– Good afternoon, Miss Mroczek» he said kindly.

– Good afternoon» I replied. – I don't think you called me that formally yesterday. Why did you come?

– I came because of Mary. I sincerely apologise on behalf of our family for the inconvenience» he replied.

– What inconvenience? – I didn't understand.

– Mary's arrival: she shouldn't have come and interfered with you, since you're renting-» Harry began.

– It's nothing! Mary didn't inconvenience me at all! – I interrupted him. – I'm even pleased that we're going to live together. Your sister is an amazing girl.

– And I thought you were very unhappy about her coming. Then I should lower the rent for you.

– Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Mary is not a burden to me, and there is no need to lower the price» I said hastily, thinking that Mary would be surprised to see that she had been repaid some of the rent, and would investigate why.

– But…

– That's my last word. But why are we standing on the doorstep? Come in, we're just having lunch.

I went inside, Harry came in too, took off his grey jacket and shiny black shoes, and made his way into the kitchen.

– Brother! What are you doing here? – Mary exclaimed cheerfully: she was washing the dishes. – I'd give you a hug, but my hands are wet!

– Hello, Mary, I've come to find out how you got here» said Harry, sitting down on a chair.

– Would you like some tea? Misha will make you some now.

«Me? Make him tea?!» – My eyes went wide at that statement.

– No, Misha, you don't have to: I won't be long» Harry told me.

Phew! I was certainly looking forward to human life, but I certainly wasn't going to make people tea!

I felt the urge to leave them to talk in private. Besides, I felt superfluous – this was their human family and their human relationships, and none of this was my business.

Quietly leaving the kitchen, I hid in my bedroom. It now seemed to me that living in the same house with Mary had not been the best idea, and that I had rushed into this decision. Mary was too much. Too much.

After about ten minutes, Harry left.

Mary knocked on my door.

– Misha, can I come in? – She asked.

– Yes, come in» I answered.

Mary came in and sat next to me on the bed.

– Why did you leave? – She asked.

– I was sorting out my things. – I nodded at the empty bag.

– You weren't mad that Harry came round?

– No. What did you two talk about?

– He said it was very rude of me to come without telling my family or you.

– How did he find out?

– Aunt Mel rang him… Are you tinting your eyebrows? – Mary suddenly asked, looking intently at my face.

– Yes. Alas, I can hardly see them» I replied with a smile.

– No, you can see everything! It's silly to tint your eyebrows.

– Well, you can definitely see them! – I said with a laugh. – You're a brunette!

– Listen, I'm going to meet some old friends. Would you like to come with me? I'll introduce you! – Mary offered.

I was terrified of her offer: No new acquaintances! I've had enough of people!

– No, thank you, I'd better go to the post office to wait for a letter from my mother» I said.

– Well, as you wish! I'll go and get ready. – Mary went out, and I heard her rummaging through her wardrobe and humming some children's song.

I quickly put on my sneakers, grabbed my jacket, grabbed my passport, wallet and house keys, put them all in my purse and left the house. After a bit of thought, I got on my blue bike, determined to try it out, and rode down the flat alley, looking around to make sure I didn't miss the post office.

Thanks to the advice of passers-by, I successfully made it to the post office, where a registered letter from my mum was waiting for me. But when I left the building, I discovered that the bicycle I had carefully leaned against the lamppost had disappeared without a trace. I was distraught: Wow, had my bike been stolen?