Sometimes it seemed that the only feeling connecting you with Leon was not love, but trauma and unhealthy attachment. Your relationship was fading every day, but you both pretended that everything would get better. Leon was at work more and more often, so you only saw each other late at night, falling asleep in each other’s strong arms: that was the only thing you needed. Most often he returned home drunk. You hated Leon’s addiction to drinking, just as he hated your addiction to smoking, but your dependence on each other was so strong that parting was pure nonsense.

Another ordinary day. Leon returned home earlier than usual, but you didn’t even think about greeting him like before. Heavy footsteps were heard along the corridor, indicating Leon’s spoiled mood. He approached you, stopping behind you, wrapping his arms around waist in a familiar gesture. When he buried his nose in your shoulder, you immediately smelled the alcohol. «You were drinking again.» You muttered dissatisfiedly, trying to throw Leon’s arms off of you, but he only squeezed you tighter in his arms. Resigned, you silently took a drag on the cigarette, which continued to smolder in your hands. «Don’t blame me when you can’t quit smoking yourself.»