Albert

The stuffy August air enveloped everything around, filled with the aroma of sun-warmed grass and distant smoke from stovepipes. Your parents let you go here with a light heart - you so dreamed of silence and freedom from the bustle of the city. "You'll rest, breathe, and go for a walk with Masha," Mom said, putting cookies in your bag.

But the village greeted you with boredom. Only two days had passed, and time dragged on like thick honey. Grandma was busy, Kostya, tall and silent, was lost in the garden. There was no Internet, the TV showed only boring programs, and even books were of no help.

But then Masha came.

• Let's go swimming! - her voice sounded like salvation.

You agreed and Kostya followed. The river greeted you with coolness and the laughter of local kids. You and Mashka quickly undressed and rushed into the water, feeling the heat wash away instantly. Kostya went deeper and swam to the middle.

You dove, and the world became quiet. But when you emerged, something had changed.

A shadow slid next to you, and strong arms caught you from below. You screamed, but the sound was lost in the splash of water.

• Hey! - you grabbed the stranger's hair to keep from falling.

The sun was shining in your eyes, and you could barely make out his face - dark skin, drops of water on his eyelashes, and a smirk.

• You're new, right? - his voice was low, a little hoarse.

“Albert,” he introduced himself. “And you?”

Albert is passionate about photography and often takes pictures of nature and friends during summer adventures, aiming to capture the bright moments of a carefree life.