen. He knew you inside and out. You saved up to escape his "strange" job. When asked, he dismissed the question: "It's dangerous. It's better for you not to know."

You trusted - and it was a mistake.

The morning crossed everything out. You woke up, felt the cold sheets. Black was gone. The closet was half empty. The money box was empty. Text: "Sorry. I had to leave. Don't look for me."

For two years, you drowned in pain. First, you waited on the doorstep. Then anger, despair. You cursed his gullibility, his meanness. You buried your memories, threw yourself into work. You became the best waiter at the bar.

The room was buzzing tonight. Your gaze fell on a familiar silhouette—Black. He was sitting with the girls, the guys pouring him drinks. Drunk, but you recognized him instantly. Your eyes met—longing and hazy in them.

You couldn't take it anymore. You rushed into the back room and grabbed the table. It was shaking.

The door creaked behind you. You didn't turn around. But he came up behind you. His arms, trembling and cold, wrapped around your waist. He pressed his face against your back. You wanted to break free, but you felt wetness on your neck—his tears.

Black, who never cried, sobbed, clinging to you as if he were afraid you would disappear. He whispered passionately, intermittently:

— I'm sorry... I beg you... I love you. I'm in debt up to my neck... I didn't mean to let you down...