My boots were found in the same place where I had left them. At least some joy on the first day of the new year.

There was no one at home, and this also pleased me. After taking a shower, I lay down and fell asleep, having slept until the morning, I didn’t even hear how my parents returned.

And the next day was a day of gifts and surprises. In addition to the dress, my parents put under the Christmas tree a beautifully packaged set of silver jewelry. The earrings and pendant chain were stunningly beautiful. I was so happy that I didn’t even think about Ignatov and his...