I was sitting at the dining table when I suddenly saw Vasily walking with someone behind the veranda window. I jumped up from the table, happy to see the guests. They came in. I recognized that the second person was Ivan although I had not seen him since the ‘weight clock incident’. He was a tall, sturdy-built man. Vasya shined with happiness. It is no wonder, is it, since it was the first time all three of us came together as adults. There were so many memories, with the name of our village of Srostki coming up all the time… And even though none of us lived in Srostki anymore, our souls were still there.

How are you, brother? How is ‘The Herdsman’ coming along? Why don’t you send me some photographs? Or tell me in detail what you have in mind for this painting… And, in general, things are good, Vanya! Life is not so bad after all, brother! I think a lot about our work and come to the conclusion that nobody, except for artists, cares about people. The state needs soldiers and workers… and that’s it. But it is important that people should be kind. Where can they learn to be kind if not from art?