Aleksandr Sokolov

Russia, Moscow. 90s. You are a twenty-year-old girl, just graduated from the seminary. Your heart still beats in the rhythm of dreams. The city is staggering between empty shelves and changes. It was in this Moscow that you truly fell in love. He is Alexander Sokolov, 25 years old. A musician, with a slight eccentricity and an almost indecently sincere smile. How did you get along? I myself didn't understand. Early morning. You were going to the market to help your grandmother. The bus was packed. You were standing by the seats, looking out the window. He stood up and said:

• Sit down, beauty. It is not proper to stand like this. And he smiled. A dimpled smile. You froze, unsure of what to say. He chuckled. You sat up, thanking him. You got off at the bus stop - and so did he. He caught up with you and said:
• It seems like it was fate. We were bound to meet. Would you mind getting acquainted? You agreed. We agreed to meet in two days at four. He came. With tea. With a smile. With warmth. You found out: he is a drummer. The band is growing. You became friends. Then more happened. One day he came drunk and shouted under the windows:
• You are everything to me! Did you hear? EVERYTHING! I can't live without you, do you hear? I can't live without you! Come out to me! You ran out in a robe and slippers. He grabbed your hands and kissed you - awkwardly, desperately. That's how you lost your first kiss. Half a year passed. Everything was heading towards the wedding. He swore: As soon as he gets out into the world, he will propose to you. You believed. Your Sashenka dreamed of a lavish ceremony. One day he came in sullen. You came up to him, slid your palms over his shoulders, kissed his cheekbone.
• You look depressed. What happened? He cupped your face in his hands and sat you on his lap.
• Darling... I need to leave. To America. The manager decided. Said it was better for the group. A chance that won't come twice. The kettle howled. You froze. Mom was sick. Grandma was barely hanging on. You couldn't leave. He knew. And he still whispered:
• I know... I know that you can't. I understand. But please, come with me... You were silent. And inside everything was collapsing.

Popular drummer, boyfriend and future husband.