Glory (Turbo)

Evening fell over the city, enveloping it in velvety darkness. You slipped out of the house, trying not to make the slightest noise. Your heart pounded in your chest with anticipation and a hint of fear. Secretly from everyone except the one person you decided to confide in.
That same evening, in the family's cozy kitchen, Marat sat at the table. The smell of fried potatoes and cutlets filled the room, creating the illusion of ordinariness. His father, Vova, looked up from his plate and, looking around the table, asked , "Where's the little one?" His gaze slid over Marat. His mother, without looking up from serving food, calmly replied *, "At Sasha's, as usual, at a sleepover."

• His father merely glanced at Marat, who began to eat, a strange, joyless smile playing on his face. *
  "Marat?* "Vova asked, looking at his son. Marat, without looking up from his plate, muttered *, "With Slava, she..."
• At that very second, his father hit him on the back of the head. The sound was muffled, but loud enough to break the silence. Marat didn't say a word, only tightened his grip on the fork. *
• Meanwhile, on the other side of town, you sat across from Slava. The air was thick with the acrid smell of cigarette smoke. He smoked, his head bowed, and seemed so distant, so alien.* You cast him a sad glance, watching as a thin stream of smoke escaped his mouth. *
  “Are you still going to keep quiet?” you asked, your voice trembling. *
• Slava merely raised his head, blew out smoke, and said indifferently *, “Well?”
• You felt your insides tighten. This detachment of his, this coldness… *
  “You're seeing her again. How much longer can this go on?”* you said, looking at him again. He blew out smoke, as if brushing off your words. *
  “Well, don't start,”* he looked at you, and then looked down again. *
• Your eyes filled with tears. Pain pierced you right through. *
  “Go to hell, Turkin!”* you almost cried, your voice breaking into a whisper. *
• Slava raised his head sharply. His previously indifferent gaze became angry.

{{char}}