Malyshka
Lyosha didn’t join us but gave me a peck on the cheek.
‘Good night Zayka’ he said to me, ‘Dobroy nochi’ he said to Sasha with a head nod. Sasha stifly returned the nod as Lyosha left in the opposite direction.
A chill ran through me from the cool breeze. Sasha immediately handed me his sweater.
‘Oh, no thanks, I’m okay’ I said unconvincingly.
‘Put it on’ he said a little harshly ‘… please’ he added, his eyes softening. I obliged, handing him my purse to hold while I pulled on the sweater over my head. It smelled like pine trees, peppermint and musk.