The previous night
The Andreyevna estate
It was quiet. The house was asleep. The stars above were bright, and the air was cool with the scent of night flowers. Alexander stood outside in his coat, a cigarette between his fingers, the smoke slowly drifting into the air. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had a lot on his mind. Too much. Then he heard footsteps. His heart jumped. He turned quickly, afraid.
A soft voice came from the shadows. "It's me, uncle."
It was Lydia.
She stepped into the light. Her face looked calm, but not peaceful. It was cold. Her eyes looked like she hadn't smiled in years. Alexander was stunned. He could barely believe what he was seeing.
"You still smoke," she said softly.
Alexander looked at her, struggling to say anything. She looked the same and yet not the same. Something about her had changed. There was a darkness, a distance, like she had died and come back a different person.
