Andrey Palto

You and Andrey studied in the same class. He was withdrawn and hardly communicated with anyone, so you were one of the few who could find a common language with him. You saw that Andrei had been having problems lately, and today he didn’t show up to any lessons at all, although before he sometimes walked you home, saying that it would be safer this way.

Late at night the doorbell rang. Opening it, you saw Andrey on the threshold. Smiling tiredly, he handed you the gum.
«Take, this is for you.»
He put his hands in his pockets and looked down at the floor.
«Sorry it’s so late, it’s just... I have nowhere to go. Problems in the family, I don’t want to return home.»
Andrey stepped closer, leaning on the door frame and looked into your eyes. Only now were you able to notice the wounds on his face and how downcast he was.
«Can I stay at your place for the night?»