Escape from Saratov

The door cracked open. It was my son, Alexander. He went into the room and sat down in an armchair by the fireplace. The light played on his kinky brown hair.

– how are you, dad? – He turned to me after a moment of silence. Shadows on his face emphasized his thoughtful expression.

– I'm fine, thanks.

Silence again. The door slammed loudly, destroyed it. Young girl burst into the room screaming.

– I'm he-ere! Were are you, daddy?

– shhhhh, Sally, grandded here.

She stopped, but moment later, she went again.

– good night, grandpa, how are you?

She slowly went to Aleksandr's chair and sat down no him.

– best of all, haha.

– it is good... hmm... – she looked thoughtful, just like She's father, but such a look disapperate as if it had never existed, and she says: "grandpa, would you tell me story about your escape from Saratov again, please?"

- what? – son looked perplexed. I laughed.

– sure, why not?

– stop, dad! you never told me about it!

I raised my hand for silence and started my story.

***

Nasty nasty winter outside the window. Gray heavy clouds and gray slush, mixed with snow. On days like this, it seems that the world has lost all its colours. I was sad, but what else could I feel while living In Saratov, right?

I lived on the fifth floor in khrushchevka, classical paintings hung on the walls decorated with flowers and the balcony was littered with all kinds of garbage. I had some capital and good job at the cannery, however, it seems what something was missing. What was that? It was freedom or happiness or something else? I didn't know that at the time. Moreover, I didn't know words like this at the time.

However, some unknown feeling was bothering me. I walked around house, thinking about it, suffering from this problem.

Day to day passed like this. Everyday life has become monotonous, collarless, tasteless. My life has lost all meaning. I was lost in my thoughts, lost my friend, my hobby, my job and drowned grief in alcohol. The bottle has become my only friend. She helped me with my mind pain. In the binge I could see The Light and hear The Voice of Reason. I loved listening to the things he said and and follow the path that has opened to me.

Time passed, supplies run out, and one day I discovered that myself was sober, but The Light didn't leave me. On the contrary, it was become even more vivid and they's massage has become definite: "Escape from Saratov. You can't keep living here. You must escape, must escape, must escape, must escape, must escape, mustescapeescapeescapeescapeescapeescapeescapeescape!"

This words printed in my mind. For another week I walked around and repeated two words with a mad look, and, eventually, I calmed down. Now, I knew exactly what to do. First, I need to understand my capabilities.

To do this, I spent hundreds of hours researching materials on the internet: I took intelligence tests, I've watched instructional videos and even read books.

And what is it? I was very stupid. At first, I was very angry, but, this feeling was suppressed by the Voice of my Mind. He told me I mustn't succumb to anger. Ok, my friend, I calmed down. But, what's now?

Now you need to find a way to escape. Get started.

I found some guides in internet and most possible of them was most annoying. Author says me that I stupid! It's unbeatable! But it's probably my only chance to leave this hole.

First of all that I will need – west. West is were the sun sets. In the east it rises.

Two years ago I didn't know there was anything other than Saratov, but now I know about west and east. I really got better.

I also need a shovel to cross the fence. Author says, that I too stupid to climb it over, but I can make a tunnel, just like in the old good days and I will make it.

I was surrounded by the stench and mad was stuck on my skin, it's got into my eyes and mouth, it's was taste bad.

I crowled too long that I forgot about time. I remember exactly what it was afternoon when I started, but now it was morning. It really like old times, when I makes a tunnels for my brothers soldiers.

And I was happy to sees the morning sun and feel fresh breeze. It's so beautiful. But I must go further. And in order to go further, I need to return shovel to the please – I remembered it.

The return trip did not take much time, I did it quickly – after two hours of journey under ground the shovel shone again in the rays of the sun, standing by the barn. I had a quick snack and return to escape. Back to underground.

The next stage – field of mines. Author says that I mustn't step on it – it's the only thing that I need to know. And I know it! I'm feeling myself so smart, but mines, this charming circles, beckoned me. What if I step on it? Quite a bit? Quite a bit...

Boo-o-om.

It was detonating.

I was so scared, but I was alive and surprised. Why? Because it was a dream.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, I threw off the blanket and went to the bathroom to wash my face. I just seen my face – I didn't recognize myself. But I'm sure – it's definitely me.

I seen in window – it's Saratov, but something wrong. Something different and I had no idea what. I just picked my things and gone to Saratov railway station. I bought a ticket to... I forgot it, but I'm sure, what I bought it and leave Saratov.

***

– that's all, – I finished my story and terned to the fireplace.

– hahaha, great story, grand!

– ya, it is...

I'm tired of something...