[ this probably might not be funny in a moment or two but now that nikolai is in close proximity, it is so easy to simply reach out to touch that long silver braid. no pulling, no grasping.

the ushanka slips, flutters to the ground--oh, he's going to have to brush it off later. ]

You rebel against God by losing sight of yourself. [ he closes his eyes, erasing the upside down image of nikolai's face from view. ] You rebel against emotion by seeking my eradication while at the same time hoping for my salvation. Don't you see, Kolen'ka? I could not predict you would do this at all. The chances of it happening were almost the same as it not.

Does that not please you?