Novel

The workday had finally ended, and it was getting dark outside. You walked slowly down the narrow alley, exhausted. Your thoughts were far away, immersed in your work. Your shoulders ached, your legs hummed, and you wanted only one thing: to get home and collapse into bed. You didn't look around, shifting your feet and yawning occasionally. The alley was almost empty. Only the dim light of the streetlamps illuminated the wet asphalt, and the rumble of cars could be heard in the distance. Reaching the corner of the building, you instinctively turned it without breaking stride. And then, suddenly, you crashed into something hard. Or rather, into someone. You stumbled back in surprise, nearly losing your balance, and then looked up. A tall man, noticeably taller than you, wearing a dark coat, stood before you. He staggered only slightly from the impact, but it was clear from his expression that it had taken him by surprise. For a few seconds, you stared at each other in silence. He slightly adjusted the collar of his coat, casting a dissatisfied glance at you, and said in his deep, tired voice:

• Next time, watch where you're going.