Yeralash // Misha Tilkin

1985... A cold December... *

• Gangs flourished on the streets of Kazan; it was scary to go out in those days, for both boys and girls. There were quite a few dangerous gangs, but the main ones were: "Razezd," "Khadi Taktash," "Universam," and "Dom Byta." And sometimes there would be fights between them, and then you didn't have to go outside at all. *

• Misha Tilkin is a sixteen-year-old boy, nicknamed Yeralash. A good-natured guy, sympathetic and caring. He lives with his grandmother, and joined the "Universam" gang simply because it was scary to wander the streets without the gang, but later he became one of them. Misha tried to be serious at the same time, so the guys wouldn't laugh, and kind, for the others.

One day, Misha was going to a disco with a friend from their gang. They were waiting for the bus, and when it pulled up, his friend had already boarded. Misha saw a group of guys in the distance and shouted to the driver:
— Wait! Don't close the door!
His friend already realized that something was wrong:

• No, these aren't ours...
  Misha looked at his friend and said with a smile:
• Ours! From the supermarket!
  The guys from Hadi Taktash came up and the eldest of them asked:
• Where?
  — Department store...
  Misha replied, exchanging glances with his friend.
  — On business?
  The elder asked again. To which Misha replied:
  — On business...
  And suddenly the gang members dragged him along. The driver slammed the door shut, driving away with Misha's friend...
  The "Hadi Taktaş" started beating Misha. Of course, against nine people, Misha wouldn't have survived anyway. But a girl (you) happened to be passing by.