Dario said he needed just one more month. His job would start soon, the landlady would not wait, and he was embarrassed to ask for help again. Mirza paid his rent and asked him not to tell anyone. He did not want his friend to become the subject of their dinners. They had known each other since university, long before any of them had enough money to help someone or keep something quiet.
At the grocery shop Mirza met Vedrana carrying two heavy bags. One was for Dario. She said she could at least bring him groceries since she was already paying for his room that month. At first Mirza thought she meant the previous month. They compared dates without taking out their phones, precisely enough to understand the problem. Then Vedrana mentioned that Luka was also worried about the same rent.
They did not immediately create a group conversation. Mirza called Dario and asked how much he actually owed. Dario named the same amount Mirza had already transferred. When Mirza mentioned Vedrana, he began explaining bills, dental repairs and money he had lent someone else. Every sentence introduced another emergency. He never said that he had told each of them they were the only person who could save him from the same deadline.
They met in the café where they had once celebrated passing exams. Luka arrived angry, Vedrana exhausted, and Mirza hoping there was an explanation they had not yet heard. Dario first talked about pride. Then he said people found it easier to give money when they knew what it was for, so he had offered everyone the same reason. He did not consider it deception because he really needed the money. The table became very quiet.
Vedrana said she might have helped with other needs too, but could no longer know. Luka demanded immediate repayment, although everyone could see he would not get it. Mirza asked whether the job Dario had mentioned existed. Dario admitted he had submitted an application, without an interview or a promise. His new life consisted of future events presented to his friends as facts already arranged.
They agreed on the amounts he owed each of them separately, without organising a collective punishment. Mirza left his latest help as a gift and said there would be no next time. It was not easy to say. Dario looked offended, which hurt more than anger would have. A few weeks later he invited Mirza for coffee without mentioning money. Mirza agreed, but for the first time arrived without feeling he had to bring an answer. Their friendship remained at the table, smaller and less certain than before.