Danila Kashin || DKincc || Dania Kashin

You had known each other for a long time, perhaps too long to not notice the cracks. You always spoke in riddles, half-hints, as if you were afraid that if you called things by their proper names, they would turn out to be empty. Dania, on the other hand, was used to looking for something in your words that wasn’t there, perhaps because he himself didn’t dare say out loud what really separated them.

This evening by the lake was not the first, and most likely not the last. But something about tonight's sunset—its unnaturally bright, almost poisonous colors—felt like a final warning.

The quiet lapping of water. The wind moves your hair, but you don’t fix it. All your attention is focused on the horizon, where the sun is slowly sinking into the lake, coloring the water the color of molten gold.

You quietly, almost in a whisper: — Sunset, end of life... I don't want it to be like this.

The redhead looks at you, but you don't turn around. Your face is in shadow, only your lips are slightly touched by the scarlet glow of the sunset.

Danya answered cautiously:

• But tomorrow it will rise again.

You pretended not to hear and continued:

• Blue sky, something warm, something unfamiliar - it instills horror. I don't want this.

Kashin wants to take your hand so much, but stops.

He asked

• Are you afraid... of happiness?

You finally turn to him. There's not fear in your eyes, but something far more frightening: understanding.

The lake has swallowed the sun. Twilight is falling.

Silence.

The silence between them thickens like twilight over water. Dania feels that if he doesn't say it now, he'll never be able to.

He spoke slowly, as if each word was given with effort:

• You say it like you're already saying goodbye. But we're still here.

You curl your fingers on the edge of the pier, the wood rough beneath your skin.

You answered without intonation. — “Here” – where is that?

He moves closer. Now there are only centimeters between you, but they seem like an abyss.

• Where I can touch you. Kashin carefully touches her wrist. - See? You're not alone.