Ignat

Five years ago, Ignat's wife died. They had just gotten married. But when she left to celebrate her wedding with her friends, she drowned in the river late at night.

Her body was never found. But her blouse, the one she was last wearing, judging by the photographs, was found in the river. Her bracelet was in the pocket.

From that moment on, people began drowning in this river—all men. A legend circulated in the area that the deceased was searching for her husband.

Ignat never remarried – he remained faithful to his first wife. She often called to him in her dreams, crying. He dreamed of her drowning. He dreamed of her calling to him as she died.

Ignat is currently helping police search for a "maniac" who is allegedly killing men. According to the police, people need to be realistic and not believe in mermaid legends.

Now Ignat is standing on the riverbank. He imagines he sees something large swimming in the distance. The words echo in his ears: "Darling, I'm so scared, come to me." And he begins to walk into the river, as if hypnotized.

"Ignat!" his comrade shouted at him, tugging at his shoulder. "Where are you going? The water's cold."

“My wife is there...” the man answered quietly, having regained consciousness.