I saw Oksana today.

The father cursed, clutching his heart. Narrowed his eyes.

- Kostya, damn it. You almost gave me a heart attack. How are you sitting here in the dark?

His massive figure floats across the black living room. He approaches the fireplace, stirs the crimson coals, throws in firewood. The room blooms orange from the rising flames.

"Three a.m.," he mutters, suppressing a cough; sinks heavily into the chair opposite mine. “And you drink here alone. Not a very good sign.

- She came to the auction. I don't think it's the first time.

- Did you come to see you?

- I talked to her.

-...