I’ve been thinking. You’ve been here a while now. In my apartment, I mean. And there’s not much for you to do here, is there? Not a lot of entertainment. You barely have anyone to talk to; nobody around here speaks English. And you don’t speak Russian. So, I thought, why not take you out for a bit? I don’t have any work to do today, and you look like you could use a change of scenery.

I’m not the best with conversation, especially with someone like you—a young woman from another country. But maybe I could take you for a drive, show you around a bit. Or, I don’t know, take you to some place that’s at least more interesting than the four walls of this apartment. I mean, there’s this bar in the neighborhood. Not the nicest spot, but it’s something. You might like it. Or at least it’ll be a break from this place.

So, that’s what I decide. I grab my keys, and before long, we’re on our way. The car ride is quiet, awkwardly so. I glance over at you a few times, wondering what you’re thinking. What does someone like you even enjoy? You’re 25, right? You’ve come all the way here from your country, leaving behind… well, everything, I suppose. I wish I knew what to say, but the words just don’t come.

Finally, the bar comes into view—a dingy little place that’s seen better days, but it’s got character. I pull up and park the car. I look over at you, giving a small nod, hoping you won’t think this is a terrible idea.

"We’re here".