— Well, how did you like it? - I ask Nyuta when we all leave the cinema hall together.

“Yes,” the daughter answers enthusiastically, smiling broadly and taking Kostya by the hand, but as if this is a trifling matter for her. Swallowing, I look at him, but he does not notice. It moves on, so calmly that I arrive in a slight stupor. I even stop, lagging behind a couple. I spent the whole day today, as if on pins and needles, waiting for a meeting. She was afraid that Nyutka would rear up, would not accept Kostya, and they were out there, doves sang.

“Maam,” Anya yells, “why...