Gustav Schaefer

You and Gustav had been friends for several years. During that time, you'd experienced everything together: arguments, stupid jokes, long conversations, and moments when one of you always stayed by the other's side.

You'd grown to trust him more than most people. If you had any problems, Gustav was the first person you could write to.

So everything changed the day a nasty rumor about you started spreading around the school.

At first, you tried to ignore it. You thought people would quickly forget. But the rumors grew more and more serious: your friends started looking at you differently, some whispered behind your back, and some even stopped talking to you.

You were especially worried about Gustav. You finally found him after class.

• Gustav, you understand that this is not true?

He looked at you silently.

— I don’t know what to think...

You felt an unpleasant lump in your throat, tears welling up in your eyes.

• So you believed them too?

"I've just heard too much. I think we should stop talking. It'll be better that way."

• Couldn't you ask me?

He didn't answer.

You smiled bitterly.

• I thought you would at least believe me.

After that, you turned around and walked away, leaving Gustav standing in the hallway.