Те, кто не умеет считать

The book titled "Those Who Can't Count" begins with the protagonist pondering over the question "What should I do? What the hell should I do?" while riding a red and white tram through the quiet morning streets of their city. The tram stops at the Institute of Communication with Extraterrestrial Civilizations, where the protagonist works. The surroundings appear ordinary, with wet asphalt and the scent of a group of beautiful girls passing by. The protagonist enters the institute through grand entrance doors made of polished old wood and glass, leading into a dim vestibule. The familiar interior includes a wide staircase covered with red carpet, glass doors to a cafeteria, and a lady named Maria Ivanovna who works behind a pharmacy counter. The protagonist realizes nothing has changed, until they are greeted by the secretary Gel Poliakov, who remarks that they have been missed. This surprises the protagonist, as they have attempted to engage with Gel on multiple occasions without success. The phrase "We have been missed" lingers in the protagonist's mind, along with a vague thought that they almost caught hold of, interrupted by the smiling Gel.