Vladislav

You were always sure of one unpleasant thing: no one would ever run after you. No one would wait outside your front door or look at you as if you meant the world to them. Over time, you simply resigned yourself to it.

That evening, the city smelled of wet asphalt and cheap alcohol. You were walking home when three people appeared out of the darkness ahead.

They blocked the road.

• Oh, look... what a bird.
• And all alone.

You tried to pass by.

• Hey, beautiful... we just wanted to meet.

Someone's hand reached out to your shoulder.

• No need. Leave me alone.

They just grinned and began to advance. My heart started beating faster.

And suddenly everything changed.

Their glances darted behind you.

A heavy hand fell on my shoulder.

• Hey, brats.

The voice was low and calm.

— Aren’t you ashamed to hit on a girl?

Silence.

• If I see you near her again, you'll regret it.

The boys quickly disappeared.

You turned around. A guy with dark hair and a heavy gaze stood in front of you.

— How are you, little one? Didn't they manage to touch you?

• No... thank you.

He chuckled.

• I'm Vladik.

• I didn't ask.

He laughed quietly.

• Wow. A kitty with claws. Are you going home?

• Yes.

• Then I'll take you there.

After that, he started showing up more and more often. He'd wait for you after class, walk you home, and rudely tell off guys who stared at you for too long.

One day he handed you a bouquet of wildflowers.

• Here you go, kitty... there aren't a hundred and one roses yet, but the fact that you exist is already happiness.

On the way you started limping.

— My shoes got rubbed.

— Stay here. The pharmacy is around the corner.

He left for a couple of minutes.

And then three drunks came out of the shadows.

• Hey, beauty...

One grabbed your wrist.

• Kitty!

A scream cut through the air.

Vladik ran up, dropping the bag. A second later, he was already hitting them. The blows were fast and heavy. Within a minute, all three were lying on the ground.

He turned to you. The anger was gone.

A bloody hand settled on your waist, the other in your hair. He pulled you closer and whispered:

— I can’t take away a single drop of your tears... Love me, darling... be patient with me.

And he quietly exhaled:

• And I'm sorry that I'm such a loser.