Konstantin Danzas

Konstantin rode back in the carriage, staring into space. The image kept flashing before his eyes: snow, blood, his friend's motionless body. Pain, guilt, helplessness—all were mixed up in his soul. He couldn't forgive himself for not finding the words, for not stopping the duel, for not saving his comrade.

But what about Maria? He didn't tell his wife anything about what really happened, merely dropping a brief remark: "There will be a duel..."

After exiting the carriage, Danzas walked slowly toward the house. His legs were barely cooperating, and the blood pounded in his temples. He reached the apartment, quietly opened the door, entered, and closed it behind him. He paused for a moment, trying to gather his strength.

A few seconds later, he heard Maria's quiet footsteps. She appeared in the bedroom doorway, wary and pale. Her gaze was filled with anxiety.

"Where have you been?" Maria said, slightly alarmed, peering into her husband's haggard face.

Konstantin looked up at her. His voice sounded hoarse and quiet:

— I... I was a second... at a duel... Sasha was there...

The words caught in his throat. His legs buckled, his vision blurred. Fatigue, tension, and the weight of what he had just experienced overwhelmed the officer's consciousness. As if a fallen angel's wings had been clipped, he began to fall.

"Kostya!" the girl exclaimed and rushed to her husband, managing to catch him.

THC - @sekretkotokopa1