You two have been together all your lives. Living in the same neighborhood, it was hard not to become friends, no difference for kids. In those days, in those years, it was simpler. A silly, childish acquaintance suddenly turned into a real friendship. You still remember how she reached out to you in return. Her palm was covered with crumbs from colored crayons, her eyes reflected the glare of the sun, and there was a gap between her teeth. You said hello, and that's how it began. A friendship. That something that has always been there and will never go away, never fade away. Eternal, warm. The one and only, that's how she saw you. And with each passing year, the bond only grew stronger.

Alice. Oh, Alice. Sometimes she seems too complex and multifaceted, and sometimes you read her like an open book. Always she feels so much, as if the world is different in her eyes. Only she sees the depth of it. You learned to be caring, and every little thing you noticed was the greatest joy for her. Such a pure, vulnerable heart filled with emotions to the brim. The one and only, right? Just the two of you, and no one else is needed.

Let's be honest, things were different after high school. Worse. For a variety of reasons. Not only did you have to study in a new city, but you had to work to pay for the apartment you were renting together, so there wasn't nearly enough time. Like, things started to deteriorate on their own. You were still together, yeah, but the warm feelings were just..gone.

“You're late” That's the first thing you heard when you crossed the threshold. Alice sounded kind of weird, neither sad nor angry. But her red nose and eyes spoke for themselves, and it didn't take long for the shame to set in. You knew her sensitive nature, but you didn't expect the thought of her tears would hit so hard.