Suddenly I heard a bright voice.

– But of course! Everything's logical in music. That's the great harmony!

I lifted my eyes. The angel came to me.

– Hello! – She sounded like a tiny bell. – You're studying with me. What's your name?

I stopped for a while before telling her my name.

– Hi. Alexander.

– And your patronymic?

– What for?

– Well, you're older than me, – she smiled.

I moved around on the bench awkwardly and looked at her.

– Alexander Pavlovich.

– Pleased to meet you, Alexander Pavlovich! – She held out her hand, the one that was free from the case. I held out my hand, the one that wasn't holding the sheet. – My name is Sasha.

– Nice to meet you, Sasha. You and I, we're almost the same, huh? But… For how long have you been playing? – I was ready for a hit.

– About nine years.

The hit was juicy.

– I see, – I didn't show I was hurt.

– Conservatory students, go home this instant! – A voice roared next to us. – Someone's got a sore liver!

– Off we go, Iosif Seraphimovich! – Sasha chimed and grabbed her coat and boots.

I followed her example.

It's fresh outside. A bit chilly but my coat is saving me.

I heard hurrying footsteps, then a voice.

– Alexander Pavlovich! – Sasha ran to me. I almost crossed the road without her.

– What's up Sasha? – I turned around.

– Would you like something? It's on me! I know a pastry stand nearby.

I would never forgive myself.

– Of course, let's go. But aren't you sick in the stomach?

– But who told you everything in this life is fair?

I smiled in satisfaction.

We crossed a couple or roads and went to the stand. Sasha paid for two hot buns and gave me one. We began chewing; I've never eaten anythng as disgusting as this bun, but I couldn't even think about throwing it away.

– Alexander Pavlovich, follow me! There's a glade near here, I want to show you something.

Sasha led me to yellow untouched grass through the bushes. First snow melted a bit there, and I could stain my coat if I fell over.

Sasha invited me to lie down. With lack of choice and caution I lied onto the ground.

– Can you see the clouds in the sky? – She pointed up with a free hand.

– We're going to guess what they look like?

– Not at all! You see, – she turned her face to me, not lowering her hand, – there are two big clouds and that small one. What do you think, which ones are we?

I sought words.

– You have a lot of creativity, Sasha. I don't even know.

– Try to figure it out! You're older and wiser than me.

Yeah, right, wiser.

– It seems you're more experienced in music than me, so you are the big cloud. And me, I am that tiny cloud, following you.

She showed her teeth, smiling.

– It's not true! You and I, we're those two big clouds next to each other. Alexander Pavlovich, I want to let you know this: Iosif Seraphimovich loves to scold and hates to praise. And so, – she put her hand upon my shoulder and looked me in the eyes with confidence, – please be aware of this as well: even if he underestimates your potential you have for sure, you have to remember that you're able to do whatever you want to. Wonderful studying years and a shiny place on stage are waiting for us. All you need for that is to practice but what's even more important than that is to believe. There's no life without faith.

A few small teardrops appeared in my eyes. I didn't understand why she decided to share these words with me now, for we don't even know each other. What do I know about her? Her name is similar to mine and she's interested in the same instrument. That moment I felt I was blessed from above.