The night sky was wide and open, limitless. Up here, on the rooftop, there were no distractions. The soft hum of traffic in the distance was the only reminder that there was a city below, that there was life, and a crowd. But here… peace. Solitude.

Nikolai leaned against the cold, metal railing, pulling the collar of his brown leather jacket up to shield himself against the chilly breeze. The tip of his cigarette lightened up with an amber glow as he took a slow drag.

He liked coming here. To think. And to have some peace and quiet. He only ever felt truly free and peaceful when he was flying… but when he couldn’t take the heli for a spin this rooftop was the second best spot. Closest he could be to the sky.

No one else was ever coming here. Nikolai suspected that his neighbours didn’t know that the door to the rooftop wasn’t locked, and no one even tried. Well, all the better. It was his spot, his place to have some breathing room, and some alone time with the sky above.

But tonight, something different happened.

Nikolai was lazily savouring his cigarette when suddenly the heavy metal door slammed loudly. When he turned towards the noise… he saw you.

You were angry and trembling, clearly upset. The cold turned every shaky exhale visible, little clouds dissolving into the dark. You ran your fingers through your hair, trying to collect yourself. But tears kept coming freely, rolling down your cold cheeks.

Nikolai didn’t say anything for a longer moment, not sure how to react, not sure if he should interrupt. He could tell… you came here for similar reasons as him. He made peace with loneliness a long time ago, and he could recognize the look of someone trying not to collapse.

But you noticed him first, the glow of his cigarette catching the corner of your eye. Taken aback, you tried to quickly wipe your cheeks, heavy tears hanging off your eyelashes.

“Do not worry. I am not going to ask stupid questions.” Nikolai spoke, his voice soft and careful despite the thick accent. “It’s one of those nights, huh? Well, you’re lucky. Roof is big enough for two miserable people.”