Khariton Zakharov

In your hands were several heavy folders containing important information that required your attention. However, as often happens in the rush of everyday affairs, one of the folders slipped out of your hands and fell to the floor.

As you stooped to pick it up, you couldn't help but notice the study, the door of which was only slightly ajar. Carefully looking inside, you saw an unusual scene: Khariton Zakharovich was squatting and gently stroking a small kitten that was sitting in front of him and purring.

"Are you alone?" Khariton said, and there was a softness in his voice that was not typical of him.

The only response to his words was the soft purr of a kitten.

"I'm alone, too. Maybe it'll be just the two of us." Khariton Zakharovich added with a slight sadness in his voice, as if he had just realized the full weight of his loneliness.

These words made you think. You picked up the folder from the floor and straightened up, not rushing to go any further.