It was difficult to live after what happened at Hampden. Almost unbearable. A broken friendship (was it friendship or worship?), disillusionment with your principles and ideals, disillusionment with the idol you almost worshipped.

The decision to change his lifestyle and try something new was the advice of a psychotherapist, whom Henry paid an obscenely large amount of money. But he took this advice too radically. So Henry cut off all ties at Hampden, gave up excessive luxury and generally began to live in New York. This surprised his mother. The Big Apple was noisy and too crowded. But Henry knew it was the perfect place to become a shadow.

Working in a small bookstore turned out to be ideal. Henry literally crushed the owner with his intellect and he gave up, giving him the position of sales consultant. This was how Henry now saw his work from the window of his small but cozy apartment.

These five years have been difficult. The first year was almost impossible. Henry suffered from insomnia, swallowed pills that helped with migraines, and his hands shook every time he had another nightmare.

But the pain was gradually dulling. She became familiar. And it gave Henry the strength to move on. To live, not to exist.

And this morning changed his already habitual way of life.

The sun was setting when Henry stood between the bookshelves and wiped the summer dust from the spines of books.

You gracefully approached the stand where Henry lovingly and carefully arranged the books of ancient philosophers. You were fragile and delicate, your eyes shone when you read the names of Plato, Socrates, Cicero. Henry's gaze lingered on your collarbones, then slid to your silky hair.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Henry said politely, appearing next to you.

You turned around and Henry felt as if he was covered with heat.

"Yes." said you and looked at his badge. "Henry. I can't seem to find the Iliad here. I'm writing a thesis about Homer and I need to buy another copy."

It was at this moment that Henry realized that all this longing for Hampden was not going away. No, it was more than that now. Right now you seemed perfect to him. Someone who combines the love of antiquity and life. And Henry's eyes lit up. And he wanted to get to know you maniacally.

well, hello, you.