Andrei: *shakes his head no*No. You were only protecting yourself. You were bold too. The only difference in boldnesses, is that you need to asses whose your enemy and who is your ally. That can be hard to ascertain. I can't blame you for your reaction to me. *smiles a bit, wryly* Heh. If you were back home, you'd have every right to smash a bottle over my head or crash a bucket over it too. No, you did all right. I did chase you down like some wolf, I asked for it.

Katya: We both reacted poorly.

Katya looks sadly at him and then back at the trees.

Katya: I'm a poor actor.

Andrei: Why do you say that? We both reacted as we should have reacted. Enough on that. We're here now, trying to have a civilized conversation. Besides... well, you'll think me stupid for saying so, but...

Katya: Yes?

Andrei: Well, *stirs slightly uneased on the bench, crossing the other leg and laying the other one down* Well, you did stick out in my mind after we parted ways that day we first met. Your eyes *points to them and waves his fingers in emphatic gesture* they struck me with their color. They look green like a cat's. And your voice too, it sounds so quiet, but in an easing way. *he wants to mention her hair but fears sounding too sentimental or suspectible*

Katya looks curiously at him and looks a bit embarrassed, but is happy to hear this.

She is quiet for a while as she figures out what she will say in response.

Katya: R-really?

Andrei: *nods silently but sincerely, brows stern, but face seems earnestly trying to be more gentle*

Andrei: So I guess I thought about you, if we might meet again. I like your eyes, how your voice sounds. I hadn't met anyone with eyes and voice like that.

Katya is a bit shocked, but is touched by Andrei's honesty.

Katya: I would have never known that I would make such an impression on someone because of that.

Andrei: You did, you did. *nods, his face still frowning, he feels confused about what he ought to express.* Even the way you ate bread sort of made you stick out in my mind. So when I saw you again today, I wanted to talk to you- out of curiosity.

Katya: Really? Even the way I ate...

Katya turns red, rather unexpectedly, and looks at him more intently.

Katya: To be honest, I think you've made an impression on me too. It's just that I was in denial, because I thought I had made a fool out of myself in front of you that time.

Andrei: *realizes he is talking too much, and resumes his usual stance, sitting upright and clearing his throat* Well, I guess I didn't stick out much for you- but men like me wouldn't, I guess. Yes, you ate like someone cautious, that impressed me. You're someone who knows hunger a bit and is smart enough to last famine, I bet.

Katya: I didn't want to think about being vulnerable and weak anymore. I was sick of being so tired and weak much of the time. And you had seen me at my worst...I thought it would be better if I didn't know you so I didn't have to think about how embarrassed I was that time. But I would never forget the kindness you had shown me and how you had listened to me. There aren't many who listen these days.

Andrei: Your worst? If that's your worst... You needed someone to listen to you. All I did was listen. It was nothing. *tsks* Nothing at all. I guess your manners struck me too. You were civil to me And the fact you weren't cowering from me, either. I get sick of people cowering from me. And you have sharp mind. You're a person who thinks a good deal. A bit poetical, too. That's good. I like that.

Katya: A very bad poet, as you yourself said.

Andrei: Anger made me denounce you too harshly. It's not bad poetry, what's in your head. Not too bad. But who am I to judge? Am I poet? No. But you're sharp, you could learn. You could even write it, too. I imagine.

Katya: *looks off to the side* You know, Andrei, I've always wanted to write a bit. But I never thought I could do it. I haven't exactly tried. I don't think I have the creativity for it.

Andrei: You should try it, Ekaterina Timofeevna. At least take pen to paper. Poets aren't creative. They are realists. You should try it.

Katya: Yes, especially in this climate. Realism rules over all.