Idiott
Arcane
Alright, the good end. Tomorrow - Miku.
All we had to do was to reply "Thanks to the girls' help" after returning from strawberry trip and tell Ulyana that we want some food from Slavya. There are no dialogue changes.
She took out her travel bag and started to rummage through a cabinet.
Meanwhile, I sat on the bed and started to gather my thoughts.
Do you have any plans for after the camp? What are you going to do?
Well, you know...
She raised her eyes to mine and gave me a smile.
I'll go back to school.
Ah... Yeah...
And you?
~ What about me? It's not like I'm really considering going to high school for a second time... ~
Me? Well, me too, I guess. Although... I don't really feel like going back to my city.
~ Seriously speaking, even I felt like going back, I had nowhere to go anyway. ~
Why?
Just because... Because there is nothing to do there. Nothing at all. And there's no one waiting for me there.
But your parents?
My parents... Well, you know... they are not there now.
But where are they then?
They're sort of... working abroad.
Ah, so you're one lucky guy!
She smiled merrily.
Why?
They send you foreign stuff and all.
~ I wouldn't call my situation lucky as such. ~
Well, anyway...
Don't be upset!
~ She really looks like she doesn't understand what I'm saying. ~
I'm not upset about it.
And it was true.
Then what's up?
Many things...
For example?
Well, for example...
I was about to begin a vast outburst about my situation and my wish not to have to part with Slavya, when the door was flung open with a bang and Zhenya entered.
Yes, we're packing.
I see... It's a good thing I didn't come ten minutes later, or I would have disturbed your... 'packing'.
Slavya blushed and kept on stuffing her things inside the bag anxiously.
What's up, heroic loverboy?
That form of address gave me the creeps.
What?
Nothing...
She stared at me intently for some time.
Watch it! Now more than just yourself depends on your choices.
I didn't reply and with those words Zhenya left the cabin.
What did she mean?
I think you can never know for sure.
And yet...
Well ... I wanted to talk to you about it myself.
~ I was able to start, but then... ~
About what?
Slavya looked at me carefully.
It's just, today we're leaving, right?
Right.
And we will move back to our cities.
Well, yeah.
And when will I see you again?
Slavya grew thoughtful.
I don't know...
And I don't know either.
But you could write me letters!
She smiled, but her smile didn't bring me peace of mind.
Yes, of course, but you know, that's not the same.
What is it then?
Can I go with you?
I decided to take a chance and speak plainly.
And what will you do there?
Slavya seemed to not be surprised, but a bit vexed.
Studying, my parents... And what will people say?
I wasn't thinking about the opinions of other people. And to be honest, they didn't worry me much.
Well, we can always find a way!
What way?
We'll think of something!
Semyon, we are too young for this...
~ In fact, I'm not. ~
So what?
Maybe after some time...
How much time do you need? A year? Two years? Five?
You say it as if... I don't know...
She seemed confused.
So everything that happened here was just a holiday romance?
I started getting angry.
No! Of course not! Just...
What?
I'm not ready to discuss it right now. Let's talk about it later.
When later? We have only a couple hours left till departure.
Slavya said nothing and continued to pack her things.
I'd expected almost any kind of reaction from her, but not this.
In fact, she just pushed me away.
~ It turns out she doesn't need to continue our relationship. So, I'm not that important to her. ~
It seems to me that it's hard for you too. But for some reason you don't think so.
And what if I told you that I don't have a place to go back to, that since last Monday there is no more life for me and I have to start from scratch?
I don’t know... That doesn't sound very reasonable.
And it shouldn't! But it's true.
And then what... Please, explain.
I came to this camp by accident! Actually, I'm from another time, perhaps from another world. From the beginning of the 21st century. And I'm older than I seem.
I don't really know how I got here.
Slavya stared at me, but said nothing.
The moments dragged on endlessly.
I waited for her to laugh at me, to call me sick, or something even worse.
And why are you telling me all this?
She finally asked quietly.
I want you to understand my situation.
But it... It just sounds stupid.
Of course! If I were you, I would react the same way.
And what do you expect from me?
I don't know... I just felt that I needed to confess.
I’m not saying that you're lying and I don't think you're crazy, but you have to understand, I can't just accept it.
Yes, I understand... I just thought that it would help you to understand my situation and my motivation for my actions.
It didn't, to be honest.
I sighed in frustration.
And my opinion hasn't changed.
But...
You'd better be off, you need to pack your stuff or you'll be late.
There's...
Let's talk later.
I wasn't going to argue.
~ If Slavya hasn't changed her mind after my confession then it's pointless to press on right now. ~
The camp leader stood at the doorstep and looked like she was waiting for me.
No, nothing. Just came to pack my things.
Oh, come on, let it out. You might feel better.
Well... How do you think I can prove that I'm telling the truth to somebody who doesn't believe me?
Are you absolutely sure that you're telling the truth?
Absolutely!
Then perhaps they might just need time to consider.
Except there's no time left.
Then I don't know.
She shrugged her shoulders in dismay.
Well, it's something at least.
I tossed my winter clothing into a bag and headed to the bus stop.
But right now I wasn't in the mood to rejoice.
There was still plenty of time left until the bus departure time.
I sat down on the kerb and buried my head in hands.
A familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
Just...
Had a fight with Slavya?
You could say that.
And what's the reason?
She doesn't believe that I'm an alien from the future.
I smiled ironically.
I wouldn’t believe it either.
Said Lena seriously.
If I were in your shoes, neither would I.
It's not a big deal, you’ll make up from a quarrel!
Yeah, but there's not much time left to...
Left to what?
To make the right choice...
...
You're leaving our camp today and I'd like to tell you something in parting.
She was visibly nervous and desperately lost for words.
I hope that you'll remember the time you've spent here for a lifetime and that you'll retain only pleasant memories about Sovyonok.
I also hope that you became at least a little bit better, managed to learn something and found new friends...
Just... come back next year.
The camp leader turned away. It seems she was trying to hold back her tears
I didn't expect her to get so emotional.
Although her speech sounded like a complete nonsense to me. As usual.
~ Of course, this is where I met Slavya. But now we were going through a tough time. And what will happen next is absolutely unclear. ~
So I didn't care about whether I'll miss this place and Olga Dmitrievna or not. Unlikely...
When the pioneers started to get on the bus, I pushed through the crowd to Slavya.
Okay.
She said quietly.
I even thought that I saw the shadow of a smile on her face.
I felt as familiar with all this as if it was my own homeland.
Anyway, the surroundings were the least of my concerns now – I was trying hard to find the right words to start a conversation.
We'd just been sitting there, probably for a couple of hours. But all attempts to strike up a conversation had ended with one-word answers.
I understand.
She looked at me carefully.
Even if I sometimes act the wrong way and talk nonsense... Regardless, the main thing for me now is to be with you! And it always will be. I understand that I acted too recklessly and planned stupid ventures. But we can try to make everything right. Together! You and me!
Slavya was still gazing at me.
Do you realise that it will be difficult? That you can’t just run blindly into the dark? Because then there will be so many problems that we won't be able to solve.
Yes, I understand that now! But for you, I am prepared for anything.
She didn't say a word but just kissed me gently and put her head on my shoulder.
It definitely meant 'yes'!
I didn't want to bother her anymore – let her sleep.
The point is that Slavya finally understood me, understood what she means to me. She realised that I'll do anything for the her sake.
And even if I'm overreacting or deciding too early, she's ready to put me on the right path.The path that we'll walk together!
...
Night started to claim its rights and the bus settled down to sleep.
At first I tried to fight it, but is there any use in enduring and wasting my efforts when the future had finally become crystal clear for me?
This brings back memories...
I sat down and rummaged in my pockets, trying to find cigarettes. However the packet was empty.
Fine...
I crumpled it up and threw it into the bin.
Maybe I'll get healthier!
A lonely star was shining in the sky.
Today I read on the internet that, according to the calculations of scientists, one of the most beautiful astronomical events has already ceased to exist and we'll see it only decades later.
Maybe this star has already exploded as well and now it is only a beautiful image in the night sky? Somewhere near a lost planet on the edge of the galaxy.
However, why does one or another thing exist?
Is it simply because it's just there, has shape and can be touched?
Or is it because we believe that it exists?
At first thought the answer is simple. But on the other hand...
Even if this star is gone we can still see its cold light.
Maybe it helped someone to get out of a snowy winter forest, gave someone hope, or a bit of warmth to someone else.
Could a simple astronomical object, that exploded God knows when, do all this? Can billions of people believe in something that doesn't really exist?
But belief itself never made any object real. At least none that I've ever heard of.
...
The snowfall grew stronger, now it was a real snowstorm. Midnight.
Will my carriage turn into a pumpkin in few moments?
Maybe the return from Sovyonok is the end of my own version of the 'Cinderella' tale?
Even so, is it really a bad end?
Why, any tale contains at least a bit of truth.
I remembered Slavya, stood up, shook off the snow and went slowly into the night.
I felt no sorrow, had no regrets.
Maybe all this is just another episode of that tale, that warming dream, which I wanted so much to continue.
Why can't it repeat, if it happened once already?
And what if I meet Slavya in reality...?
She stood with her back to me so I couldn't make out her face.
Excuse me, has the last bus already left?
She asked without turning to me.
Where can she be heading to so late?
The 410 must be the most cursed route in this city.
Not only does it sometimes takes people away to another reality, but it can’t even arrive when you want it to.
There is one more bus coming, just after midnight, I think.
Thank you.
The smile was clear in her voice.
For some time I just sat silently, examining the girl.
Finally she spoke:
Where are you going so late?
Is it really that interesting for her?
Just having a walk...
I answered thoughtfully.
And you... are you here for something important?
Well, not really... Just going home.
Where do you live?
I couldn't help asking.
Far away...
She said vaguely.
And I live nearby.
It's a good area.
I would say there couldn’t be a worse one.
I didn’t have too many options...
You don't like it?
Don't know, I got used to it by now.
I think that people can be happy anywhere they want!
Perhaps...
Well, think of it! People live even at the North Pole... in stations, I mean. And in the Sahara desert! And in many other places. It's the people themselves that are the most important!
It's difficult to disagree with you.
My comment sounded so philosophical that I unconsciously smiled.
You don’t sound too honest to me.
Now why would you say that, madam?
She laughed quietly.
I think you're a good person!
Now she turned and...
Slavya stood in front of me.
For a moment I lost the ability to speak, but just for a moment.
Of course it could just be a girl who looks like Slavya from my dream. Or am I experiencing the strongest deja vu...
This city is not a pioneer camp, I am not wearing a uniform, and it's not summer now.
Trying to convince myself that it's just an illusion, I decided to ask a question.
Have we met before?
She carefully inspected me and smiled.
I don't think so... but your face seems familiar.
You... had you ever been to a pioneer camp as a kid.
Of course not!
She laughed.
When I was born, they'd already been disbanded.
Oh, right...
Although... I had a dream recently...
She thought for a second.
Me too. I mean, about the pioneer camp.
Maybe that is where we've met.
The girl said seriously.
Possibly.
By the way, my name is Slavya. Actually, my full name is Slavyana but everyone calls me Slavya. You can do that too!
I was about to tell her that I know, but then I stopped short.
After all, is it that important to know why Slavya from my dream is standing right here, right now in front of me at this frozen stop of the charmed bus number 410?
After all, there are dreams that you don’t want to wake up from!
And mine is Semyon...
What a lovely name.
Starts with an 'S' too.
Yeah.
So, you live far away, don't you?
Well, not really...
She named the district.
I thought it would be somewhere in the south.
Why?
Don't know... Maybe because you look like a pioneer.
Oh you and your pioneers!
Slavya laughed.
Maybe we wouldn’t ever meet if not for them.
Why?
Her expression became serious.
Just... a joke... Listen, do you agree that the world exists because we believe in it?
That's like some kind of subjective idealism...
Slavya thought for a bit.
This school of philosophy became close to me recently.
Well, I don't know... I am not that good with these subjects.
What are your subjects then?
She smiled.
Different ones.
No doubt!
But it’s just been few minutes since we met!
But seems like it’s been much longer.
For some reason I've got the same feeling...
An awkward pause followed.
The snowfall has eased but there was still no bus.
I looked at my watch and assumed that it won't arrive at all.
Slavya seemed to feel even colder by now, as her cheeks grew more red and her hands were now moving frenetically, trying to warm her body.
Seems like the 410 bus is done for today.
I guess...
She said sadly.
If you want...
I started, after pulling myself together.
What?
You can stay at my place...
But we've just met.
She laughed.
She didn't seem frightened even a tiny bit.
Yes, I understand, but it's so cold outside...
Aren't you afraid?
Slavya looked at me playfully.
Me? Should I be?
Who knows... Who knows...
I just suggested it, don't think anything of that sort...
I started to make excuses.
I understand!
She laughed.
If you don't mind, of course...
Even though it seemed impossible, she flushed even more.
Should we go?
Let's wait a bit longer, maybe it will arrive.
Okay.
...
So what do you do in your spare time?
Slavya asked after a while.
I... well... Work at home, kinda.
I just couldn’t tell her that I do 'nothing'.
Sounds good!
Why?
Don't know... You have a lot of free time, you don't have to go anywhere! And so on...
And you?
I asked, trying to change the subject somehow.
I'm studying.
Getting an ethnographer's degree?
What is that?
Slavya asked seriously.
Never mind...
I'll be an ecologist.
Well, a career to be proud of...
We chatted about random things and the bus was still nowhere to be seen.
It was past one already. Time passed by so fast.
I guess Slavya understood my thoughts.
Shall we go?
She smiled.
I stood up and headed slowly towards my house.
She carefully held onto my arm and looked into my eyes.
You know, I'm sure that this year will be better than the previous one!
Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.
She took out her travel bag and started to rummage through a cabinet.
Meanwhile, I sat on the bed and started to gather my thoughts.
She raised her eyes to mine and gave me a smile.
~ What about me? It's not like I'm really considering going to high school for a second time... ~
~ Seriously speaking, even I felt like going back, I had nowhere to go anyway. ~
She smiled merrily.
~ I wouldn't call my situation lucky as such. ~
~ She really looks like she doesn't understand what I'm saying. ~
And it was true.
I was about to begin a vast outburst about my situation and my wish not to have to part with Slavya, when the door was flung open with a bang and Zhenya entered.
Slavya blushed and kept on stuffing her things inside the bag anxiously.
That form of address gave me the creeps.
She stared at me intently for some time.
I didn't reply and with those words Zhenya left the cabin.
~ I was able to start, but then... ~
Slavya looked at me carefully.
Slavya grew thoughtful.
She smiled, but her smile didn't bring me peace of mind.
I decided to take a chance and speak plainly.
Slavya seemed to not be surprised, but a bit vexed.
I wasn't thinking about the opinions of other people. And to be honest, they didn't worry me much.
~ In fact, I'm not. ~
She seemed confused.
I started getting angry.
Slavya said nothing and continued to pack her things.
I'd expected almost any kind of reaction from her, but not this.
In fact, she just pushed me away.
~ It turns out she doesn't need to continue our relationship. So, I'm not that important to her. ~
Slavya stared at me, but said nothing.
The moments dragged on endlessly.
I waited for her to laugh at me, to call me sick, or something even worse.
She finally asked quietly.
I sighed in frustration.
I wasn't going to argue.
~ If Slavya hasn't changed her mind after my confession then it's pointless to press on right now. ~
The camp leader stood at the doorstep and looked like she was waiting for me.
She shrugged her shoulders in dismay.
I tossed my winter clothing into a bag and headed to the bus stop.
But right now I wasn't in the mood to rejoice.
There was still plenty of time left until the bus departure time.
I sat down on the kerb and buried my head in hands.
A familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I smiled ironically.
Said Lena seriously.
...
She was visibly nervous and desperately lost for words.
The camp leader turned away. It seems she was trying to hold back her tears
I didn't expect her to get so emotional.
Although her speech sounded like a complete nonsense to me. As usual.
~ Of course, this is where I met Slavya. But now we were going through a tough time. And what will happen next is absolutely unclear. ~
So I didn't care about whether I'll miss this place and Olga Dmitrievna or not. Unlikely...
When the pioneers started to get on the bus, I pushed through the crowd to Slavya.
She said quietly.
I even thought that I saw the shadow of a smile on her face.
I felt as familiar with all this as if it was my own homeland.
Anyway, the surroundings were the least of my concerns now – I was trying hard to find the right words to start a conversation.
We'd just been sitting there, probably for a couple of hours. But all attempts to strike up a conversation had ended with one-word answers.
She looked at me carefully.
Slavya was still gazing at me.
She didn't say a word but just kissed me gently and put her head on my shoulder.
It definitely meant 'yes'!
I didn't want to bother her anymore – let her sleep.
The point is that Slavya finally understood me, understood what she means to me. She realised that I'll do anything for the her sake.
And even if I'm overreacting or deciding too early, she's ready to put me on the right path.The path that we'll walk together!
...
Night started to claim its rights and the bus settled down to sleep.
At first I tried to fight it, but is there any use in enduring and wasting my efforts when the future had finally become crystal clear for me?
I sat down and rummaged in my pockets, trying to find cigarettes. However the packet was empty.
I crumpled it up and threw it into the bin.
A lonely star was shining in the sky.
Today I read on the internet that, according to the calculations of scientists, one of the most beautiful astronomical events has already ceased to exist and we'll see it only decades later.
Maybe this star has already exploded as well and now it is only a beautiful image in the night sky? Somewhere near a lost planet on the edge of the galaxy.
However, why does one or another thing exist?
Is it simply because it's just there, has shape and can be touched?
Or is it because we believe that it exists?
At first thought the answer is simple. But on the other hand...
Even if this star is gone we can still see its cold light.
Maybe it helped someone to get out of a snowy winter forest, gave someone hope, or a bit of warmth to someone else.
Could a simple astronomical object, that exploded God knows when, do all this? Can billions of people believe in something that doesn't really exist?
But belief itself never made any object real. At least none that I've ever heard of.
...
The snowfall grew stronger, now it was a real snowstorm. Midnight.
Will my carriage turn into a pumpkin in few moments?
Maybe the return from Sovyonok is the end of my own version of the 'Cinderella' tale?
Even so, is it really a bad end?
Why, any tale contains at least a bit of truth.
I remembered Slavya, stood up, shook off the snow and went slowly into the night.
I felt no sorrow, had no regrets.
Maybe all this is just another episode of that tale, that warming dream, which I wanted so much to continue.
Why can't it repeat, if it happened once already?
And what if I meet Slavya in reality...?
She stood with her back to me so I couldn't make out her face.
She asked without turning to me.
Where can she be heading to so late?
The 410 must be the most cursed route in this city.
Not only does it sometimes takes people away to another reality, but it can’t even arrive when you want it to.
The smile was clear in her voice.
For some time I just sat silently, examining the girl.
Finally she spoke:
Is it really that interesting for her?
I answered thoughtfully.
I couldn't help asking.
She said vaguely.
I would say there couldn’t be a worse one.
My comment sounded so philosophical that I unconsciously smiled.
She laughed quietly.
Now she turned and...
Slavya stood in front of me.
For a moment I lost the ability to speak, but just for a moment.
Of course it could just be a girl who looks like Slavya from my dream. Or am I experiencing the strongest deja vu...
This city is not a pioneer camp, I am not wearing a uniform, and it's not summer now.
Trying to convince myself that it's just an illusion, I decided to ask a question.
She carefully inspected me and smiled.
She laughed.
Oh, right...
She thought for a second.
The girl said seriously.
I was about to tell her that I know, but then I stopped short.
After all, is it that important to know why Slavya from my dream is standing right here, right now in front of me at this frozen stop of the charmed bus number 410?
After all, there are dreams that you don’t want to wake up from!
She named the district.
Slavya laughed.
Her expression became serious.
Slavya thought for a bit.
She smiled.
An awkward pause followed.
The snowfall has eased but there was still no bus.
I looked at my watch and assumed that it won't arrive at all.
Slavya seemed to feel even colder by now, as her cheeks grew more red and her hands were now moving frenetically, trying to warm her body.
She said sadly.
I started, after pulling myself together.
She laughed.
She didn't seem frightened even a tiny bit.
Slavya looked at me playfully.
I started to make excuses.
She laughed.
Even though it seemed impossible, she flushed even more.
...
Slavya asked after a while.
I just couldn’t tell her that I do 'nothing'.
I asked, trying to change the subject somehow.
Slavya asked seriously.
We chatted about random things and the bus was still nowhere to be seen.
It was past one already. Time passed by so fast.
I guess Slavya understood my thoughts.
She smiled.
I stood up and headed slowly towards my house.
She carefully held onto my arm and looked into my eyes.
Every story has its own outline, synopsis, contents, key points, a prologue and an epilogue.
And there is no book, which would not reveal the things you didn't pay attention to previously after you read it again.
Every story has its beginning and its end.