Crazy! Do you know what you are asking for? Do you know what awaits this child if he lives? Let him die now...

No, no way! "Anything, but let him live... for me, for my mother... My happiness, my only joy! Can I refuse it?

"Then look!" The same voice said.

And a series of pictures began to unfold before my eyes. They were so alive, so real. I remember them all. Kanechka's whole life passed before me.

Here he is in bed. Recovering. A little tired, still weak, but cheerful, joyful, with smiling eyes. The suspicious feverish blush on her cheeks is gone. He stretches out his little hands to me and laughs...

Next is the picture of childhood. His games and pranks... A corner of the nursery, littered with toys. Kanechka riding a wooden horse, brandishing a tin saber... Fun romp and running with mom in the run...

Years of adolescence. Books, school classes... Curly head bent over textbooks. Smeared blots on notebooks... The first failures, the first disappointments in school life.

Youth... Carried away, seething. Friends and peers... Cheerful walks and naïve serious conversations...

Young disputes and reckless songs... My boy still loves me, but it's like he's moving on. He already has his own inner life. He leaves me alone more and more often and is often silent in my presence for a long time.

The beginning of youth. Kanechka in a military uniform. There is more seriousness on the face. He is often thoughtful. He has many acquaintances. Some mysterious meetings. I can clearly see a large table, covered with green cloth and littered with some maps and plans. Around him is a whole gallery of young and old faces... I remember them all so clearly! Bending over the table, they are examining something, studying... Then they argue for a long time with a serious and excited look. Kanechka is among them, but for some reason he is sad...

Wait! The old voice suddenly said, and it sounded menacing: "Don't be curious any further!" One more picture, and if you see it, your request will come true... But know that you will regret it!

No, no! I shouted. "I want, I want the boy to be alive... I beg, I beg..

Look!

It was as if a heavy soft carpet had unfolded, which had hitherto covered one of the walls of the room. A black, empty space opened up behind him. At first, I couldn't see anything. Then there seemed to be a faint light, and in the depths I saw...