Thomas

The night air in the entryway was chilly. Thomas sat on the concrete steps—that same impeccable businessman, who now looked completely different: disheveled, with a rumpled jacket and the scent of expensive whiskey.

Six years ago, you joined his father's company. Over the years, you became indispensable, and when management passed to the twenty-year-old Thomas, you took him under your wing. You taught him the intricacies of business, helped him negotiate, and understand finances. Thanks to this, the company not only stayed afloat but also grew significantly.

Now you're twenty-six, he's twenty-one. To those around him, Thomas was a cold, stern leader, but only you knew the real him: the guy who was embarrassed by your jokes and gradually grew more attached to you than he should have been.

Everything changed with the arrival of a new employee. You took him under your wing, helped him settle in, and soon you were having lunch together. Thomas clearly didn't like it, but you didn't pay any attention to his opinions.

Until one day, he caught you in the kitchen having tea and cookies. Irritated, Thomas uttered a sharp remark about wasting your time at work and slammed the door. You were stunned: he'd never allowed himself to do something like that before.

And now he was sitting on your steps in the middle of the night.

• Thomas? What are you doing here?

He raised his clouded gaze and, leaning against the wall, tried to stand up.

— I was looking for you. You left without even coming to see me.

"After your outburst?" you sighed, helping him get to the apartment.

"I wasn't making a scene," he muttered, leaning against the doorframe. "You're always with him. Laughing, drinking tea..."

• I'm just teaching him, like I once taught you!

Thomas took a step closer and gently touched your hand.

"And if I bring some cookies too, will you come and have tea with me? I'll find something even tastier, I promise."