In Memory of Artyom

I never really thought that there would come a day when my family would be irretrievably broken, and when an unbearable grief would befall those of us who were spared.

Artyom was the youngest in our family, which made him pretty special. He was dearly loved by all of us. It was always so exciting to listen to him, to hear him crack hilarious jokes, or to simply have a quiet visit by ourselves.

He was always so incredibly humane to other people and especially to animals. You may wonder why I put that cat at the front page? Well, Artyom would always try to ease up the life of cats or kittens that lived on the streets by feeding them, or even bringing them home... away from the streets.

On August 29 he also went out to do one of his good deeds, though this time for his own family. He left the home early, while all were still asleep so that it would be a pleasant surprise for everyone... But no sooner had he come out of the building that he stumbled on an unknown gang of Chechens who happened to be the last people Artyom saw...

Sometimes I look at my brother's photographs, and my eyes begin to shed tears... Is he really gone for ever...?

I am still waiting for him to come back home...

Death... it always comes uncalled-for...