for his spine, there might be a chance for treatment. I shouldn't let the first setback shatter my dreams. No, the Maretskys were not ones to give up so easily.
„Well, Anna, fixing an airplane is quite different from fixing your sewing machine, isn't it?“
„That's the spirit, good for you,“ Yakov praised, „there's no reason to give up when destiny beckons.“
With a newfound determination, Mark set his sights on the Leningrad Military-Technical School of the Red Army Air Force, in the former capital – the very birthplace of the revolution.
Filled with nervous anticipation, he was nevertheless certain that he would pass the exams; there was no doubt about it.
The Military-Technical School was housed in the historical edifices of the Second Cadet Corps, located on Krasny Kursant (Bolshaya Spasskaya) Street. Across from it stood the Infantry courses, occupying the premises once home to the topographic school. Farther away, the former barracks of the Nobility Regiment now served as the Military Theoretical School of the Red Air Force.
During those times, the nation demanded skilled military personnel. The rapid rearmament of the army during the initial five-year plan necessitated the mastery of new equipment. Standing once more on Troitskiy Bridge, Mark felt as though this was his calling.
„Am I trying to convince myself?“ he pondered, forcing a sad grin. However, he answered with confidence, „What need is there to convince oneself? It's already decided. Everything is right!“
The exams were aced, and he proudly became a „red cadet.“ The former Cadet Corps barracks in Leningrad became his home for the next few years.
Leningrad presented itself to Mark in various ways: its orderly layout and grandiose buildings exuded a haughty and serious grandeur, an allure that captivated the young man. The people of Leningrad also appeared friendly, albeit reserved (though he would later learn that the city was home to diverse personalities). Nonetheless, there was an underlying sense of coldness in the air, perhaps driven by the brisk Baltic wind. That was the impression Mark had of the city.
On the other hand, Moscow, with its bustling streets and joyful commotion, resonated much more with Maretsky's southern temperament. Still, during his leaves of absence, he immersed himself in museums and streets, absorbing the rich cultural atmosphere of the great city.
As the warmth of the season arrived, he could venture out to the beach, preferably outside the city, where the Gulf of Finland offered serene sandy shores.
At the urging of his friend Valeriy a fellow Leningradian, Mark was drawn to Sestroretsk, a once bourgeois and now proletarian resort. Valeriy convinced him that no other beach near Leningrad could rival the beauty of this place. Valeriy proved to be right, as they arrived at the station, greeted by a splendid station building with a covered gallery leading to the recreation area itself. Walking a little further, they felt as if they had stepped into a fairy tale. For Mark, who grew up near the sea, this was a sight of unparalleled beauty – a pine forest gently met the long coastal strip of sand, creating a magical scene!
„Oh wow…“ he couldn't help but marvel, „Sorry, Arabat Arrow, but you're not holding the advantage right now.“
„I told you! You have never seen a sea or sand like this.“ Valera teased.
After exploring the park and its various attractions, the cadets settled on the beach. There, an unexpected encounter awaited Mark – a young man accompanied by an elegant dark-haired beauty. Valeriy was quick to notice them, but Mark's gaze was fixated on the horizon.
„Look at her, she's like a goddess! Aphrodite!“ Valeriy exclaimed.
„Yes, yes, I remember. Your grandfather was a historian, so myths were your fairy tales. That's why you see goddesses everywhere!“ Mark replied, glancing around and noticing many pretty girls nearby.
„Not like that! Stop staring! Don't even think about it!“ Valeriy was suddenly afraid of the competition.
But it was too late. Both of them were mesmerized by the enchanting girl. Two pairs of eyes were now fixated on her. However, the „goddess“ paid no heed to their gazes and seemed indifferent to their admiration.
Undeterred, the young men decided to swim and dive, impressing other vacationers who applauded their antics. Yet, they made no impression on the unapproachable maiden. Mark decided to take a direct approach.
Valeriy chuckled, „It's a fortress that can only be stormed.“
„What fortress can resist my charms?“ Mark retorted playfully.
„This one. She's got an attitude,“ Valeriy warned.
„You're mistaken, comrade cadet! She doesn't? If a girl doesn't react to the intrusive advances of strangers, that's a big plus!“ Mark declared with determination as he headed straight towards the couple (with no clear plan in mind-improvisation was always his forte).
„Young man, are you from around here?“ he inquired, turning to the beauty's companion, who appeared to be a teenager of about fourteen years old.
No, we're from Leningrad. You want something?» He replied.
«It's just I made a bet with my friend, who owns this wonderful palace now: kids or old men?»
Seeing confusing, Mark explained, «I mean, is for pioneers or pensioners-veterans of the Revolution and Civil War?»
The young boy chuckled. The girl glanced at Mark. Up close, she appeared even more beautiful: her immense hazel eyes held a mocking gaze, yet her countenance retained an air of seriousness.
The conversation had begun, though Mark couldn't consider his impromptu particularly successful. However, it served its purpose.
«So, what's here now?» Mark asked, silently congratulating the girl, «She doesn't fall for stupid jokes.»
«It's a sanitarium, just like before. There was a resort here before the revolution,» the talkative boy replied. «Aren't you from Leningrad?»
«I'm from Moscow. We study here. And my friend is a fellow countryman of yours,» Mark gestured towards Valeriy. «We're from the military-technical school. This is Valeriy, and I'm Mark.»
«I'm Vladimir, and this is my sister Bertha,» the boy introduced them with a sly smile. «Mom only lets me go to the beach under her watchful eye.»
Mark's heart leaped with joy at the mention of the fact that she was his sister, but it was evident that the boy was too young to be her boyfriend. And what a name – Bertha! A unique name that struck Mark like lightning.
Curiosity drove Valeriy to ask, «And how does your husband look at these errands for mom?»
«It's none of your business,» the girl responded confidently.
«What husband! She doesn't have a husband,» the boy chimed in, earning two appreciative and one critical glance.
Time flew by, with the conversation mainly revolving around aviation technology among the young men. Bertha remained somewhat distant from the discussion. When the time came to part ways, she declined the offer to be walked home, signaling her lack of interest in continuing the acquaintance. They bid farewell politely.
«I see,» thought Mark, «she probably has more suitors than the trees in this forest. What are a couple of green cadets to her?»
«Well, what did I say?» Valeriy gloated. «This fortress is impenetrable!»
«You wait and see. In a year's time, you'll be at our wedding,» Mark responded determinedly.
«Who's getting married?» Valeriy inquired.
«You still don't get it? I will be marrying Bertha,» Mark answered with unusual seriousness.
«Of course, you are! How about proposing right now?» Valeriy teased. «I bet it wouldn't work out. She wouldn't even look at us. You only know her name. How are you going to find her?»
«You'll