The importance of a strong character

"Chill27."

A silence fell.

"Chill... what?"

"Chill27, that's my nickname." replied the teenager, very seriously.

"And what does it mean?" asked Maxime, his curiosity piqued by the nickname.

"It's my secret." replied Chill27 firmly.

Maxime didn't press the point, although he did wonder what the nickname could mean, particularly the number 27.

"Okay... and what's your first name, anyway?"

"My uncle always told me to use a nickname with strangers. Only when you find them trustworthy can you give them your real first name."

Maxime was amused to hear this. The young teenager was implying very clearly that they were not trustworthy.

But Maxime didn't hold it against him, it was even rather logical that he should think that, although it did sound a bit too direct an approach.

"And do you know why the villagers are so suspicious of us?" Maxime asked, with a certain curiosity.