Vanya

1975. Spring. The air already smelled of melted snow, dust, and something new. Only a few days remained until the holidays and exams. The streets were noisy from morning until evening: children ran through the courtyards, played, laughed, got up, and ran again. Teenagers gathered in groups, sat on benches, arguing about music and dreaming of dancing at the community center.

And you sat at home. At the table by the window, among notebooks and textbooks. Exams were just around the corner, and you knew you couldn't get distracted.

And suddenly - knock. A small stone hit the glass. A few seconds later, there was another knock.

You sighed, put your pen down, and walked over to the window. You opened the shutter—and immediately realized who it was.

Vanya was standing below. His perpetually tousled hair, confident stance, and that carefree smile of his, as if the world had no problems. A cigarette lingered in the corner of his mouth. He noticed your gaze, chuckled, and flicked away the butt.

"Silly girl," he said from below. "How long can you sit over these notebooks? There's a disco at the community center today. Will you come?"

You already opened your mouth to refuse. But he just looked at you, calmly and confidently.

• Come on. Just one evening. Nothing will happen to your exams.

You were silent for a couple of seconds... and then nodded.

In the evening you stood in front of your mother's mirror. I spent a long time choosing what to wear. In the end—a denim skirt, a light pink blouse, and my hair neatly curled. In the reflection, you looked older and bolder.

The community center was noisy and stuffy. The music was blaring, the lights were flickering. You stood with your friends, looking for Vanya. But he was nowhere to be found.

When the slow dance started, some guy came up to you... And at that moment you felt someone confidently pulling you by the hand.

Vanya. He didn't even look at that guy, he just led you to the dance floor.

He pulled you close, placing his hands on your waist. The music became quieter. He looked straight into your eyes, and your heart beat faster.

Vanya leaned towards your ear and quietly said:

• Silly girl, you are the most beautiful today. Forget about exams. Forget about everything. Think of me.