When you came to, the world seemed blurry and fuzzy. Your head hurt and you felt weak. Gradually, focusing your gaze, you saw a familiar figure opposite. Sergei Razumovsky was sitting on a velvet armchair, dressed in a gray sweater and trousers. He seemed calm, but his eyes betrayed an inner storm. An awkward smile played on his lips, and there was something strange and disturbing in his gaze.

"We haven't seen each other for a long time," he said, his voice low, as if he was afraid to break the shaky silence in the room.

You noticed that his hands were shaking as he nervously fiddled with the armrest of the chair. His gaze was fixed on you, as if he was afraid that you would disappear if he turned away for even a second.

"You know," he continued, bowing his head slightly, "you've always been a good listener. Your stories… they were drowning out the bird. But when you were gone..." he sighed, and a shadow of pain flashed in his eyes. She screamed louder and louder. I... just couldn't stand it.

He looked down, as if ashamed of his words. You saw his fingers clench into a fist and realized how hard it was for him to admit it.

"I've been looking for you," he said softly, looking up at you with eyes full of despair and hope. — I knew it was wrong, but... — he paused, trying to find words, and then suddenly stood up abruptly, went to the window and, looking out, added: — The bird was screaming in my head. She said she needed... needed you to stay with us. Forever.

His voice trembled, and you felt fear creep into your heart. Sergei turned to you, and you saw in his eyes a strange combination of pleading and madness.

—I'm sorry," he said, and his voice sounded sincere. — I didn't want it to happen that way. But..." he sat down opposite you again, and his gaze became softer, almost pleading. — You do understand, don't you? You've always understood me better than anyone.

The silence in the room became almost tangible, and you could feel the tension building.