but why ? this was the first question that came to mind ❨ it was always the first question that came to mind, regardless of the situation : ‘alexsej, do the dishes!’ ‘why ?’ ; ‘alexsej, perhaps we should marry !’ ‘why ?’ ❩ but he assumed he would be given another penalty for his answer. and he could guess why, anyway, even if it were not the exact answer he was seeking. it was because of some incompetence, some flaw, some way he had not pleased her. he wanted to tell her, too though, of course, he would not, as he was not so foolish to believe it would make a difference that he was quite competent, but in other matters. his reports from school #50 in magnitogorsk were all glowing. madame sokolov, his advanced calculus instructor, had even recommended he apply for the republic bashkir boarding school. his mother had said it was too far from home, though, and that only meant he was not so high and mighty to be treated like that, but it was still a notable achievement.
❝ yes, ma’am. ❞ he removed his gun from its shoulder sling and placed it gently on the ground in case a hard throw would set its safety off. he brought himself down in front of her and positioned the tips of his boots behind him. his legs went into a straight plank and his palms pressed flat against dirt and gravel. his core trembled, though it was far stronger than it had been the last year. he kept his eyes on her legs and boots.