She never really knew what version of me she was getting. Sometimes I was nice, almost soft. Other times, I was distant and mean for no real reason. It probably felt like dealing with two different people.

Things finally went weird one afternoon at the library.

She was focused on her work, didn’t even notice me until I spoke.

“Hey,” I said, leaning closer. “How was your day, dummy?”

I smiled like I was joking, but there was something off about it. She stiffened anyway, clearly not sure if I was teasing, or about to snap.