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We were silent for a moment. Cedric walked on without looking at me, and I felt a sudden resentment that he'd chosen to walk me out of obligation.

– You know, I'm almost there; it's only a hundred metres," I lied, to spare Cedric my company and let him leave without remorse. – I'm almost home, so thank you for walking me home.

I stopped. He did too.

Cedric looked at me with an indifferent stare, and I waited silently for him to leave.

– Do you live here? – He asked.

– Yes," I lied confidently.

– Must be in that green house?

I turned round to look at the green house, but it was far away in the shadows, and I couldn't see it in the dark.

– Can you see it? – I asked, glancing at Cedric again.

– Yes. It's a beautiful building.

– Well, now that you're sure I'm there, you can go back to the bridge," I lied to convince him that I didn't need protection anymore.

Cedric smiled.

– I think it's really expensive to rent a flat there," he said suddenly.

– Yes, it's a little expensive," I said hesitantly, not sure what he was smiling about.

– But it's not a happy place: there are hardly any streetlights.

– There are pros and cons to everything.

– And the road needs immediate repair.

– Maybe… But I don't care: I don't have private transport.

– That's all very well, but you can't live there," Cedric said in a calm tone.

– I've been renting a flat in this building for three years now," I insisted. – Why is that so hard for you to believe?

– Because it's a bank.

Oh, my God.

I didn't know what to say. I felt terribly ashamed. My cheeks flamed, and I covered my eyes with my palm so that I couldn't see Cedric: I thought he was angry or offended with me.

"I should have got caught like that! Now he will think me ungrateful!" – I thought with despair.

– You can't lie," I heard his voice.

– Cedric…" I took my palm away from my face.

– Are you so uncomfortable with my company? – There was mockery in Cedric's voice.

– It's not what you think! – I said quietly, feeling how fair his reproach was!

He grinned, but remained silent.

– I did not lie because I detest your society! I don't mind it at all. It's just… I thought you'd have a long walk back…

– Is that all?

– No… I also thought that you didn't want to accompany me… That you were doing it out of a sense of duty," I finished quietly.

– What makes you think that?

– We are almost strangers, and you don't need to see me off, even as a matter of courtesy. Gentlemanliness is out of fashion these days," I explained, dropping my gaze to the pavement.

– I never do anything out of obligation," Cedric said in a calm tone.

I looked up and looked at his face with concern.

– But I feel bad that you have to go back to the bridge," I said quietly. – It's a whole half hour…

– Do you think half an hour is a long time? – Cedric asked suddenly.

I could only shake my head no.

– How long would it take you to walk home? Honestly.

– Five minutes… Or six.

– Then I'll leave you here, and I'll walk back, so you don't think I'm seeing you off out of obligation.

– Thank you. Just please don't take what I said seriously," I asked.

– Good night, Viper. – Was his answer.

– Good night. Be careful.

Cedric smiled slightly and turned around and walked towards the bridge.

I hurried home. But suddenly a thought flashed through my mind, causing me to stop abruptly and turn around.

– Cedric! – I shouted, hoping he would hear me.

– Yes?" came his voice, and five seconds later his dark cloaked figure appeared. He came towards me.

– I'd like to ask-" I started, feeling extremely awkward.

– Ask," he interrupted me.

– How did you manage to catch up with me so quickly?

– You know that men walk faster than women, don't you? – Cedric answered the question with a question.

– Yes, but…" I blushed deeply: his explanation was so clear and natural that I immediately felt angry at my curiosity.

– I followed you almost immediately. At first I thought there was someone waiting for you nearby, some friend or boyfriend.

– That's very nice of you. But how did you realise there was no-one waiting for me?

– I thought it would be a good idea to make sure you were safe.

My face was burning with shame.

– It was a stupid and tactless question on my part. I'm sorry I kept you! – I blurted out.

– I'm in no hurry," Cedric said.

– Well… Good night. I'm sure I will this time," I smiled embarrassedly.

– Good night. – Cedric walked in the opposite direction, and I continued on my way home, chuckling to myself and thinking about what Cedric had said that evening.

It wasn't until later that I realised the meaning of what he had said: "I never see girls off out of a sense of duty." What did that mean? Deep down I felt vainly proud that I had, against my will, forced Cedric Morgan to take a certain liking to me.

No, I should reflect soberly, not rejoice in a passing spark!

Cedric probably said that phrase to spare me the agony of conscience.

Silly me, and I was happy about something else!

I got home safely and without adventure, took off my coat and boots, and lay down on the couch, feeling tired and sleepy. But my mind refused to rest, and all the rest of the evening I thought of my unexpected meeting with Cedric on the bridge.