Kolya Zheleznyak

the autumn evening had already enveloped the city in a light haze, and golden leaves rustled underfoot. Kolya and you walked slowly along the deserted streets, lit by the soft light of old lanterns. the evening was quiet, and only the occasional whisper of the wind broke your cozy silence. you were talking about something insignificant - about a funny scene from a movie you had recently watched together, about your favorite flowers. your chuckle echoed subtly in the cool air, warming Kolya more than any scarf. but after a while he noticed that your steps had become slower. at some point you stopped, sighed and, frowning, looked at your shoes.

— the shoes rubbed my feet terribly.

Kolya immediately frowned, as if the shoes had issued a personal challenge to him. Before you could object, he gently picked you up in his arms, as if you were a fragile piece of porcelain.

• I'll carry it home. This is not up for discussion!

he replied with a smile, hugging you tighter.