A Lucid Dream - страница 9

he whispered.

"Don’t thank me. You don’t have to," Rimma smiled. "We’re friends, and friends help each other. Right?"

"Of course," Ruslan replied warmly.

"By the way, thanks for the compliment," Rimma teased. "That was nice."

"And now you’re thanking me," Ruslan smirked.

"In my case, it’s only natural. So, are we going?" she asked.

"Yes, yes, of course."

"Then let’s go!"

They spent almost the entire night wandering around the house, exploring every little corner. Ruslan was experiencing emotions that only a blind person, suddenly able to see, could understand. At one point, Rimma noticed something.

"Ruslan, there isn’t a single family photo in your house…"

He thought for a moment, then said:

"Even though I’ve never seen a photograph before, I clearly remember taking pictures with my parents. That means they must be somewhere."

"I wonder where they could have gone? Where haven’t we looked yet?" Rimma pondered. Then her face lit up with realization. "Wait! We haven’t checked the attic! I’m sure we’ll find something there!"

"You think so?" Ruslan asked doubtfully.

"Yes! My parents’ attic is full of old things—that’s how most people store stuff. Maybe your mother kept something important up there too," she suggested.

They climbed upstairs. The attic was dark, dusty, and cold, with cobwebs hanging everywhere. It seemed like no one had set foot here in years. They stood in silence for a moment, taking it all in. Then Rimma, who had wisely brought candles, lit them. Ruslan was impressed by her quick thinking.

They began searching through the attic’s contents. Old chairs, boxes, paintings, and pieces of furniture were scattered all around. Suddenly, Rimma gasped excitedly.

"Look what I found!"

Ruslan hurried over. In front of them stood a large, worn-out chest.

"I wonder what’s inside?" Rimma asked curiously.

"Shall we open it?" she suggested.

Ruslan hesitated for a moment before nodding. A nervous excitement gripped his heart. Inside the chest, they found only two items—a single old book with a worn-out cover and a photo album. Noticing Ruslan’s state, Rimma boldly picked up the album and handed it to him. Ruslan took a shaky breath, his hands trembling.

Slowly, he opened it. He ran his fingers over the photographs, staring at the familiar faces of loved ones who were no longer there. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He could see them now. But it was too late.