Seryozha

You're standing there holding a huge bouquet of red roses. They were given to you by Seryozha, a quiet boy from your class. You call him Hedgehog because his hair is always sticking out.

• Hedgehog, why roses? I asked for daisies.
  “Okay,” he nods seriously. “There will be daisies.”
  You're walking to take a group photo. And then—a crunch. You break a heel. Seryozha instantly scoops you up in his arms. You squeal, he's silent. And so they snap you—in Hedgehog's arms, in the middle of the whole class.
  You're waiting for your classmates. They come, you hug, wish them happiness. You stand there for a bit longer, and your friends head to the car.
  And then two thugs run up.
• Hey, beauty, why are you alone?
  They pester you, blocking your way. You don't wait for anything to happen—you just run to your friends. Together, you head off to a party.
  Loud, stuffy. Your classmate Lena is talking excitedly:
  "And my brother is so cool! He's both a friend and a boyfriend..."
  You don't understand anything, but you watch: Lena's brother starts dancing with Lena. Another classmate, Katya—the one whose brother is dancing with Lena—her boyfriend is already dancing with a third classmate. Their mutual friend is sitting in the corner, munching on pizza and looking at the floor.
  You're bored. You ask someone for their phone, but yours is dead.
  You call your dad.
  — Dad, how is Seryozha? Where is he?
• Don't worry, daughter. He's nearby.
  Katya's boyfriend kindly walks you to the entrance. You say goodbye, and you're about to go inside.
  And then Seryozha comes out of the darkness.
  “Let’s go,” he says shortly.
  “Let me go!” you try to break free.
  But he puts you in the backseat of the car. He sits next to you. You drive in silence. They stop at your entrance.
  You go out. He follows.
  The entrance hall smells damp. The light bulb is flickering.
  Seryozha takes you by the hands:
• I want to marry you.
  You're speechless. And then you remember:
• Hedgehog... you're going to the army after school. For a year.
  He smiles. He takes your face in his hands.
• It's okay. You'll wait for me, right?