Two Suns. Дмитрий Наринский
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Leonid continued, justifying his decision, «So, everything fell into place swiftly. I had to make a quick decision – the school year was about to begin…»
Olga's heart softened at his sincere explanation, and she sought to change the tone of the conversation, lightening the atmosphere.
«Do you remember how we used to joke about the abbreviation of the name of our institute in Kiev?» she asked with a smile.
Leonid breathed a sigh of relief. «I knew you'd understand. You've always been so perceptive. Good girl!»
He tenderly embraced his beloved once more, and this time, she didn't pull away. Leonids unwavering determination and calm confidence won her over completely and irrevocably. The next day, they married right there in Lazirky, without delay, as if he feared she might change her mind.
There wasn't much to pack: only a few belongings and, of course, her cherished books. They had been a solace to her during the long winter evenings in this remote wilderness. As they arrived at the station in the dark, a blizzard was beginning, likely the last one of the year after the thaw had given way to cold once again.
In a small waiting room, the couple sat together, their happiness apparent in their own unique ways. They were completely alone at this late hour, waiting for a train that was running a little behind schedule. Olga glanced at the wall clock, her nerves starting to show.
«Do you feel anxious?» Leonid asked gently. «Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm sure you'll enjoy life in Moscow.» He observed Olga's excitement, contemplating that she was not just a bride but a soon-to-be wife.
Olga managed a weak smile in response, but Leonid misunderstood her emotions. While he noticed her growing anxiety, he didn't quite grasp the depth of her feelings.
Suddenly, the tranquility of the moment was shattered by heavy footsteps approaching the waiting room. A dense figure emerged in the doorway, and Anton Kravchuk opened his coat to reveal a rifle. Olga cried out in shock, and Mirachevsky stood up slowly, prepared for the unexpected turn of events.
For a moment, the two young men stood facing each other in tense silence. Leonid made a move as if about to say something, but the angered rival aimed his rifle at him. Olga pressed herself harder against the hard bench, fearing the direction of the muzzle.
«Did you think you could do that to me?» Anton's demeanor had transformed from courteous to that of an enraged predator. His heavy breathing, flaring nostrils, and bloodshot eyes gave him an intimidating appearance. The dim lamplight and the lantern outside the window seemed to accentuate this.
«Oh, now I see… Unfortunately, this realization came too late. I should have heeded the warning…» Olga thought to herself.
«You thought you could play games with me?! Let's play then…» The miller cocked the rifle. Apparently, this was the very weapon that had eluded the police.
Having survived the nightmares of the Civil War, Olga was all too familiar with how such situations often ended. This terrifying scene felt real, not like a bad dream.
«You don't like losing, do you?» Leonid's voice sounded distant to Olga.
«I have the final say!» Anton threatened once more, the muzzle of the rifle still menacingly close.
«This is no game!» Mirachevsky advanced a step, now resembling a beast ready to pounce.
«I'll shoot you!»
«She never promised you anything! Did she? She didn't make any commitments?» Leonid could sense Anton's hesitation and tried to take another step.
«Stop! I'll kill you regardless!»
«Come on!» The student locked eyes with his rival, showing no fear.
The sturdy country boy never expected the city slicker to be so stubborn. «He's not afraid!» In one swift leap, Leonid lunged at Anton, knocking the rifle out of his hand and sending him to the floor.
A sleepy station duty officer emerged from a side door, seemingly indifferent to the tense situation.
«Your train is arriving, folks. Hurry up.»
He finally noticed the scene on the floor and quickly pulled out a whistle from his pocket. Olga regained her composure and cried out:
«Help! Anton is going to kill him!»
The on-duty officer let out a shrill whistle and hurried to separate the boys. The girl quickly picked up the shotgun and sought refuge behind a nearby column.
From the adjacent station house, where the line department was located, a policeman came running. The other duty officer had just managed to drag Anton Kravchuk away. He immediately turned his attention to Leonid and proceeded to apprehend him.
«It wasn't his fault!» Olga exclaimed as she jumped to her feet. «He was defending himself!»
The policeman hesitated for a moment, then cautiously reached for his holster with his free hand. Before him stood an agitated girl, holding a sawed-off shotgun!
«Peter!» The duty officer wanted to intervene, but he couldn't approach the struggling Kravchuk. He held the boy more firmly, urging him to calm down.
«It has nothing to do with the girl, Peter!»
At that moment, Leonid realized that the current threat to his wife came from the policeman. He struggled to break free from the officer's grip but found himself back in the strong hands of the law.
«Come on, Miron, let's take them both to the station. And you,» the policeman observed that the young lady was not a threat, «hand over your rifle and come with us. We'll sort this out there.»
«Old man, you're quite something!» Leonid, surprised by the officer's sudden trust, tried to catch his breath.
«I served in the navy, in Kronstadt,» the «old man» revealed himself to be a young man. He added approvingly, «And you, young student, are not half bad. I didn't expect this!»
«We still need to find out what kind of student he is,» the policeman grumbled, roughly nudging Mirachevsky forward with the seized shotgun.
Anton had clearly calmed down, his anger subsiding, and he appeared visibly subdued.
At the station, Peter seated the miller down and directed Leonid into a holding cell. He simply nodded casually at a chair in the opposite corner to Olga.
«I have to go,» the duty officer said hurriedly, «the train is about to arrive.»
«Wait. Mr. Pavlenko will be back soon, and then you can leave. Trains are always late, it's nothing new.»
He sat down at the table and unfolded a piece of paper. However, he hesitated to draft a report. «He's illiterate and inexperienced.» The teacher thought right СКАЧАТЬ