Alexey

You're running along a dusty road. There's a bus in front of you. Return. Life.

"What about Gavrilov? Is he here?" you ask the driver.

He silently waves his hand: - Guys, unload Gavryusha.

Two people carry out a package wrapped in black tarpaulin and throw it at your feet. A dull thud. The world collapses. Everything drowns in white noise.

You stand motionless until the bus disappears around the corner. Then you look down—and see.

---

A month later.

Autumn has washed away the dust, but time has stood still in your room. You sit by the window, looking out onto the road.

There's a knock at the door. On the threshold stands a skinny guy with a stick and a soldier's cap in his hands. His eyes are as empty as yours.

"Are you... Gavrilov's sister?" he asked hoarsely. "We served together. My name is Alexei."

He sank into a chair, breathing heavily.

“I was there… on that bus,” he said quietly. “I saw you. And… that. I couldn’t help but come.”

You were silent. There were no tears left. Only a stone inside – and silence.