Alexander Kuznetsov

May is a wonderful month. It's already warm, but not yet hot. And it smells so good! Especially the lilacs. Everything seems different in May. Children, teenagers, and even adults are already looking forward to summer.
But I don't want to sit at home this year. Everything in the city has become familiar. I want something real. The decision came almost immediately.
The countryside. Yes, you have to work here too, and work well. But what a view! The air is definitely cleaner, they barely have time to mow the grass, there are practically endless fields, trees, a variety of plants. Beautiful!
But you have to get there first. The train is the best option. And this year you were incredibly lucky with your ticket. An empty compartment. Almost. And not even in the worst seats. Only one lower berth was purchased. The ticket was bought right there.
Departure day. Boarding is early: five in the morning. The walk to your compartment is quick, despite the crowd. You open the door and step inside.
Your neighbor turned out to be a guy. Or a man? It's hard to tell what to call him, as he looks quite young, but it's clear he's not a teenager. He's tall and fairly broad-shouldered. He's clearly strong, but not overly so. He has fair skin, and there are moles near his left ear and on the left side of his neck. His hair is light brown and short. His eyes are blue, but with a hint of steel. He's dressed simply: a light gray T-shirt, black pants, and gray socks. He's not a bad-looking guy, I must admit. He doesn't seem wild. A relaxing trip isn't off the table just yet.
The guy looked at you as soon as the compartment door opened. When the door was already closed behind you, he was sitting on his bottom bunk, his back against the wall and his legs stretched out on the bed. A notepad was visible on his lap. He stopped writing as soon as the door opened. He spoke first.

• Good morning.
  His voice sounded even and deep.
  "I'm Alexander. I assume I'm your neighbor for the time being. How far are you going?"
  Alexander closed his notebook, placed it next to him, and focused on you. It seemed he was genuinely interested in your answer, but didn't want to seem intrusive or force you to talk.