The God Next Door

IV

Miron's morning began at half past five. Waking before his alarm, he went to the bathroom first thing for a refreshing shower. Afterward, he decided to change. Today, he chose brown trousers and a white shirt. He also picked up a new mechanical watch, bought on his first day in the city. After changing, he went into the kitchen to put on the kettle. His attention was drawn to the flame of the gas stove, dancing with a blue flame. While the kettle was boiling, he glanced at the balcony. He wondered if he might meet Uncle Kolya there again today. He was right—in exactly the same spot as yesterday, a lonely, gray-haired old man was smoking on the balcony.

“Good morning, Uncle Kol,” Miron greeted the old man as he stepped out onto the balcony.

“Hello, Myron,” the old man answered with a smile, a little surprised by his new neighbor.

"Would you like some coffee?" asked Miron, smiling at Uncle Kolya.

"Why not? It's possible," he replied, smiling back at Myron.

“Just a moment, I’ll get everything organized,” he replied, heading back to the apartment.

Having brewed two cups of coffee, one for Uncle Kolya and one for himself, he returned to the balcony. Five minutes later, they were savoring the hot coffee, looking out over the morning city streets.

"I'm not offering you any tobacco," Uncle Kolya said, smiling at Miron. This time the old man opened the antique silver cigarette case.

“Last time was enough for me,” Myron answered with a laugh, taking another sip of coffee.

Uncle Kolya lit a match and then lit a cigarette.

"Have you settled in yet?" the old man asked, reaching for a mug of coffee.

“I’m getting settled in little by little,” Miron answered, still looking ahead at the empty streets of the city.

“If you need any help, don’t hesitate , call the old man,” Uncle Kolya offered his help.

“Thank you,” Myron replied, looking at the old man with gratitude.

"Our life is like a thread. A man lived, and now he's gone. He went to a better place. I forgave, did he?" the old man said unexpectedly.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «Литрес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на Литрес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.