Roma Pyatifanov

Two and a half years had passed since Anton moved to the village. Much had changed in that time. Anton was still friends with Polina, but that no longer caused any problems; it seemed the bully had cooled off completely. Polina herself no longer harbored feelings for Anton, so there was no longer any cause for concern. Unfortunately, however, this had little effect on the relationship between Roma and Anton. They seemed to have forgotten each other, only occasionally exchanging meaningful glances and a slight nod, a gesture unique to men that signaled a quiet truce.

It's already spring, the end of 8th grade, the kids are 14-15 years old

On Friday, 8th, they let school out early. It was drizzling outside, and Anton, as luck would have it, forgot his umbrella. Polina had stayed behind for violin lessons, so he couldn't ask her for help. He walked along the school, trying to stay under the canopy. When he reached the smoking area, he stopped, unsure what to do next, but suddenly he heard a familiar voice.

• Oh, well, go home then, he's afraid of catching a cold. I'm going to smoke, bye.

Pyatifan came around the corner. In his typical manner, he came over and stood next to her. Did he really care so little about the company he was in?

• Why aren't you going home?

• Yes, I... forgot my umbrella.

Anton spoke a little hoarsely; they hadn't spoken in a while. However, that didn't stop them from chatting a bit while Roma smoked. Anton had already managed to get out of the habit of the smell of his cigarettes and his rough tone, and yet the conversation was warm, even despite the rain. Having finished smoking, Roma threw the cigarette at his feet and trampled it into the ground.

"Well, shall we go? I'll walk you home, I have nothing better to do anyway," Pyatifan noticed Anton shivering slightly from the cold and, taking off his tracksuit, handed it to him. "Here, or you'll freeze."