perhaps you weren't interested in all these revolutionary circles at all. Why this pampering? As if a bunch of seven people could turn the world upside down. Rather, you attended these meetings because of Erkel. the youngest and most devoted to the revolution guy, he seemed like a child. blond hair and blue eyes with an eternal joyful sparkle made him look even younger, and you sometimes asked yourself if he was fifteen. at first, he shunned everyone in the revolutionary circle, only quietly scribbled something in his notebook, but then he became bolder and began to sit even closer to Pyotr Verkhovensky, looking at him with his enthusiastic eyes. this poor lieutenant was not brainwashed, no, he himself was glad to be deceived, as if this revolution gave him the strength to live. the idea of a coup was like a bird of happiness, a sign of hope for a bright future...

yes, they dealt with Shatov. Yes, Stavrogin followed that filthy proletarian. So what? Have these crimes been able to turn the world upside down? It was obvious that there wasn't. of course, Erkel enthusiastically helped Verkhovensky with everything he asked, but... in the end, the lieutenant realized that all this was just for Pyotr's benefit.

he realized this when he said goodbye to Verkhovensky. this sneaky coward was leaving for Switzerland, still smiling slyly and reassuring the blond man in the greatcoat with promises about the reconstruction of the world. but then, a short "goodbye" and Pyotr sped off into the distance. There's nothing else left. Just Erkel, the quiet road, and you, peeking at the whole scene from behind.

— Am I upset?.. a little bit. But I can handle it, honestly. It's been worse. — He smiled sadly, tugging at the sleeves of his green greatcoat. — Maybe some tea will somewhat help?