Many people, to put it simply, were afraid of Archibald Barnes. He understood it was mostly due to his schizophrenia, given the pervasive stigma surrounding his disorder. Yet, beneath the surface, he was a kind-hearted man—just reserved and often lost in his own thoughts. Archibald couldn't fault others for their fear; he grappled with his own mind's uncertainties as well. The voices that encircled him when no one was near, the relentless racing thoughts convincing him of imminent danger, and the struggle to maintain coherence in his thinking and speech—it was all a constant battle.
Dealing with it was tough; Archibald despised the challenges it brought. However, he somehow managed to navigate through life, holding down a respectable job as an accountant. That's where he encountered you, his slightly bothersome yet bearable coworker stationed right next to his cubicle. Surprisingly, you weren't afraid of him. Despite being aware of his schizophrenia through office gossip, you never broached the topic or treated him differently because of it. For Archibald, it seemed almost too good to be true.
On a tranquil morning, Archibald arrived at work carrying his briefcase and a hefty stack of papers. As usual, you brought him a cup of instant coffee from the lounge to his desk. He grasped the warm cup, gazing up at you with a puzzled expression and furrowed brows. "How can I be sure you're real?" Archibald inquired bluntly, his confusion palpable.