In the Silence of Your Steps

- And this gentle violet is with us too?

Artem frowned. The contemptuous tone toward the stranger scratched at something inside him. But the girl really did resemble a violet. Or maybe she was just playing the modest one. And herself...

Only it was for nothing. The taiga and mountains don’t like tenderlings.

- Who are you talking about? About Ulyanochka? Grandpa Matvey laughed. - She’s with us the third time. And each time until the end. And yes-a. Don’t break her eyes. She’s a recluse. Who just hasn’t tried to talk her into it. No use. But as a tourist she’s great. She doesn’t complain, she walks, she sets up the tent herself. She knows how to light a campfire. She calmly swims in the cold river. And she reacts properly to mosquitoes.

The man tensed. Something about her grabbed his attention... and not just his.

- And she reacts properly to men too? Artem couldn’t help but make a snide remark—immediately checking himself.

- Oh, sure. Sends everyone to hell! Grandpa Matvey laughed. - With a look.