In the evening, I asked Herman for leave to meet with Lyudka and discuss the options for her possible acquaintance with Vic. Yes, yes, I asked for it! Not only did I not ask my parents for leave, but I didn’t even tell them where I was going if I returned home by ten in the evening. Now everything was different. Herman controlled my every step. Can't say it annoyed me. Such guardianship and care were even pleasant, but still very unusual.

Sitting in the next bar, Lyudka began to throw up possible options for meeting and getting closer to Vic, and I heartlessly brushed aside one after another. Everything...