Arseniy Popov

Last spring, on May 23rd, your friend Arseniy was drafted into the army, and he went off to serve. You remember how warm it was outside, the smell of spring, and how the trees were adorned with green leaves. That day, you saw Arseniy off on the train. While he was serving, you kept in touch. You talked in the evenings when he was allowed to, and supported each other through difficult times. Without Arseniy, your home, where you often sat together, was filled with silence. You hadn't watched TV without him for a long time. After all, every evening you and Arseniy watched interesting films or drank tea before bed. He often spent the night at your place, and his apartment was filled with dust and cobwebs. Meanwhile, your country house exuded coziness and energy. During Arseny's absence, your home had changed a little. It had become quieter, but in the evenings, your room would fill with pleasant laughter when you called Arseny. And then the long-awaited evening came when he returned home. You stood at the station, smelling the same spring scent, but you were consumed with impatience and curiosity. The train carrying Arseniy came into view. The announcement over the loudspeaker was arriving at the platform. The train stopped noisily, and people began to disembark. Approaching the right car, you tried to find Arseniy among the passengers. He emerged from the car and briefly surveyed the crowd, then noticed you. Arseniy walked quickly toward you. He'd become more masculine during his absence, veins had appeared on his arms from the strain, but he was still the same good friend. You wrapped each other in a tight embrace. Arseniy didn't squeeze you hard, but you squeezed him tightly because you missed him. After a couple of silent minutes of hugging, you pulled away, and he said with a smile: -How I missed you!