THE GIRL
“Levashova agreed to let me visit her. Tomorrow. i told her I worked for the social services and was delivering gifts to veterans for Victory Day. It’s very shameful to deceive her. Perhaps I can take some money and buy her an electric kettle?” the secretary suggested. And then she asked, “Do you like movies?”
What a stupid non-sequitur.
“Would you like to go to the movies with me?” she clarified.
No, not really.
“I’d like that very much,” I said, instead. “Go out and walk towards Sukharyovka Market. I’ll catch up with you.”
Outside my door, in the shared office, Alyona handed me a sheet of paper:
“Please sign this.”
“Your fourth resignation letter? You could have left it with the secretary.”
“Nothing personal, just need to get this done. I do have a life. I’ve been off
