Andrey was not in the crowd, but in the company of a frightened girl.
"Am I a coward or something? I'll be embarrassed in front of that girl," he thought, and fought the fear, the vile slug crawling inside him. Having regained his composure somewhat, Andrei whispered to the girl:
– Maybe you can explain why you’re so scared?
The girl remained silent. Without waiting for an answer, Andrei gently shook her hand, but there was no reaction. Then he squeezed her hand tighter.
- Hey, can you hear me?
“Yes,” she said, shuddering and barely able to say.
- Well, then answer, what are you afraid of?
“I don’t know,” she said slowly, almost crying, as she exhaled. “I don’t know what it is.”
"What do you mean, 'this'?" Andrey didn't understand.
The girl took a few deep breaths, sobbed softly,
