Writing
The Russian Descendant of the Snow Leopard is based on a famous Kirghizian folktale. Apparently the Kirghizian folks had plenty of time to tell this story: to print a full synopsis would result in a novelette. Essentially, the story involves a proud group of highland hunters called the Snow Leopards, who in order to survive a brutal winter must request help from the Lowland people. The price for this assistance is the hand of the Snow Leopard's daughter, who is promised in marriage to a wealthy Lowland trader. During the Springtime wedding celebration, the trader becomes fascinated by a stranger who wins all the athletic contests. This "male" contestant turns out to be a woman, who has arrived to seek freedom for her imprisoned husband. The subsequent romance between the trader and the beautiful stranger results in disaster and bloodshed for both the Snow Leopards and the Lowlanders.
Several passengers are rushing on a train to an unknown destination, each with their own problems.
The forty-year-old commentator, summing up his life and realizing that his well-being is purely external and essentially nothing significant has been done, leaves for his native village, where, he hopes, he will be able to take a step towards his true vocation.
A teacher comes across a love letter from an old friend, addressed to his wife. He decides to defend his honor the old-fashioned way - challenge his opponent to a duel, and strangely enough, it was accepted...
Trying to achieve reciprocity from the saleswoman, the store director blames her for the shortage, and then acts as a savior. As a result, she fell into severe depression, becoming disillusioned with people. But a little time will pass and she will meet a naval officer, with whom she will forget the nightmare.
