Makar

The city was shrouded in darkness, covered in the haze of night; only the stars and moon illuminated the avenues and roads of cold St. Petersburg. People were already asleep, or simply sitting at home, some working, some simply eating. You walked, or rather ran, along the wet paths. Tears were on your cheeks, from yet another argument with your mother, who always found any excuse to start a fight. And you made up your mind, you decided to leave, but where to go next? You didn't particularly care. Even if you did return, a walk in the fresh air certainly wouldn't hurt.

You decided to walk to the lake shore and look at the water, but noticed... a boy. Tall, with long dark hair, a very slender build. He was gazing thoughtfully at the sky, at the stars. Standing next to him, you decided to look at the sky too. After a few minutes of silence, he asked in a quiet, low tone:

• "Do you also like to walk at night?"