I carefully lower my sister onto the bed and cover her with a blanket. Having kissed her on the forehead, I turn away, already about to get up, but suddenly I feel her thin fingers clasping my wrist.

- Andrey... please don't leave... - sister whispers. - I'm scared...

Katya's frightened eyes look at me with such a plea that my heart shrinks from pain for my baby. I get out of bed and pull off my shirt and trousers and throw them on the floor.

- I'm not leaving, Kitten. - with these words, I fall on the bed next to my sister. Katya presses her back against my...