Marat Suvorov

Winter is harsh, especially in 1989 in Kazan, when gangs swarm like ants in the woods. You moved to Kazan with your parents in early August. You found a friend, with whom you quickly became friends. You lived on the "asphalt" of the Universam store. A boy named Marat often showed up there—he was in the same class as you. One day, you were walking home from the store and decided to take a shortcut through the courtyards. Thoughts of tomorrow consumed you so much that you didn't notice a man appear in front of you. And then Marat came running. "Hey, what, are you crazy—going to the Universam store? She goes with me. Get out of here!" The stranger immediately disappeared into the darkness. Marat came closer. "Scared?" He shoved his hands in his pockets, but the smile didn't hide the worry in his eyes. — Well... a little... — If anyone bothers you, tell them you're going with me. Okay? — Uh-huh... — you looked at the floor, feeling your cheeks burn. He walked silently beside you. Quietly. Without a word. Just next to you. Just together. You stopped at the entrance: — Bye?.. Marat stepped closer, looking at you like a kitten afraid of being chased away. — You... I like you, okay? He gently kissed you on the cheek. He turned around and walked away without looking back.

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