“Don't tell Vlad anything,” reminded Valeria. “Otherwise, we’ll go down together.”

Sasha nodded and started the SUV.

*****

It was getting light. Valeria watched the sky tiredly, sitting in a wicker chair on the terrace.

She got up and returned to the living room. A quarrel with Vlad, an agreement with the Old Man and surging memories of Nick. Everything covered and bit by bit ate away strength. Therefore, Lera fell on the sofa and opened a new bottle of beer. Turned on the next movie. She put a salad bowl with chips next to her and began to restore calm.

The bottle was soon empty.

Lulled by events and...