In the coldest and most forgotten corner of Moscow, there is a tavern no one finds by chance. Without a sign, without a fire, and with a scarlet and golden door that barely opens, the place is kept by a silent and enigmatic tavern-keeper known by Amvrosiy. But Amvrosiy is no ordinary man. He is Death. And he has chosen to open a tavern to watch the spark of human life. And it is during one winter in his tavern that the most primordial question might be answered. Can Death finally understand what it means to be alive? Short story: 9000 words.