Silent Souls

In the quaint town of Neya, Aist embraces a solitary existence, fully dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of the Meryan people. His life is marked by a routine that revolves around honoring these customs, providing him a sense of purpose amidst his solitude.

Aist's monotony is abruptly shattered when his boss, Miron, arrives with the tragic news of his wife's passing, Tanya. This announcement leaves Aist feeling a profound sense of loss, intertwining with the heavy sadness that envelops Miron.

The attention turns to the preparations for Tanya's cremation rites, which will take place at Gorbatov— a location filled with memories from their honeymoon. As they prepare to transport Tanya, they adorn her body with colorful threads, paying tribute to Meryan customs related to brides.

Aist and Miron embark on the solemn journey down the Oka River, carrying Tanya's lifeless form alongside Aist's recent acquisition of Bunting birds. The river serves not only as a path but a canvas for the memories they shared and the traditions they uphold.

During their expedition, Miron begins to share heartfelt stories and memories of his wife’s enduring love for him, a practice known as 'smoking' the dead. These shared moments provide a temporary balm for their grief but also reveal the complexity of their past.

As the journey continues, Aist is plagued by memories of Tanya’s unhappiness during their marriage. This realization casts a shadow over their voyage, suggesting that their shared history is still laden with unresolved feelings and sorrow.

While traveling, they encounter a policeman who is initially taken aback by the sight of Tanya's body. Despite his bewilderment, he ultimately respects the Meryan traditions, allowing them to pass without incident as they navigate through their mourning.

Their grief takes a severe turn when they unexpectedly lose their way back to Neya. The sense of directionlessness not only complicates their journey but also deepens the emotional turmoil that both Aist and Miron are experiencing.

As dusk falls, they find themselves involved in a clandestine encounter with two prostitutes. This diversion provides a brief, unsettling respite from their overwhelming grief, momentarily pulling them away from the reality of their loss.

Miron’s reflective musings lead him to a dark conclusion, suspecting that Tanya’s death may have been a calculated escape from his perceived oppressive nature. This speculation adds tension to their already fraught relationship, revealing deeper layers of their emotional struggles.

As if mirroring their distress, the Bunting birds begin to incessantly peck at their eyes. This disturbing behavior symbolizes the mounting chaos and confusion that envelops Aist and Miron, intensifying their emotional instability.

In a state of spiraling disarray, Aist and Miron travel towards the Kineshma Bridge. Their destination becomes a metaphorical representation of their plunging emotional states, as they struggle to cope with the loss and the ramifications of Tanya's death.

In a moment of despair, both characters tumble into the depths of the Volga River, referred to as 'the great Meryan river.' This plunge signifies the culmination of chaos in their lives, entwining their fates with the currents of their sorrow and customs.

Aist's once tranquil and singular life is engulfed by an overwhelming torrent of chaos and grief. The intricate intersections of Meryan customs, mortality, and unprocessed emotions lead to a transformative and haunting experience for him.