Just moments ago, he’d been wrapped in thoughts about how dull and pointless everything had become. And now, suddenly, a strange surge of anticipation.
They descended the café’s steps. The young man began to think more seriously about the mission itself. Normally, all he needed was a precise instruction, and that was it. He never asked questions.
But this time—it felt different.
The stranger had said: a simple item.
Not valuable.
Not drugs.
Not documents.
“Damn… that’s actually intriguing,” he thought.
Ask the guide? That would break his own code.
Still, he felt something like… a first assignment.
Like a child.
“Why don’t we chat a bit?” the guide offered. “While we walk—just a few words?”
“I don’t mind,” he replied, “as long as it’s nothing personal.”
“Fair enough. Curious where we’re headed?”
You know what makes working with professionals so pleasant?
They don’t complain, don’t ask pointless questions, don’t make things harder than they are.
Even in silence, walking beside them feels right.
The young man tilted his head slightly to the left, glanced at the guide, and then returned to his calm, even stride.
As they passed the Square's chimes, the guide spoke again:
“The first point is nearby. Do you like pigeons?”
“Yes,” the young man answered shortly.
“See how they’re not afraid of people? Tourists feed them all day—they don’t even flinch anymore. They swarm right at your feet…”
“Amusing.”
“I’m a boring companion, huh? Or are you just a true professional?”
“Here we are—by the monument.
You know when that building to the left was built?”
“No.”
“During the reign of Alexander II. Architect: Yanchevsky.”
“I don’t care for history.”
“Ah. Apologies. They did warn me about that.”
"He seemed composed and silent a minute ago… and now, once he starts talking, he’s a completely different person," the young man thought.
They reached the monument to Amir Timur.
“Now put on the navigator, please. Like that.
Now turn the left dial—like setting a traditional watch.
One… two… three… all the way to twelve. Done. Route point should appear?”
“Yes.”
“To confirm, press here,” the guide said.
The young man did as instructed.
“Let’s check. Monument—right in front of us. Across from it—the Uzbekistan Hotel. To the right—a clock tower. Behind us—the Law University building. All marked.”