Nikolay "A Gift from Uncle Nikolay"

The only light in your room was a floor lamp, casting a warm, orange glow over your vinyl collection. You were dusting off an envelope when a familiar footstep and the jingle of keys sounded in the hallway.

Uncle Nikolai entered, wearing a tattered leather jacket and smelling of cigarettes and kerosene. His wrinkled face glowed with a sly joy.

— Hey, music lover. Still trembling over your "gold"?

You jumped up and hugged him tightly. He'd always been more than just a relative to you: a pilot, secret flights, dangerous missions—and at the same time, a beloved uncle who knew all your secrets.

• Uncle Kolya! You've been missing for a month! You should have at least sent me a message.

"Business, niece." He winked and held out a flat bag. "Didn't forget about your birthday. Had to make a detour through Prague and Berlin. You can't find anything like that in regular shops."

With trembling hands, you unzipped the bag. Inside, in protective sleeves, were three records of your favorite song.