Hello. Me and a friend have played this game a month ago, but I couldn't write exactly just how impactful and beautiful this game is. I think I never will be able to do it fully, but I still want to tell you that you have created a masterpiece I never want to forget. We spoke of it until sunrise. Both of us are from different countries, but we both felt this "something", the feeling of a post-Soviet dilapidation and nostalgia! It's incredible that you're not Russian (I assume), because I'd never expect someone from outside the Eastern Bloc to understand this feeling so well. Or this everpresent feeling of an empty life, where you are afraid to die, but think about how good it would be to go out peacefully, without suffering. Or this twisted, but good, but needed, hope and optimism for something in the future, or at least a desire to live, to exist. Anything I say now will be pointless, because your game has said everything for me.
I've read your journals and saw your other beautiful artwork. It is incredible that you are not only a great game dev (something that already needs several different talents like artistry and coding), you are also a biologist and study Russian, you have so many passions and skills that other people would struggle to contain within them. I know I do.
I have already forgotten the names of the two main characters since last month. I am very bad with names. But I want to let you know that I'll never forget their bond of friendship and what they meant for each other.
Thank you for this wonderful and thought-provoking game and, more importantly, thank you for existing, for bringing your talent and your passion into the world.