I returned to my room and fell into bed, feverishly thinking about Martin's words, which were playing in my head like a broken record.

"Going along with someone else, even if you love them."

That will never happen to me. I swear to myself. Falling so low may be for others, but not for me.

***

– How about a karaoke bar?

– Don't be ridiculous.

– I go there all the time.

– Oh, my gods, Martin, you can't even sing.

– You don't know anything about music.

– I think the only one in our family who can sing is Misha.

– And me.

– You love yourself too much.

– Come on. Sing something.

– No, I can't.

– That's it, no more objections and no more refusals.

– Get off me already!

– Are you afraid of the audience?

Martin was totally messing with me. Karaoke bar! Sing! I can't even remember the last time I listened to music and he's asking me to sing! Hmm. The last time I sang was when I was seven, for my grandparents. A Christmas carol.

– I'm not afraid of anything! But you can't take me at my word! We're not children, and I won't fall for that! – I mockingly answered Martin's question.

– That's what they all say. You coward! – Martin put his arm round my shoulders and dragged me along the crowded street, through the evening lights, into some creepy semi-basement. We stopped in front of a black iron door.

– It's a good thing you're dressed up today, or they would have sent you home to your parents," my brother said jokingly.

– Ha-ha-ha! – I faked a laugh.

But he was right. Tonight I was wearing full evening make-up, a dress, heels and a black leather jacket.

– I'll be singing and you'll be jealous. – Martin pressed the round bell located on the yellow wall, and eight seconds later the door opened. A middle-aged woman appeared on the doorstep. With tunnels in her ears, long blue hair and shaved temples.

– There's our star! Hai, Martin! – She said hello in a rough, smoky voice.

Martin winked at her.

– Damn, you're gorgeous as always! – Martin also greeted her.

– Who's that with you? – The woman looked at me curiously.

– This is my sister, Grue. She'll be rocking out tonight. – Martin clapped her on the shoulder like some kind of man.

What a familiarity with mortals!

– Baby, do you have your id or passport with you? – I was approached by this "friend" of Martin. – That's a swell sister you've got there, Martin.

– Oh, gods," I whispered mockingly, and then coughed softly. – I'd love to show you my passport, but your star didn't tell me I might need it.

– Sorry, it slipped my mind," Martin told me. – 'I've been here so often, I haven't been checked in a while. – Grue," he turned to his 'friend', "She's been an adult for a while now.

– I hear that two hundred times every day. Baby, how old are you?

– Twenty-five," I answered. – Honestly.

– 'Grue, I wouldn't lie to you, really,' Martin said insistently. – You know me!

– Well, all right, handsome, just for you. Come on in, baby. – Grue stepped aside, giving us passage inside.

– You're a miracle, Grue. – Martin gave her a peck on the cheek.

– There's no karaoke tonight. We've got a show," Grue shrugged him off.

– Oh, shit! I was looking forward to singing Jackson's "Bad"! Who's playing?

– Moonlight," Grue said, following us.

– They broke up a long time ago… Why didn't anyone even mention they were performing? Grue, I would have hanged myself if I hadn't been at that concert! – Martin exclaimed with fervour.

– Darling, it's your own fault! It's been a long time since you came and did not follow the poster! – laughed Grue.

– The first time I've heard of them, – I told my brother. – What kind of band?