Alek wakes up, not prepared for today. Their phones were taken away since today is decision day and they have to choose by themselves whether they want to go on the activity tomorrow.

Yesterday, the two of them both skipped the activity planned. Swimming. Of course, there was some twist to it, but it didn't appeal to either of them for personal reasons. Alek's was that he had a couple of things that he would rather keep covered up. The stranger's was that he couldn't swim, Alek found out.

So the two of them stayed in their rooms, having a phone call all day, and making sure when they did leave their rooms for food, that they didn't do it at the same times.

They learned so much more about each other since they began having their phone calls, but Alek can't sort out his feelings. They know almost everything about each other, and Alek can't find a reason to say no, but he doesn't feel ready to say yes.

He feels like they need to meet each other and figure things out, and when he said this on the phone call yesterday, the stranger was open to it. Not mad, but understanding.

Alek doesn't deserve this, he did nothing for this amazing man to have come into his life. He thinks about Nadia and what she would want for him.

Nadia and Alek were tied at the hips when they were younger. Alek always wanted a better future for Nadia, and he was saving all of his money so when he was old enough he could take Nadia and they could move out of Russia and away from their father.

It happened, but not according to plan.

Alek did all of that, for Nadia. He learned English, moved to a strange town where she could finally have her ashes buried. Alek even took up a job as a barista.

But he doesn't know what else to do now that he's been here for years. All of his future that was planned had Nadia in it, and she's not here.

Alek feels like there's a next step he should be taking, but he doesn't know if he's ready to take it.

All his life he's had plans and routines, the one time he diverged from his routine ended badly. Will this too?

Alek frowns as he begins packing.