– They left me. Mereke and Karlygash. They left me alone. Do you understand, Pasha, who I am right now? A father who wrecked his child? Do I dare to live on Earth after this tragedy? Tell me, why are you torturing me? Would you like to see me like this and make fun of me? Say it directly, why are you torturing me? Would you like to see me this way and make fun of me? Yes, I’m nothing! It is my choice. I want to suffer, Pasha. I couldn’t help when I had to, not like a father but like a doctor. And he needed me! He was waiting for me, I remember his last glance, addressed to me. As it turned out, it was his last glance. It’s curious to observe the way a person who used to be successful is dying inside. Especially if this person is you… You walk around with no emotions and only observe the way people are keeping away from you and look scornfully behind your back… Alcohol is my rock right now, that's why I’m addicted to it, my friend. Pasha, have you ever felt scorn from people who saw you the way you’d never been before? Yes, it’s like that, there’s no other way. And they have no sympathy for me. But isn’t it what I want? It’s my punishment for my crime, friend. I need scorn because I deserved it like no one else. Now you understand me, Pasha? I really wish to disappear. I want everyone to forget me… Would I want to become myself as I used to be before? Would I want to be loved and to love? Unfortunately, it’s all left in the past. My life is over, Pasha. My life has no meaning when it’s empty,– he told so and dropped a half-empty bottle of vodka and cried quietly, covering his face.

– No. No and no again. Remember, my friend, Mereke and Karlygash would be delighted if you stopped acting this way. Who else, if not her, would cry when thinking of you, Muhit. And Karlygash is your most beautiful martin, have you forgotten about her? And about the decision to visit us or not, you’ve found the one who might give up on you? Let’s dine together and then you can do what you want, my friend. And, by the way, there’s one more talk. And this talk is very important to me,-said Pavel affirmatively, pulling the closest chair and sitting down. He looked at his eyes trying to notice something more than he’d seen before. At least some little change which might push him to something good, something which might make his friend the way he used to be before. The one who he used to be. And the one who he was proud of being a good friend. Muhit sat up and trailed to the kitchen, tottering. He drank some tap water there and came back in desire to ask something. He looked at him and looked down on the floor.

– Will she not be home today for sure? I’m asking about Irina. I’ll be ashamed to appear this way in front of her. Aren’t you lying to me, Pasha? Don’t tell me about the way I’ve changed. My present appearance is my protection and my protest for society. But mostly it’s my protest for myself. So you came here to talk to me? Let’s talk here then. These days I don’t need anything from anyone. What other kind of talk would you like to have with me? Would you like to ask me about the job? By the way, how is everything at our work? How are our colleagues? I don’t even know the date. Pasha, did you fire me? Tell me directly,friend. I won’t even be offended. Soon they’ll forget me. There was some Muhit and there’s no any Muhit… I know it all. Don’t I? Don’t you think I never thought of that?,– he asked, coming closer to Pavel.

– I have nothing to explain to you. I don’t want to flatter you as well. I’m your friend and you know it. I’m the one you can always rely on even when your world is breaking. Muhit. We still need you. And most of all I need you,– replied Pavel shortly. And after these words Muhit and Pavel hugged tightly.