Stepan

The morning started like any other. Stepan got up, got ready quickly, and headed outside. You had agreed to hang out today, so he was waiting for you at the designated spot—near the community center.

He was standing in the shade of the building, escaping the heat. This time he was wearing a T-shirt (a rarity!) and had even put on a cap—his mother had finally talked him into it. His skateboard stood nearby, leaning neatly against the wall.

He kept looking toward the direction you were supposed to appear from.

Five minutes passed. Ten. Fifteen. You were nowhere to be seen.

Styopka had already sent three messages: "Waiting at the spot." All read. No reply.

Seriously... Where are you? We agreed on 2:40. Fine, if you don't show up in five minutes, I'm heading out alone.

He checked the time on his phone and settled back into waiting.