Thought and will

      Mikola looked at the young man with secret interest, admiring him with pleasure. No one could stop him from doing it. There was no one in the room where the club meetings were currently taking place. Almost no one, just him, who always stayed up late, and another participant who cleaned up here. Unwittingly, he glanced at him, noticing his beautiful features, although somewhat spoiled by soreness. What a fragile young man, but with talent and a warm heart.       He was sitting in an armchair, gently tapping his fingers on the armrest, trying either to amuse himself or to attract his attention. Watching with interest, he saw his peer turn to him with a mute question in his eyes. Each time this tactic worked flawlessly. Yes, and they were so lonely quite often. There was nothing wrong with that—almost mature men who chat, and sometimes they are silent. But for them, there was something about it that went beyond this society. He patted the chair next to him, inviting him to sit down.       His heart jumped slightly as the quiet young man sat down next to him. He allowed himself to look at it a little more. Amazing, just amazing. And after all, what a talent in such a fragile shell. After a slight hesitation, in a voice no louder than a whisper, he told him: — I'm glad you're not hiding from me. I thought you'd be avoiding me.       Fyodor felt a familiar blush on his cheeks. He often blushed, whether it was due to emotions or a cold. It wasn't always a sign of embarrassment, but now it was the same feeling. He wasn't stupid, he saw those looks. Of course, he was flattered, mostly because he let it happen. Something has changed in him since his trip to different countries. He got a little stronger in health, felt this creative core, saw the world. But that clearly wasn't what had changed in him to such an extent.       Otherwise, he would be afraid of these views at all. But he allows it. And he smiles at him, imperceptibly, but it always sounded almost like an invitation. There wasn't a word about it between them. He was still afraid... Although deep down he accepted it. He whispered softly: — No, it's not. I like your company.       «And your views». This phrase, although not spoken aloud, hung in the air. Mikola felt it.       He wanted to see a world where people were equal. Without divisions, without those who will tell you how to live, without cries of sinfulness. In fact, he has almost conceived a revolution. He has the determination to create a world where every life has its price. And he realized that he would have to sacrifice a lot for this.       But not with the fire of his whole life, which looks at him so trustingly. Only not for them — but only for him this world, as in his dreams. After all, this is the only person who did not turn away after learning about his dream.       Fyodor shuddered, feeling how he was stroked on the head. It wasn't the first time — and his friend Nikolai liked doing it with him — but it was definitely the first time he had experienced such a feeling. — I'll show you the world of my dreams, Fedya... someday it will happen.