Perfectly ordinary day in village. Cattle are walked, vegetables are watered, beds are weeded. A lonely me has nothing to do here and waste my life. It got to point that I even self-taught. I extracted books electronically and a few years after graduation I was able to pass Unified State Exam. I had go to the city for this, at least I was lucky have a motorcycle, which I got from my grandfather.
My parents don't care about my ambitions. The urge study is good, but it's even better when household is in order. I have a big family in which I need take care of my brothers and sisters. Now I'm lying on my bed, thinking about how live on. I have always dreamed of seeing world, going through difficulties and achieving success on my own.
— Bogdan, there's a letter in mailbox for you.
Sister hadn't yet managed to enter house, as she already began scream. Information age reigns in the world, and letters are still sent in hard copy such remote places as this.
— Alice, what is it?
— How should I know? I came home after school and saw a letter in the mailbox.
— …
Who could it be? It's a little early announce exam results, and I don't correspond with anyone by letters. Reluctantly, I got out of bed and went to door to meet my sister. In her hands she was holding a rather large envelope with album paper, on which was signature "Moscow".
— Did you understand what they sent you?
— Some institute was probably sent by mistake.
— Did you get confused with Dimka?
— It's unlikely that Dimka joined the army a week ago.
Dimka is my neighbor. Childhood friend and comrade. We had a bit of fight lately, so I couldn't even say goodbye to him properly.
Very gently and carefully I opened envelope. Indeed, there was a large sheet in which it was written:
"Dear Kapitsa Bogdan Ivanovich, we have received a statement that you passed the Unified State Exam for 288 points in total in disciplines such as Mathematics, Physics, Native language. We ask you familiarize yourself with our Higher Educational Institution and write a return letter..."
— It seems that I am invited to the most prestigious technical university in the country…
— So it's wonderful!
I didn't expect such a letter at all. This is an offer that cannot be refused! God, thank you for such a chance!
***
The rnging of alarm clock for me has always been a sign of new day. Usually I wake up and wish world "Good morning", but today is a special occasion. After all, my little head isn't at all disposed to morning procedures, and reason was that someone will have the most responsible day in his youthful life…
It took about six months, and I finally settled in the capital. The difference, of course, is enormous. Huge traffic jams, endless crowds of people and not the cleanest air were met without letting them realize what was passing. By some unknown side, I wandered to hostel, where I settled down.
It's very difficult for me, a 20-year-old idiot from the outback, to navigate in a huge city, and even more so have time earn good grades for a scholarship (I can't live here without it). In order to somehow make my life easier, I tried get a job at institute as a technician. And everything would be fine, but today, the first of September, I will have to go through two introductory events. One is the primary washing machine. The other is corporate.
Taking out of my closet snow-white shirt, dad's pants, and tie given to my ex, I am preparing for welcome party of freshmen, after which congratulatory party in honor of my new part-time job will also begin. I had no choice — respect of peers, teachers and colleagues was at stake.
— Today is going to be difficult day, especially a heavy blow, it will hit my kidneys.
I'm not handsome, but taste of fashion leaves much be desired. With his calm character and facial expression, bright clothes couldn't even be combined with his own jeans. I'm lucky that today I'm going to wear only shirt and pants. Style isn't my main thing.
As a student, I got part-time job, hoping that connections would help with my studies. Having exceeded my limits when passing Unified State Exam, I underestimated difficulties of upcoming life... For a poor man without a single penny in his pocket to enter one of the most prestigious technical universities in the country wasn't simple dream, but real unbearable burden. I was pressed not only by authority, but also by banal experience that I desired.
— Ready?
— Why are you clinging me? This is my first time at such events.
— You know, two of us are at least calmer.
— Danya, how do you plan conduct an event at all if you can't go outside yourself?
— You don't understand! It's different, just… Unaccustomed yet. Moscow is scary.
The guy in front of me is a timid young man with a talent for oratory. He was noticed back in his small town and invited in a similar way to me. Like Danya, I also managed to flash in news as country's hope for a bright future. It seems that this university is trying hook the most desirable students without even worrying about their status. First guy from village, then showman from small town.
Another subway ride ended with meeting crowds of sullen faces. It is impossible to be at two events at the same time, so I came up with some kind of plan. And Danya will be key person here.
— Good evening, dear fellow students! Today we are gathered here celebrate our admission! Alcohol on tables, clothes according dress code and we are happy to welcome guests! Unfortunately, size of the room doesn't allow you gather absolutely all the undergraduates, but most key people have found their time come here! Meet Head of the student council — Alice!
It's hard to describe beauty of this girl in ordinary words. Her blue eyes reflected all the light in area. Her dress of heavenly shades gave impression that goddess herself had descended into this world. I have never seen such beauties in my life.
— I welcome you who have entered our Institute. As head of the student council, I am responsible for activities and behavior of students. I ask you not forgeting take care of yourself, walk neat and observe rules of decency on a par with charter of Higher Educational Institution.
There were whispers from the audience:
— Don't you think she's kind of biased and narcissistic?
— There is such a thing.
— Quiet, they continue.
Danya continued:
— Thank you very much, dear Alice, strictly but tastefully greeted all freshmen on campus! And now, by tradition, I invite student who scored the highest score this year!
The audience instantly focused. Many of those present are ready come out in blink of an eye and say their few words. List of those who received points hasn't yet been published, so Danya caught up with intrigue.
— Kapitsa Bogdan, come on stage.
The hall began to make noise:
"Who's that?"
— Kapitsa? Is he from the village or something?
— Why not me, I have 287 points, how many could he score?
The periodic lack of Internet in villages left me no choice of studing. I sincerely believed that better life was ahead of me. Of course, I follow news and am familiar with advanced technologies, but fact that I have honed same type of tasks doesn't make me a genius at all. In a fact, I haven't yet fully managed catch up with pace of capital… In some sense, it was a setup. I wasn't geek and prepared for same type of EXAM task, mainly relying on luck. And now half of local students have turned against me.
— You could have said at least…
Gathering all my willpower into a fist, I went, fierce glances drilled into me until I went on stage.
— Bogdan scored total of 288 points, tell me, how did you manage it?
— Well… I grew up in the village and local education left much to be desired. After I returned from army, I caught myself that I had nothing to do. So I decided to try my luck in exam. And then I received an invitation to this wonderful university. I worked hard get to this place. Honestly, life is such a scary thing. One day I woke up and realized that I had absolutely nothing to do. That's why I decided add colors into my life by enrolling here.
Speech was short and without single mention of names. Crowded hall of people unknown me politely clapped, I already wanted go away — I didn't want hear whispers.
— An invitation? Even I, with my 250 points, submitted documents myself.
— Clearly, a thug means.
In my thoughts I heard: "Something rare, right?", I looked at Danya, who shrugged his shoulders in bewilderment. Having descended from stage, I had retreat line by line. If I don't do that, I won't make it to staff welcome party.
There was already stormy party going on here. Rector isn't in place, and therefore no one wanted hold sluggish speeches and everyone immediately sat down at festive table. Place was distinguished by a large gathering of adults and atmosphere of something high. The glasses are filled with expensive champagne, instead of cheap swill. And building itself is much more expensive than previous one.
— Bogdan, hurry up, you're barely in time.
A young professor, Fyodor Klimov, helped me get job as a technician. He is the first person, who I met from this institute. After moving to capital, I read books in park, where he often strolled. Sitting down next to me, we started a conversation, and then we became friends.
— Okay, thanks for holding place for me.
Fyodor is a well-known young professor. He works in energy sector, and has received many awards for his services. Since our communication wasn't born on a business basis, it's much easier for me communicate with him than with other colleagues.
— Here, drink. Otherwise, you won't be accepted here.
Men at this event don't drink champagne displayed on tables. They prefer something stronger. Rum, whiskey, cognac, I could never afford such expensive copies in my life.
Sip after sip and local alcohol spread throughout body. Following events were mixed up in my head and didn't allow me think calmly. So evening passed, in the morning I found myself in someone else's house.
— I... where?
— Oh, Bodya (affectionately Bogdan), are you awake?
Who is it? Female voice…
— Do you remember me? I'm Alice.
— Oh, world is small…
Wow, I woke up with head of the student council... Thank you, God!
***
It has been several months since I entered this institute. My relationship with Alice has started develop and we are already dating. Starting today, I'm starting work as a technician.
— I'm sorry, I won't be able to explain your work, another technician will do it — Kostya. I am urgently called to meeting.
Man sent by Fyodor was fat and ugly. At first glance, I didn't like him and inspired even less confidence. It didn't take long before he started giving instructions.
— Krch (in short, in slang), I'll take you to office. Sort out junk there, OK?
In speech, he often swallowed letters. Work itself, though dusty, isn't difficult.
— Good…
We went into office. Dust was everywhere, even where it shouldn't be. Computers, installations and other devices are scattered. The folding room looks more like a technological garbage dump. Kostya himself left, saying that there isn't even light here, so I can don't worry about electricity.
— Well, if current doesn't hit, then you can work.
Having dealt with local devices, I started digging. An hour, two hours passed... and after…
***
— I'm sorry about what happened, it was an accident that I didn't count on. Saving last person, I had power up this part, but I didn't have time save you…
Where am I? Clouds?
— You're lucky it was an electric shock. Quickly and painlessly.
— Are you khto (who in russian slang)? What the fuck are you talking about?
I'm drunk, very drunk. My head is splitting… All I remember is giving a speech at welcome meeting… And then...
— I am what you call a deity. Because of me, you were electrocuted, and lost consciousness. I am ready to fulfill any wish in order redeem myself.
— God? Old man, are you crazy? Get out of here in a good way while I'm being kind.
— Don't you believe me?
I went through my pockets...
— Here, catch some change, step back, I want go back.
— That won't do…
Uh, I think I'm sick.
— Get out, whom I say, or I'll hit you! I'm feel so bad!
— Listen me, mortal, you are playing on my nerves, and I am magnanimously ready fulfill a wish. Is that how you treat me?
— Shut up.
— My patience is exhausted, think about your behavior in more... Relaxed atmosphere.
***