As the flames from lighter almost kissed beads of tobacco, I heard knocking from the door. Gentle at first, like the person behind it couldn't decide if it was right to come here. The last one was much stronger and firm.

"Knock and the door shall be opened unto you", I thought and smiled to myself. On the instinct, I peeked at the wall clock in the living room, which indicated 30 min after midnight. Definitely too late for visits. I felt fear's cold, bony fingers enlacing my throat. I gulped with difficulty.

-Wait a sec!

I tiptoed to my kitchen, only to reach small pepper spray, hidden in one of the cupboards and put it in the pocket of my boxers. I had made sure that I can pull them out with ease and opened the door.

-Hey - he murmured laconically. His voice echoed quietly down the stairwell.

My muscles tensed, but I tried to behave naturally.

-Hey Ash - I said, leaning freely on the door frame. - May I help you?

-May I come in? - it did not sound like a question in his tightly pressed lips. His eyes were stuck on the ground, his hands in both pockets of his jeans. He looked like a beaten dog trying to convince the owner about his innocence. He stepped from foot to foot.

My eyebrows twitched slightly. I pushed myself away from the door, mechanically hooking over the right pocket of the boxers, hoping that this movement did not catch blonde's attention.

-Sure. Come in.

He came in slowly, slightly hunched. Closing the door I felt a cold shiver down my back, paralyzing my calves and hand muscles. "Shit, what am I doing?!".

The boy sat by the table. I noticed that he was looking discreetly around the apartment.

I went to the kitchen.

-Tea, coffee? - I asked. - I can also make warm milk.

I glanced over my shoulder to look at him, leaning towards the inside of the fridge.

He looked at me.

-Milk? - He raised his eyebrow.

-Yes. I can add honey, it works well for sleep.

-You're odd - he added after a moment.

I shrugged, ignoring his comment. I looked at him again. He had a dismissive expression and arms crossed over his chest. He tried to look self-confident, but his position revealed him - every muscle of his body was tensed, and his piercing eyes indicated that he was ready to attack or run if necessary. He was like a hunted animal. I frowned slightly.

I poured milk into a saucepan and put it on fire.

After a while, we were sitting next to each other, each with a cup of white, sweet drink. Ash unsteadily turned his tass in his hands, sniffed, then timidly drunk a little. He took a deep breath, letting out a low murmur. He looked at me, and I turned my eyes to the wall.

- Well ... what brings you to me? - I tried to link up.

-Step out of the role of a good psychologist, I'm begging you - he moaned impatiently, slumping a bit on the chair.

-Sorry. Work habit.

There was a silence again in the room, interrupted by the regular ticking of the clock and the sounds of police sirens from the street. We sat there, sipping a creamy liquid, when suddenly the boy stood up, glanced at me and as if nothing had happened, he left the apartment. The crack of the locked door awoke me from my trance.

I put the cup on the desk and exhaled quaky.

"What the hell happened?!".