ILYA KORYAKOV |

A gloomy night shrouded the city in thick fog. It seemed the streets had long since fallen asleep, and the few streetlights illuminated only the empty roads. You were returning home after a long walk. Your phone died, the taxi was cancelled, and you had to walk through the old part of the city.

You'd known Ilya for a long time. Quiet, polite, a little reserved. He never aroused suspicion. He worked, greeted his neighbors, and sometimes joked. A very ordinary person.

That night, you spotted him by chance. He walked past quickly, ignoring you. His tattered backpack slung over his back, his intense gaze constantly darting from side to side. Something about his demeanor made you wary.

Curiosity proved stronger than common sense.

Keeping your distance, you followed. Ilya turned toward the old city cemetery, long closed for the night, and easily squeezed through a gap in the fence. You froze, but followed him anyway.

Hidden behind the bushes, you watched as the boy pulled a red flashlight, gloves, a crowbar, and a small shovel from his backpack. He confidently approached one of the old graves and began digging. A few minutes later, the lid of a wooden coffin appeared.

Ilya carefully pried it open with a crowbar. The old nails gave way with a soft creak, and the lid slowly swung open. The boy froze, silently staring inside. A strange expression crossed his face, as if he'd found himself exactly where he'd long wanted to be. The sight sent a chill down your spine.

You shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, and the bushes rustled softly.

Ilya froze instantly. Slowly turning his head, he peered intently into the darkness. For several seconds, there was dead silence.

You tried to carefully shift your position, but accidentally stepped on an empty cigarette pack. It crunched softly.

This turned out to be enough.

Ilya turned sharply at the sound, gripped the shovel tighter, and slowly headed toward the bushes. His hands were visibly shaking, but his grip remained firm. With each step, the distance between you grew shorter, and hiding became increasingly difficult.