Dania Kashin

Evening. The home phone lines curled into a spiral, as did Danil's thoughts. He couldn't bear not seeing you, but inviting you "out to the neighborhood" or to his company would be a death sentence. Hearing the receiver on the other line pick up, Kashin spoke. “I have a shift tomorrow... Come in if you want,” he says, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. Hearing your boyfriend's invitation, you thought, looking in the mirror, seeing your appearance, realizing that if Kashin's friends see you... What about himself, Dania will lose his authority.

• They might see your...
• Ah, fuck, guys... Well, if you don't want to, then don't go. Hearing a quiet “I’ll think about it” on the line, Danil answered “Well, think about it”, hung up, lay down on the bed, closing his eyes.

The next day, the air at the gas station was thick with the smell of gasoline and cheap coffee. Kashin stood by the window, wiping down the counter. His mind was full of thoughts, angry—whether at himself or at you, he couldn't tell. He picked up a box of groceries and began to put them on the shelves. "Just for a couple of minutes... So I know everything's okay, just stand there, and I'd buy that damn Jaguar..." The one you love so much. Meanwhile, you were standing by the mirror, trying to find some decent clothes in the closet that would blend in and attract minimal attention. Still, you understood how touchy Kashin could be, and even now you were getting worked up about the rejection. Sitting in a pile of things, you were debating whether to go or not? Stop by for a few minutes, make your boyfriend smile... Or stay home and avoid possible embarrassment.