And then, before he told me, I knew what it was. The old ptitsa who hadall the kots and koshkas had passed on to a better world in one of the cityhospitals. I'd cracked her a bit too hard, like. Well, well, that waseverything. I thought of all those kots and koshkas mewling for moloko andgetting none, not any more from their starry forella of a mistress. That waseverything. I'd done the lot, now and me still only fifteen.
In a moment of introspection, the narrator reflects on the passing of an elderly woman who took care of numerous cats. His actions inadvertently contributed to her death, leaving him grappling with the consequences of his behavior. The weight of this realization hits him as he contemplates the fate of the animals she cared for, now left without their caretaker.
The narrator, still only fifteen, is faced with the gravity of his actions and the impact it has on the vocal feline companions that relied on her. This insight marks a turning point for him, highlighting the intertwining of life, responsibility, and the harsh realities that come with growing up. The scene evokes a sense of loss and responsibility, indicating the complexities of youth and the heavy burdens they sometimes bear.
