"Isaac?"
I glanced to the side and saw my sister.
"What's up, Lisa?" I asked her.
"Do you have some money for me?"
I looked at her.
Her greasy brown hair was tied in a messy ponytail.
She kept tugging at her sleeves as if trying to hide something. Her belly was swollen, and her teeth had a slight yellowish color.
"Wouldn't you like to stay home today?" I asked her.
I stood up from my desk, but when I didn't get a response, I said, "Tomorrow is an important day for me, and I don't want to worry about you. Besides, the drugs you're taking are not good for your baby."
"Just give me some money, or I'll find a way to get it!" she snapped.
I looked at her for a moment, shook my head, and reluctantly walked over to my wallet.
I walked through our apartment.
My father and younger brother were on vacation.
I checked inside my wallet and noticed that 20 euros were already missing from the 100 euros.
I shook my head, took some money that I earned from part-time work, and returned.
"Here's 20 euros," I said, handing the money to Lisa.
She looked at me, puzzled.
"Only 20? ONLY 20!?"
I nodded and said, "It's a total of 40, isn't it?"
"Are you saying that I stole from you?" she hissed at me.
I just stared into her eyes for a long moment and said nothing.
I watched as her body twitched occasionally.
She was about to turn away when I asked her, "How's it going with the anonymous self-help group?"
"Terrible! All hypocritical bastards there!"
With that, she stormed out of the house and slammed the door behind her.
I sat down with a sigh and looked at the clock.
19:23
I decided to go to the gym to clear my mind.
While I knew why Lisa needed the money, I don't approve it.
I gave it to her to prevent her from resorting to illegal methods again. My father and I had made that mistake once before.
She had a police record the first time, and the second time... well, she's pregnant now.
I packed my bag and headed out, walking through the streets of Cologne.
Halfway there, I heard someone call my name.
"Isaac!"
This time it wasn't my sister; it was Anja, a friend I had met during my studies. She was on the other side of the street, waving at me.
I sighed and waved back.
What I didn't expect was for her to look left and right, then cross the street.
"What are you doing here?" she asked me.
"I'm going to the gym," I replied shortly.
"Awesome! I'd love to work out again, but I have so much on my plate. But you probably know the feeling! By the way, I'm looking forward to tomorrow! You'll do great, but don't get nervous! I'll be there to support you. Are you prepared? I've been preparing for months!"
Anja was nice and a good old friend, but she talked nonstop, and I never knew how and on what to respond. So, I said, "I'm prepared. Defending my doctoral thesis tomorrow shouldn't be a problem."
"Are you really not nervous? I get nervous just thinking about it! I'm just nervous for you! But tell me, how's your family?"
"They're good. My father and brother are on vacation," I said monotonously.
"Really? Cool, where are they?"
…
We talked for a while, and I couldn't help but wonder why she was so eager to engage with me and seemed so interested.
I decided not to ask because I'd made a similar mistake two years ago, which she still brings up.
However, I had to admit that I was enjoying our conversations, and I was slowly getting more involved in the discussions, which led me to talk relatively more.
This was an exception because usually, my mind would shut off when someone other than my close family talked to me.
So, I mustered up the courage to ask Anja if she'd like to have a drink after my presentation and defense of my doctoral thesis tomorrow.
"Sure! Is your sister joining us?" she inquired.
"She's got other plans," I smiled.
Then Anja checked her wristwatch.
"Oh no! I have to go! See you tomorrow, and make sure to get enough sleep!" she smiled and moved in for a hug.
I accepted the hug, even though she was two heads shorter than me, and I could count on one hand how many people I'd hugged in the last 15 years. So, the somewhat half-hug felt awkward but not uncomfortable.
For some reason, the rest of the way to the gym, I couldn't stop thinking about Anja. Since I first met her seven years ago, I've become more open, relatively speaking.
Her blonde hair, her pretty face, her... I shook my head.
What are you thinking? She's nice to everyone! And why should someone like me, I have just two friends, her included.
The journey to the gym took an hour tonight instead of the usual ten minutes.
…
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the examination committee, and honored guests. I'm delighted to stand here today to present my research as part of my doctoral thesis in Biology."
…
"Are there any questions?"
Some people raised their hands.
…
*Applause*
I then expressed my gratitude and let out a sigh of relief.
If all goes well, I'll finally have my doctoral title at the age of 25 – my first step towards becoming an astronaut.
I descended from the stage, and Anja immediately rushed into my arms.
"You did a fantastic job!"
Feeling overwhelmed, I said thank you.
"Where's Samuel, by the way?" she asked.
"He's at a funeral in Spain."
"Right," she smiled, which puzzled me because a funeral was not a reason to smile.
...
Around noon, everything was finally over, and all I had to do now was wait for the results.
So, I left the building with Anja, not knowing what would await me any moment.