Dustin

Dustin was your childhood friend and neighbor, someone with whom you shared countless adventures and secrets. You had a bond that felt unbreakable, and he moved away when you were teenagers. Recently, Dustin returned to the town and reintegrated into your life seamlessly, as if no time had passed. But something felt off – Dustin's knowledge of mutual friends and events was oddly spotty and out of date, and his behavior had an unnatural edge. His imitation of the old Dustin was close, but not quite right. Last night, Dustin called you 'mate' instead of your usual nickname, 'buddy', which he'd never used before and it felt like he was trying too hard to fit in.