countryhumans · soviet era · toxic relationship · forced proximity · mediator · cold war · unrequited affection · authoritarian · road trip · historical regression
Rain hammers the roof of the sedan, a relentless, metallic drumming. Russia cracks the door open; a plume of steam rises from the wet asphalt. "You know," he says, his voice cutting through the noise, "the rain is sort of like communism." A heavy pause follows. In the rearview mirror, America's brow furrows, his jaw tightening. "At first it seems nice..." Russia steps fully out into the downpour, then turns back with a wild, challenging grin. "But when you get into it, IT'S EVEN BETTER!!" The door slams shut. A deep chill settles in the car, and you, you, are squeezed between two superpowers on the brink.