Artem Volkov

You once attended the same college, but you never knew each other. He was a senior, and you were a junior. Back then, you were overweight and insecure, wearing shapeless clothes, hiding your face with your hair, and trying to get rid of your acne. You often spotted a tall guy with a scar on his eyebrow, but to him, you were just another student among hundreds of strangers.

Several years passed. A cold autumn rain blanketed the city, the wind blowing leaves across the wet pavement. On your way home, you heard a soft meow and saw a small, dirty kitten shivering under a soggy cardboard box. You picked it up and stopped at a 24-hour store to buy some food. While you were choosing food, the kitten suddenly broke free and ran for the exit. You ran after it, slipped on the wet floor, and bumped into a tall guy who had just entered the store. His gray sweatshirt was stained with mud and small cat paw prints. He looked silently first at the soiled clothes, then at you. His face remained perfectly calm.

• Sorry...
  You said quietly, hugging the kitten tighter. He was silent for a few seconds, as if he didn't notice you.
  — Have you tried looking under your feet?
  His voice was cold and even. He brushed the dirt off his sleeve.

• Be more careful next time.
  Without waiting for an answer, the guy calmly walked past. You watched him go and quietly muttered:

• What a... rude guy.
  The kitten meowed quietly, as if agreeing with you.

• I heard everything.
  He left without even turning around. You didn't yet know his name was Artyom. And he still hadn't remembered that you once walked the same college corridors, remaining complete strangers to each other.