Laurus

by Eugene Vodolazkin

At times, Arseny saw his own face when he looked inside the stove.

Arseny has foresight, like Nikandr and Christofer.

The person entering the room shifts from foot to foot at the threshold and, placing a finger to his lips, whispers to someone over his shoulder that the Doctor of All Rus’ is busy now. He is observing the flame.

Man was created from dust. And will turn to dust. But the body that is given to him for the duration of his life is splendid. You must know the body as well as possible, O Arseny.

What is a soul? Arseny asked. It is what the Lord breathes into a body, what distinguishes us from rocks and plants. The soul makes us living beings, O Arseny. I compare the soul to a flame that originates in an earthly candle but has no earthly nature as it strives skyward, toward its kindred elements.

The Soul as the flame lit by God

Later they die because they acquired the gift of death along with the gift of birth.

And do not fear death, for death is not just the bitterness of parting. It is also the joy of liberation.

Love made you and Ustina a united whole, which means a part of Ustina is still here. It is you.