you and boris were sitting on the roof of theo’s house, smoking and drinking. both of your legs were dangling off the edge. boris took a hit of his joint, his shaggy black hair covering his face. you could still see the bruises from his latest beating.

“one day, котенок, i will take you away from here. away from my father, from all…this,” boris said, gesturing around at the surrounding houses with distaste. “i promise you, one day we will go. я клянусь.”