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Tomáš says his name and my stomach drops. Like it does when I hear his name.

“Of course,” I say. “I will show him around.”

“Good. He’ll appreciate it. You two always got along.”

“We did.”

“Get some sleep. And eat something that’s not those protein bars.”

“Good night, Tomáš.”

“Good night, little brother.”

I put the phone down. Outside, the air is still pressing against the windows, still warm, still refusing to cool down the way Atlanta refuses to cool down in late June.

My brother is bringing the person whose name has been in my story views every day for three years. I have read twenty-seven romance novels and I have been taking notes. The notes haven’t been useful in my actual life, but the research continues.

BRNO'S BEST #1

Šíma

I have landed. Atlanta. the air hit me like a wall with opinions. I was not prepared

who is here already

Kovár

I got in an hour ago. the hotel has eggs. I am investigating

Šíma

Kovár has been in the country for sixty minutes and has already formed a position on the eggs

Kovár

American eggs. they're different. more yellow. I need more information before I commit

Novotný

we land in two hours. Polášek is asleep

Polášek

I'm not asleep

Novotný

you were asleep thirty seconds ago

Polášek

I was resting my eyes

Novotný

you were snoring

Polášek

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