1985, USSR

the last bell rang and all the kids jumped up from their seats and ran out of the classroom, joyfully exulting: "VACATION!" A crowd of kids filled the warm street with joyful shouts and talk about the upcoming holidays. Some immediately ran home, while others threw their school bags on a bench and ran to fool around with their friends. Will was the first choice.

Byers walked home with a smile, expecting a quiet break from homework, shouting teachers, and blots in spelling class due to treacherous hands, but Joyce met him at the threshold, smiling.

— «Honey, i have a good news!»

she pulled out some paper from behind her back.

— «At work we were given several vouchers to the camp and you got one!» — But before Will could object she added — «You will go there in three days, the shift at the camp will last three weeks»

Will sighed and thanked his mother. This must be fun.

. . .

And so, he stood among the other kids on the line, a little nervous. Soon the counselor would introduce himself to them and they would go to look around. Sure, the camp was so-so, but what could he expect from a free trip? As far as he understood, the counselors didn't care, but that was probably even a plus.

— «I guess it's not that–..» — He didn't have time to finish speaking; someone's voice interrupted him.

— «Hi, are you new here? I'm Mike, let's get acquainted!"

In front of him stood a guy a head taller, with black curls and brown eyes. He was wearing a white shirt, black shorts and a red pioneer tie.