Imperial Massacre

Chapter 1

Date: February 17, 1906

The west end of Siberia, The Russian Empire

A young boy runs down the road in a panic as three pre-teenage boys chase him.

Boy #1: That's it, Igor! You're dead meat!

Igor: Just getting even! (Man, I really messed up this time)

Boy #2: Give us back that bread!

Igor: Give me back my shoes and maybe I'll reconsider!

The boys chase Igor across the village and towards a frozen lake. All four were used to traversing on that lake during the freezing winter. This time, the ice was more difficult to run on. As the boys run, the chasers run on uneven surfaces and slip. Meanwhile, Igor makes it through. He was very observant of the terrain and managed to escape even with his paper shoes.

Igor: Sorry, better luck next time!

Boy #3: You'll be sorry you messed with us! You hear? You'll be sorry!

Igor: Yeah, yeah *laughs*!

Igor continues to run until he stops at an old cabin. As he approaches, he takes off the paper shoes and leaves them by the door. He did not want snow to get in the cabin and he was used to walking inside barefoot. Igor goes inside and rests the basket of bread on the table. At least he got food that will last for two days.

Igor: Aunt Marie? I'm home!

A shriveling voice is heard through a separate room.

Aunt Marie: I'm here darling, right here.

Igor goes to the other room to find Aunt Marie in a rocking chair. She is in her early 60s. She has been taking care of Igor for a year now.

Igor: I got some bread Aunt Marie. Do you want some?

Aunt Marie: Let me guess, you took it?

Igor: *Looks down in embarrassment* Ummm.... Yes ma'am.

Aunt Marie: *Sighs* Igor dear, you can't keep doing this. You keep getting into trouble with folks in the nearby village.

Igor: Those boys practically left it; besides it is payback since they stole my shoes.

Aunt Marie: Igor, I understand what you are thinking, but you must make justice by smart thinking, not just by getting back. If you keep doing that, they will always find more reasons to attack you.

Igor: B-But-

Aunt Marie: *Places her hand on Igor's shoulder* Igor, you are still young. Who knows what will happen to you if this continues. There must be a better way.

Igor: But we barely have any money, and I barely make anything by selling newspapers. I just had to steal for this moment.

Aunt Marie: There are some rubles in the jar on the shelf. Take some and buy some bread. You need to take the bread you stole and return it.

Igor: But the boys.... *sighs* Yes ma'am, I'll do it.

Aunt Marie: Igor, you are almost eight, and soon you will learn how society properly works. Please learn how to make the right choice. Okay?

Igor: *Smiles* Yes Aunt Marie.

Igor goes to the jar and takes a couple of saved rubles. He grabs the breadbasket and bids farewell to Aunt Marie. He goes outside, puts on his paper shoes and starts walking.