«At least I’ll try,» replied Ruslan.
Lana did not understand, but the spite in Oleg’s voice made her worry.
«What?» she addressed Ruslan. «What are you talking about?»
«I’m afraid, sweetheart,» Oleg answered sadly, «my pal wants to ruin our friendship.»
«Nobody can do that, I swear,» she took his hand, and tenderly squeezed it with all her excessive emotion.
Without another word Ruslan moved aside.
* * * * *
On their way home Vlad stopped at the stop signal, and was set to drive again, when Larisa suddenly gasped, «Look, a baby reindeer!»
«Where?» The surprised adults looked outside and laughed when they saw a golden retriever with toy antlers on its head.
«I bet it’s the same dog that we saw on Halloween!» exclaimed Nina, and they got out of the car. The girl petted the animal, and Nina said «Hello» to the owner. He was an old man with a walking stick, and he politely replied, «Good evening, young ladies.»
«I remember her name is Goldy.» The girl trustfully looked at him. «And my name is Larisa.»
«I’m Bill Thompson.» He slightly bowed to her.
«When Goldy has babies, can I have a puppy?» asked Larisa.
«Absolutely.» Bill saw the mother get anxious with his reply, and smiling, he leaned close to her.
«Not to worry, she’s fixed,» Thompson whispered so quietly that only Nina could hear this. «Just let’s not kill the child’s dream, okay?»
Nodding, Nina laughed and looked around.
There was no wind, and the snowflakes dancing in the still air wove an enchanting lacy display. Lit up with Christmas decorations sparkling from everywhere, the usual buildings looked like fairy houses, and Nina lost the sense of reality.
Her husband in the car seemed to her an elf in a carriage. Bill Thompson was a kind wizard of course. Larisa looked like a little princess. And the dog with antlers on its head completed the impression of being in a fantasy.
Barely back to Earth, Nina said goodbye to Bill Thompson, seated her daughter in the car, and they went home. But even falling asleep, Nina remembered this incredible feeling and a happy smile still played on her lips.
* * * * *
When Oleg and Vera got home, he carefully addressed his wife. «Honey, congratulate me. I’ve got a job.»
Vera looked at him with surprise. «Really?»
«Yes, Mr. Limpson hired me as a bodyguard for his daughter.»
«You’re kidding,» the woman said, amazed. «You have no permission for this kind of work.»
«This is why it’s not an official position.» Oleg gallantly helped his wife take off her coat. «I’ll escort his daughter. Sometimes I would have to stay in her apartment even for a night. I hope, you don’t mind, eh?» He gave her a wink, and giggled. «But maybe you’re jealous?»