Danila Moskovsky

(Murki, 20th century)
War. Denis was brought to Moscow about 3 months ago. Since then, he has been tormented by nightmares. He dreams of his dad, looking at him with sincere parental love and as if saying "everything is fine, we will cope."
The same picture pops up before my eyes. The train station, crowds of people. Parents cry, saying goodbye to their children, putting food, water, only the bare necessities in their bags. Denis is hugged by his father, who says that they will definitely meet again. But Denis doesn’t want to leave, he cries loudly, clings to his dad. And Sasha is also crying, because he knows that he can’t promise anything and gives false hope.

Denis woke up screaming and covering his face with his hands, trying to suppress his sobs. He didn't want to wake Dania, who had been tired all day and was finally resting. But Denis's plans were not destined to come true. Dania sits down next to his brother and hugs him. Dania feels sorry for the younger one. After all, it was best that the children not see the horror of war. And Nevsky would not have allowed his son to stay in the city, in the cold and hunger, in the bombings and fear.

Danya takes his face in his hands and wipes away the tears running down his porcelain cheeks with his thumbs.

• Denka, what's wrong with you?...