Good day my dear reader, today I would like to tell you the story of a boy, with a very difficult fate, and whose life at one point collapsed and turned upside down.

 

Well, my name is Narrator DS06 and my advice to you is to make yourself some tea, get yourself something to eat, get as comfortable as possible, and I think we can begin.

 

It was September, 1987, and it was not a good time in the U.S., because there some organization of rebels who called themselves "Rakers”. They wanted to overthrow the government and establish total control over the entire population. Their motives were not clear it was not clear. They looted and killed, while establishing power in the occupied territories. The U.S. Army tried to fight back, but without success. The rebels were well organized and armed. They attacked in many different states in North and South America. And their attacks were hard to predict. But the army was aided by ordinary civilians who put up strong resistance in order to weaken and contain the onslaught of the enemy.

 

Amidst all the horror and darkness, a small town in the state of Michigan got lost, bearing the name "Riverstone." It was an entirely unremarkable town where in full life was bustling.

 

It was Friday, and the clock showed 3:35 PM. Classes were over, and all the children dispersed to their homes, including our 17-year-old boy, Simon, with his dark brown hair and blue eyes. Just like all the children, he headed to his home, but not alone, rather with his loyal friends: Nate, Tom, and Alan.

 

On Simon's right walked Nate, who was the shortest in the company. He had red hair, brown eyes, and his face was adorned with numerous freckles. To the right of him walked Tom, engrossed in a book. He was the tallest in the group, a blond guy with green eyes. On the left, clinking his long chains hanging from his jeans' belt, walked Alan. He was slightly shorter than Tom but taller than Nate and Simon. He had long, black hair resembling a crow's wing and yellow eyes.

 

The four of them walked their homes, discussing various topics along the way. Nate talked about his newly devised screenplay for his film. Alan told his nearly finished song, which he titled "Road to Nevada" (in my opinion, it's a cliché title for a song). Tom, hiding the book in the pocket of his coat, talked about the upcoming launch of BION-8, if only Reakers don't interfere. And he also shared his positive impressions of the recently read story, "The Girl in the Mirror World," which left Tom filled with delight. But then Nate, Alan, and Tom noticed that something was off with Simon today. They hadn't paid much attention to it at school, thinking he was just sleep-deprived, so they didn't bother him. However, now they were certain that something was amiss with Simon today. And then they decided to inquire about his well-being.

 

Nate: "Simon, are you okay? You don't look well, are you sick by any chance?

 

Alan: "Yo, man, you look a little rusty today".

 

Tom: "What's with the moping today attacked you?".

 

Simon looked at his friends, thought for a moment, and lowered his head in silence. Nate and Alan wanted to ask Simon a question again, but Tom interrupted them with a loud cough.

 

Tom looked at Nate and Alanam with a stern look and they lowered their heads in silence.

 

Tom looked down the street they were walking on and saw an ice cream parlor called Baskin-Robinson's where they often went. Tom smiled, looked at his friends, and said. 

 

- Hey guys, let's go to Baskin-Robinson's and get some ice cream how do you gentlemen feel about that idea?

 

Nate and Alan looked at Tom and smiled, for they knew what Tom was up to.

 

Then Tom looked at Simon, and Simon looked at Tom, 

Tom: "What do you think of that idea, Simon?

 

Simon turned his head, and continued to stare at Tom. Then Tom decided to pull out his trump card up his sleeve.

 

- Oh, okay, I thought you wanted to have Sweet Vanilla Ice Cream sprinkled with shortbread cookies and drizzled with sweet maple syrup. 

Simon looked at Tom with surprise.

 

- But he wasn't there yesterday!

 

-Yeah, it was gone yesterday, but it came in this morning, and on top of that I have four free ice cream coupons for this store.

 

Simon looked at Tom with surprise.

 

- And you're going to spend those tickets right now, on us?

 

- Yes, I just don't like to eat alone, and besides, I only go there with you, but I'll only spend those coupons on one condition. 

 

Simon was confused.

 

- And what is that condition?

 

- That you tell me what's wrong with you today because you're especially sad today, as if you were moping attacked you.

 

Simon thought for a moment, looked at Tom, and said. 

 

-Okay.

 

Tom Nate and Alan looked at each other and smiled. Tom had gotten what he wanted. And now our group of friends was on their way to the Baskin-Robinson ice cream parlor.

 

They went into the café, where the smell of delicious ice cream and other sweets wafted in.

Nate Alan and Simon sat down at a table, while Tom took off his coat and put it next to Simon and went to get ice cream for everyone.

Alan bragged to Nate about his new patches on his short leather jacket, especially the fire skull patch with the red eyes, and Simon looked sadly out the window at the neighboring street, where life was boiling. 

 

Mr. Brown was selling buns in his shop, the elderly Miss 

Kelly was watering flowers on the balcony, and little boy Daniel was riding his new red tricycle and enjoying the day.

 

Then Simon reached into his briefcase, which was under his feet, and carefully took out a telegram, so that his friends wouldn't notice it, this telegram was the reason for Simon's sadness today.

Simon looked at the telegram and was once again filled with sadness.

 

Seeing as Tom approached the table with ice cream in hand, Simon hurriedly hid the telegram behind the groove of his red down vest.

 

Tom came to the table and handed everyone out plates of ice cream. 

 

Nate had banana-flavored ice cream covered in caramel. 

 

Alan had chocolate ice cream with nuts and sour syrup. 

 

Tom had plain vanilla ice cream with a cherry on top.

 

And Simon had his favorite, sweet vanilla ice cream sprinkled with shortbread cookies and drizzled with sweet maple syrup.

 

Everyone started eating.

And after a few minutes, Tom turned to Simon and said.

 

- Well, I've done my part, now Simon, what's kind of moping has gotten into you today?

 

Simon looked at Tom, thought for a moment, then pulled the telegram out from behind the groove of his iron, and gave it to Tom. He turned the envelope around and on one side was written "From Miranda. Tom looked at Simon, and with his permission then opened the envelope.

 

In the envelope was a neatly folded piece of paper, which Tom decided to open.

 

Tom quickly ran his eyes over the letter, thought for a moment, and then said.

 

- Yeah... that's pretty sad news.

 

Nate and Alan wanted to know what was in the letter, so Nate asked Tom to read the letter aloud if Simon didn't mind, of course.

Simon allowed Tom to read the letter aloud, after a good cough Tom began to read it.

 

- Hi, Simon, it's Miranda, though it's pretty clear from the letter. I'm fine, and I hope you're fine, too. Forgive me for this very long absence, the reason for which I can't tell you, I'm sorry. I miss you, and I wish we could spend one more evening talking and telling each other jokes, but I don't think we can talk anymore, because I have to leave Riverstone for good. I understand that you have a lot of questions, but unfortunately I can't answer them for you either. I really don't want to leave here, but I have to. I'll miss our evenings at the stone fence, your silly jokes, and I'll miss you, too, Simon.  And by the way thank you so much for the wooden dragon you made me for my birthday, it's really beautiful, it will remind me of you, and I hope the ring I put in your telegram will remind me of me. Thank you Simon for all that you have done for me in these eight years of our friendship, it means a lot to me. Say hello to your friends for me and I hope to see you again, Simon Perkinson.

 

At the end of the letter you could see quite large drops of dried tears.

 

To say that our friends were surprised was nothing to say.

 

Now they knew why Simon was sad today and they wanted to support him.

Alan was the first to start and he finished he was also the first.

 

-Come on, Simon, there's plenty more broads in the world, Ow!

 

Nate punched Alan in the shoulder for such a statement and hurriedly told him off.

 

- Dork, you don't know what testing through right now Simon's, like me and Tom, Simon's been talking to her almost every day and we haven't. He knows a lot more about her than we do. And on top of that, you've never had a girlfriend Alan to understand those feelings.

 

Simon immediately objected.

 

Simon:" What! No, she's not my girlfriend, we're just friends!".

 

But Alan and Nate couldn't hear him; they were arguing with each other.

 

Alan: "Hey! Actually, I have a girlfriend, and her name is Betty, in case you didn't know Nate”.

 

Nate: "Seriously Alan, your girlfriend is your damn bass guitar!"

 

Alan punched Nate hard in the shoulder.

 

Nate: “Ow!”.

 

Alan: "Watch your mouth Nate, Betty is my first love, and you don't dare insult her!".

 

Nate and Alan were looking at each other with a fierce look, as if they were about to start a fight, although this is quite common with them, after all friendship is not without conflict, tested by personal experience, so where was I, oh yes, here's what, they jump on each other like wild wolves, but Tom decided to intervene in this discussion so that Nate and Alan did not have a cockfight.

 

Tom: "Gentlemen, stop this argument immediately, for it will lead to nothing good, you will only redundant fight once more in your life”.

 

Nate and Alan looked at Tom, then at each other, and calmed down.

 

Nate: "Tom's right this argument isn't going anywhere good.

 

Alan: "I agree, you still need teeth, Nate.

 

Nate: "Moron!".

 

Alan: "Dick!".

 

Tom: "Classic of the genre".

 

Simon: "Yeah".

 

There was a brief moment of silence at the table where our friends were sitting, Nate and Alan turned away from each other and sat with sullen faces, and Tom and Simon were deep in thought, then Tom turned to Simon and asked.

 

- And that ring mentioned in the letter, do you have it on you now?"

 

Simon thought about it, then he unbuttoned his vest and took the ring that was hanging around his neck, the ring was unusually beautiful, gold colored with strange but beautiful patterns and with a ruby red in the shape of a small ball. Nate Alan and Tom were amazed at the beauty of this ring and could not take their eyes off of it for long.

Nate: "How.... beautiful."

 

Alan: "That's awesome dude."

 

Tom: "The most exquisite thing I've ever seen.

 

Simon put the ring down around his neck and buttoned up his vest. Then Simon went on eating his ice cream while his friends sat there thinking for a long time, and then Alan looked at Simon and apologized to him.

 

-”Forgive me Simon for saying so about Miranda that there are a lot of people like her and not to worry about it, I just wanted to support you, but it did not work”.

 

-”Come on, I know you wanted to help, so it's okay”.

 

Simon continued to eat his ice cream-his example was followed by his friends. And when they finished their portions, they got up, grabbed their things, and left the ice cream parlor. They continued on their way, but in silence. When they reached the crossroads they had to split into two, because Tom and Alan's house was on the right, and Nate and Simon's were farther along in a straight line. Each of them shook hands and patted each other on the back, and they were about to say goodbye, but as Simon stood there brooding, Tom pulled Nate close to him and asked him.

 

- "Nate, you remember rule number 14 of our code, right?”. 

 

Nate nodded his head. 

 

- "Then you know what to do”. 

 

Then Tom let Nate go and the group split up, Tom going with Alan and Nate going with Simon.

 

As Simon walked, Nate tried to start a conversation with him, but he couldn't think of anything to talk about, so he began to look around the street they were walking on to think of something to talk about. As Nate and Simon began to walk across the bridge, Nate came up with probably the dumbest thing to talk about.

 

Simon stopped and looked at Nate with a stone face, then he said.

 

Simon: "Yes Nate, that's exactly what I "wanted to hear", how yesterday a boy almost drowned in this river, and he is now lying in the hospital with complications, because of the fact that in this river, over which we are now going, poured harmful waste, and it is impossible to bathe in it, just at such a difficult moment for me I just "burning desire" to hear it from you Nate”.

 

Nate realized what a mistake he'd made, and he quickly tried to change the subject, but Simon interrupted him and said.

 

-”Let me guess Nate, although you don't even have to guess, Tom told you to cheer me up, didn't he?”.

 

Nate confirmed what he'd said, and Simon said in an exasperated voice.

 

- "I appreciate you guys wanting to support me during this difficult time, but can you please leave me alone?”.

 

-  "But Si..."

 

Simon interrupted Nate.

 

- "Nate! Just give me a moment alone, please”.

 

Nate stared at Simon, then he lowered his head and thought, he thought and thought and thought, and then he sighed heavily and said.

 

Nate: "I guess you're right Simon, we should leave you alone, but you know damn well we're just following the rules of the code, our code, the best friend code”.

 

After Nate said that, Simon hung his head with shame written all over his face. And you know what? Nate was absolutely right - they were simply abiding by the rules of the code they had created themselves ten years ago. Over those ten years, their code had been enriched with a plethora of rules aimed at strengthening their friendship. Simon had obviously forgotten about this code, but it's not surprising. When a person is in a state of profound sorrow, they tend to forget many things.

 

Nate kept looking at Simon thinking, and after a little more thinking, Nate asked Simon to turn his back to him, Simon of course knew what Nate wanted to do and he turned his back to him. Nate opened one of the compartments of it briefcase and took out a large notebook and started leafing through it, he stopped at one of the pages he poked his finger into and started reading. and took out a large notebook and started leafing through it, he stopped at one of the pages he poked his finger into and started reading.

 

- Rule No. 14 of the Best Friends Code states that friends should help each other in time of need, unless, of course, the friend himself needs that help.

 

Simon dipped his head even lower.

 

- Now you remember?

 

Nate replied

 

Simon looked at Nate and nodded.

 

-Simon, we came up with this code for a reason, not for fun and amusement, but to support each other, help each other in a difficult moment, not to offend or insult any of us, because, such friends as you I have never met.

 

Simon sighed heavily, but agreed with Nate.

 

- "Simon, we just want to help you, like you helped us before”.

 

They both stood still for another five minutes, but suddenly there was a very strong wind, and Nate said that they had better keep walking so as not to freeze, so they walked on silently. As they walked there was not such a strong wind, but a light breeze that blew the leaves from the trees with an autumnal palette, and the bustle of the city was audible, Nate and Simon walked together for a relatively short time, when they reached a crossroads they shook hands, patted each other on the back and parted.

 

-I'll see you Sunday, Simon.

 

Shouted Nate after Simon and headed back to his house, while Simon continued down the path that led through the small forest.

 

Simon walked, completely immersed in his thoughts. He kept thinking about the letter and the fact that he wouldn't be able to see Miranda anymore. Her letter had thrown Simon off balance. In this difficult moment, some temporary tranquility at home might have helped him - where there's no noise of the city rush, only the peaceful sounds of nature. He could have made himself some mint tea, wrapped himself in a blanket, and looked out the window or watched the movie Nate had recently given him, a film called "Back to the Future," which had left an unforgettable impression on the group of friends. That movie was surely a timeless classic.

 

Simon could also just lie down or even sleep on the bed, which was also good for soothing, but now Simon was walking down a forest path that was about to end.

 

Simon came out of the woods, which was not very long. He stood at a crossroads and looked around, on the left, the road led to a small village called "Goodsprings" where a courier had recently been saved by a bullet in the forehead, who did it is unknown, I wonder how this courier had survived such a serious wound?

 

On the right the road led to the Possumspring train station, and in a straight line the path led to Simon's house, which is where he was headed. 

 

To the left of the path was a large cornfield, and to the right of the path was a large stone fence that was built to protect us from the wild animals that lived in the woods behind this vast wall.

 

Simon walked straight down the path to his house and looked at the stone fence, looking at it, Simon was gradually sinking into his memories, they were bright and colorful, and for a moment a little smile slid on Simon's face, but then it disappeared and Simon walked again with his head low. 

And so Simon reached his house, it was a farmhouse with a two-story house along with a garage, a barn, and a small chicken coop, there were no other animals on the farm besides chickens.

 

And so, according to the idea, the house was right in front of Simon; it just leaves you to go in, throw your stuff in, and go about your business. But Simon was in no hurry go into your home he looked at his house, then at the stone fence, and went toward it. As Simon approached the fence, he took off his backpack and placed it next to the rock on which he usually sat, near this stone fence. letter and looked at it, small, wet pools of tears beginning to appear on the letter. Simon gently squeezed the letter and looked at the letter with tears in his eyes. He threw his head back and looked up at the gray autumn sky, and then he said. 

 

-Why…

 

Simon closed his eyes and sank into his memories, to eight years ago.

 

It was July 1979 outside, standing in the yard a warm summer day, flowers bloomed, the birds were chirping happily, the sky was clear as the ocean, there was not a single cloud, that day there were only the sounds of the forest. Simon's parents went to town on business, so he stayed at home alone. That day, he sat by the stone fence and slowly ate his favorite ice cream, which, by Simon's standards, tasted just great.

 

And so our boy was sitting calmly near the stone fence and eating his ice cream, there was no extraneous noise around, it was calm and this calmness was disturbed by the sounds of a chase, as if someone was chasing someone, and then a strong blow followed from the direction of the forest, from which Simon jumped to his feet and moved a short distance from the stone fence, and he heard…

 

The sound of breaking bones.

 

-Gotcha!

 

With a solemn intonation a loud female voice said.

 

-I'm having fried rabbit meat for lunch today!

 

To say that this shocked Simon is an understatement. Everything happened so quickly and so abruptly that he did not understand anything. In all his life, he had never heard or seen anyone go into the forest behind this fence, because it was forbidden to go there because dangerous species of wild animals lived there, although this fence could only be entered if you bought a hunting license in this forest. But for some reason no one rushed to buy it, yes there are dangerous predators, but are they so dangerous that even a well-trained hunter would not dare to go there. Don't you find that very strange?

 

But okay, back to our little boy, (Cought) In this situation in which Simon found himself, any other normal person would have remained silent, or would have made a quiet remark, but this was not about our little boy, he was a very curious child, and so he in his childish stupidity and naivety asked.

 

- Who's there?

 

Instead of a response or even silence, Simon heard a brief but piercing scream, which was incredibly loud. It was so loud that Simon had to cover his ears. Then, after the scream, a dead rabbit's carcass came flying, surprisingly large in size, and it dropped right in front of Simon's feet. But he wasn't frightened; he had often seen such sights before. You see, his father loved to hunt for small game, so Simon was accustomed to seeing animal corpses, which would later become a delicious dish on the table.

 

Therefore, Simon calmly looked at the dead rabbit with a broken neck and then glanced at the stone fence before asking again.

 

- Who's there?

 

All Simon heard in response was silence, but our little boy knew there was definitely someone behind that fence, and he was going to find out.

 

So he decided to resort to stealth.

 

-Well, since there's no one there, I think I'll keep this big, appetizing rabbit.

 

Simon didn't have to wait long for a response. After a few seconds, the same loud female voice came out.

 

-NO! GIVE MY RABBIT BACK NOW! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG I HAD TO CHASE HIM!

 

Although the answer was quite formidable, it was still an answer from which our little boy froze, he stood like that for 3 minutes until again he heard a woman's voice, which was not so formidable.

 

-Are you still there?

 

Simon hesitated a little, but answered anyway.

 

- Yes, I'm still here.

 

-Then whoever you are, can you please return my rabbit to me.

 

-Yes, of course, but it's somehow not culturally not to know the name of the person I'm talking to.

 

Although Simon was small and stupid, he always tried to be polite and accurate in any conversation, Simon had a soft character and because of this few people were friends with him, I wonder why?

 

-(Heavy sigh) My name is Miranda, what's yours name?

 

Simon had heard many names, but this was the first time he had heard such a name, and it was quite a beautiful name, although I think that in principle all names are beautiful and unique in their own way, but this is my opinion.

 

-Wow, that's a pretty name you have, well, my name is Simon.

 

-Hmm, Simon... I've never heard of that name, it's quite a pretty name.

 

-Hehehe, thanks.

-Okay Simon, now you can give me back my rabbit, please.

 

-Yes, of course.

 

Simon only threw the rabbit back over the fence on the third try, because it was big and heavy, it just didn't make it, but on the third try Simon managed to throw the rabbit back over the fence.

 

Miranda: "Thank you”.

 

And at this phrase they parted, Miranda went about her business and Simon went about his business, their acquaintance was so quick and mortar-like that I don't understand how they communicated for so long afterwards? There is no logic here, how it is even possible, I just can't get my head around how they then became friends for eight years!?

 

Simon: "Um, how are you doing today, Miranda?”.

 

Stop what!?

 

Miranda certainly didn't expect such a question.

But she just ignored him and walked away.

 

Miranda: "Um, well, pretty well, why do you ask?".

 

Hey! You actually have to go about your business!

 

Simon："Well I'm just curious, I've just never heard or seen anyone go into the woods behind that fence before”.

 

That's it Simon, finish the dialogue and go home.

 

Miranda: "Oh, I clearly, well, I'm doing fine, how about you?”.

 

What nonsense (actively going through sheets of paper).

 

Simon:“Well, I'm fine too, here's sitting here and eating ice cream”.

 

Miranda:’’What is ice cream?”

 

I think I got it mixed up sheets of my replica sheets.

Yeah, I definitely mixed up my replica sheets, I need to get my replica sheets in order.

Simon: "You don't know what ice cream is!"

 

Miranda: "Um, yeah..."

 

So, everything, I'm back in the ranks.

 

Simon was surprised that Miranda didn't know about such an amazing thing as ice cream.

 

-How can you not know about such an amazing and delicious sweet!

 

Miranda: "Well... somehow, but is it tasty?"

 

Simon: "Hurry up! Nothing tastes better than ice cream."

 

Miranda: "Oh... Really?"

 

Simon: "Yes, wait here and don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."

 

Miranda: "Ummm, okay."

 

Simon ran to his house. Running into the house, he rushed to the kitchen to the refrigerator, he opened the freezer compartment and took out a package with a large waffle cone inside which was vanilla ice cream, he closed the refrigerator and ran back to Miranda. Simon simply had to give her ice cream to try, because in the whole world there is no sweetness that would be tastier than ordinary vanilla ice cream, at least Simon thought so in childhood, although his opinion did not change in the future.

 

And so Simon runs up to the fence, catches his breath, and speaks.

 

- Miranda you still here.

 

- Yes, I'm still here - Miranda answered him.

 

- Okay, then catch it!

 

Simon threw a package of ice cream over the fence and there was silence for a minute.

 

Miranda: “Is that ice cream?”

 

Simon: "Yes, just open the package and you will see the ice cream itself."

 

This phrase was followed by the sounds of torn packaging.

 

Miranda: "It's so small."

 

Simon was confused, because it was a rather large cone, although given the fact that Miranda never ate ice cream, this is not surprising.

 

Simon: "Small but tasty, and when you eat it, eat it slowly and in small pieces to get the full flavor of the ice cream."

 

Miranda: "Okay."

 

The sound of a crackling horn sounded and there was silence.

 

Simon stood staring at the top of the stone fence, waiting for an answer, and after a moment he heard an enthusiastic, satisfied mooing that made Simon smile. He stood in a proud pose, as if he had accomplished a feat, like the knight who had been able to defeat the evil dragon.

 

Simon: "Well, how?"

 

Miranda: "Holy Mo... oh my god this is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted in the world!"

 

Those were the words Simon wanted to hear. Those words made him smile even more.

 

Simon: "Hehe, what did I tell you."

 

Then another crunch followed.

 

Miranda: "Mmmm... this is definitely the most delicious thing I've ever tasted in my life."

 

And after these words, Simon's supply of good mood for that day was guaranteed.

 

After those words, Simon's supply of good mood for the day was secured. And suddenly, as he gazed at the clear sky, he fell into deep thought, recalling the stories his father and other people had told about this forest. Mostly, these tales revolved around the ferocious wolves and the mysterious dark force concealed within the woods. One such story was told by a hunter whom Simon met at the café when his grandmother, named Filen, came to visit him. They went together to the café to enjoy the delicious cocktails they served. While Simon sat and waited for his grandmother, he struck up a conversation with the man sitting at the table behind him. I must have mentioned before that Simon was a sociable child, or maybe I didn't, but in any case, Simon was a very sociable child, but only during his childhood. So, the hunter told him about his decision to go hunting in that forest. He bought a license and good equipment for that time, and he went hunting. He hadn't gone far from the entrance to the forest when a small pack of fierce wolves attacked him. They tore his jacket and left him with three scars - two claw marks on his stomach and a bite on his leg. According to his account, on that day, he ran faster than he ever had before, so fast that he didn't even notice that he had dropped his rifle. Since then, he had never ventured into that forest again.

 

After Simon remembered this story, he realized that his house was far enough from the entrance to that forest, and then Simon realized that Miranda had gone deep enough into this forest.

 

Simon: "You know Miranda, you're pretty brave."

 

Miranda: "Really?"

 

Simon: "Yes it is."

 

Miranda: "Why do you think I'm brave?"

 

Simon: "Well, you went so deep into this forest."

 

Miranda: "So what?"

 

Simon: "Well, there are some very ferocious wolves out there...".

 

Miranda: "Very fierce wolves hmm... I've seen wolves, but they're not fierce at all, and it's not me who should be afraid of them, it's me they should be afraid of".

 

Simon: "Oh, I see. Well, you must be really well-prepared if you speak like that, and I bet you must have incredible luck, which I think can only be achieved if you have some kind of talisman or lucky charm. I have a lucky charm called the Star of Lad, my dad gave it to me. According to him, this charm strengthens family bonds, protects from life's blows, and safeguards the home from any misfortune and evil."

 

Miranda: "Well, to tell you the truth, I also have a talisman, or rather a charm that protects me."

 

Simon: "Really?"

 

Miranda: "No, I'm tricking you."

 

Simon: "Well, then why are you tricking me?"

 

Miranda: "Because it was a silly question. I tell you I have a talisman, and you ask, 'Really?'"

 

Simon: "Oh, I see. Sorry."

 

Miranda: "Oh, it's okay. No big deal. Well, yeah, I do have a talisman."

 

But there were hints of sadness in her response.

 

Simon: "Is everything alright, Miranda?"

 

Miranda: "No... it's not alright."

 

Simon: "What's wrong?"

 

She sighed heavily and gave her answer.

 

Miranda: "Recently, when I was hunting another rabbit, I stumbled over a rock and tumbled down the hill, hitting the stone hard while the ring got caught between me and the rock, causing it to bend."

 

Simon: "That's... very unfortunate."

 

Miranda: "Yeah...".

 

Oh, it's indeed a very sad situation. It must be really painful when something gifted by your loved ones breaks. Simon felt a little melancholic after hearing Miranda's story. What can one say? Well, one thing about Simon was that he was a sensitive child, so he could truly understand the weight of the issues that people he interacted with faced. He sat there, pondered, and suddenly an idea struck him. Simon was a little saddened by what Miranda had told him, what can I say, and the only thing to say here is, that Simon was a very sensitive child, and so he could understand quite well the gravity of the problem of who he was interacting with. He sat and thought, and suddenly he had an idea.

 

Simon: "Miranda, can I take a look at your ring?"

 

Miranda: "Why?"

 

Simon: "Well, maybe I can fix it."

 

You must be wondering, how does a nine-year-old boy fix a ring? And I have an answer to that question, you see, Simon's father worked in a factory that made all sorts of electronics, but he had a favorite hobby that also brought in a small income, which was fixing and making jewelry, he set up a little workshop in his garage where he worked, and he often called Simon to his workshop to help him, and in a year of practice Simon had enough experience, he learned how to fix most kinds of broken earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings too, though Simon liked to make something out of wood and had a little corner in the studio for that, but what he liked best was to mess around with the electronics his dad brought from work, he even built his own radio at age 9, what to say, quite a talented kid, but only in electronics, math was always difficult for him.

 

Miranda: "Do you think you can fix it?"

 

Simon: "Well, only if the damage isn't too serious."

 

Miranda: "I appreciate your offer, but I won't give you the ring."

 

Simon: "Why not?"

 

Miranda: "We've only known each other for half an hour, and you're already offering your help. And if you think that treating me to ice cream will make me trust you so easily, then no, find someone more foolish than me for your antics."

 

This was a completely expected response, considering that Simon had indeed only known Miranda for half an hour and was already offering his help. Naturally, it seemed suspicious to Miranda. Although it never crossed Simon's mind to steal the ring – no, that couldn't even be considered! He simply wanted to help her.

 

Simon: "But I don't think you're stupid and I don't want to steal your ring, it doesn't make any sense, and it's not right at all, I just want to help you.

 

Miranda: "Why on earth would you want to help me”?

 

Simon: "Just because that's what any other normal person who wants to help another person would do, my dad told me that we should be kinder to other people and help each other and that we should keep our humanity at such a difficult time, and if I want to steal your ring it would spoil your mood and I would have problems, because you know where I live and nothing prevents you from coming to my house and demand your ring back.

 

Miranda:”...”.

 

That's a pretty serious answer for a nine-year-old kid, at least I wouldn't have answered that way when I was nine.

 

Simon: "I understand your concern, but I really want to help you, and I give you my word that I won't steal your ring”.

 

Miranda:"... can you really fix it?”

 

Simon: "If it's within my skills and abilities, then yes, I can."

 

Miranda: "Then please take a look at it”.

 

On the one hand it may seem silly that Miranda wants to entrust her ring to a stranger who is also a child who is only nine years old. But on the other hand, when a stranger tells you that he can fix an expensive thing that you treasure so much, and besides, for free, so to speak, for a kind word. It seems to me that few people can resist such an offer, and of course, few will be able to trust this offer.

 

And yet, Miranda decided to entrust her ring to Simon. Yes, it may seem silly, but as strange as it may seem, Simon was the only one who could fix Miranda's ring at that moment.

 

She threw the ring over the fence on a chain link that Simon safely failed to catch.

 

He picked up the ring from the ground and looked at it. It was a gold ring with incomprehensible but very beautiful patterns. Inspecting the ring, he saw small areas of rust and a spot of breakage, such a breakage could be repaired.

 

Simon: "This breakdown I can fix but...".

 

Miranda: "Really, you, you can fix it!".

 

Simon: "Yes, I can fix it, but it will take me about two to three hours."

 

Miranda: "Oh, okay."

 

It was clear from her voice that she was nervous, and this was not surprising, because she entrusted her dear thing to a stranger who promised to fix it, but he can also lie and steal her ring.

 

Simon: "Don't worry Miranda, I promise I won't steal your ring in any way."

 

His childlike voice sounded so gentle and calm that it calmed Miranda a bit.

 

Miranda:" (Exhales softly) Okay, I believe you.

 

Simon: "Well, I guess I'll just go and fix it, my house is very close and you can call me if you need me. Will you be here long?"

 

Miranda: "Yes, I'll be here for a long time."

 

Simon: "That's good, well I'm off, I'll see you in an hour or even two".

 

Miranda: "Okay, I'll... I'll just go and cook the rabbit."

 

Simon: "Okay."

 

And so Simon and Miranda separated. Miranda went to cook the rabbit, and Simon went to fix her ring.

 

Simon entered the garage, turned on the lights, and approached his father's workstation. Getting ready to work, Simon took out and arranged the necessary tools, adjusted the lighting, fetched the soldering materials he needed, and set up various jars with unknown solutions. His workstation was ready, and Simon began the repair.

 

To begin with, Simon took a special tool, somewhat similar to pliers, in order to prepare the joints of the broken ring for convergence. Then he sawed the joints of the ring and connected them, after it had well joined the joints of the ring to each other, he took a special jewelry flux and carefully began to apply it to the joints of the ring, when he finished spreading the flux, he took a refractory plate and put it on the table , after that he reached into a small box for various solders and took out a golden solder from there, which he attached to the joints of the golden ring well while smearing it with jewelry flux. Finished fiddling with the gold solder, he put down the ring and waited for the flux to dry so the solder wouldn't shoot or fly off when soldering and wouldn't come off, and while the flux dried, Simon went for the soldering lamp and a small fireproof plate that he put on another fireproof plate, I wonder why? Well, I guess that's the way it has to be. When the flux dried, Simon took the ring and put it on a smaller fireproof plate and turned on the blowtorch, he began to heat the ring in a circular motion, when the ring was hot Simon applied fire to the gold solder and it melted, thus fusing the ring. Simon then placed the ring on a cold metal surface so that it would cool evenly, and after waiting a certain amount of time, Simon reached into the jars of various solutions and took out a glass container of acid, called bleach, to remove, so to speak, the dirt that had formed on the ring after soldering. After waiting two hours, Simon took the ring out of the acid,  rinsed it with water and dried it well, then he had to level it with a special tube, the name of which I don’t know, but its essence lies in the fact that you put a ring on it and start leveling it with a special hammer that does not leave damage on the ring, it took Simon 15 minutes, after that he took sandpaper and other tools for grinding and cleaning the ring, and began to bring the ring to a shine, it took him 30 minutes and the remaining 30 minutes he restored the patterns on the soldered part of the ring, he did not do it very well, but not bad either.

 

After all the work done, Simon breathed a sigh of relief, sat down on a chair and rested a bit, then he got up, took the ring, and put it on a gold chain. After that, Simon left the garage and went to the stone fence.

 

Simon: Miranda are you there?

 

But there was only silence in response, and Simon began to wait.

 

He sat on the stone on which he usually sat and began to examine the ring, it was very beautiful, although the patterns that Simon tried to restore slightly spoiled the beauty of this ring, but it was not so critical, and suddenly Simon noticed that incomprehensible flaunted on the inside of the ring symbols that looked like words only in a language Simon did not understand, or maybe it's just a decorative element? Then why put it on the inside of the ring? Simon saw quite a few rings, but for the first time he saw a ring on the inside of which there were incomprehensible symbols, He was sitting there, and he couldn't tell if it was a decorative element or some phrase in a language he didn't understand, though Miranda had said that this ring was a kind of talisman for her, and the incomprehensible symbols might well be some kind of incantation. Even though the symbols were a small part of the ring, they made him curious, and his train of thought was interrupted by a harsh, loud woman's voice, which startled Simon a little and almost made him drop the ring. 

 

Miranda: "Simon, are you here?

 

Simon: "Yes, I'm here.

 

Miranda:" (Sighs relieved) That's good. Were you... able to fix my ring? ".

 

Simon: "Yes, I fixed it.

 

Suddenly Miranda spoke in a very loud voice, it was so loud that Simon had to cover his ears!

 

Miranda: "REALLY! YOU MANAGED TO FIX IT!"

 

Simon: "Yes, I did. See for yourself".

 

And at that moment, Simon threw the ring over the fence. Miranda caught the ring and began examining it, while Simon waited. Silence fell, only interrupted by the sound of the chain clinking. The silence seemed to last forever, but then Miranda exclaimed joyfully.

 

Miranda: "Holy mo... (ahem) my God! You really did manage to fix it!"

 

Simon: "Yeah, but I didn't do a very good job of restoring the solder patterns, so I'm sorry I didn't mean for that to happen.

 

Miranda: "Come on, there's nothing to worry about. I don't even know how to thank you."

 

Simon: "No, don't..."

 

Miranda interrupted him.

 

Miranda: "I know how to thank you! Wait here and don't go anywhere.

 

Simon: "Come on, I don't need you to thank me, a simple thank you is enough for me."

 

Miranda:"... really? A simple thank you is enough for you?"

 

Simon: "Yes, a simple thank you is enough for me.

 

Miranda certainly wasn't expecting that answer, but she decided to stand her ground nonetheless

 

Miranda: "No way! Wait here and don't go anywhere!"

 

Simon: "Well... okay.

Faint footsteps could be heard moving away, and Simon began to wait. His waiting was long and dull. A calm, cool breeze was blowing, birds chirped happily, and Simon sat on a rock near the fence, continuing to eat the ice cream he left in the fridge. He sat and sat, and it felt like this waiting lasted forever, but in reality, only 19 minutes and 30 seconds had passed. Simon had already started to think that wolves attacked Miranda or something worse happened, but even after this thought, he heard a familiar, quite loud female voice.

Miranda: "Simon, are you still here?”

 

Simon: "Yeah, I'm here."

 

Miranda: "That's good, then catch!"

 

And at that moment an obscure object wrapped in cloth flew high over the fence. Which Simon safely... caught. As soon as he caught it, he felt the warmth emanating from the cloth. Simon sat down on a rock and began unwrapping the cloth, when he unwrapped the cloth he saw a half roasted rabbit that smelled so good and it looked very appetizing.

 

Simon:”Oh... looks... appetizing”.

 

Miranda:”Yup, Try it, you'll just lick your paws”.

 

Simon:”Um... okay”.

 

Simon tore off a small piece of meat that was dripping with flavorful fat juice, and he put it in his mouth and started chewing slowly, and it... it... this piece of meat was so delicious! There were no human words to describe the taste of this soft, juicy piece of meat. Simon slowly chewed on it and enjoyed it. And after Simon swallowed it, there was a pleasant aftertaste.

 

Simon:”Oh my God! This is the most delicious meat I've ever tasted, you made it yourself?”.

 

Miranda:”Hahaha, I'm glad you like it, and yes I made it myself”.

 

Simon:”This is amazing, you did great”.

 

Miranda: "Yes, thank you, it's a family recipe.

 

Simon: "Yeah, you must have a nice family of cooks, I'm kind of jealous of you.

 

Miranda:"...(heavy sigh) yeah... I have a family of cooks.

 

Simon: "Everything okay?"

 

Miranda: "Yeah, I'm fine."

 

Simon: "Are you sure?

 

Miranda:" "Yeah."

 

Simon: "Well, okay."

 

Although Simon believed Miranda, it was clear from her voice that something was wrong, but what? This detail will remain a mystery to us for now.

 

Simon:”By the way Miranda, I want to ask you something”.

 

Miranda:”Well, ask”.

 

Simon:”How old are you? I'm 9 years old, how old are you?”.

 

Miranda:”oh i'm 14”.

 

Simon: "Wait... HOW MUCH! HOW MUCH!"

 

Simon was shocked and bewildered. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that a 14-year-old girl was hunting in the woods, and apparently, all by herself.

 

Miranda: "I'm 14, so what? Is there something wrong?"

 

Simon:”You are not lying to you really 14”.

 

Miranda:”I'm not lying, I'm 14 years old”.

 

Simon:”Then how did your parents let you into this forest and where did you even get a license and equipment for hunting”.

 

And by the way, where did she get a license and equipment for hunting.

 

Miranda:”Well… umm… my parents arranged all this for me, gave me equipment and a hunting license, and they also agreed with the security guard to let me go hunting in this forest, since this is our family… family hobby, we love to hunt in different forests and so we chose this one forest”.

 

Simon:”family hobby?”.

 

Miranda:”Well, yes and what”.

 

Simon:”It's a strange hobby to send your 14-year-old daughter alone into the woods about which there are bad rumors, and why didn't your parents go with you?”.

Just think about it! A 14-year-old girl hunts alone in the forest, whom her parents themselves let go, but where has this been seen!

 

Miranda:”Actually, I love to hunt, my parents taught me this from childhood, and they don’t force me to go anywhere to hunt alone, and what about the bad rumors about this forest, I haven’t heard them, and why are the locals so afraid of it? Oh yes, ferocious wolves and that's it? Are people, despite their development, so cowardly?”.

 

Of course, Miranda's answer convinced Simon that it was normal in her family to hunt at such a young age, which is not surprising that each family has its own characteristics. But although her answer convinced Simon, it also sowed a small seed of doubt.

 

Simon:”Um, what does "people are so cowardly" mean? Are you not human?”.

 

Miranda:”Ahh… mmm… sss…”.

 

Miranda was definitely at a loss for such a question, but why? Why is it so hard to answer the question of whether you are human or not?

 

Miranda:”Well, of course I'm human! What a stupid question”.

 

Simon:”Well, you answered so strangely”.

 

Miranda:”So? If there were other species of animals that could imitate human speech, they were found long ago”.

 

Simon:”Well, my dad told me that scientists are still discovering new types of animals”.

 

Miranda:”And you think I'm one of those animals the human species hasn't seen yet?”.

 

Simon:”Ummm no I just can't see you”.

 

Miranda:”Well, I don’t see you either, and should I think that some unseen animal is talking to me?”.

 

Simon:”no…”.

Miranda: "So, Simon, I came here just to hunt and catch some game for my parents."

 

Simon: "Oh, I see. Listen, how about I bring a ladder, climb up the fence with it, and then you'll see me, and I'll see you."

 

Miranda:”No need!”.

 

Simon:”Why?”.

 

Miranda:”What if you fall down!”.

 

Simon:”I promise you that I won't fall”.

 

Miranda:”Well don't do it”.

 

Simon:”Why? What's wrong with us seeing each other?”.

 

Miranda:”Yes, there is nothing wrong with that”.

 

Simon:”All right then, I'll go get the ladder”.

 

And Simon went to take the ladder, but suddenly Miranda called him sharply

 

Miranda:”Wait, I've got an idea!”.

 

Simon:”What's the idea?”.

 

Miranda:”What if we were mysterious interlocutors for each other”.

 

Simon:”Mysterious conversationalists?”.

 

This idea surprised Simon a little.

 

Miranda:”Yes, we will communicate as mysterious interlocutors, but we won't know what we look like to each other. I imagine you as a boy of small stature with black hair, wearing a green shirt and gray shorts”.

 

Simon:”Heh, well, actually, I...”.

 

Miranda interrupted him

 

-Stop stop stop, be quiet, we should not know what we look like, but only imagine.

 

Simon:”Aaah, got it! Well, I imagine you as a tall girl with long light hair, wearing dark green pants, dark boots with green laces, a red plaid shirt, carrying a hunting rifle, and having a large hiking backpack”.

 

Miranda:”Hihi, well, now we know HOW WE LOOK”.

 

Simon:”Yeah, that's right”.

 

And they continued to communicate, joke, and share a bit about themselves. That's how Simon got to know Miranda, and yes, it may seem strange, well, at least it seems strange to me, but that's how they met. It surprises me that they have been friends for eight years without even seeing each other's faces. For a while, Simon couldn't understand how Miranda was often in this forest. But then, in secret, Miranda told him that she sometimes illegally enters the territory of the forest by simply climbing over a fence at a certain spot. She mostly enjoys spending time in that forest because there is no external noise or distractions, and the forest itself has a calm atmosphere. And based on this Simon thought that Miranda must live somewhere near the forest, he of course asked her about it, but she constantly ran away from the question, excusing that they play mysterious conversationalists, Simon of course tried to find her house, he went around the entire stone fence, looked at all the nearest villages, farms and other towns, but found nothing, he put up with it and continued to communicate with Miranda without knowing her appearance and where she lives.

 

But then Simon opened his eyes and saw the same gray autumn sky in front of him. He let out a heavy sigh, stood up, grabbed his backpack, and headed home. Inserting and turning the key twice, the door opened without a creak, and Simon stepped inside his house. The house, as I mentioned before, had two floors. On the first floor, there was a small entrance hall, a kitchen adjacent to a dining room, a living room, and a bathroom. On the second floor, there were his father's and mother's room, Simon's room, as well as a storage room and a toilet. They also had a basement in their house. Simon locked the door, took off his high red Converse Chuck Taylor Classic sneakers and his padded vest, and then he went to the kitchen as his mother asked him to take out the chicken from the freezer to defrost before her arrival. Upon entering the kitchen, Simon opened the freezer and took out the chicken. However, as he reached for it, he noticed some frozen blueberries collected by Miranda before her departure. Looking at them, Simon involuntarily began to reminisce about the past New Year's Eve, a day that he remembered well.

 

The night of December 25, 1986. It was -2° outside, snow was falling. There was a festive atmosphere at the Perkinson house, Simon's father was decorating the Christmas tree, Simon was in the workshop fixing the lights, and his mother was in the kitchen preparing the New Year's table.

 

Suddenly the phone rang, coming from the hall where Simon's father was now. He picked up the phone.

 

Simon's father: "Hello, who is it?"

 

-Hello, Mr. Jason, it's Nate, Simon's friend.

 

Mr. Jason: "Aaah, Nate, good to hear from you. How are things going with you?"

 

Nate: "Everything is good. By the way, Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Jason. I wish you happiness, success, and good health in the coming year."

 

Mr. Jason: "Hahaha, thank you, Nate. Merry Christmas to you too. I wish you all the best in the coming year, and of course, a new video camera."

 

Nate: "Hahaha, thank you, Mr. Jason. Can you please call Simon to the phone?"

 

Mr. Jason: "Of course."

 

He covered one of the phone's speakers with his hand and called for Simon.

 

SIMON! YOU TO THE PHONE!

 

Yeah, Dad, I'm coming!

 

Simon put down the garland and went to the living room.

 

Simon: "Who's there, Dad?"

 

Mr. Jason: "It's your red-haired freckled friend."

 

Simon: "Got it."

 

Simon picked up the phone.

 

Simon: "Hello?"

 

Nate: "Simon!"

 

Simon: "Nate!"

 

Hearing the familiar voice, Simon smiled.

 

Simon: "Good to hear from you and yes Merry Christmas to you wishing you all the best next year"

 

Nate: "Haha, thanks Simon, and Merry Christmas to you too. I wish you happiness, good health, and a new computer."

 

Simon: "Haha, thanks."

 

Well, there are many pleasant things about the New Year, and one of them is receiving a call from your friend or loved one, along with their kind wishes for the upcoming year.

 

Simon: "Are you calling for a specific reason or just to chat?"

 

Nate: "Well, a bit of both. I wanted to ask you something."

 

Simon: "And what did you want or want to know?"

 

Nate: "Are you a potato or an avocado?"

 

Simon: "... Nate... are you serious right now? Are you calling me to find out if I'm a potato or an avocado!?"

 

Nate: "No, I called you to see how you're doing."

 

Simon: "Um... Nate, you have a peculiar sense of humor."

 

From the very beginning of Simon's friendship with Nate, he realized that humor was not Nate's strong suit, as his jokes were often specific and incomprehensible, not just to Simon but to others as well. Although he understood that his own humor wasn't particularly funny, he still continued to joke in the same manner.

 

Nate: "Well, you didn't open the moon for me, but I agree with you, as always. By the way, did Alan and Tom call you?"

 

Simon: "Yes, they called me two hours ago."

 

Nate: "Okay, then I wish you a great New Year celebration. Bye."

 

Simon: "Same to you, bye."

 

Simon hung up the phone and went to the workshop to finish repairing the cursed garland. You might ask me why it's cursed, and I'll tell you this: this garland breaks every year. One bulb will break, then a wire will tear, or the plug will break. In short, one trouble after another with this garland. Yet, despite all that, Simon repairs it every year. Finally finding the last frayed wire, Simon fixed it with the most versatile tool, electrical tape. Then he plugged the garland into the socket, and miraculously, it started working. Just as he finished, his father called out to him.

 

Mr.Jason: "Simon, what's with the garland!?"

 

Simon: "I've already fixed it!"

 

Mr. Jason: "Then bring it here. A Christmas tree without garlands is not a Christmas tree at all."

 

Simon took the garland and carried it into the living room where the Christmas tree was already decorated with various ornaments, with Simon's father standing nearby. They began to wrap the tree with the garland, and when they finished, Simon turned on the lights, and the tree lit up with a multitude of colorful lights. Simon's father was delighted and said,

 

-Well done, Simon! As always, you did a great job.-

 

-For me, it's a piece of cake," replied Simon with a smile on his face.

 

Simon stood there, joyfully watching the working garland, then he glanced at the cuckoo clock hanging on the wall and noticed that it was already 10:43 PM. He remembered that he had promised to meet Miranda at 11:00 PM, so he went upstairs to his room to grab the gift he had made for her. Taking the gift, Simon started getting dressed in warm clothing. Then he came downstairs and put on his winter jacket and boots, but he was stopped by his father, who asked,

 

-Simon, where are you going?

 

-I promised Miranda that I would meet her one hour before the New Year. And I wanted to give her another gift. I promise it won't take long, maybe 20-25 minutes, okay?

 

Simon's father scratched his head and said,

 

-Well, okay, though it's strange.

 

Simon was a bit puzzled and asked,

 

-What's strange?

 

His father replied,

 

-Well, your friendship with this Miranda. You don't even know what she looks like, yet you're such good friends. It's strange. But honestly, she's a pleasant girl. Don't you find it strange that she doesn't want to show herself?

 

Simon's father was right. It was strange to be such good friends without knowing each other's faces. But Simon explained it this way,

 

"Dad, it's just a game we have, 'mysterious conversationalists'"

 

Of course, Simon's father was surprised by such an answer, but at the same time, not surprised.

 

-That's a strange game you have, but well, it's your thing.

 

Simon: "Well then, I'm off," said Simon as he pulled on his last boot.

 

Simon's father wished him luck and went to the kitchen, while Simon got dressed, grabbed the gift, and headed outside.

 

Once outside, Simon walked towards the fence and began to wait. Approximately 10 minutes passed. Simon leaned against the fence and twirled the gift in his hands when suddenly he heard a familiar female voice.

 

Miranda: "Simon, are you here?"

 

Simon: "Yes, I'm here."

 

Miranda: "That's good. How are you?"

 

Simon: "I'm good, and you?"

 

Miranda: "I'm good too."

 

Simon: "By the way, merry cristmas! I wish you happiness, success, and prosperity."

 

Miranda: "Hehe, thank you Simon, and merry cristmas to you too. I wish you health, a happy life, love, and understanding."

 

Simon: "Hehe, thanks."

 

Simon felt a pleasant warmth in his heart from such well-wishes. Then he looked at the gift he held in his hand and said,

 

Simon: "Miranda, in honor of this holiday, I want to give you this gift. Catch!"

 

And at that moment, Simon tossed the gift over the fence, but gently enough to avoid breaking it. Miranda caught the gift and began to examine it. It was a small but heavy box, and she had no idea what was inside.

 

Miranda: "Oh, thank you so much!"

 

Simon: "Well, open it first."

 

Miranda: "Okay."

 

Sounds of ripping paper could be heard. Miranda opened the cardboard box and took out a handmade music box that Simon had crafted. He had already shown her how the music box worked before, so Miranda quickly figured out how to wind it up. There were three metal musical drums inside the box, and Miranda took one of them and inserted it into the music box. She began winding the mechanism, but there was another knob on it that she wasn't sure about. Simon explained to her that she should give it a little twist before opening the box.

 

When Miranda finished winding the mechanism, she lifted the lid of the music box. As soon as she did, the inside of the box lit up with small bulbs, and a pleasant melody started playing. In the center, a little sleeping dragon was twirling. It was a very soothing and calming melody, but unfortunately, I can't describe its beauty to you, so you'll have to use your imagination to envision how it sounded. Miranda was delighted with such a gift to the point where she couldn't find the right words to express her gratitude.

Miranda: "Oh, oh, oh, my goodness, Simon, thank you so much for such a gift! It's really cool, no, no, no, it's marvelous!"

 

Hahaha, Miranda was so happy that it seemed like there was no limit to her joy. And Simon was also thrilled to hear such words.

 

Simon: "Well, I'm glad you liked it."

 

Miranda: "Oh, oh, oh, I have a gift for you too, Simon! Catch!"

 

And in that moment, a small, worn-out cardboard box flew over the fence, and Simon caught it. It was a simple, unadorned box without any wrapping or decorations, but Simon didn't mind. As they say, don't judge a book by its cover. Simon opened the box and took out a cube on a string. When Simon saw the cube, he froze. It was a transparent cube that emitted some kind of cosmic light, and inside the cube, it seemed like there was a tiny piece of the universe. Small stars were visible, and the cosmos inside the cube looked something like this: (https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/space-background-with-stardust-and-shining-stars-realistic-colorful-cosmos-with-nebula-and-milky-way_1258-150925.jpg) But that's approximately how it looked. So, Simon was amazed by the beauty of this cube and how it illuminated, although how did it illuminate? That was unclear, but magically beautiful.

 

Simon: "This is simply incredible! I've never seen such a beautiful thing in my life! Where did you get this!?"

 

Miranda: "Hehe, I'm glad you liked it. I made it myself."

 

Those words astonished Simon. He couldn't even imagine that this beautiful cubic object was made by Miranda. It's not that he didn't believe she made it, he just had no idea how she created such a beautiful thing.

 

Simon: "Wow, you're just a first-class craftsman!"

 

Miranda: "Hehe, you're flattering me."

 

Simon: "No, really, I've never seen such a beautiful and skillful work in my entire life."

 

Miranda: "Hehe, thank you."

 

While Simon was exchanging pleasantries with Miranda, he remembered that he wanted to give her another gift. He approached a small pile of snow and pulled out a small plastic box from it, inside of which lay frozen strawberries. Although where did he get them in winter? That, we may never know.

 

Simon: "By the way, Miranda, do you like strawberries?"

 

Miranda: "Of course, I simply adore them."

 

Simon: "Then here you go."

 

Simon took the box and threw it over the fence, and the box safely landed on Miranda's head.

 

Miranda: "Ouch!"

 

Simon: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!"

 

Miranda: "It's okay, no big deal."

 

Miranda took the box and opened it. Inside the box, as one can easily guess, were frozen strawberries, which made Miranda's eyes sparkle with happiness, as strawberries were her favorite berries. She also loved to drink tea with strawberries, which I find a bit strange, but that's just my opinion. I've simply never had tea with strawberries.

 

Miranda: "Oh Simon, thank you so much, and by the way, you do love my roasted rabbit, don't you?"

 

Simon already guessed where Miranda was heading, and he played along.

 

Simon: "Still would! You won't find better meat!"

 

Miranda: "Hahaha, well then, here you go!"

 

Miranda tossed a cloth containing the aforementioned roasted rabbit, which Simon successfully caught, but Miranda threw it with such force that when Simon caught it, he fell into the snow.

 

Miranda: "Are you okay?"

 

Simon: "Yeah, I'm fine."

 

Simon stood up, shook himself off, and took the cloth with the roasted rabbit in his hands—it was warm. Then Simon looked at his wristwatch and saw that it was already 11:30 PM.

 

Simon: "Miranda, I have to run home, my parents are already waiting for me. Merry christmas to you once again."

 

Miranda: "Hehe, Merry christmas to you too, Simon."

 

Simon said goodbye to Miranda and ran home. Upon entering the house, Simon placed the cloth with the roasted rabbit on the nearby nightstand and took off his winter boots and jacket. Afterward, Simon took the rabbit and headed to the dining room, where his parents were already sitting and waiting for him. Upon entering the room, Simon apologized for the long delay and placed the cloth with the rabbit on the table. Simon's parents were surprised by this, and of course, they began to ask questions about it.

 

Miss Betty (Simon's mom): "Where did this come from, Simon?"

 

Mr. Jason: "And what is this?"

 

Simon reassured his parents and began to answer their questions. He explained that it was a kind of gift from Miranda. Then he untied the knot on the cloth and uncovered it. As soon as he did, a delicious aroma of roasted meat filled the dining room, which pleased Simon's parents.

 

Miss Betty: "Mmm, it smells delicious."

 

Mr. Jason: "Maybe it tastes just as good?"

 

Simon was pleased with these words, and he decided to offer his parents a taste.

 

Simon: "Well, I suggest we find out just how delicious it is."

 

Simon's father took a knife and cut a small piece of meat from the rabbit, he looked at it, put it in his mouth and began to chew. At the same moment, sparks of pleasure appeared in his eyes, he mumbled in satisfaction, then he swallowed the piece of meat and slapped it lightly on the table.

 

M. Jason: "Damn me! This is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted, no offense honey but it's really good meat, even better than what my friend Carl makes, and he makes really good meat!".

 

Simon's father was a very emotional man and so he expressed his emotions quite vividly.

 

After his father's words Simon's mother took a knife and repeated the same actions that Simon's father did. And just like his father, she had sparks of pleasure in her eyes.

 

Mrs. Betty: "Oh my goodness! This is truly the most delicious meat I've ever tasted!"

 

After that, Simon sat at the table, and they all cut small pieces of meat onto their plates, added some salad, mashed potatoes, and began eating. But then Simon's father spoke up.

 

Mr. Jason: "Simon, tell your girlfriend that she is an amazing cook! I would even shake her hand for this! Simon, have you ever considered marrying Miranda?"

 

Simon was shocked by his father's statement and didn't know what to say!

 

Simon: "Well, I don't know."

 

Mr. Jason: "Well, think about it, son. Women like Miranda are becoming rarer and rarer these days."

 

Simon: "Okay, Dad, I'll think about it."

 

And they continued eating. Outside, instead of calmly falling snow, there was a freezing blizzard. In such weather, it's best to be at home and drink warm tea or whatever you like best. Personally, I enjoy drinking hot cocoa with cookies during winter. Not the instant cocoa that comes in colorful packaging, but the one you make with milk and usually comes in a rough, serious, and non-colorful package. Well, at least that's how it's sold in my store. Sorry, I got sidetracked. Simon's family celebrated New Year's Day well that day. There were games, jokes, treats, and overall enjoyment for the human soul in celebrating that New Year's night. And when everyone went to bed, Simon lay down and looked at the cosmic cube glowing in the dark. How it worked was unclear, but it looked magical. The cube shimmered so pleasantly in its cosmic glow that Simon fell asleep enchanted by this marvel. He slept so soundly and so sweetly that it seemed like he was asking for an eternity, but he woke up the next day with a pleasant feeling of tranquility. Despite such a nice moment, let's return to the present time. Simon continued to look at the frozen blueberries, then he took out the chicken and closed the freezer, placing the chicken in the sink. Simon went upstairs to his room on the second floor. Upon entering the room, Simon threw his backpack near the nightstand next to his bed and began changing clothes. He took off his gray sweater and blue jeans, neatly folded them, and put them in the wardrobe. Then he glanced at his desk, where a creative mess was unfolding. There were scattered microchips, bolts, wires, and screwdrivers. Then Simon approached the bed and took out his sleep t-shirt from under the pillow, the one he slept in, as you can easily guess. He put it on, straightened the bed, and went to sleep. A few minutes later, Simon fell asleep.

 

Opening his eyes, Simon stood up and looked around. He wasn't in his own room but in Tom's room. It was tidy, with not a speck of dust on the shelves of the closet. Everything was in its place. Through the large window on the left, the sun was shining brightly. The books on the shelves of the closet on the right were the same, and the room hadn't changed one bit. Simon decided to leave Tom's room and approached the door right next to the bed. Pulling the handle, he expected to see the familiar hallway in the Golds' house. But as soon as he opened the door, he was surprised because it was Alan's room. Chaos and disorder reigned inside. Simon was puzzled, asking himself, "What's going on here?" He began to inspect the room, and suddenly he noticed that the table, which was usually in its familiar place, was missing, replaced by a door he hadn't seen before in Alan's room. Approaching it, Simon pulled the handle, and the door creaked open, revealing Nate's room before his eyes. It was in a normal state, with a garland of regular, non-colorful bulbs hanging on the walls, and the room didn't look supernatural. All of this started to worry Simon a bit, although everything was calm until one moment when gray clouds began to gather outside the window. Simon grew nervous, but he mustered the courage to look out the window. As he approached it, thunder roared, and heavy rain poured down. Simon's heart raced faster. He felt that something ominous was approaching and wanted to go back to Alan's room, but the door behind him slammed shut with a loud bang! Simon desperately pulled the handle, hoping it would open, but to no avail. The door was locked. Fear wrapped around Simon like a prickly blanket of unease and anxiety. His heart beat even faster, and cold sweat droplets appeared on his face. Suddenly, human cries were heard, and shots rang out through the window. Simon threw himself to the floor, covering his head with his hands and closing his eyes.

 

-It's all a dream! It's all a dream! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

 

Simon repeated over and over, hoping to wake up, but it was in vain. The door began to be knocked on, gradually increasing in force. It was about to break! Simon started to burst into tears, praying to God to wake up. The door was already cracking, it was about to give way! One powerful strike, and the door shattered into pieces with a loud crash throughout the room! And... Simon woke up in a cold sweat. "It was just a nightmare, a very scary nightmare," Simon said to himself, massaging his forehead. But suddenly, a phone call rang out, coming from the first floor, from the living room. Simon looked at the clock, 5:24 PM.

 

"Only an hour? I thought I slept less."

Reluctantly, Simon got out of bed and headed towards the source of the sound. Leaving the room, Simon descended to the first floor into the living room. Picking up the phone, Simon asked with a tired and annoyed voice:

 

"Hello, who is this?"

 

"Simon! Glad to hear you!"

 

Upon hearing these words, Simon realized it was Tom. Exhausted and irritated, Simon asked:

 

"Are you calling about something important, or just to chat?"

 

"Both."

 

"What does that mean?"

 

"My young friend, it means that I, Tom Gold, want to inquire about how you're doing and ask if you, sir, can pay me a visit today for a cup of tea?"

 

Simon set the phone aside and muttered in dissatisfaction.

 

"Why can't you just leave me alone?"

Then he picked up the phone, but Tom interrupted him.

 

"I'm sorry, Simon, for calling you at such an inconvenient moment, and I understand that not only I but also other members of our modest group have been bothering you. Most likely, you want us to leave you alone. I understand that it may not be easy for you right now, and you'd probably like to be alone with yourself. However, my parents went to the big city for some business, and they also took my piano for repairs because the last time I played it so emotionally that I even snapped the strings. Well, not only that, I played so intensely that a little spark ignited inside the piano, which later grew into a small fire, but I managed to extinguish it in time."

 

"I see... (heavy sigh) I get it."

 

"So... how are you feeling?"

 

"Oh, everything's fine with me. I slept, and it seems like I got enough rest."

 

"Well, that's good."

 

Simon, of course, lied to him. He didn't want to upset Tom, so he deemed it necessary not to tell the truth about his well-being.

 

Simon stood there, unsure of what to do. On one hand, he could refuse Tom's invitation and continue lying down, or he could agree and go chat with Tom, have tea or other beverages that he had, and have a heartfelt conversation. Tom was always the life of the party, and they could always find common ground. Moreover, it would be better for Simon to express all his thoughts to someone, and Tom was good at keeping secrets and solving problems through words. Simon pondered and made a decision.

 

"Tom, when can we meet?"

 

Simon sensed Tom's smile, despite not seeing his facial expression. It could be inferred from his suddenly changed breathing and brief, quiet laughter.

 

-"Well, even right now, get yourself together and come to me! I'm waiting for you with a loaf of bread and salt."

-"Okay."

Simon hung up the phone and went to his room. He changed into his gray warm sweater, blue jeans, grabbed the keys to the house, left a note for his parents on the refrigerator saying that he went to visit Tom. He put on his padded vest and his high-top sneakers. Simon opened the door and stepped outside, locking the door behind him. He glanced at the gray autumn sky and headed to Tom's place.

Phew, I don't know about you, but personally, I'm already tired. I guess that's enough for today. I hope you enjoyed my story and don't regret spending your time on me. I don't know when I'll be able to continue telling you this story, but I promise you that I will tell it to you until the end. Well, on that note, I bid you farewell. I wish you all a good time of day, a good mood, and success in your lives. It was a pleasure spending time with you, and once again, thank you all. Goodbye, everyone.