Vlads sister was torn between work and doctors, and Vlad felt the need to have a serious talk with his nephew. He didnt ask direct questions, fearing to push the boy into lying and causing pain for both of them. Instead, he simply asked Dima to listen.
You see, theres nothing unusual about your desire to leave. Thousands of people dream about it, many have tried and ended up in penal colonies, and only a few have succeeded. And theres no guarantee that youll be one of them. My advice to you is not to freak out! Youll completely ruin your life.
It seems like its not really my life at all, Dima replied wistfully.
None of us here are living our own lives. Learn to accept reality.
So, what can I do? Dima whispered.
Just live. Dont take unnecessary risks and live with your dream. Without dreams, all you have is crap. Go to the army, and well think of something. There are legal ways to leave. You could marry a Jew and then apply for a permit to emigrate to Israel, Vlad said, but his words lacked conviction, and Dima didnt pay much attention. At eighteen, two years in the army felt like an eternity.