The dull sound of a blow makes me jump in place and stop. I turn around sharply. The rank-commander stands in the shadow of the gazebo, still clenching his fists. “This can’t go on any longer,” he says dully and slowly approaches. - What? - I whisper with difficulty unsticking my tongue from the dry palate. - Tell me, why when I close my eyes do I see her? I smell it, hear a voice... - Tal’s voice is hoarse and breaks. I have to run! Immediately! Carelessly! But the body froze, froze. My feet felt frozen to the floor. “I think I’m going crazy, but if I don’t ask now, I’ll go completely crazy,” he pauses. He lightly touches my chin, forcing me to look up at him. - Rin, tell me. Isn't that you? - his question rings out like a bolt from the blue.