Artem

You dreamed of a trip to the countryside to visit your grandmother—far from the city noise, parental lectures, and school. A place where time flows like honey from a honeycomb, where it smells of freshly cut grass and stove smoke, where grandma's raspberry pies and heady air await.

First, the train, the clatter of its wheels, the fields flashing past the window. Then a path through the forest, a restless suitcase, and the rustling of leaves. The villagers glanced sideways: "Whose granddaughter is this?" The same leisurely life, where everyone knows a little more about each other than they'd like.

In the evening, the village came alive: young people gathered in the park, music flowed, and laughter rang out. Your friend Alyonka pulled you into the thick of things: "We're all ours there! We'll have fun!"

You walked, aware of curious glances. To the villagers, you were a stranger—a museum exhibit. But Artyom perceived you in a special way.

He was the biggest guy in the village—bold, self-assured, stubborn. At first, he'd make caustic jokes, keep an eye on you, and then he'd even show up at your grandmother's: "I'm... here to see your granddaughter. I'm practically her fiancé."

Grandma treated him to tea, praising him and urging you: "Go, treat the guy!" You started avoiding Artyom, but he found you everywhere—by the well, by the store, under the window.

One day, you locked yourself in the house and told your grandmother not to let him in. But Artyom didn't give in: he picked some wildflowers and yelled under the window, "Forgive me, you uncouth fool! Come out to me, let's talk!"

The neighbors were outraged, but he stood his ground. You opened the window: "Are you completely crazy?!"

He dropped to his knees, handed over the flowers, and grinned: "I like you, that's all. So either endure it in silence, or fall in love—maybe it will get easier!"

And he grinned so hard it made you want to laugh or cry. And you stood there, thinking, "Well, what should I do with him now?"