The Dreamer's First Encounter with Nastenka

Traces the initial meeting between the solitary Dreamer and the crying girl on the canal embankment, leading to their first conversation and agreement to meet again.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Lonely Evening Walk

A Lonely Evening Walk A Despondent Day The Dreamer, oppressed by loneliness and the summer exodus from Petersburg, wanders the city feeling abandoned. The crowded streets begin to feel empty as everyone departs for their villas. An Unexpected Sight On the Canal Embankment, he notices a young woman leaning on the railing, apparently crying. Despite his usual shyness, he feels compelled to approach her. A Timid Approach Just as he hesitates, a drunken gentleman harasses the girl. The Dreamer bravely intervenes with his knotted stick, scaring off the man. The girl accepts his arm, and they begin to walk together.

The First Conversation

The First Conversation Confessions of a Shy Man The Dreamer, trembling with excitement, tells Nastenka that he has never spoken to a woman before. He reveals his fantasies of meeting someone in the street, and she listens with amusement and sympathy. A Bond Formed Nastenka, touched by his honesty, admits she is also lonely and trapped at home with her blind grandmother. She agrees to meet him again the next night, but warns him not to fall in love with her. A Promise of Friendship They part with a handshake, and the Dreamer walks home in a daze, already dreaming of tomorrow. The night feels magical, full of possibility.

The Dreamer's Joyful Night

The Dreamer's Joyful Night Walking Through the City Unable to sleep, the Dreamer wanders the streets, his heart full of newfound happiness. The city that seemed empty now feels alive with promise. Reflections on the Encounter He replays every word of their conversation, marveling at how a chance meeting could transform his entire existence. The white night sky mirrors his inner glow. Anticipation for Tomorrow He returns home at dawn, still unable to believe what has happened. The next meeting is all he can think about.

first night, around ten o'clock

first night, immediately after the encounter

first night, after parting