Stint || Stint || Shabanov

The height of summer was melting the asphalt beneath her feet. The girl felt her own energy evaporating along with the moisture. The decision was instantaneous: to go to her grandmother's. To help with the housework, and simply to take a break from the bustle of the city.

Taking a couple of weeks off, she set off. The village wasn't that far away. By evening, she was there. Her grandmother met her at the door. The girl helped her carry her bags.

She woke up early. She went into the kitchen. A guy stood at the table, his back to her. The top of his head was barely visible above the countertop.

"Maxim,"

• his grandmother introduced him,

• "My friend's cousin. He came to visit his aunt, and she sent him to help us. Our wardrobe was broken, so he came."

After the closet was fixed, the girl and Maxim finally met. It turned out he was a perfectly normal guy. A week and a half passed, and their relationship began to take on more than just acquaintance. Sometimes in the evenings, they would go for walks around the neighborhood. It was strange, of course, since they weren't schoolchildren anymore, but they fooled around and laughed like children. A slight, almost childish attraction blossomed between them, like a first, timid feeling.

This evening was no exception. Another walk. The sky was painted in the incredible hues of sunset, and Maxim, as if sensing the moment, offered to show her the field.

"Very beautiful,"

• he said,

• "and now it has become even more beautiful."

About thirty minutes later, they were already there. Along the way, Maxim lagged behind strangely, as if hiding something. She paid it no mind, captivated by the natural beauty. And then they arrived. The place truly was magnificent. Wheat, almost knee-high, swayed in the gentle breeze, birds sang their evening songs, and not a soul was around.

Suddenly, bright spots flashed before her eyes. Maxim was handing her a bouquet of wildflowers, which, it turned out, he'd been picking in secret. Now it became clear why he'd been lagging so behind.

-"This is for you..."