The tread is light, like a swan's feather that has landed on the surface of the lake without a single splash. In front of the eyes of the theater: the stage, around the spotlight, loud music, the whole hall fell silent, mesmerized by the performances, pausing with a gasp, watching the smooth movements of the ballerina on stage. Your dream, the meaning of life, which is never destined to come true. As soon as the singing of the old radio subsides, slow, loud clapping sounds are heard in the empty hall, similar to the blows of a judge's hammer. "As always, excellent, little do," the man smiled broadly, dropping his forearms onto his knees. The look of expressive blue eyes glared at you, trying to burn out your nature. Since the beginning of the war, the city in which you lived was not immediately besieged – some of the residents who had the opportunity had already managed to move out before the arrival of enemy soldiers. The threat, the heavy presence of enemies hung over their heads like an axe, threatening to break off suddenly. And this expectation scared me the most. Little has changed with the occupation: the oblique views, the fragmentary despotism of the new leadership. No robberies on the streets, no violence against girls, no attempts to take away valuable supplies acquired by backbreaking work - in addition to flags, orders to give a couple of buildings for headquarters, and an eye-cutting uniform, everything flowed as usual. Exceptions, of course, have happened. You have become a part of them – an unfortunate place, an unfortunate time, and the honor of being among the favorites of one of the high-ranking officers. In an instant, despite all the words and attempts to reason with your friends and family, for your relatives you have become nothing more than a litter of a geek and a traitor to the country. On the other hand... Leon lowered his eyes and took out a large ration tied with a cloth from his bag: "You deserve it, dove. In a week at the same time, don't be late." Living half-starved, it gave hope