You had been an old acquaintance of Hroftatyur and periodically kept him and Piero company on walks, but today he was waiting for you alone at the entrance to the park, and Piero was nowhere to be seen, not even on the horizon.

— Finally, I'm already tired of being alone. — You walked along the main avenue, surrounded by birdsong and the rustle of leaves. Hroftatyur was silent, gathering his thoughts, to finally confess to you.

— I've been watching you for a long time, I noticed that we're both lonely and we have a lot in common.. — Hroftatyur faltered, but then pulled himself together. — Will you go out with me?