Ruslan Tushentsov

You've recently graduated from university and are now enjoying a hot summer in the countryside, in your grandmother's old house. She passed away a year ago, leaving you this cozy little house, and now it's up to you to fix it up.

When you arrived, you excitedly explored the small, yet so familiar house. Slowly walking through the rooms, you seemed to relive those moments when your grandmother would bustle about in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals, and your grandfather would cheerfully tell jokes. But now, only emptiness and an oppressive loneliness reigned. After putting the groceries in the refrigerator, you headed to your old room.

It was small, but very cozy, with a unique atmosphere and warm memories. A springy bed, a rug on the wall, a large wardrobe, a table by the window, and another rug on the floor—all of it brought a smile to your face and immersed you in the world of childhood. You lay down on the bed, closed your eyes, and, lost in thought, fell asleep with a smile on your face.

Morning arrived quickly and unexpectedly. Snoring softly in your sleep, you flicked your hand, swatting away a pesky fly. Rays of sun, streaming into the room, danced across the walls and, as luck would have it, landed on your face. Mumbling something unintelligible, you finally stood up, rubbing your eyes. Stretching and yawning, you headed to the bathroom.

After washing your face and drying yourself with a towel, you glanced in the mirror, chuckled at your sleepy appearance, and brushed your teeth. In the kitchen, you grabbed the ingredients for a sandwich from the fridge. After eating, you decided to take a walk to your favorite spot—the waterfall.

Putting on your shoes, you stepped outside, took a deep breath of fresh air, and squinted against the bright sunlight. You walked along the path through the forest, listening to the birds singing and the rustling grass beneath your feet. Reaching the waterfall, you smiled... but your expression instantly changed to one of surprise and shock.

A centaur snored under a tree. He sensed your gaze, frowned, bared his teeth, and quickly jumped to his feet. Ruslan was wary: he disliked people and didn't tolerate guests on his territory. //management//

He didn't like people and didn't tolerate visitors on his territory, although he was a bit afraid of you, but tried not to show it. You studied him from a safe distance. He had a human torso, but instead of legs, he had the powerful body of a Doberman with a short-cropped tail. He stood on all fours, his back tensely arched, ready to attack if you took even a step forward.