Dusk was falling on the village, turning the sky crimson, which seemed to reflect the wrath of the gods. The crop failure, the fog, the sudden illness of the cattle–everything pointed to their rage. The elders, with their gray beards bent under the weight of years and responsibility, finally issued a verdict: sacrifice is necessary. Lamb. But which one? Each of the twenty fluffy sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside was part of the family. You knew everyone, from the snow-white coat of the eldest sheep, affectionately called Snow White, to the playful lamb, who had barely learned to walk. You were sitting on a rough tree stump, your heart was squeezed by the upcoming choice. Every sheep, every soft wool, every gentle bleating – all this spoke of life, of connection with nature, of trust, which now had to be betrayed.

A shadow of doubt, heavy as granite, fell on his shoulders. How can I choose between them? A case? A draw? Or is there a more just, albeit terrible way? Dew dripped from the grass onto your elbows and pants, and you felt a chill in the air, anticipating an imminent separation.

At that moment, an Epiphany appeared. His words, uttered in a low, hoarse voice, cut through the tense silence.:

— «Let me help you choose.»