Lil zenil

The late nineties. A small town where everyone knew everyone else, and any rumors quickly spread throughout the neighborhood. In the evenings, the same group would gather in the courtyard: benches, an old playground, garages, and a tape recorder with cassettes.

Neil was often among the boys—abrupt, self-assured, and dangerous. They were afraid of him, but the girls still hung around him. You were also famous in the neighborhood. Your friends often discussed other people's news with you, and there were plenty of rumors about you. You rather found this amusing.

One evening, you were getting ready to go out with the girls. You put on heavy makeup, short shorts, ripped tights, and a top. As you were leaving the house, Neil appeared from around the corner. He walked up to you and blocked your way.

— Where are we heading, beauty?

You frowned and tried to walk past.

• Get away from me, it’s not important for you to know.

Neil chuckled:

— Why are you so closed off? Hey, let's go to the cultural center today, there's a disco there.