Sergey remembered that he had paid attention during the interview to the address, indicated in her CV, although said nothing about their shared neighborhood.
Sorry, I forgot, he apologized embarrassed, but why arent you at home?
I slammed the door, and then realized that I had left the keys in the flat. The neighbors are asleep, and its still a long way till morning. Im sitting here wondering what to do
Do you live alone?
Natasha nodded. He wanted to ask something else to keep the conversation going, but
When you dont know what to talk about, its better to keep silent, she suddenly said. Listen, how quiet it is! What stars! Were always running and looking down at our feet. And theyre always up there, so beautiful. They are looking at us Theres the brightest one! When I die, will I reach that star?
Yes, you will, surely, but youll become a star in your lifetime! Why dont you ask me how I ended up here?
And why should I know about that?
Sergey opened the door lock with the help of some iron they had found on the road and returned to his home, without even drinking a cup of the kindly offered tea.
See you tomorrow! with bated breath he whispered to Natasha at the door.
And all week they returned from the theatre together, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. They seemed to be on the same wavelength, to communicate the same language and to understand each other perfectly. However, as usual, all of a sudden, something that would have made Sergey glad just a little while ago, happened, and
He entered Natashas flat for the first time.
Im sorry to be uninvited, Sergey said with a heavy exhale.
She didnt seem surprised at all by his appearance and with a gesture invited him into the kitchen. He sat down on a stool and didnt know where to start.
Today I dreamed of my mother, Natasha turned to him first and, as always, in a completely calm voice. She told me to live here and now.
Today, the doctor told me its cancer.
Tea or coffee? Natasha asked still calmly.
Coffee.
She was standing by the stove with her back to him. Sergey came over and put his arm around her.
We all will fly to the stars one day, darling, Natasha said quietly, addressing him as darling for the first time, and added, Theres a great mystery in it, that youll discover soon.
Its funny! My wife started screaming, my friends began to feel pity. You are the only one If you only knew
I know
I would like the rest of my time Well, it was hard for Sergey to speak, and he thought, God, how much of the precious time we waste in life on all sorts of nonsense!
Natasha held out a cup of coffee.
I promise you that since tomorrow, she said slowly and clearly, as an oath, all the following days will be the best of your life!
Sergey took a sip of coffee and smiled. It was a childish smile. Open. Kind-hearted. Happy
At that moment Natashas phone rang. A friend was leaving for a business trip and asked to shelter her black cat for a couple of days.
Cats are great! Especially black ones! As long as they dont cross your path! Okay, honey, I have to go, Sergey winked at Natasha, putting the cup on the table. And already at the door he stopped and asked again with hope in his voice, So, see you tomorrow?
See you tomorrow! she nodded and smiled.
Sergey left, singing some childrens song. He suddenly felt completely happy for the first time.
They never saw each other again.
That night he was hit to death by a car while crossing the road on his way home
February 11, 19942. A white dance Ladies Choice
Ivan invited Inessa to a cafe. He was the CEO of a famous company, and she was just a fifth-year student, though, of one of the best universities in their country.
Im sorry, but I dont believe you! Ivan ended their conversation categorically. Maybe in five or ten years
And what then, in five or ten years?
He shrugged his shoulders.
Well, okay! she grinned. Ill become CEO as well, to prove to you that Im not about your money. And then, if you want to, you will find me yourself
And in a bright red dress, so beautiful, daring, young, Inessa left him.
***
There were the same snow and a grey, hopeless sky outside the window. It was very cold, although on TV they had promised a sharp warming. Ivan was out of any mood. That happened when the Sun wasnt visible at all, and life had made no pleasant surprise for a long time.
As usual, being late for work, Ivan started the car, drove through the archway to the exit to the embankment and turned on the signals, waiting for an opportunity to squeeze into the continuous flow. Yawning, he habitually glanced at the billboard and couldnt believe his eyes!
Ivan got out of the car, forgetting to turn off the signals, took out cigarettes and lit up one, staring at the poster I LOVE YOU! on the billboard. Just that inscription and the familiar face of the girl in a bright red dress! He looked at her, and five years flashed before him in the blink of an eye. Ivan had turned gray and was no longer the CEO of either that famous or any other company, meanwhile Inessa had blossomed