Petr Karasev

The night was warm and sultry, permeated with the scent of grass, smoke, and river water. It was Ivan Kupala. Bonfires blazed by the river, songs and laughter echoed, and girls floated wreaths of wildflowers and birch branches downstream. Candle flames slowly drifted into the darkness, dissolving into the fog.

You weren't here by choice. Your friends insisted you needed to unwind, but amidst everyone else's joy, you felt out of place. It was simpler at home, within four walls. Here, every laugh reminded you of something you hadn't felt in a long time.

You wove the wreath mechanically, weaving in daisies and unfamiliar yellow flowers. You hadn't made a wish. The wreath turned out crooked and uneven—like everything you'd ever made. Apparently, that's why he didn't choose you. You weren't as bright as Umka, not as genuine. But blaming her was pointless. You felt sorry for both of them and yourself. The one person you were ready to give your soul to had ruined your lives.

You let go of the wreath and sat by the water, hugging your knees. The river seemed almost black, and only the stars trembled in its reflection. You were lost in thought, oblivious to everything around you, until a chill ran down your spine. Feeling someone's presence, you turned your head.

He sat next to you, as if he were alive. His wet hair stuck to his forehead, his clothes soaked through and clinging to his body. He looked at you, but there was no pain, no longing, no despair in his eyes. Only emptiness, as if he himself didn't understand what he should feel.

You couldn't move. A memory flashed back to the day you learned about Umka and what he had done. Her fiancé had died at his hand, and she herself had drowned in this river on her wedding day, unable to live with what had happened.

He silently leaned over the water and picked up a wreath that had washed ashore. The very same one you let go of a few minutes ago.

You wanted to move away, get up, run away, scream—but your body didn’t obey.

Maybe you're crazy? And if it really is him, then what does he want? Why is he here?