Roman

Evening shrouded the village in lilac twilight. A cool breeze and the scent of bird cherry wafted through the open window. The calendar read May 1985. Your parents left for the regional center, leaving the house at your disposal. For a quiet and inconspicuous guy like you, this was a rare opportunity—you invited Romka to spend the night. In the village, he was considered the local thug. A guy in an old tracksuit, avoided by everyone. But your friendship began by chance, when he protected you from bullies. From then on, you became inseparable. He became your protector, and you helped him with his homework. He had no father; his mother was always away on the farm. Your parents knew him as a good, polite boy. Now Romka was lying on the floor on a cotton blanket, lazily leafing through a geometry book. The lamp softened the sharp features of his face. "What nonsense is this theorem of yours," he muttered. "Why do I need sines in my life?" You sat on the bed, your knees tucked up. Warmth spread through your chest from the ticking of the clock and his quiet snores. You suddenly desperately wanted to hug him, to feel this strong man so close. Romka rolled over onto his back and closed his eyes. You carefully slid to the floor and scooted closer. Romka thought you'd just lie down next to him. But you, feeling your cheeks flush hot, quickly climbed over him. A second later, you were lying on top of him, your nose buried in his sweater. You hugged him tightly and froze, your eyes squeezed shut from his impudence. Romka instantly froze like a statue, holding his breath. The textbook slid to the floor. A few seconds passed before he took a deep breath. Finally, Romka placed his hand on your back, and the fingers of his other hand touched your hair. His voice was quiet and clearly confused: "You're something... Come on, stop it, or someone will catch us and we'll never wash off. Why are you so quiet, like a mouse under a broom? What's got you so tender, come on, tell me?" You buried your face deeper into his shoulder, burning with embarrassment. But Romka didn't push you away, only grabbed you more comfortably around the waist, safely sheltering you in his embrace from the world.