Five

Mikhail was walking home. His thoughts were contradictory. On the one hand, he knew that Kostylev was a traitor, and Osipov’s main task was to neutralize him. But he didn’t seem like a villain. On the contrary, it was as if he had not betrayed his Motherland and did not want the war to start. Hard. Why do I feel sorry for him? Why? Oh, he probably used his power on me and made me believe in his words and sincerity! What a bastard! What if he’s not a traitor after all? What if he was framed? After all, when I accused him on the phone, he did not understand what I was talking about. And now he was happy with me… What if he wants to use me for his own purposes? While thinking, Misha reached the park. Stopping at the pond, he looked at the serene, quiet waters, and peace came to his soul. Not now. I shouldn’t push myself. Need rest. While walking, the young man tried not to think about work, about his friend and the plan. Only about the past. About family. About THEIR friendship. The memories were pleasant, Misha smiled. Only good things were associated with Russia. But it’s hard here. Difficult. Looking at his watch, Mikhail frowned. Four o’clock. Time to go home. Having entered the apartment and undressed, Misha collapsed on the bed. I didn’t want to do anything. Turning on the TV, Osipov watched the news. Nothing new. Although they say nothing about the threat of war. This makes me happy. Mikhail watched Russian news. But here it was more interesting. They talked about the diplomat’s actions, although without mentioning his name. Within a few days, Kostylev’s offenses were supplemented by the conclusion of some kind of treaty unfavorable for Russia. No, after all, Roma is not my friend. *** The next week passed quickly. True, some boy got into a fight with his friend, I had to call his parents and talk to them. But it wasn’t something unpleasant. Happens. At his old school there were fights all the time. Misha woke up on Saturday morning at eight. There was still half a day before the meeting. After preparing for lessons and having lunch, Osipov checked his mail. A letter came from the school principal asking for an excursion to a museum on Tuesday. OK. I’ll have time to prepare. Having agreed, Misha turned off the computer. We should go to that park. It’s great there. As soon as he set foot in the park, peace immediately came. All problems immediately faded into the background. But then 16:40 came, and Mikhail moved towards Romina’s house. At ten minutes to five he had already entered the apartment. He was greeted with hugs. This time it did not cause rejection or disgust. It was even nice. This time the conversation began with Roma’s story. — When I graduated from college, I was immediately hired to work at the embassy. Six months later they were sent to America. To be honest, I was scared. I was still young. But I started work right away. At first I clearly carried out the tasks of the embassy, but then I decided to take the initiative. Before, I didn’t communicate with many people, I didn’t perform. But then I gained courage, met many influential people, went to rallies, studied society, in general. But, of course, I also made enemies… — at this point he paused and looked down. — one of them, Alexey Peskarev, simply hates me. He tries to find flaws in my work, wants to denigrate me. It’s annoying. - Interesting. I think diplomats always have many enemies. Do you watch Russian news? - No. And what? - Nothing, nothing… I just asked. - A lot of work. Well. Tell about yourself. - Well, my story is simple. He graduated from pedagogy and began working at a local school. As you noted then, it was not profitable, but I liked it. Everything went as usual. And then I decided to change my life. The decision came somehow unexpectedly. I didn’t even think much about it. I bought an apartment, quit my job and moved. Here he began working as a teacher again. - Yes, you are a bit boring. — What are you working on now? - Now relaxing. I can’t work all the time. - Understand. It must be difficult to be a diplomat. - Very. You can not understand. - Certainly. Okay, I have to go now. - Already? It’s a pity. Shall we hug? - Do you like it that much? - Yes. With no one but you. Very sad and lonely. - Oh, sorry. The friends stood up and hugged each other. Misha felt his heart again filling with friendly love for Roma. He can’t believe that he could even become a villain. Moreover, his words about enemies confirm this theory. But the Russian news still confused Mikhail. But again, words about enemies, especially about Peskarev, increased confidence in a friend. Perhaps this Peskarev really set him up. Then I must find him and punish him. And you can treat Roma like a true friend. I have to help. I must do everything to help Roma. It doesn’t matter what you have to do to achieve this.