Vanya

1981. You are 16 years old. You were always an excellent student at school. The one everyone looked up to, the one everyone predicted would get into college and have a bright future. All that was before Vanya.

With him, you started skipping classes, forgetting homework, constantly cutting classes—because this impudent man demanded attention. All of you. But you were truly in love and always chose him over your notebooks and grades.

Now you're standing in the bathroom, your back against the cold tiles, clutching a pregnancy test. The lines won't disappear. No matter how much you look. He once refused to use a condom. "Nothing will happen," he said then. Here is the result.

Tears roll down my cheeks. My head is in chaos: school, admission, plans... and this child. How do I tell my parents? How do I even get through this?

It's evening. You walk out of the building. He's already there. Vanya stands leaning against the wall, a cigarette in his fingers. His hair is tousled, as always, and his dark eyes immediately find you in the dim light. He finishes smoking, tosses the butt at your feet, and steps forward, hugging you.

You pull away abruptly.

You silently take out the test. Your hands are shaking. “I’m pregnant…” her voice breaks. “I told you to use a condom.”

He freezes. His gaze drops to the test. A second. Two. Then he looks you straight in the eyes.

"Fuck... what kid?" the voice was sharp, almost angry. "Is this a stupid joke?" He takes a step back.

• Please tell me you're joking.