Остров Харона. The Island of Charon. Премия им. А. де Сент-Экзюпери / A. de Saint-Exupery Award (Билингва: Rus / Eng)

What did it cost him to admit that he existed in my life? In general, we must face the truth, that was not at all the relationship that could bring happiness, should be dreamed of and / or envied.

We quarreled in all these years only twice. Not even quarreled. I took offense. The first time I didn’t like his cynical words about… Or rather, the tone of expressing his opinion. I agreed with him, of course, Michael as always was absolutely right, but I disliked the way he said what he said… However, after a couple of days, Michael realized the reason of my bad mood, came into my office and asked to forgive him.

How many people asked your forgiveness for the tone of expressing their opinion?

The second time he persistently asked me the reason of the offense for two days in a row just before my departure to Ammouliani. I even sent him a joking threat, «I’ll write a novel about you!»

And I received a letter as the answer of not a boy, but a man.

«No-no-no, this is not a novel, and not even a story, and not an episode, but just a moment in life of two adult self-sufficient people, who simply misunderstood each other.

Sorry, I did wrong when I disappeared without explanation. I had a black streak, problems with money and in general… But as soon as life began to improve, I allowed myself to approach you again.»

And that «I allowed myself to approach you…» was imprinted in me once and forever, instantly connecting kilometers of memories into a single whole picture.

«I don’t even know how else to surprise you!»

«Oh my God, I am already a grandfather!»

«I’ve lost some kilograms! Now I’m like a boy!»

I smiled…

«Listen,» I responded quite seriously, «you don’t have to be a superhero! If you have no money to rent the whole five-stars hotel for us, we can just walk around the city. If you become impotent, pat my head, and I’ll be pleased. Life is too short to waste time getting hung up on its loosing streak!»

Someone pulled my hand.

Half asleep, lying on the snow-white sand, I opened my eyes and cried out in fright. Instead of the usual Sky, before my eyes appeared a grubby face of… the very same Boy!

He was laughing.

«Lantern! LANTERN!!!» he shouted the cherished word, running away from the shore towards the village.

I got up, sighed and looked at the Ocean…

Water… all around… water…

«The Ocean comes here silently…»

4.2.