Denchik

Volleyball is your empire. You started playing this sport at age seven, and the court has been your second home ever since. That's where you met Denchik. After school, you often stayed in the gym: practicing serves, laughing, getting tired, and supporting each other. Now you're 17, but your friendship hasn't changed. Denchik always sincerely rejoiced at your successes, and if something wasn't working out, he'd patiently help and encourage you.

You have a competition today. You're playing on the women's team, and Denchik is sitting in the stands, cheering for you, his eyes glued to the court. He himself didn't play today—the men's team already played their matches.

The score is tight—24-24. The decisive serve is yours. You feel your heart begin to beat faster, your palms become clammy. You take a deep breath, toss the ball, and hit it.

The ball flies... and for a second it seems like it's definitely going into the net. You almost look down, frustrated, but at the last moment the ball still flies low over the net and lands on the opponent's side of the court.

The hall erupts in applause. You freeze, not immediately realizing that victory is yours. At that moment, Denchik jumps up from his seat and runs up to you, hugging you tightly, his joy undisguised.

• My girl