I kept waking up for a minute or two and then dropping off again.
I didn't dream much. Just some grotesque images, forgotten by morning.
Olga Dmitrievna woke me up.
I rubbed my eyes open and looked at her questioningly.
What time is it?
Late enough!
My whole body ached and my head was heavy like a bowling ball.
Pull yourself together and go wash yourself up, right now!
I didn't want to talk to the camp leader at that moment.
~ A lecture was clearly coming. A hard one. ~
~ But I'd better put it off as much as I can. ~
After all, I always did things this way.
~ Maybe I should pay Slavya a visit? I still have some time left. ~
~ Just to tell her I'm sorry... ~
~ On the other hand, why should I justify myself? It was her idea. ~
~ And what, what did I do wrong? ~
~ Besides once againg getting myself into a silly situation where all the odds are against me... ~
I took a deep breath and went back to Olga Dmitrievna’s cabin, with the firm intention of proving myself innocent, or at least showing that I will stand my ground.
I sat on the bed and dropped my face into my hands.
~ I need to come up with an excuse. Now. A nice and believable excuse. ~
~ If she won't believe the truth. Well, that's not surprising – if I was her, wouldn't have believed it either... ~
Come on, who would believe there is anyone beta enough to do NOTHING for half of the fucking night there.
Nothing worthwhile was coming to me.
I was just sitting there, gazing at the sunrise.
The door swung silently open, and the camp leader came into the room.
No need...
I looked at her, surprised.
I understand everything!
So you do understand it wasn't what it looked like?
Why, it looked exactly like what it was! I don't want to condemn either you or Slavya. I understand everything, puberty, hormones, all that kind of stuff...
I sighed tiredly and laid my head down on my hands.
What do I need to say to make you believe me?
Nothing. I said it already – I understand everything.
You don't understand a thing...
I muttered under my breath.
Ok, head over to lineup!
I stood up and dragged myself lazily along with her.
Of course not.
The camp leader looked at me with such surprise, as if my question was something completely inappropriate.
I've already warned the nurse not to let you in.
Well, am I allowed to know how is she at least?
Well, it looks like Slavya's actually sick.
Go and take your place.
I took a place next to Electronik.
He whispered to me.
What are you talking about?
Well, you suddenly disappeared.
Well, nothing special...
~ Telling everything to the entire camp was the last thing I wanted. ~
~ After all, if even the camp leader got us wrong, then what would the others think... ~
Though I've already started to think that it's not entirely
wrong.
The entire lineup consisted of a roll-call and announcement that the shower room is closed today for repair.
Finally the pioneers ran for breakfast chatting happily. I miserably followed them.
Looks like my autopilot just kicked in.
I stared at the door, at a total loss.
~ They won't let me in anyway... What can I do now? ~
~ Should I wait for Olga Dmitrievna's sentence, if it ever comes? Should I wait until everybody in the camp knows? ~
~ And that's even worse! Wicked glances from everywhere, the alienation... ~
How is that different from the current state?
That is what will happen for sure.
~ No, I haven't done anything wrong, but in the enclosed circle of this bizarre society such behavior would be treated, if not as a sin, then as a serious deviation for sure. ~
~ And that means that I've already got nothing to lose! ~
I knocked without any hesitation.
I pulled the doorknob, but the door wouldn't open.
~ Hmm, it's locked? ~
In a few moments I heard the key turning in the keyhole and the nurse appeared.
Hi!
I answered confidently.
Well, you know that you're not allowed here?
Well, I do... But if you'd...
Nah... That's not the way things work!
She said playfully.
A camp leader’s order is an order after all. If you ask me, personally I don't find anything immoral in your behaviour, but Olga Dmitrievna...
Maybe I can do something...?
What if we bang?
No, you can't.
I looked at her angrily, turned around and walked away with theatrical slowness.
I didn't know what to do next...
I just pressed on forward, punching the trees that stood in my way.
...
I recovered from this burst of rage only when my hands were hurting badly and my lips were bitten until they bled.
And the most interesting thing is that all my unbelievable awakening in an unknown pioneer camp has turned into the most trivial life drama. A drama as stupid as my entire existence.
It's not nearly as stupid as you.
Yet again I did something wrong, I thought something wrong, and they got it all wrong...
~ Fine then, just let everything be... ~
Somehow stuffing my breakfast in, I was about to leave already when Miku dashed up to my table.
She sat down straight away.
Well, I'm kind of leaving already...
Is it true that you and Slavya are... like that? Well, you know what I'm talking about.
She stared at me closely, blinking her eyes.
Who told you that?
Well, one would expect the rumors to spread fast. But not that fast!
I started to slowly go into rage mode.
I heard it from Zhenya and she probably heard it from Cheesekov. He heard it from Olga Dmitrievna. I don't want you to misunderstand me – it's not my business but... If you don't want to, then don't answer! But if it’s not a secret...
You're right. I don't want to answer.
I stood up and quickly headed towards the exit.
Right now though, anything could drive me out of my wits. But I had to make up my mind now on how to conduct myself.
I didn't want to run into anyone, so I went into the forest where I could think calmly.
~ If there is nothing that's up to me, all I can do is to simply wait. ~
~ But... In fact, what can I do? ~
~ Assault the infirmary? Even if I succeed, what comes next? ~
~ Try to bring Olga Dmitrievna to her senses? Hardly possible... ~
Funnily enough, this whole enigma turned into a simple everyday situation. If it was happening in my world, there would be no problems at all.
Come on, really, what's the problem – even if I did sleep with the girl, who cares?
Even if I was actually seventeen, even then nothing terrible would happen anyway... It would be slightly more awkward, but still tolerable...
~ And now what? I'm not the master of my fate... ~
Although, was I ever? Is there anything at all that was up to me in my entire life?
Have I ever reached any peak that I was seeking?
The writing in this game certainly isn't reaching any.
~ And now, once I've reached one, I can't hold my ground... ~
~ Maybe I was just a spectator from the very beginning? My mystical appearance in this camp, all the local residents, all the events that happened to me... ~
~ All that is just a weird game and I'm only a pawn. ~
~ Well, if that is so, I will still play out my role to my best! ~
I got up and headed to the camp, prepared to take no prisoners.
The plan wasn't completely finished in my head, but I've made up my mind already!
I rummaged through the cabinets and packed up a sleeping bag, my winter clothes, a flashlight and some other garments I found.
Going for a hike?
Yeah, for a hike.
I reassured her.
Well, take care!
She gave me a sly smile and went on her way.
~ The nurse is a human too in the end, so eventually she will go to lunch. ~
I hid in the bushes, waiting.
...
Time flew by fast. My thoughts have settled and I had a firm decision.
I haven't thought my plan out beyond the first steps – I simply didn't care.
~ The most important thing is that I act the way I think is appropriate and whatever happens next – let it happen. ~
She looked around and, noticing no danger, locked the infirmary with a key and quickly went towards the canteen.
As she went around the corner I got to the window in a few bounds and started to hectically knock on it.
Semyon, what are you doing here? You're not allowed to...
How are you feeling?
I'm fine... But Olga Dmitrievna told me to stay here for another day...
~ She told me something completely different! ~
Ok. Get out.
I said with confidence.
What are you talking about? What for?
She asked fearfully.
Get out now! I'll explain everything later!
She looked at me closely for a while but then opened the window without further argument.
I helped her to jump down to the ground.
Ok, what next?
Let's go!
I grabbed her hand and made my way to the forest.
What's wrong? Do you think that everything was right the way it was?
No, I don't, but it will be even worse this way.
Why? We have a right to act the way we think is correct!
Ok, but what will happen next?
I haven't thought about it yet.
Every step in my plan had gone quite well until now, but I wasn't keen on thinking even one step ahead.
So your master plan was to bring her to the forest and then make shit up as you go?
Take a look!
I opened the bag and showed the things I took from the camp leader's cabin.
And?
Slavya looked at me inquiringly.
I don't know... We'll stay in the forest for a while... Show them that our opinion matters!
But that's stupid and childish!
Well, if you don't want to...
She gave me a lamentable look.
I'll do as you say...
These words gave me the creeps.
~ 'As you say'... ~
Nobody ever said anything like that to me.
In any case... I think this is the best decision for now!
Alright...
So what are we going to do?
I don't know...
I've never been so close to utter failure.
No, I wasn't questioning my choice, but indeed – I had no idea what to do next.
What would you suggest?
It would be nice to have something to eat... Have you brought anything with you?
~ And that was exactly what I'd forgotten... ~
No, I haven’t...
I replied slowly.
That's fine...
We kept sitting in silence.
~ I wonder if they will look for us. Though even if they do, they are unlikely to succeed – the forest is big enough. ~
~ But food... By the evening I'll get hungry too...
Okay, stay here, I'll be right back.
Where are you going?
To get some food!
Maybe we should go together?
No... I'll be right back!
~ Even if they haven't started to look for both of us yet, then surely they'll have found out that Slavya is missing, so I have to move carefully and try not to get noticed. ~
~ In general, every single pioneer was a threat now. Not only those who knew me – such an obvious kidnapping will surely be known to everyone in no time. ~
~ I can't just walk in there like nothing happened... ~
I almost jumped out of my skin.
Ulyana was standing behind me.
Getting hungry?
She stared at me.
Come on, why so quiet?
I was tongue-tied for a moment and couldn't think of an answer.
So why have you come?
I was hungry.
Oh really...?
Yeah, really...
Ok, I'll be right back!
Much to my surprise, Ulyana didn’t ask any awkward questions.
In the blink of an eye, she zipped out of sight through the doors of the canteen.
I was wondering whether I should trust her and wait, or I should flee before she returned with backup...?
However, Ulyana interrupted my doubts quickly as she reappeared in a couple of minutes with a plastic bag in her hands.
Here you go!
The bag was full of buns and had a few packs of kefir in it.
But why?
Well... cause it's brave... and... cool!
She smiled slyly.
Best regards to Slavya!
Ulyana waved good-bye and ran away.
I stood there for some time in confusion, but then went back to the forest.
In the end I couldn't get food by myself during the day without getting myself into trouble...
Here...
I gave the bag to her.
You got it so fast!
She said excitedly.
Well, I found help...
Slavya gave me a questioning look but I didn't go into details.
We ate busily without saying a word.
I sighed with satisfaction in the end.
Good, really good.
Yeah.
Agreed Slavya.
What are we going to do now?
Maybe you have any suggestions?
About what?
Well, at least about how to deal with the camp leader.
I don't know... And are you sure...
Yes, I am!
I interrupted her.
This is an act of protest after all! She must be aware that she can't order me...
I stuttered.
...order us around!
I feel like I've said something stupid.
Even if I was indeed Olga Dmitrievna's errand boy, Slavya was...
You're funny!
She gave a cute smile.
We could just go and talk with her. But if you want to sit here and wait, I'm fine with it.
I tried to talk to her...
Are you sure you did it the right way?
~ What is the right way? ~
To be honest, I didn't know the answer.
Such awkward talks were always something of a insurmountable task for me.
I bet if I knew how to deal with such cases, things would go another way.
Of course, since I was afraid and blaming myself there was no chance to be confident...
I don't know...
Slavya burst into laughter.
What?!
Nothing... I just feel like a princess who was saved from the evil witch's castle by Prince Charming.
I looked at her carefully.
While all this sounded quite romantic, I thought that what Slavya had just said was absolute nonsense.
~ But generally, Olga Dmitrievna as an evil witch... It makes some sense! ~
Yes... The similarity is definitely there.
I said it, spelling out every word.
And princesses are given no choice in such cases usually.
Slavya continued in a cryptic tone.
~ Given no choice? That's impossible! ~
~ It's me who has no choice here – just sit and wait until I get back to my reality by some miraculous chance. ~
~ Does Slavya have anything in common with me? She is a role model pioneer, hard-working and beautiful. ~
She has hundreds if not thousands of options!
~ Probably this is the moment I've been dreaming about all my life – such an unreachable girl as Slavya not only sitting next to me, speaking and laughing, but completely depending on me! ~
~ But is it a good or a bad thing? And what should I do next? ~
There were more questions than answers.
When it's hard enough to make a decision about my own life and take responsibility for my own actions, how could I do that for both of us...?
Before now I'd keep myself distant from such problems in the hope of everything resolving on its own, without my input.
But I couldn't act this way now.
And not even because of the fact that heaven only knows where and in what time I was.
You know, I could be wrong.
Slavya looked at me inquiringly.
We won't achieve anything indeed by just sitting here. And not just that! It's stupid and childish – you were right.
And what should we do then?
Let's go!
We got up. I took the sleeping bag and headed to the camp, holding Slavya by the hand.
She said angrily.
Do you have something to say to excuse yourself?
We have no reason to justify ourselves!
I replied obnoxiously.
Deal with it.
Oh, really? Ok then. So you think all of this is normal? Fine...
She paused for a few moments and turned to Slavya.
Go to your cabin. I understand that you're not the one to blame.
Slavya didn't move an inch. She just lowered her eyes and held my hand even more tightly.
Slavya!
As you can see, she doesn’t want to.
What did you say to seduce her?
Oh my God, I said nothing!
I started losing my cool.
Why do you think we've done something wrong? We haven't done anything! At all!
As if I haven't seen it!
She grinned.
So what have you seen?
She paused, but continued a second later in the same tone:
I've seen enough.
Wow, you are so good at drawing conclusions! Getting a job in the secret police?
Stop it with your rudeness!
I didn’t even think of starting it.
I said sarcastically.
Okay, your time is up and I'm not willing to continue this pointless argument. You're grounded till the end of the session.
Oh, really? And how are you going to manage that?
I'll lock you down in the cabin!
And what if I object?
Olga Dmitrievna gave me a surprised look.
It was just now that I realised a crowd was gathering around us.
I could spot Lena, Alisa and Ulyana in the crowd.
What do you mean by 'object'?
Said the camp leader slowly.
I meant exactly what I said.
But you can't! A true pioneer...
Well, that means I'm a false one!
Olga Dmitrievna paused as if she was pulling herself together.
You think I can't force you?
And how would you do that?
I laughed emphatically.
~ Ignoring the various mystical forces that I was least concerned about right now, the camp leader indeed had absolutely no idea about enforcing anything. ~
You know what!?
What?
It looked like Olga Dmitrievna already understood that she had lost, but still couldn't admit her defeat because of her pride and her position of eldest-and-wisest-in-the-whole-camp.
I... I... I'll send a report to your school! You won't be accepted to the Komsomol! You won't be able to join the Party!
I had no way to respond against such serious threats.
Accept it, you have no choice anyway!
Slavya, who had kept silent until now, intervened in the matter:
Olga Dmitrievna, why do you assume you're right from the start? Why is Semyon always to blame for everything? What's so special about what has happened? What has he... what have we done wrong? Are you even sure of what you are blaming us for? And if it was anyone other than me standing here, would you act the same way?
Slavya, you should know that...
That's the point, I know everything! I know you, I know that Semyon hasn't done anything wrong. I know you are prejudiced against him. Without any clear reason by the way. Even though he is trying his best! Yes, it looks awkward at times, but I know he puts all his energy and his heart into it. And you’re going to blame him just because he is the way he is?
I was charmed by Slavya's monologue, listening to it without really getting whether she was praising me, declaring facts, or stating her opinion (which is probably prejudiced).
I guess her exact words flew over me.
Just the melody of her voice was enough for me – it hypnotized and carried me away from this sick woman and stupid pioneer camp while calming and healing the wounds in my soul.
Okay, I don't know what to do with you anymore...
Olga Dmitrievna calmed down a bit.
But don't think that I approve of your behaviour!
I expected a storm of applause like in American movies but crowd started to dissolve quickly as the show came to its end.
And Ulyana just winked at me slyly.
Well, you know, we kind of overdid it.
I looked at Slavya, she was smiling.
No, not at all! I'd be arguing with her until late at night and you nailed it right and clear... I wouldn't get the right words like that even if I had an entire week to think!
Oh, come on...
What? That's the simple truth, not a trace of lies or flattery!
She gazed into my eyes and burst out laughing.
I just said first thing that came to my mind, and this is how it turned out.
You first thought is the right one – that's how the saying goes.
I guess it is.
I just noticed now that we were still holding each other by the hand.
After feeling a bit awkward I tried to pull my hand free but Slavya didn't let me. This gave me the chills for a second.
Does that mean we're getting out of the zone?
Where will we go?
I had no desire to go back to my cabin. Strictly speaking, I didn't want to stay in the camp at all.
What would you say if I suggested we return to the forest?
Slavya looked at me with surprise.
Well, you know, it's just sometimes...
Ok, let's go!
I wasn't expecting such a quick response and had no idea how to finish my sentence.
I was just going to tell her about a feeling I get sometimes – when you want to go somewhere outside of your comfort zone. At least for a while, at least for a couple of hours.
I used to do this before quite often – visiting foreign districts or even neighbouring cities.
New places and sceneries calm my heart and help to realise that the world is not limited by my apartment walls, or the daily route to university or the workplace.
And thus there are people who are doing better or worse than me.
And so my typical problems are not as bad as they appear to be.
I suddenly smiled.
What?
Nothing, I just remembered... Never mind! Let's go!
We headed to the forest, still holding hands.
Slavya gave me a questioning look.
No, let's go further.
Ok.
After another half an hour of wandering through the forest, we came to a small lake.
What a nice place!
You're right...
Slavya smiled enigmatically.
Then I suggest we stop here!
Nice place.
I put the sleeping bag on the ground and sat on it.
Slavya did the same.
And what are we going to do?
I don't know... It was your idea to go into the forest...
Yes, mine...
~ I had to make a decision once again. While I had absolutely no idea what could we do. ~
~ We could talk for example. But about what...? ~
Oh, come on, don’t get so anxious!
Slavya laughed.
I'm not...
I can see you are!
Well, it's just because...
It's fine.
As you say.
I sighed and stared at the ground.
Maybe you can tell me about yourself?
Well, there is nothing really to talk about...
It's impossible that there could be nothing of interest in a person's life at all!
How so? I'm an example of that...
You just...
She hesitated.
Could it be that you're not telling me something?
Like what?
I don't know... Like, you’re hiding something from me?
But why would I?
How would I know? You'd know better.
Well... I don't...
You said it like...
How?
Not right!
Slavya laughed again.
I'm sure that anyone but her would not be so calm here.
Okay, so what do you want me to talk about?
Well, tell me about yourself. Anything interesting that happened in your life!
Right now I was definitely sure that there was nothing interesting in my life at all.
Okay, let me think...
I made a smart face.
When I was a kid – like 5 or 6 years old I guess – there was a small hut near my family's country house. A solid one, made from wooden boards, with tar paper roof, so it could be used as a bombshelter in case of war.
So one day I was sitting on top of it with somebody and... suddenly fell off. And there were beds of strawberries behind it. And during those split seconds that I was falling I thought – that's it, the grim reaper had come for me, and my entire life ran through my head. A life just six years long, but still...
So I fell onto those beds and obviously didn't feel anything as there was plenty of soft ground there. So that's the story...
Slavya laughed.
But that's so silly!
I didn't think so at the time.
And what about now?
I don't know... I guess it is...
Fine. Tell me something else!
You'll call that silly too...
No, I won't!
Eh...
Can we please skip this inane bullshit and get to something interesting?
I started thinking again.
Also, I once fell into a pond from a bridge and almost drowned.
Your stories are all...
Slavya said in annoyed tone.
I told you – there isn't much to talk about, so I told you the first story that came to my mind.
Ah, speaking of which, the lake!
Slavya looked at the water.
Let's go swimming.
I'm not really fond of that. I don't even have anything to swim in.
Oh, come on!
She gave me a captivating smile.
Well, I don't know really...
Your ass. Lake. Now.
Of course I was eager to agree, but I still hesitated.
Oh, come on!
Slavya laughed and ran off to the lake, unbuttoning her shirt on the way.
Well... Hmm...
I stood up from the sleeping bag and slowly headed her way.
Come here!
Well I'm... Not sure if I want to...
I've mumbled slowly.
Come on! It's fun in here!
She didn't seem to feel awkward about my presence at all.
While I wanted to turn away at first.
~ But here is the question – what is more appropriate here? If Slavya thinks it's ok and I act awkwardly – won't it offend her? ~
~ But that isn't the most important thing now! ~
I didn’t bring my swimming trunks...
I guess that wasn't the most suitable excuse at the moment.
So? Neither did I...
Slavya said with the voice a level quieter.
Don't be afraid.
I’m not! There's nothing to be afraid of...
So get in.
I didn't know what to say.
I probably wanted to comply – but with everything happening some other way. Not in a such spontaneous and random manner.
~ And really – why is Slavya so
friendly to me? Or is there something more to it than that? Then I really don't get it! ~
It's up to you!
She said disappointedly.
Light the fire then.
What for?
Because! When I'll get out – I'll need a way to dry myself!
Oh, yes... fine...
Collecting firewood wasn't a problem at all, but how do I light the fire...?
I had neither a matchbox, nor a lighter.
Like every educated person, I knew that it's possible to do it by rubbing one stick against the other, but I’ve never done this before. Well, I had no other ideas...
I started to drill one stick into another slowly.
I was lucky that sticks were dry enough because otherwise I'd have no chance at all.
Actually, I was quite sceptical about my chances but after just about a minute some smoke appeared and a faint fire flared up, dying out a moment later.
At least it was clear that I could handle this way of starting a fire.
It took me another twenty minutes of suffering, but in the end I had a small fire burning next to the sleeping bag.
I was throwing more sticks into it lazily.
This is how it turns out – man can adapt to anything and so I could probably even survive in a snowy forest.
My survivalist thoughts were interrupted by Slavya who suddenly appeared right above me.
I lifted my gaze and quickly turned away.
She was wearing a shirt, but thanks to its dampness it wasn't hiding much.
It wasn’t a problem in the lake, but it's quite different when she is so close.
One wouldn’t get lost with you.
I hope it will dry off quickly.
Somehow, I was hoping so too.
Go and die horribly.
So, what?
What?
I asked with a muddled voice.
Tell me something else!
I don't know really...
I felt like something was stuck in my throat – storytelling was definitely out of question.
You've gotten so stiff suddenly.
~ Really, why would I? ~
It's nothing, just...
I had a feeling that I won't be able to just sit like that any longer.
Animal instincts were clouding my mind.
I don't even
You think... this is normal?
What?
Sitting like this.
What’s wrong with it?
Seems like Slavya really didn't understand...
Well, you are... Do you really not get it...?
I sighed helplessly.
Well... I'm not really sure...
Her voice sounded cunning.
What do you think?
Well, I... I'd...
Maybe we shouldn't hold back?
Her words flashed through my head.
~ She's giving her consent! ~
Maybe here it is – the reason for me being in this camp?
Yeah...
For a while we just lay close to each other.
It's getting chilly.
Hang on.
I unfolded the sleeping bag and we got inside together.
Slavya rested her head on my shoulder.
Mind if I take a quick nap? I just feel so tired...
Sure, go ahead...
Soon her breathing became deep and steady.
The wind quietly rustled the leaves on the trees around us, the grass was swaying next to us, and tiny bugs buzzed annoyingly overhead.
Suddenly I realised this was the best place I have ever seen in my life.
Thinking that, I fell asleep.
...
...
A strong wind had risen, chilling me to the bone.
The full moon was staring right at me – night has fallen.
I couldn't really tell what time it was, but it didn't matter much.
Slavya was still asleep.
I tucked the sleeping bag around her cozily, got dressed and headed to the lake.
I was really thirsty and there weren’t any other options available.
~ Besides, I don't think the water here is poisonous. ~
~ We're not around Chernobyl or anything. ~
~ At least I want to believe that. ~
I scooped up some water and eagerly dipped my face into my hands.
The water tasted so good that it felt like it came from a spring, not a lake.
My reflection stared at me, blurred in the water and touched by the moonlight.
It seemed to be smiling.
~ Weird, I didn't even notice... ~
Overjoyed, I headed back, fully intending to sleep till morning...
...and a twig snapped nearby.
I turned to see what made the noise and saw someone behind a tree.
Who's there?
I called out, worried.
What are you doing here?
Taking a walk.
At this time?!
I don't even care anymore. This fucking game.
What, I can't?
No, it's just strange.
I leaned against a tree and pondered.
~ She's definitely here for a reason. ~
~ Besides, we barely made it here. You can't reach this lake on a 'walk'! ~
~ And even at night, Slavya sleeping a dozen steps away was in a clear view... ~
And?
What?
Were you going to say anything?
Am I supposed to?
Up to you.
I don't get what you're saying.
Okay... Been here for a while?
Well, not that long...
How long is that?
Not long!
Lena snapped.
Alright... Is that all?
I don't know.
We stood silently a while longer.
You should probably get back. Slavya will get cold.
So you saw?
It was hard not to see.
If you think that...
Well what am I supposed to think, huh? Seems as clear as day.
I guess... So you're not going to say anything?
What is there to say? After your show at the square today, words don't seem to be needed.
There was no show... We just...
~ It's like I'm justifying myself to her. ~
That's none of your business anyway!
Exactly. It's your business. Just be careful. Watch out.
What are you talking about?
If everything comes to you so easily, you probably won't value it much. Though you should.
I don't get it.
Well, like Slavya. Bam, this time it's magical. And then you do it another time, and another, and then you get tired of it. Maybe.
Lena paused.
That's what I'm saying – you need to cherish what you have, even if you don't put much effort into getting it.
If you think I'm treating this like a game, you are totally wrong.
I don't think that. But it's possible.
Besides! How about staying out of the things that are none of your business?
I am just giving you advice.
I don't remember asking for it.
I think you should pay more attention to what you're doing and planning to do, so you don't feel any torturing regrets later on.
Look, this is starting to sound like a threat!
~ Huh, it really is... ~
Well, maybe so...
Lena said mysteriously.
So you...
No, not at all... Not now, to be precise.
She added in a whisper.
I didn't stop her.
When she was almost gone from sight, I noticed something in her hand blinking in the moonlight.
~ What a strange girl... ~
I sighed and returned to Slavya.
The warmth of her body kept me from the cold of the night.