Just as I’d hoped, we came to a final decision about reading week
the next day. We asked about all our different ideas in the university office
and, after ascertaining that they were all far too ambitious for this late in
the day, went straight to an Internet café after class and spent the whole
afternoon planning our trip to Ukraine – which had been our very first idea.
The plan was, to get a train to Moscow on Saturday morning, spend the afternoon
there and then take the night train to Kiev. We’d book a hostel for one or two
nights there and then go where the wind took us: maybe Odessa, maybe Lvov, who
knows. But the point was, we had an idea and a destination, and we could book
the next day.
The walk back was long and cold, as the Internet café was a good
half away from my flat. By the time I got back my fingers and toes were frozen
yet again, and the prospect leaving the house for my exercise class was not at
all inviting. Luckily, the time came around quickly so it wasn't too much of an
effort after all. After dinner my mood was boosted by the fact I was able to
have two successful Skype calls with Adam and Lou, my best friend from back
home. We've known each other since year dot and we’re practically sisters, so
finally being able to talk to her – and to see her as well – after so many
weeks was amazing.
Already in a good frame of mind, I enjoyed the class that night
even more than usual – it was a kind of aerobics/strength class that day. When
I got home I even managed to speak to my parents on Skype (although the video
had decided to stop working by then). They’re in Italy until Thursday so we’re
communicating via my dad’s phone; I’m quite impressed that they've worked it
out actually (even if they have somehow been ‘forced’ into making two
accounts).
Wednesday was a good day too, despite the fact that it poured down
with rain and was bitterly cold, leaving the snow to partially freeze,
partially melt into huge puddles flooding the entire pavement. The others got
their visas, we had a quick lunch and then went to the train station to get
tickets – and didn't even have to stand in a huge queue.
That night the rain turned into snow and the ground was soon
coated with another thick white layer. Walking to the Halloween party in my
dress and wellies felt like an expedition rather than a night out, and when
Sophie and I finally got there it felt like an achievement. Everyone was there
that night; some hadn't dressed up, others had gone all out with costumes and
face paints. It was half past three again before I decided to brave the
blizzard and call it a night.
As I was turning into my road a little black dog dashed up to me,
tail wagging. She clearly wanted some fuss and attention and, seeing that she
was friendly and healthy, I stopped a minute to stroke her before carrying on
my way. Before I knew it, she was trotting at my heels, hoping she’d found a
friend and a home for the night. The thought of her sleeping out in the
freezing snow was awful and I knew that if my situation were different I’d have
tried to help, but I knew that, as it was, there was nothing I could do, and
forced myself to wave her off into the park next door to the flat. Somehow, two
minutes later she was there again, having somehow got through the gate to the
apartment courtyard. She followed me to the door and I gave her another cuddle
and squeezed through the door before my guilt could change my mind. Even the
idea of leaving her in the hallway crossed my mind before I had to concede that
if she made noise or trouble it could cause me huge problems. So, with a lump
in my throat I closed the door and went into my flat without glancing back.
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