– When are you going to see Max?

– Today or tomorrow, why?

– Let him know, that he needs to read Gorky’s novel “Mother” and write a paper on it. I will give him a literature grade based on this paper.

– Ok, I will let him know. Can I go now?

– Yes.

Andrew almost made it to the door when she said:

– Oh, there is something else, Andrew!

– Yes? – the student looked at her attentively.

– Sent him my greetings, and let him know that I wish him to get well soon! This is it, good – bye!

Doors of the room opened and Andrew entered the room. He was dressed modestly, but with a good taste. Max always liked the intelligent face of his friend, his unlimited aspiration for the best and proper. Andrew had dark rare hair, short haircut, blue eyes and olive skin. His facial features were accurate and attractive, and by looking at him it was easy to say that he was an intelligent person with good actions. Maxim liked how Andrew entered the room. He opened the doors, got in, put his bag down; then he returned back to door, closed it, and only after that approached Max. He pronounced assuredly and quietly:

– Hello, my friend. How are you?

– I am limping.

– Don’t be shy. I thought you had been running around for a while.

– I wish… It would be so good to run or play basketball right now.

– Oh come on! You will have time to play. Now you need to get well.

– I am doing my best, you can see for yourself.

– Of course I see it, Max. It does not make me feel any better thought.

– Andrew, could you please tell me the news from school. I have not been there for ages.

– Everything is the same, except for you being excited about it.

– I know… It is always the same. How are my friends?

– You won’t believe it; they did not change much either.

– Enough about them, give me an answer to another question. Is Svetlana Victorovna working again?

Andrew was waiting for Max to ask this question. Instead of answering, he asked:

– Is she in love with you?

– I told you before that it happened long time ago. So what?

– It is just obvious to me. Every time she looks at he I can see it in her eyes, as if she says: “Andrew, I love Max very much”. Do you understand what I mean?

– What do you think? Do I look like a fool?

Maxim was talking absolutely calmly, so Andrew always unsure of his friend’s real feelings and kept on re-asking the same questions. At those moments Max thought: “It is so easy to get a person confused, even when he is smart. People can get caught up in the vulpine game of emotions…”

– Why are you being so harsh? It is just that I am surprised and I did not notice it before…

– It is natural, and I remember when it happens as clearly as I remember us growing up. Right now, when she is totally in love, it is very hard not to notice. I agree with you.

– Do you love her back?

– Andrew, let’s change the subject. I have told you before that I love her. Why are we getting back to this subject? I don’t get it…

– Ok, ok, I only wanted to make sure. If you don’t feel like talking about it, we won’t.

– Andrew, I just want to know if she asked about me.

– It is not that she just asked, she actually was questioning me. How are you doing, how are you feeling. She even asked who is visiting you. Can you believe it?!

– Wow, I was so positive she would not even remember me. Well, that’s good news!

– She even gave you a task!

– A task? Why she could not call and give it to me directly? She should be coming over to give me lessons, not to give tasks!

– You need to let me finish first. Remember you were talking to her about the Gorky’s novel “Mother”?

– Of course I do! I told her that I’ll read it, even thought it is not included in the school program. I also promised to give a speech about it in class, if necessary.

– Well, she told you to submit a paper on that novel.

– Did she specify the topic?

– No, I guess she assumed you would know what to write about.

– How am I supposed to know when I finished this novel two weeks ago! There are thousands of topics to choose on this novel. From what I assume, this should be a nonspecific paper with an accent on some issue. However, it is hard to guess what the accent should be on.

– Just cover everything that you can. If you want, I will find out for you. I can even tell Svetlana Victorovna to give you a call if you want.