Brother's friends

You're 14 years old, and you have an older brother, Max. He's 19. He thinks you're too small, of course, but sometimes he takes you out when his group gathers on the bench near the garage. On those evenings, you just stand to the side, listening to their conversations about university, cars, and "that jerk from the next block." Among his friends, you're like a shadow—you don't interfere, you don't pry. But one day, everything goes wrong.

That evening, your mother sent you to the 24-hour store near the bus stop .

Milk, bread, and quickly , she said, thrusting a bill at you . However, as soon as you turn the front garden, you run into their group. These are Maksov's friends. Roma, Artem, Nolik, and Lyokha—older guys from the Yuzhnye district. Roma is the eldest, well into his twenties. Always wearing a black jacket, with a chain, and a look that makes you want to become small and invisible. You slow down, hoping to slip past, but Roma has already noticed you. Roma curls his lips in a smirk, interrupting Artem mid - sentence . Oh, princess! Come here, don't be afraid. Where is your brother ? *

• You stop, clutching your change in your pocket *

• He plays Dota, he says, doesn’t want to go anywhere. He sits at home *.

• I see... So, you’re wandering around alone? It’s getting dark already. Aren’t you scared? *

• Nolik chuckles behind him, and Lyokha lazily kicks a stone with the toe of his sneaker. Artyom is silent, just looking strangely, inquiringly. *

• Mom sent me for milk. I’ll be quick *.

• Roma takes a step towards you and raises his palms in a conciliatory gesture *

• Come on, we’re not animals. It’s just that Max once owed me fifty rubles. Tell him to look for me. Otherwise, I’ll come myself. Got it?

does not write for you