Krasnodar – Istanbul – Paris

Мария Владимировна Устюгова

Это увлекательная история о женщине и её необычном спутнике, коте по имени Росс, который, несмотря на свою звериную природу, наделён множеством человеческих черт. Отправившись в путешествие из Краснодара края в Стамбул, а затем в Париж, герои переживают удивительные моменты на фоне культовых достопримечательностей и новых встреч. Напряжённость между персонажами и их связи с каждым городом раскрываются через взаимодействие, внутренние переживания и неожиданные повороты судьбы.

"Krasnodar – Istanbul – Paris" is an exciting tale about a woman and her unusual companion, a cat named Ross, who, despite his animal nature, possesses many human-like traits. The story follows their journey from Krasnodar to Istanbul and then Paris, where they experience remarkable moments against the backdrop of iconic landmarks and new encounters. The tension between the characters and their connection to each city unfold through interactions, inner struggles, and unexpected twists of fate.

Мария Устюгова

Krasnodar – Istanbul – Paris

KRASNODAR – ISTANBUL – PARIS

I sat on the highest roof, watching the waves of other roofs flowing right before me. The king of the world, the ruler of Istanbul, a beautiful spotted cat resembling a serval. Just a regular street cat from Krasnodar.

KRASNODAR

I was born in the dark basement of a ten-story brick building. The first thing I remember is my mother, who smelled pleasantly of milk, and my squealing brothers and sisters. We all nuzzled around searching for magical milk fountains. I always found them. I was generally very bold and active.

When mother first led me, small and timidly stepping on trembling paws, into the courtyard, I discovered an amazing new world. And its creatures. Birds chirping somewhere high above, beautiful colorful butterflies, prickly hedgehogs, tiny slimy snails – brr… And humans. They were kind to me. They made funny sounds like "kitty-kitty," petted me, and scratched behind my ears. At first I was scared, but mother explained that they were divided into good and bad ones. You had to listen to your animal instincts and trust them.

I explored this world with incredible eagerness. Breaking free from the stuffy basement, I jumped and ran, rejoicing and marveling at everything. My first caught mouse. A paw injured by a hedgehog. An ear torn in battle with a big cat over food. And Her. I know She had a name, but that's just how I called Her. She came to me every evening and brought something tasty. There were many people who fed me and treated me well. But I singled Her out from all of them. It was nice to sit with Her and listen to the sounds of the courtyard. Children playing, wind blowing, or crickets chirping.

I was still just a kitten when I started thinking about a great journey. My birthplace – the dark cramped basement where I sometimes came to sleep when it was cold and rainy – never became my home. I was a free cat. A cat who walks by himself. When I got older, I began exploring other courtyards and even wandering around the city. I wasn't afraid of cars or dogs. My paws were strong, I was very fast and agile. People in the courtyard loved me for these qualities. They always petted me, fed me treats and lovingly called me Bandit. Once I gave a worthy fight to the local German shepherd. And I caught mice and birds too. Just hunted.

Mother said I took after my father. He was a pedigreed Bengal cat who had escaped from his owners. Wild free blood boiled in his veins. Mother couldn't resist. And I understand her.

I only saw father once: he came to our basement to look at his offspring. He greeted mother affectionately and caressed us, the children. But I felt with my whole being how the basement walls pressed upon him. He had to move on. A wild ancestor of the leopard, led by the call of blood. I remember him looking at me and whispering: "You look like me, son! Choose your path, listen to your heart and instincts, let them guide you…" I sniffed him, trying to absorb his scent that contained everything: masculinity