My Friend

You go home because of the village and arrive home. Approaching the house, your granny meets you and says: «Oh, Pasha, you came, now Tanya will come here with Kolya». You look at her and say: «And what's with Kolya?». Granny replies: «He's a good boy, just don't offend him». You nod, and granny goes out onto the street. After some time, she turns back with this Tanya and this Kolya, a boy who looks like a 9-year-old on crutches. You go to the kitchen and sit down to drink tea. You keep looking at Kolya all the time. And suddenly this Tanya asks granny to show the pantry, and you go out of the house. Kolya looks at you and says: «What, have you never seen an invalid before? Interesting?». You say: «Why are you so mean?». You take off your T-shirt and give it to him. Kolya says: «Are you giving me your T-shirt, freak?». You reply: «No, what? Take it». Kolya takes the T-shirt with hesitation

Russia, Lepekskoye village, 1984, month of June