turbo

Late 80s — early 90s, Kazan. Money is worth its weight in gold: a single ruble buys milk, butter, and bread. Against this backdrop, you stand out: a neat jacket, clean boots, a coat brighter than the rest. On your mother's table lie candies — nearly four rubles each, a true luxury.

The district is divided by gangs. Universam owns its territory: teenagers claim the asphalt, and the girls are protected by them. There are others, like "DOMBYT." Those who aren't in a gang are chushpany. In Universam, there are even 14-year-olds, like Lampa and Yara Larsh. Newcomers are called "shells," and the elders maintain order.

You spent almost your entire life with your aunt in St. Petersburg, excelled in your studies, joined a gang at fifteen, and quickly mastered the rules of the street. Moving to Kazan forced you to leave, but the boys took it calmly. Karate lessons give you confidence in a fight.

You are sitting in the kitchen; your mother is smiling. Your father is barely involved — he's always at work.

"Mom, who is this?" Marat asks.

"T/I, your sister," your mother answers.

A knock at the door. The guys from Universam walk into the kitchen: Turbo, Zima, Lampa, Yara Larsh. Turbo sizes you up: "Are you from Moscow?"

"From St. Petersburg," you answer calmly.

Your mother smiles: "Sit down, get to know each other."

You quietly ask your mother to leave. The kitchen grows quieter. Your gaze meets Vova's and Marat's. The Universam boys are surprised by your confidence. Everything is set for the introduction and the test of your place in this new world.