A gust of ocean wind blew over Oleg as they stepped onto the street. It bluntly washed away the brightness and warmth of the restaurant. The sun had long since set, and not even the moon dared to show its face. The chilly wind had brought fog from the sea which now wrapped the old Soviet town in uniformed murkiness. As they began their walk to Aljo’s apartment it seemed like the whole town had already fallen asleep. The apartment wasn’t far away, but already after a few steps Oleg felt the damp air heavy on his skin. Only the crunch of the gravel road echoed around the crumbling concrete walls of the old buildings. The dim street lights seemed to be fading into the dark fog along the roadside. Oleg had an odd feeling. As if something was watching them. Observing their slow progress. The closer they got to Aljovich's apartment, the more oppressive the atmosphere felt. Somehow even quieter. Even Aljo had stopped talking, now only breathing heavily as he dragged his feet forward. Oleg glanced around. The tree leaves were locked in place in the still air. Nothing could be seen anywhere. Oleg crunched his brows and continued. Was he just imagining everything? He shouldn't have drunk so much. The duo arrived at Aljovich's door, and Aljovich began to dig for his keys in his pocket. Like a wave, the rustle of falling hay came from behind them. Oleg turned to look back. Everything was motionless. As if frozen in place. Not a hint of wind. Oleg squinted at the edge of the forest. Beyond the first trees, the darkness became impenetrable. The silence was deafening, only Aljovich's heavy breathing beside him kept him from imagining that time had stopped. Oleg turned back and pushed the key in Aljo's hand into the lock and turned it. The door opened, and Aljovich collapsed inside. Oleg turned to look back one more time. A faint breeze had returned to the street. Oleg stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He was too drunk. Aljovich's couch would have to do for tonight.