—Um… All right… it’s better.
He stared at me for a few more seconds without speaking, which had the ability to embarrass me. He seemed surprised, but satisfied. The features of his face formed an insoluble mystery.
“Be in Maidan Square at 6:00 tomorrow morning. Don’t take too much stuff with you. And above all, don’t tell anyone about our little plan.”
He smiled at me and then walked out of the bar slamming the door. A little unsettled by his sudden disappearance, I paid for our drinks and also set off to my hotel. Tomorrow, the expedition would begin.
The night turned out to be short and difficult. I didn’t know if my restless sleep was paralysed by fear or euphoria. Probably both. I was going to revisit the place of my childhood. A radioactive space condemned for eternity, a space that had seen me born and from which I will be bound until my last breath. Images of Pripyat were already floating in my mind. A lost city, alabaster and perilous territories. The promise of a unique experience was on the horizon.
Sleep was elusive. Around 4:00 a.m., I finally slumbered as the first lights of the day began to dawn.
The alarm clock rang suddenly. I got up in a flash and without any effort. Carried by the excitement, I was prepared for everything that would come my way.
It was in a scrupulous way that I finished my bag, silently and with a very solemn slowness. Oleksandr had asked me to bring the bare minimum. I had to honour his trust, he who was taking risks for me. I weighed the package one last time. Perfect. I was ready.
I walked out of the building and closed the door slowly, with a little smile on my face. A shiver of excitement ran through me as I walked down the snow-covered alleyway.
The adventure looked beautiful and scary. I rushed into it without fear or restraint.
Acknowledgements
This book would not have been possible without the precious advice and sweet personality of Vika, my Ukrainian guide, whom I am now sure has not revealed all the secrets of Pripyat to me.
In addition to a visit on site, many musical influences helped me to develop this story. In particular, I must thank Steve Reich and Alessandro Cortini, whose sound layers have always inspired me throughout the writing process. It would also be selfish to end these lines without mentioning Vanessa, Maliia, Tomek, Ingrid and many others who advised me, supported me or only knew me during the writing of this book. Finally, I thank my mother for her patient and wise review.
For anyone who would like to comment, criticise this novel or simply exchange opinions about the Zone, it is possible to contact the author directly through emails: amaury.dreher@gmail.com
Legal Deposit: March 2019
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 Amaury Dreher
All rights reserved.
ISBN 9781713414117