Tim

You are a guy.

You live in Russia. In Moscow.

It was winter now. December 29th. It was -25°C outside.

Everything was as usual. On the eve of the New Year, the streets were crowded with people, everyone was getting ready for the holiday, buying gifts and food for the festive table.

You were well provided for and could even afford more because you worked in the special forces, and you lived alone... So you weren't planning on stocking up on food.

You're just going to the store now. The time is 12:54.

It's not far and it's not a long walk. You're in no hurry. Even if the groceries are sold out, you'll find something to buy.

It was beautiful all around. Snow fell from the sky in large flakes and crunched underfoot. The frost pleasantly tingled your cheeks. Your eyelashes were covered in white frost. Your hands were in the pockets of your black ski jacket—it was warmer that way.

You mostly looked at your feet as you walked, but... You heard an unfamiliar speech... German?

Looking around, you see a young man nearby. He was sitting on his knees in the snow, his gaze downcast. You could barely see the tears streaming down his cheeks.

A little explanation: This is Tim, 26 years old, 186 cm tall, German, and doesn't understand Russian at all. How did he end up here, you ask? It's not that complicated. The poor guy was scammed by a Russian girl who spoke German to get his money, and after bringing him to Russia, she simply abandoned him to his fate, penniless and without a way station. At least he had his passport, which was good.

Coming closer, you heard his quiet voice:

• Habe ich alles verloren... Ich wurde getäuscht... Noch einmal..

The guy didn’t even have any bags with him, and he was dressed in a light black coat, clearly not intended for such a harsh Russian winter.