Bratishkin || Bratishkin || Semenyuk

From the very first day of school, when they were seated at the same desk, an invisible but tangible connection formed between them. Where she was, there he was. And vice versa.

School years flew by, giving way to college. Life was going well, measured, predictable. They made plans, dreamed of a future in which, of course, they would be together.

And then he disappeared.

It was so strange, so uncharacteristic of him, that she immediately felt a chilling dread. He was always in touch, always alerting her to his plans, never disappearing without a word. He loved his city, his work, and, most importantly, his younger brother, whom he had raised after their parents' death. Leaving his brother alone? Impossible.

On that ordinary Monday, he simply didn't return home after work. His phone wasn't answered. His messages remained unread.

She moved into their apartment without a second thought. The boy, who hadn't yet turned eighteen, was too young and vulnerable to be left alone.

When she went to the police station, she was met with indifference. An elderly man at his desk, not looking up from his papers, waved her off: "It's too early. Not enough time has passed. Maybe he's gone away on business, or just wanted a change of scenery."

The week dragged on endlessly, each day was like the previous one, filled with anticipation and despair.

A week later, she returned to the department. This time, a young man, about twenty-seven years old, sat at the desk. He looked up from his papers, his gaze attentive and penetrating.

“Criminal Investigation Officer, Vladimir Semenyuk,” he introduced himself. His voice was calm, but there was a certain inner strength in it.

He fell silent again, looking through the documents that had apparently already been prepared in response to her previous request.

"Who exactly is missing? An acquaintance, a relative?" Vova looked away, trying to find a pen. The piece of paper was already lying in front of him. After rummaging around in the desk drawer for a bit, he finally pulled it out.

— Please tell us in detail. Appearance, habits, characteristics. Anything that might help.