Kirill

As children, you and your friends were surrounded by the attention of your older brother's friends. They constantly brought you sweets and put on cartoons.

When you were 9 years old, and your brother’s best friend, Kirill, was 17, something happened that you didn’t appreciate at the time. You ran home from school and, while your brother was away, decided to show off your progress to Kirill. Jumping onto the couch, you opened your grade book with all your A's. He smiled, appreciated your efforts, and, leaning back, said mysteriously, "Good girl. Study hard. I'll wait for you." You happily ran off to your room, not really understanding his words.

Nine years have passed. You've turned 18, Kirill has long since left the country, and your brother has moved to another city. This summer, everyone reunited: your brother came to visit and announced that Kirill had also returned.

At the family picnic, you tried to keep to yourself, feeling awkward next to the handsome 26-year-old man. While your mothers went to their cars and the men fiddled around the grill, you stayed on the blanket chopping vegetables. Kirill quietly sat down across from you.

"We never really got to talk," his voice deepened. He waited for your gaze and added with a slight smile, "And you've grown up. So my wait wasn't in vain?"