Risto arranged his things early the next morning, put one of the books he had taken from the family library, which he had not finished reading, into his rucksack, a notebook and a pen. His mother made him a sandwich to eat before he left and another one in case he got hungry, because since he had given up smoking it seemed that he didn't stop eating. Later, he went to the clinic, entering his room to find more young people sitting in a circle and ready to start the day's session.

-I am Siiri, and I am here because I was accused of smoking marijuana in class

-Hello, Siiri, -replied the rest of the group as they watched her speak.

-Siiri, tell us what is your need to smoke marijuana? -asked the group advisor.

-Well, -she exclaimed after some inappropriate laughter- I don't smoke and I don't have any needs, I've said that in several addiction centers, the only reason I keep coming here is because I'm waiting to be released and now I've been told that they want to commit me. Is that so hard to believe?

-Siiri, we believe you, and we are with you, -said the adviser, using a tone of voice full of enthusiasm and joy. "Pathetic", I thought.

-Thank you, I'm glad you believe me, because I don't want to keep coming here, let alone live here...

-Siiri, -interrupted the counsellor- we have been told that you have been seen talking to yourself in the streets...

-I don't talk to myself, but even if I told them what I do, no one would believe me. Why don't they give me a blood test?

-You came out with a drinking problem, so we can't let you go, anyway... -He said, cutting off the conversation, and Siiri turned to see him open his mouth and scowl- Guys, -he said addressing the grou- this is Risto  is the new member of the group so I ask you to support him.

-I am Risto Valo, -he said standing up from his seat- and I am here because they accused me of being addicted to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and all they had to say was rock and roll.

The guys in the group started laughing after such a way of introducing themselves, I started clapping and whistling proudly for my boy.

-And are you Risto? Do you consider yourself an addict?

Risto's hands started shaking again and he couldn't help but see them and started talking.

-I don't consider myself addicted to alcohol, I think everyone in the country has had at least one drink of beer in their life, and sometimes I drink at parties, not that I'm drinking every day ...

-I understand... -said the advisor writing things down in a notebook.

-I don't consider myself addicted to marijuana; I've consumed it in alcohol a couple of times...

Everyone in the group opened their mouths and began to murmur at the hearing of such a confession and Risto began to laugh mockingly to himself. The counsellor kept writing in his notebook as he stared at him.

-Continued... -he exclaimed without removing his pen from his notebook.

-And yes, I consider myself addicted to tobacco... -he concluded, sitting down.

-Did you see that group? That is called being brave, he accepted that he is addicted to something, that is what you have to learn to do -he said, looking at Siiri.

-I'm not addicted to marijuana! -she insisted- and I'm not going to accept that I'm something I'm not.

-We believe you Siiri... -insisted the counsellor with a forced and hypocritical smile on his face.

The Universe of Siiri could not stop laughing and the truth is that neither could I, in fact, 80% of the Universes in the room were dead laughing at such confessions. Actually, I was hoping that in that place they could help Risto.

-What do you feel like smoking? What were you doing the first day you did it? -asked the counsellor, looking at Risto.

-I was nervous, a friend of mine was in danger of dying, and a person offered me a cigarette and said that he would calm me down -he explained.

-Which person was it? Your father? -suggested the counsellor.

-No, my mother and father hate cigars, but they have never forbidden me anything, they let me do my life... and I don't think they ever imagined it would come to this.

Everyone remained silent in the room for a few moments, the silence seemed to burn Risto's ears and for the first time in a long time, he bent over his shoulders without being able to hold his gaze.

-That's how parents are... -said Siiri- they have us and then they forget about us, right guys? -she said, encouraging the others to comment.

-Yes, of course, -said Aleksi- my father has let me do what I want too, and now that I'm here, it turns out it's my fault, I've done nothing but follow his example -he exclaimed.

-No, -interrupted Risto- I'm not saying that my family is bad, perhaps a little permissive, but if I'm here it's no one's fault but my own -he concluded, getting the gaze of the others.

The day was long, the minutes seemed like hours, the kids were talking about their experiences and why they started taking their vices, Siiri kept refusing to talk again and again, which made Risto laugh a lot and of course got him into trouble.

-Let's talk about you Risto Did you smoke every time you felt tense?

-Yes, I felt that I would calm down...

-Are you a very nervous person? -the counselor interrupted.

-I hadn't thought about it, but yes, I think I am a bit nervous, -he said, snapping his fingers.

-What makes you nervous? -asked Siiri.

-Good question Siiri, -said the adviser- I am glad you are participating more, continue Risto, share with us what makes you nervous.

I paid great attention to that moment, Risto under his gaze on the floor, moved it from one place to another thinking about the multiple options that could make him nervous.

-I'm afraid of change -he concluded sharply.

The advisor's hands and head moved, inviting him to continue to expand in front of everyone. Risto turned them over, no one's face reflected any expression, only Siiri showed him a half smile as he stared at him.

-I am afraid and upset that things may change and everything around me has been changing lately -he continued.

--You are afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you are afraid of new things, it is quite a common fear, but you shouldn't be afraid, we are constantly changing all the time, -he turned to see the clock hanging on the dark brown pine wall- we will continue tomorrow, we have spent a little time today.

The guys in the session began to gather their things and to get up by stretching out of their seats. Their faces reflected tiredness, tremendous exhaustion.

-Is that all? -asked Siiri sitting down and folding her arms- Aren't we going to hold hands? Or say some Barney song before we go?

Risto started to squeeze his mouth, trying not to laugh.

-Siiri, please... -said the advisor.

-I'm just asking, I'm trying to be a good girl... -she said with irony.

Risto walked slowly down the corridor, went to the reception to stamp his visitor's sheet and then waited in the living room. When she saw Siiri pass by, she approached her and they began to talk as they walked together towards the center of the city.

-So, are you a marijuana addict or not? -Finally Risto asked, as Siiri and I laughed out loud.

-I said no, and it's true, as you say I've tried it a couple of times, but I'm not addicted.

-And why are you talking to yourself then? If you need someone to talk to you should tell your little brother, -he said- full of sarcasm- for I know he is an expert on damsels in distress.

-I'm not talking to myself; I'm talking to the Universe.

-What's that stuff about the Universe is that? -I don't know.

-The Universe is... God, whatever name you give him, and the God who lives inside us, and well I don't think you know it, but you bring a Universe with you always.

I was shocked at such confessions and turned to see his Universe who saw me smiling, smiling sinisterly with a huge smile, in such a situation I had no choice but to ask.

-She can see you? She talks to you? -I asked,  petrified.

-Yes, she can see me, it talks to me... -it said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

-My God! How is that possible? Could Risto see me? -I asked in exaltation.

Meanwhile, Risto remained incredulous, and refused to believe in Siiri's ideas.

-Hey, look, just acknowledge that you're addicted to drugs and that you'll get better attention.

-You idiot! -she exclaimed- I knew you wouldn't understand, but I'll prove it to you, just take me home... and I'll show you that the Universe is real.

I took the book out of Risto's backpack, the book was called "Last Breath" by the author Makayla Dorvillers, I knew that that book talked about the Universe so I decided to help Siiri a little bit to be believed. Risto heard the knock on the floor and turned to see what it was. He picked up the book and cleaned it carefully because if his mother found it dirty, she would be upset with it.

-And you don't even believe me? Are you a Makayla fan?

-I just started reading it, I'm on chapter 8...

-She was the first person to see the Universes and believe in them individually, in one of the chapters of the book she drew it... -she exclaimed with emotion showing her the drawing- You must read everything, they are very good, there are several more but I have not been able to get them all -she said taking the book and leafing through it quickly.

When Risto saw such an act he took it from her hands leaving Siiri with a look of strangeness, he raised his eyebrow and with a mocking smile he went towards him while he was just trying to get away.

-Are you embarrassed to be seen reading it?

-I'm not sorry, if I was embarrassed, I'd cover it up and the problem would be solved. -He turned to see her stretching out her arms and walking backwards.

-Wait... So deep down you believe in this?

-Behind the scenes, I have a mother who's a fan of reading and writing and I took the book from her library looking for some answers.

-Your mother's starting to like me... -commented Siiri running in front of Risto with a determined look and biting her limps- Let me show you that they exist and if I convince you, you will help me to be released.

-It's easy, in fact, it would be easier for you to be released than for me, but that's okay, I'm just curious to know how mentally ill you are, the question is, won't your brother be angry that you're coming to my house?

-Obviously not, plus he's working... with Ruth.

Risto paused for a moment showing a little nerve, then he looked down and put his hands in his pockets. He turned to see Siiri without expression as she continued to smile mockingly.

-All right, come on, -he said again- but you won't be there all afternoon either, my parents don't like me having friends lately.

-After seeing what your mom reads, I doubt she'll like me or want to run...

-And she has the Spanish version of this book...

-And what does she have the Spanish version for?

-My mom can speak many languages, most likely she has looked for the most original version, the translations always omit some detail.

-Of course, besides, the main character is from Mexico, I guess it's the most natural thing.

-Yes, I think so too... -he answered somewhat thoughtfully.

The Universe of Siiri harassed me all the way, it was so unbearable, he didn't stop talking for a single moment. He kept filling me with questions, he wished someone would stab him to shut him up, that's why I can't stand pink Universes, they are always the worst. Usually the Universes near Risto tend to haunt me, but this Universe was on a more advanced level.

-Why are your eyes so big? -I asked, invading my personal space.

-FOR THE THOUSANDTH TIME! LEAVE ME ALONE! -I bawled.

-Why is Risto so quiet?

-Because we both like privacy, although apparently not everyone is able to understand that.

-Is he rich?

-Leave me alone! -I said trying to get away from him as the boys moved on.

When we arrived at Risto's house his mother was resting on the sofa while she had a cup of coffee. The house was totally and utterly silent and a gentle smell of wood refreshed the rooms. Siiri never imagined that Risto's house could be so peaceful, that day he entered for the first time it was full of noise, adorned with red lights and full of tobacco smoke, his face of surprise was inevitable and an incredible smile appeared on his face while his eyes were filled with amazement.

-Your house is beautiful, the house where I grew up with Lauri must be the size of the room in the living room... and it reeks of egg.

-What a feminine way of expressing yourself you have... -she exclaimed sarcastically- Mom, I made a friend at the addiction center, she's Siiri.

Risto's mother looked up and then raised an eyebrow in a vain attempt to show a smile, stood up from the couch and walked over to her. Siiri made a terrified face, and moved as if trying to hide.

-Hello Siiri, the whole town knows me as Mrs. Valo so you could call me that.

-But... -he managed to say.

-Mom, -Risto interrupted- Siiri is a fan of the book "Last breath -he said- she wants to know why bought it in Spanish...

-The Spanish book is the best version, and yes, I like it too, -she said serenely with a smile- I'm glad you're finally using your time for something usefulshe -exclaimed ironically to Risto.

-Mom... -he replied with annoyance.

-Ma'am, do you believe in the Universe? Do you believe what the author says is true? -asked Siiri.

-I believe in everything... -his mother explained.

-I knew it! I'm not alone, finally someone understands me.

-Risto!... -her mother shouted- Get your friend off me or you'll have to call an ambulance to come and get her!

-I'm sorry, Mother, it seems she was brought up like a poor little animal, -he said, pulling her aside- let's go up to my room because... she wants to show me her theories.

-I forbid you to close the door, -said her mother, throwing a knife at her- and I have already installed smoke detectors in various parts of the room.

-No, Mom, we're not going to smoke...

-When you calm down, -she said to Siiri- perhaps we can exchange theories, it's always interesting to get a second opinion -she snarled.

Risto took Siiri and led her to her room quickly, up the long wooden stairs and down the corridors.

-Your mother is the greatest, I would turn lesbian for her.

-Shut up and come in, -he exclaimed, opening the door-you are making me regret bringing you home.

Her mother hadn't lied, she had put about four smoke detectors in the room scattered around, and installed two more security cameras inside her room. Her room looked spotless and you could tell that they had just dug up the rubble and, of course, carved out the drawers.

-Let's move everything, I need space for my ritual.

-Ritual?

-There's a lot of work to be done here. 

The boys were starting to move the furniture trying to make as little noise as possible, Risto's cell phone was ringing off the hook, it was a call from Ruth.