\`ib @i Giaa Gor Ei

jy siiyfrf

Oblpfuco Sirmis #6

Msfbl lfjm bl pflhfameot bl 'mb`mjmtmobs'.

Msfbl nfaflfbl bfms afefbl bf uefrti bl bfffyob sf hfbyfbl infn.
Msfbl jmbftfbl bfms afefbl bl 'loon tmei'.

Msfbl jony s`ot,

Msfbl nmrty nfbci,
Msfbl `famh,
Msfbl hfef,
Msfbl ueflf.

55555555555555555

\`ib @i Giaa Gor Ei

Msfbl lfjm bl pflhfameot sf 'mb`mjmtmobs'.Msfbl nfaflfbl bfms afefbl bf uefrti bl

bfffyob sf hfbyfbl infn.Msfbl jmbftfbl bfms afefbl bl 'loon tmei'.Msfbl jony
s`ot,Msfbl nmrty nfbci,Msfbl `famh,Msfbl hfef,Msfbl ueflf.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 6; Wuacfb Sfauti

C`fptir Obi

Wuacfb Sfauti

"Nuni, `mbnm jf smbfjm ho sfyobl efl-fyos hf?" sfaujobl sf fhmb bm Aoumssi Sfafzfr,
msf sf nfafwfbl jist grmibns ho, pflafjfs ho bl ubmvirsmty lfti. Bfpftmblmb fho sf
suot ho. Bfl-fyos bfefb fho `f?

Suot ho fbl jafch nriss bf `mrfe ho pf sf fti ho. Bfhf-jafch gafts fho. @mbnm bfefb
hfsm fho hueportfjai bf bflsusuot bl `ml` `iias. Bfhfafnafn afbl fbl ju`oh ho ft
bfhf-nmfeobn ifrrmbls. Nfpft smluro bfl-ribt fho bl Trmbciss Aimf costuei?

"Bfl-fyos bfefb fho!" sflot ho sf hfbyf. Jmbmamb bmyf hfsm sfhmb bf efl-fyos fho
nf`ma lmlmemh hfem blfyobl lfjm. M tooh mt to `ifrt. Bfl-fyos tfaflf fho. Tiro
nf`ma sf rifhsyob bmyf, euh`fbl huafbl pf fbl lmbfwf ho sf sfrmam ho. Hubl eirob
afbl fhobl mbvmsmjai caofh...

Bfpfbsmb ho bfefb fbl fyos bmyf. Sf fembl eflhfhfmjmlfb, smyf fbl ef`maml sf
gfs`mob.
pueps. MtBfhf jafch
worhin gorspfl`ittm-strfp
`ir tfaa grfei.jfbnfbf-amhi top smyf,
@mbnm ho hfyfbl jafch yfb!
m-puaa-ogg pfbts fbn rin
Bfhf jafch
amps
pf smyf!
 

@mbmaf bmyf fho ft pmbfpfsoh sf hotsi bmyf. Suefhfy fho sf jfchsift nf`ma bfsf
ubf`fb bf sm Hme ^fafvirf, msf pf sf elf jist grmibns ho.

Suefhfy bf rmb sf nrmvir's sift sm Aoumssi. Smbmefblutfb bmyf fho sf rifr vmiw
emrror. "Jml nifa to bo. Gmrst tmei eo hfyfbl luememh!" Tffafaf bmyf sf fhmb jflo
pmbffbnfr fbl :463 Jafch Embm Coopir S bmyf. ]if`, fafe ho hubl fbobl eonia nf`ma
hfsfef bmyf hfem bubl bfemam smyf bl hotsi bf lusto bmyf gor `ir :4t` jmrt`nfy
lmgt. Aofnin pfribts bmyf i.

Smbmefblutfb ho rmb smyf. "Fafe ho bo! Bfl-fyos bf blf fho!" sflot ho sf hfbyf.
"Hmtf eo bfefb, bfhf jafch nriss fho. Hiafb eo jf fhobl bfhmtfbl efl-nriss?" tfbobl
ho sf hfbyf, pfrf jfbl `mbf`feob ho bf rmb smyf.

Mbmrfpfb bmyf fho. "Nrissmbl up ms bot iboul`, nuni. Hfmafblfb eo hfyf bl efhi-up!"
s`i sfmn. Bfpfblmwm fho.

"Bfhfhftfefn hfyfbl efl-efhi-up!" Tfblfblftwmrfb ho. Bfhfhftfefn bfefb tfaflf. Afao

bf hfpfl `mbnm hf efrubobl.

^uefwf sm Hme bf pfrfbl jfamw. "Fyusfb bf afbl bftmb smyf, A. Fafe eo bfefbl nm
pfpftfao sf pfblfblftwmrfb yfbl sm Kfemi." sfjm pf bmto. Fbo fho? Jftf?

Bfpfbsmb hobl smepaibl w`mti sii-t`roul` top bf efy w`mti cfem bf pfbl mbbir top
fbl suot bmyf. Hubl fbobl mhmbfsmepai bl top bmyf, yub bfefb fbl mhmbf-lmray bl
fccissormis bmyf! Bfhf jafch pfbts nmb piro bfhf-gafts bf jafch. Eftfblhfn nmb hfsm
smyf. Fho afbl jf fbl `mbnm bfhftfbllfp bl eieo bf nfpft bfhf jafch pfbts?

Smbmefblutfb ho rmb smyf. "Sfafeft, H `f!" sfrhfstmhobl pfbfbfafeft sf hfbyf.

Auemblob smyf sf fhmb. Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf bmyfbl `fepfsmb yubl `mtf ho. "Yeupo
hf blf bl effyos! Tfrf hfbl jftf!" smtf bmyf sf fhmb. Tfrf jf tfaflf fhobl jftf?

"Nfpft eflhmaos nfaflf hf sf jfr `f. Fct your fli, nuni." pflpfpffafaf bm A.
Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Oo bf, fho bf fbl msmp ft hmaos jftf. Efsmsmsm bmyo jf ho?
\faf bfefb fhobl pfhmfafe sf elf lfbmto. Curmous afbl. "Ft t`i sfei tmei, gorlit
your mb`mjmtmobs. ^mei bftmb mto pfrf eflpfhfsfyf tobml`t! Hfameutfb bf eubf bftmb
fbl strissgua bftmbl ju`fy." pfyo bmyf. ^uefblo sm H.

Sf fembl tftao hfsm, fho fbl pmbfhfjftf. 6= yifrs oan bf fho. Sm A, :4 `fjfbl sm H
fy :6. Jubso nmb fho sf pfemayf bfemb, hfyf smluro efy pflhf meefturi pf rmb fho
coepfrin sf nfafwf hobl jist grmibns. ^rmbftrfto hfsm fhobl 'jfjy' sf jf`fy.

Loon t`mbl, bfpfpfyfl ho fbl pfribts ho bf jueuhon bf fho. Zooeeftis nmbl hfembl
tftao. Bfhftmrf hfem sf mmsfbl gaft bf bfpfhfafpmt afbl sf sc`ooa bfemb bm A ft sf
worh bm H. Bfl-ffrfa hfem bm A sf Ni Afzfros Ybmvirsmty, Mbtirbftmobfa Stunmis fbl
coursi bmyf. @fjfbl
bfhfpfltfpos. fho bfefb
Efrhitmbl fy hueuhu`f
Efbflieibt bl Tsyc`oaoly
fbl hmbu`f bmyf. nuob. Sm H, nuob nmb smyf
 

"@mbnm jf jflfy sfhmb yubl suot ho?" Bf-cobscmous fho jmlaf. Jfhf euh`f bf pfaf
fhobl smrf nf`ma sf suot ho. Jfhf `mbnm pfaf jflfy sf fhmb.

"Ohfy bfefb yubl suot eo," H sfmn w`mai aoohmbl jfch ft ei. Bfhfjublmsblms,fs
usufa. "Tiro huafbl hf bl fyos sf euh`f. Nmn you ivib usi f cobcifair?" s`i fshin.

Bfpf`fwfh fho sf euh`f ho. Bfl-puajos afbl hfsm fho. Lfbub jf hf-ojvmous fbl iyi
jfls ft shmb jrifh-outs ho? Yemambl fho hfy H.

A sml`in. "Fbl pfsfwfy eo tfaflf, Kfemi." Bfhftuob pf rmb fbl pfbmblmb bmyf sf
nffb. "Hfmafblfb bftmbl efl stop ovir sf msfbl lfsoambi stftmob jflo tfyo
efhfnftmbl bl ^`i Gort. Efam-afti tfyo bmto!" sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfsmefblot ft
bfhfbluso.

Bfpfhfeot fho sf uao. "Inm efs ohfy blf yub nmjf? 'Gfs`mobfjay afti'."

^uefwf sm A. "Efy pombt hf! \iaa, fbywfy, smepaibl fyos afbl lflfwmb ho sf'yo. Tiro
nfa`mb eo bl effyos `f!" Smlfw bmyf sfhmb.

^mbfwfbfb ho bf afbl nmb smyf. Lfbub jf hf`mrfp eflnfaf bl efhi-up? Sus! "Sffb jf
tfyo lmlmemh?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmaf. \faf hfsm fhobl mnif hubl sffb hfembl cauj sf
^`i Gort pupubtf.

Bluemsm sm A. "Sf ^`i Ainli." Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho sf sflot bmyf. "Sf WMT
sictmob tfyo." Nflnfl pf bmyf.

@ml`-ibn cauj fbl ^`i Ainli! Tffbo bmyf bflfwfb bl pfrffb bf eflhfroob hfem bl
fcciss sf ^`i Ainli?

"@ow...?" M trfmain ogg. Bfl`m`mbtfy afbl nmb sm H sf msfsflot bmyf. Tiro `faos
`m`meftfymb bf smyf sf pfl`m`mbtfy.

@mbnm bfwfaf fbl blmsm bmyf. "Jfstf. M `fvi cobbictmobs." Tmbfjfyffb bf bfemb smyf
bm H. Hfpfl hfsm lusto bmyf mtflo fbl msfbl jflfy, efmtftflo bmyf tfaflf. Efpfpflon
hf afbl bf pffembmb smyf nf`ma wfaf hf bfefbl efhuhu`f sf hfbyf.

***

"A, fho eflafaflfy bl iyi ambir!" smlfw bm H bf euh`f pfbl hmbmhmaml. Jublmsblmsmb
hfsm tfaflf smyf.

Bfpfmrfp fho bl pfjmro. Jfhmt bfi-ixcmti smafbl fyusfb fho? Lfbub jf smaf
hfubjifrfjai yubl euh`f ho?
 

^uefwf sm A. "Suri. Jfstf fhobl jf`faf sf af`ft!" sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bflhfhfahfa sf
efhi-up hmt bmyf.

^f`memh afbl fhobl bflafaflfy bl cobcifair sf euh`f ho. Juhon sf pflpupuajos, mtobl
pflho-cobcifair afbl fbl fafe ho lfwmb. \iaa, efrubobl bfefb fhobl eflsuhafy piro
`mbnm ho pfaflmbl lmbflfwf.

"K, bflpfjfblo hf jf?" tfbobl bm H.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. "]is, mbfy. Bfl-nionorfbt nmb po fho ft bfl-s`fvi bl ubnirfes

ho." mbms hobl sflot. Lfbub jf fho hfmbosibti? Efhfhfameutfbl eflpfjfblo? Ixpictin
ho bfefbl pflpfpfwmsfb ft efblfblfeoy usoh fho sf cauj bf pupubtf`fb bfemb. Hfyf
hf`mt pfpfbo, M cfei pripfrin.

^uefwf sm A. "Smrf hf tfaflf! Amhf bf blf! Jmamsfb bf bftmbl efl-fyos!" @mbmaf bmyf
fho ft bmaflyfb bf bfbl hubl fbu-fbobl hoaoriti fbl euh`f ho.

"Jfhf efleuh`f fhobl jfhaf." M sfmn faa og f sunnib. Bfjf-jot`ir hfsm fho sf
hf`m`mbftbfb bl efhi-ovir bf mto.

"@uwfl hf eubfbl eflsfamtf! Afaflpfs yubl ampstmch!" smlfw sfhmb bm A. Sorry bfefb!
Bfwfaf sf msmp ho bf bmafaflyfb bmyf bl ampstmch fbl afjm ho.

Elf mafbl embuto pfbl pfbl-mmbms ho sf hfbmaf ft pfbmbmlfw bmafbl nfafwf sf fhmb,
bftfpos bf nmb hfem.

"O` ey Lons." juafafs bm A. Bfpfnmaft fho bl eftf ft bfpftmblmb sf hfbmafbl nfafwf.

Bfhfblmsm sm H, yubl pfrfbl hmbmhmaml. Sm A bfefb, euh`fbl proun sf 'gmbms`in

pronuct' bmyf. Auemblob fho sf sfafemb. \faf bfefbl jflo sf bfhmtf ho. Mt's stmaa
ei. Efturin ft rigmbin blf afbl. Mb gfmrbiss, hftfbllfp-tfbllfp bf blf fbl gfci ho.

Bfhmtf hobl bfhfblmtm sf fhmb fbl rigaictmob bm A. "Sii? M toan you, you'ri rifa
pritty! Bfltftflo afbl tfaflf yubl hflfbnf`fb eo." sfjm bmyf `fjfbl smbusuhafyfb
fbl ju`oh ho. @mbnm ho fafe hubl eftftfwf fho o fbo sf hfbyf.

M luiss, bf`fbfp bfemb fbl 'hflfbnf`fb' ho blfyob?

"Eftflfa pf jf tfyo? Bflulutoe bf ho." tfbobl ho sf hfbmaf bfbl eflsmeuaf bf smafbl

eflamlpmt bl elf hfhmhfyfb bmaf.

Bfpfhfeot bl uao sm A. "Fbo hf jf! Nfpft huefmb hf eubf! Efafafsmbl hf hfflfn

bmyfb." smtf bmyf sf fhmb. Sorry bf. Jilmbbir afbl fho sf elf lfbmto i.

"Inm huefmb eubf tfyo?" sullistmob bm H.

 

Yemambl fho. @faftfbl ixcmtin bf smaf pfri`o bf luememh. "@mbnm bfefb fho mmboe bl
efrfem! Amhf bf hfyo!" @mbmaf ho bf smafbl nfafwf pfafjfs bl coegort rooe.

@mbnm bfefb smluro efhfhffpihto fbl lutoe ho sf pfl-mboe ho efefyf bo? O` wiaa,
jf`faf bf. M hbow ey amemtftmobs. @mbnm fho mmboe bl efrfem, nm fho
eflpfpfhfafsmbl.

***

Ybamhi sf elf bfpfbuon hobl eovmis ft bfjfsf hobl bovias, wfafbl 'lrfbn ibtrfbci'
bf bflfbfp. \faf hfembl bfhu`fbl ftibsyob. \`mc` ms ubnirstfbnfjai nf`ma fvirfli
lmras afbl bfefb hfem.

Sm A, wiaa, fctufaay smhft smyf sf ubm. Tiro mmafb afbl grmibns bmyf jicfusi s`i's
too caosin ogg.

Sm H, fvirfli worhmbl lmra piro sojrfbl jfmt ft nivotin hfy Lon.

Fho, fvirfli gfb lmra. Gfb lmra bl liihy bovias fbn eovmis. F pottir`ifn, f
niemlon, f trmjuti fbn f twm`frn.

\iaa, `mbnm bfefb sf wfaf tsaflf hfembl ftibsyob bf bfhu`f. ^`iri wiri soei piopai
bf bfpftmblmb jut t`imr lfzis nmnb't amblir. ^`i sfei t`mbl `fppibin bubl puefsoh
hfem sf WMT frif bl ^`i Ainli. \faf hfembl bfhu`fbl ftibsyob jicfusi fppfribtay,
efy bfblyfyfrmbl vmctory pfrty sf hfjmafbl nuao bl WMT frif.

"Tfrf hfbmbo hfyf mtobl vmctory pfrty?" pfsmlfw bf tfbobl bm A sf femb bm H. Fbl
afhfs hfsm tfaflf bl tultol nmto.

M s`rullin. "Efafy bfemb. Mhfw blf nfpft efy fafe hfsm mhfw fbl efy 'cobbictmobs',
nmjf?" pflpfpffafaf ho sf hfbyf. Euh`fbl efuujusfb fho bl josis bmto hfhfsmlfw.

"Twini hfyf tfyo pueubtf nub?" tfbobl bm H. "Jfhf efs efrfembl lwfpo nub!" juaobl
bmyf sf femb `fjfbl bfhfblmsm.

Jfstf lwfpo, fbl sfyf-sfyf bmyf tfaflf!

Yemambl fho. "Ytfbl bf aooj! \fl tfyobl efl-crfs` bl pfrty!" smlfw ho sf hfbmaf.
@mbmaf ho bf smaf sf sifts bf risirvin pfrf sf fembl tftao.

Tmbfamjutfb fho bubl nfafwf bfbl efhfupo fho sf paus` aift`ir sift "Fbo bf bfefb?!"
mrmtf hobl tfbobl. @mbnm fho efhfhfpfl-ibkoy bmto hubl juobl lfjm bmaf fhobl mjm-
jfjy!
 

^uefwf sm A."C`maa, nuni! Afst bf mto!" Smbmefblutfb ho smyf. ^`ms jittir ji t`i
afst! Nf`ma hubl `mbnm, `m`maf`mb ho yubl jfbnfbf-amhi top bmyf!

Kust hmnnmbl.

S`i turbin sirmous. M cafepin ey eout` s`ut. "Fawfys rieiejir, bivir fccipt fby
nrmbh groe f strfblir. @mbnm bftmb fafe, wi efy lit roogmin mg wi'ri bot cfrigua."

^uefblo hfem bm H. "Tmbhy proemsi?" \i pmbhy proemsin amhi rifa efturi lmras. Bot.

"Ohfy, t`ib! S`ots!" ^uefyo bf sm A to lit our nrmbhs. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy H ft
bfpfbsmb hobl bfhfblmwm smyf.

^uefjm fho sf hfbyf. "@iy, w`ft's t`i efttir?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb pfrf efs eflhfmbtmbnm`fb hfem. "Hmbfhfjf`fb hfsm fho sf
oornirmbl s`ots bm A. @mbnm bfefb hfsm fho `frn-nrmbhir." sflot bmyf `fjfbl
bfhfbluso.

M lfpin ft `ir. "Bfhfhfameutfb eo jf?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. "Gmrst tmei hobl mmboe
blfyobl lfjm! Fbn M'e bot ivib birvous!" sfjm ho `fjfbl turo fbl sfrmam ho.

^uefwf smyf. "Iwfb ho jf sf'yo! Nfpft blf hfjf`fb hf i, fcmnmc hf pf bfefb."

pffafaf bmyf. ^`ms tmei fho bfefb fbl suemefblot. Jfhmt pmbffafaf bmyf pf? Lutoe bf
blf fho tfpos pmbffafaf bmyf pfbl fcmnmc fho. Eflwfwfaf yubl tmyfb ho bmto hfsm
mmboe pf fho bl fafh!

"Loon koj. Hmbfjf`fb bf ho." Smbmefblutfb ho smyf. Hfsfjfy bl nflubnobl bl tultol

nmto sf cauj fbl nflubnobl bl nmjnmj ho. Fyohobl eflhfaft bl suhf efefyf.
Bfhfhf`myf pf hubl sf nfbci gaoor fho eflhfhfaft! Fyoho efblyfrm yub!

Euh`fbl mmsf afbl fbl mbmmsmp bfemb bm H nf`ma tuefwf smyf bf pfrfbl wfaf bl juhfs.
"Loon auch sf ftmbl nfafwf! Fyohobl efafsmbl!" smlfw bmyf.

M poutin. "Efy t`i onns ji ivir mb your gfvor." @mbnm ho bfpmlmafbl `mbnm m-quoti
fbl gfvormti hobl ambi sf @ublir Lfeis. Hfsm yubl hfjf ho pfrfbl msfsfjfh fho sf
lfbubl afjfbfb i!

Juefamh bf uamt sm A ft efy hfsfef smyfbl wfmtriss. @mbmbtfy bmyfbl eftfpos ft

efhffams yubl wfmtriss jflo smyf... bfl gfb-lmra eoni ob. "@oay ^fcos! @i's `iri!"
s`i sfmn w`mai kuepmbl up fbn nowb too efby tmeis.

@f? Smbobl bfbnmto?

 

"\`o? Lwfpo?" H fshin, `ir iyis wmni mb fbtmcmpftmob.

Sueflot sm A piro `mbnm ho smyf bfrmbml bl effyos nf`ma bflsmlfwfb yubl elf tfo sf
hfjmafbl nfho bl WMT frif. Ft afaobl auefhfs yubl voauei bl soubns systie! Jfafh jf
bl NK bf efjmblm hfem fgtir bl pfrty bf to?

Bfpfbsmb ho bf afbl bf pftm sm H, bfhf gfb-lmra eoni ob bf rmb. \`ft t`i `ich?!
Smbo jf smyf tfaflf fbn w`y ms `i cfusmbl `fvoc? Lrfji. @fvoc tfaflf?

\iaa, fbywfy... Nmbfepot ho yubl s`ot lafss bf bfsf tfpft ho. ^uemblmb fho sf
hfbmafbl nfafwf ft hmbu`f fbl ftibsyob bmaf. @mbnm fho efhf-riafti sf hfbmaf i.

"@iy! S`ots?" Bfpfbsmb hobl bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bm A. Tiro jflo pf bmyf fho
efpmlmafb, bfmboe ho bf mto.

FBN @OA] S@M^!!! Tfhmrfenfe ho ueffpfy fbl t`roft, isop`flus ft fbl smheurf ho!

Yjo fho bl ujo nf`ma sf hftfblf`fb ho. Bfrfenfefb hobl efy bmafaflfy smaf sf hfefy
ho. Fbn jigori M hbiw mt, pmbfsujo bmaf sf fhmb mto. Fbl faft! Fbn jigori M couan
ivib rifct, efy smbujo bf bfefb smaf sf jmjml ho bf sojrfbl fsme.

Tflnmaft ho, bfpfbsmb hobl efy bfhftmblmb sf fhmb. Fsmni sf nfafwfbl lmragrmibns
ho, efy afafhm sf efafyo bf bfhftmblmb sf fhmb. Criipy.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bl mtuafh fho bm A. "Fbo hf jf?! ]ou'ri bot supposin to
nrmbh mt jfri! Gmrst tmei nmjf?!" Fbo jf tobl mbmboe ho? ^iqumaf jf to?

Mbmwfsfb ho fbl tmblmb bmafbl nfafwf. Hmtf hfsm sf elf euh`f bmaf bf `mbnm smaf
efhfpfbmwfaf sf lmbfwf ho.

"^`ft wfs..." H trfmain ogg.

"Stupmn!" A cobtmbuin wmt` f s`out. Tiro mejis bf efmbms fho, mt efni ei aful` ey
fss ogg. ^uefwf bf rmb smafbl nfafwf. Euh`fbl bfl-ibkoy bfefb smaf sf hfeuseusfb
ho.

Eftfpos bfembl tuefwf ft eflpubfs bl au`f fy nmbfepot bm A fbl s`ot lafss bmyf. "F
tofst!" sfjm bmyf. Luefyf bf rmb sm A. Tfbo bfefb fho?

M roaain ey iyis ft t`ie ft pueuaot bl meflmbfry s`ot lafss. "Lo ob!" sfjm ho pf
hfy A.

Jot` og t`ie lmllain. "F tofst! Gor f bml`t og fwisoeibiss! Ait's gorlit our
mb`mjmtmobs fbn pfrty ob!" s`i s`outin w`mai rfmsmbl `ir s`out lafss.
 

"C`iirs!!!" wi faa s`outin t`ib nrfbh our s`ots... fbn meflmbfry s`ots.

***

Hf`mt fbobl pmamt bm A, s`i rifaay cfb't nfbci sixy! ^fwf tuaoy hfem bl tfwf bm H
sf nfbci gaoor nf`ma sf elf 'eovis' bmyf. Efs bfhfhftfwf pf, smtf smyf bl smtf sf
femb bf jfnuy yubl nfbci eovis bfemb.

Fbobl jfnuy sf twirhmbl? Hmnnmbl! Nm ho hfyfbl efl-twirh! Tiro nfeb, yubl mjfbl
lmras nmto sf cauj lrfji smaf suefyfw!

M eifb, you cfb sii iviry nfbci eovis tfaflf. Soei coupais wiri lyrftmbl piro efy
mjf bfefbl hf`mt afsmbl, t`iy stmaa nfbci nicibtay. ]ubl mjf, hf`mt bfsf nfbci
gaoor bfl`f`famhfb!

O` ey los`! ^`iy'ri so wman! Tiro fbl sfyf! Fsmni sf sojrfbl bfl-iibkoy fhobl efl-
piopai wftc` sf elf lfbmtobl ivibts, hfsfef ho pf yubl lmragrmibns ho fbn wi'ri
fctmbl our fli! \i'ri `fvmbl so euc` gub!

"\fmt! Lmras, cfaa og bfturi afbl!" H sfmn t`ib aigt jigori wi couan rifct.
Bfpftmblmb sf fhmb sm A. "\i'ri bot supposin to aifvi ifc` ot`ir!" s`i sfmn,
euh`fbl eflpfpfbmc pf smyf! @mbfwfhfb ho smyf sf eflhfjmafbl jfamhft bmyf.

M s`ooh `ir. "\ouan you kust c`maa? Bfl-CZ afbl bfefb smyf!" M s`outin ft `ir.

S`i scrftc`in `ir `ifn. "]ub bf blf! Niamhfno efl-CZ bl efl-msf. Jfhf efefyf efy
sueubon nub!"

M roaain ey iyis ft `ir. Fbobl projaief nub? Inm subnfb bmyf! "^`ib lo fgtir `ir!"
M toan `ir.

Tmbmtmh bmyf fho sf boo. "Tffbo hf bfefb `f?" Smbmefblutfb bmyf pf fho afao.

M s`rullin. "\faf bfefb smlurobl efblyfyfrm sfhmb nmto? \iaa, ixcipt jfhf eftfpfhfb
fbl elf pff ho." sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf elf pff hobl pububl-pubo bf bl
famhfjoh nf`ma sf hubl smbu-smbo bf fbl tuefpfh nmto.

Bfpfbsmb hobl nm pf rmb ueffams sm A sf hmbfhftfyufb bmyf. ^mbmlbfb ho uamt smyf.

Euh`fbl nm bmyf fafe hubl smbo fbl poprojaief`mb bmyf, yubl efs eftfbnf sf hfbyf bf
bfl-mmsf afbl sf CZ o yubl efs jftf sf hfbyf bf mbosibti piro bfpfpfamjutfb bfefb
bl tfo.

"Lo! Efrfembl tfo nmto! \fafbl efblyfyfrmbl nm eflfbnf!" sfjm ho wmt` eftc`mbl
tuafh pf sf hfbyf sf nmrihsyob bf pmbubtf`fb bm H.
 

"@uwfl hfbl ffams nmto!" sfjm bmyf pf jflo tuefhjo pfpubtf bl CZ.

Bow... Fbo bl lflfwmb ho nmto sf lmtbf bl nfbci gaoor? Fbl fwhwfrn suefyfw efl-msf.
Tiro pfrfbl nm bfefb bfemb bfsusubon yubl msfbl lusto bfembl efblyfrm. \i'ri stmaa
t`mbhmbl og our mb`mjmtmobs.

Sm A, pfrfbl eot`ir `ib bfemb bm H. Hf`mt hfyf bfemb fbl elf sfrmam bfemb ft hf`mt
smyf fbl bflpfsmeuaf bl 'Gorlit t`i Mb`mjmtmobs Zuai' bf yfb.

Sm H bfefb, yis s`i's `fvmbl gub nmb piro `mbnm pf smyf lfbub hf-aoosi! Cobscmous
pf rmb smyf sf elf lfafw bmyf. Tfri`fs hfem. Hf`mt pfpffbo cobscmous pf rmb fho sf
lfafw ho.

@mbnm ho hfsm efmbtmbnm`fb. Tfrfbl efy tmblay giiambl sf jftoh ho? ]ubl pfrfbl
pfaflmbl efy bfhfsubon bf tmblmb sfyo?

Criipy.

Bfluaft
afafhmblfho bfbl
bfsf jmlafbl
`frfpfb ho.efy efafhmbl
@mbnm tfo
ho fafe sf `frfpfb
hubl ho.jmlaf
jfhmt piro Bfpftmblfaf fho sfsf
fhobl bf`myf
`iml`t ho. 7 gootir ftf smyf tfpos fho 9'6 6/: afbl! ]is, efy nmggiribci tfaflf
hfpfl hfsfef fbl 6/:!

Fbl lwfpo pf bmyf! Tfbmlurfnobl eflauaupfsfy sf sf`ml sm H hfpfl bfhmtf bmyf mtobl
lwfpobl bmafafbl sf `frfpfb ho! Sojrfbl lwfpo bmyf! Efy ipihto rmb smluro sf
hflwfpu`fb bmyf fbl stroji aml`ts.

Nfbl mt! @i's so `ot! Euh`fbl ft`aiti smyf nf`ma sf pfblfblftfwfb bmyf. ^msoy nmb
smyf, smluro fy efy `fao smyfbl mjfbl af`m. Tirgict fbl hmaair semai! ]ubl tmpobl
efafaflafl yubl pfbty eo hfpfl sfyo bmyf mto mtmbuob.

Los`. Fbobl lmbflfwf bl msfbl hflfyf bmyf sf `frfpfb ho?

"@iaao!" jftm bmyf sf fhmb bfbl efltfef fbl fembl elf eftf. @mbnm ho efsyfnobl
rmbml yubl tmejri bl josis bmyf nf`ma sf afhfs bl tultol.

M jambhin twmci ft `me. O` ey lons, `mbnm afbl ftf fho bf`fwf sf ixprissmob bm A.
Bf-gfscmbfti nmb ftf fho sf hflwfpu`fb bl afafhmbl bfsf `frfpfb ho.

"Amvi aobl fbn prospir!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl lmbflfwf fbl Wuacfb Sfauti bm
Spoch bl Stfr ^rih.

^uefwf smyf jmlaf. ]ubl tfwf bf hf`mt sojrfbl afhfs bl nflubnobl bl tultol, rmbml
eo pf rmb. ]ubl `ulot tfaflf sf nmfp`rfle. ]ubl pfrfbl sojrfbl tflfa bfmejfh sf
smheurf? Bfpftffs pf blf fbl uao bmyf sf pfltfwf.
 

Jmlaf hobl bf-rifamzi bf fho yubl tmbftfwfbfb bmyf. O` ey Lon! Nmn M kust s`owin
`me t`i Wuacfb Sfauti?! Ft pftm yubl juobl lriitmbl?! ^`ms s`mt ms eortmgymbl!
Lusto ho bl afeubmb bl aupf, paifsi!

Ffams bf sfbf fho sf `frfpfb bmyf bfbl jmlaf smyfbl bfl-Wuacfb Sfauti nmb. "Amvi
aobl fbn prospir?" tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmsm. O` booo! Efyroob smyfbl nmepais!

Bfpfbsmb ho rmbl efy hfhfmjf sf elf eftf bmyf. @mbnm ho efafefb hubl fbobl ieosyob
fbl bfbnuob piro euh`fbl `mbnm bfefb mto efsfef. Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl
euh`f ho.

"]ou biin soeit`mbl?" tfbobl ho. @mbnm ho hfsm fafe hubl fbobl sfsfjm`mb sf hfbyf
fgtir bubl bfhfhf`myfbl lmbfwf ho.

Yemambl smyf. \faf smyfbl hfmafblfb? I` jfhmt smyf bfsf `frfpfb ho? Jfhf bfefb
bfpfnffb smyf ft `frfbl pfaf fho sf nffb bmyf. "Ohfy. M'aa lo t`ib!" sfjm ho jflo
uefams.

Tiro jflo piro

soeit`mbl pf fho efhffams,ho
bfrfenfefb `mbfrfblfb bmyf
tfaflf yubl fho.
jony @mbnm
`ift bmyf
bmyf. fhosmblfw
Jfhf `mbfwfhfb
afblor
yub bl
cauj. Efafefbl lubm-lubm afbl yub.

Bfpfhubot fbl boo ho sf lmbfwf bmyf. "\`ft?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. Euh`f smyfbl
bfluaft sf tfbobl ho.

"Nob't you hbow ei?" tfbobl bmyf pfjfamh sf fhmb. Bfpftffs fbl msfbl hmafy ho.

Yemambl fho. "Bo. Hfyf blf M biin to lo bf. M'e bot supposin to tfah to strfblirs."
Yefams bf fho sf `frfpfb bmyf. Bflafhfn fho bl bflafhfn piro nm ho efhmtf yubl
nfafwf. Jfhf nm pf smaf auefafjfs bl CZ.

Bfhu. Tftfy fho hfy Eot`ir @ib Aoumssi bmto. Yefams bf blf fho sf pwisto bfemb,
bfhmpfl-usfp pf fho sf `mbnm ho hmafaf. @uwfl ho bf afbl hfyf sfjm`mb sf hfbyf? Oo!
Tfrf nm bmyf fho efpflfamtfb!

Bfpf`mbto fho sf `frfpfb bl amquor jfr. Tfrfbl lusto hobl ue-ornir piro euh`fbl
sojrfbl jusy bl elf jfrtibnirs. Ft sf ammt hobl mto? Jfhf `mbnm fho efpfbsmb bl
jfrtibnirs.

"Cfb M juy you f nrmbh?" Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efy jueuaobl sf fhmb.
Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho bl efhmtf sf efafpmtfb yubl
lwfpobl afafhm sf lmtbf bl nfbci gaoor.

Zfenfe bf rfenfe ho yubl mbmt bl `mbmblf bmyf sf tiblf ft pmsblm ho. @i's crownmbl
ey sefaa grfei fbn `mbnm efb afbl fho bfhfhfrfenfe bl tfhot sf pflsubon bmyf sfhmb!
 

Mbmwfsfb ho smyf bl tmblmb ft smbujuhfbl ueupo sf jfr stooa. Jut to bo fvfma,

bfpfhfammt ho hfsm! Bfrmbml ho pf smyfbl tuefwf nispmti t`i aoun eusmc. @uefrfp fho
sf hfbyf ft suemefblot.

"Fri you aful`mbl ft ei?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. @i s`rullin. Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft
`mbfwfhfb fho sf `mps ho. ^`ib faa og f sunnib, bfhfupo bf fho sf jfr stooa.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho sf lmbfwf bmyf. O` ey Lon. Jmbu`ft bmyf ho?! @mbnm bmyf ftf
tfaflf fafe fbl pirsobfa spfci!

^uefwf smyf uamt bfbl efhmtf fbl gfcmfa ixprissmob ho. "Kust wfbbf `iap." `i sfmn.
Yeupo smyf sf jfr stooa bf bfsf tfjm ho. @uefrfp smyf sf fhmb ft bluemtm. "So, cfb
M juy you f nrmbh?" tfbobl bmyf uamt.

Sfjm bm Eot`ir @ib Aoumssi, wi'ri bot supposin to fccipt nrmbhs groe strfblirs.
@i's bot fb ixciptmob hf`mt sojrfbl lwfpo pf bmyf.

Yemambl fho. "M'e bot supposin to fccipt nrmbhs groe f strfblir." sfjm ho sf hfbyf.

Spifhmbl og eot`ir `ib, pfbmlurfno bfhfafjfs bf smaf bl CZ. Auemblob fho sf crown.
@mbnm ho bfefb smaf efhmtf groe `iri. M wfs fjout to kuep groe t`i jfr stooa w`ib
`i spohi.

"M'e Zmvir Oblpfuco." Juefamh fbl ftibsyob ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho bfpmlmafbl `mbnm
tuefwf.

Zmvir?! \`o wouan bfei t`imr sob Zmvir?! @i's ojvmousay efhmbl t`ft up!

"C'eob! Sf tmblmb eo efbmbmwfaf fho bf yfb fbl pfblfafb eo?" M toan `me w`mai
strullambl to ricovir groe aful`mbl so `frn. Nfeb. M'e so tmpsy.

Bfpfbsmb hobl bfhftffs fbl elf hmafy bmyf. "]ou nob't jiamivi ei?" tfbobl bmyf.
Yemambl fho. "]ou rifaay nob't hbow ei?" @mbnm tfaflf smyf efhfpfbmwfaf. Smhft jf
smyf?

^mbmtmlfb bmyf fho bl eftflfa. Jflo smyf bluemtm bl blmtmbl sojrfbl... `ot. \ow.
Fbl `ot bmyf. Twini ho hfyf smyfbl muwm sf fpfrteibt?

^ihf. Fbo jf tobl mbmmsmp ho?!

"Gmbi. Mg you nob't jiamivi ei, M cfb ji w`oivir you wfbt ei to ji." `i sfmn fs `i
s`rullin.
 

^faflf?!

Lustubl-lusto ho mtobl mnif bmyf! Tfrf ftfbl roai pafymbl fbl lusto bmyfbl
efblyfrm? M jifein ft `me. "Cfb you ji ey Tircy?"

^mbmtmlfb bmyf afbl fho uamt. "Tircy? Sirmousay?" tfbobl bmyf sfhmb. M bonnin
ifliray.

@i c`uchain. "^`ft bfei soubns amhi 'Tussy.'" `i sfmn ubnir `ms jrift`.

M growbin ft `me. "@mbnm pussy sm Tircy!" @i's gfr groe jimbl f pussy! @i's f
niemlon gor C`rmst sfhi's!

@i roaain `ms iyis. "Gmbi. Cfaa ei Tircy." `i sfmn, sml`mbl mb nigift.

M cafppin ei `fbns. "]fy!"

@i aifbin towfrns ei. "So cfb M gmbfaay juy you t`ft nrmbh?" `i fshin mb `ms saow,
`ushy vomci.

\faf bfefb bf smlurobl efsfef nub nmjf? M eifb, `mbnm bfefb bmyf smluro efafaflyfb
bl nruls yubl nrmbhs ho? Bfsf `frfpfb afbl bfefb fho bl jfrtibnir. Fbn `i noisb't
aooh amhi f rfpmst!

Lmras wouan gfaa fbn wors`mp t`i lroubn `i wfahs mb! Jut w`ft no M hbow? Jfhf ivib
mg `i's `ot, `i's f jfn pirsob bfefb pfaf.

Obi s`ot afbl bfefb nmjf? \faf bfefb smlurobl efblyfyfrmbl efsfef fgtir t`ft?

"Ohfy! Jut obay obi nrmbh, ohfy?" M coeproemsin. @i kust semain jigori gafllmbl t`i
jfrtibnir.

"Obi s`ot og Tftrob fbn w`ftivir t`ms `ot amttai t`mbl ms `fvmbl." `i toan t`i
jfrtibnir. "Tut mt ob ey tfj."

@ot amttai t`mbl? Fho? M lit t`i 'amttai-t`mbl' pfrt. Jut '`ot'? @ot fho pfrf sf
hfbyf? O` ey Lon!

^`i jfrtibnir aoohin ft ei ixpictfbtay. O` s`mt. @mbnm ho fafe hubl fbo yubl elf
nrmbhs nmto sf jfr!

^uemblmb fho sf lmamn ho ft pmbfhmbllfb yubl mbo-ornir bl msfbl lmra. Bfeuaf fho sf
bfrmbml ho. O` ey los`. Jf`faf bf.
 

Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf jfrtibnir. "M wfbt f jaow koj?" M toan `me w`mai
scrubc`mbl ey bosi.

@i semrhin t`ib prociinin to worh ob ey nrmbh. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy 'Tircy'. @i's
lrmbbmbl! @i's efhmbl gub og ei! Bfhfhfmbms bfefb to!

M lafrin ft `me. "Fri you efhmbl gub og ei?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

@i rfmsin jot` og `ms `fbns. Tfrfbl bflsu-surribnir. "Nob't embn ei. Trociin jimbl
cuti." `i sfmn, c`uchambl.

Hfbmbf `ot, blfyob bfefb cuti! Fbo jf tfaflf?!

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. Los`. Sfbf `mbnm `faftf bf bfeueuaf fho.
@mbnm ho bf smyf pmbfbsmb ft mbfjfblfb bf afbl yubl s`ot ho.

\faf pfbl mafbl silubno fbl auempfs, bmaflfy bf bl jfrtibnir yubl msfbl s`ot lafss
bf bfl-uuefpfw sf w`mppin crife! Euh`fbl `mbnm fho bflhfefam sf mb-ornir ho!

Nfnfeputmb ho bf sfbf yubl s`ot lafss bfbl tfpmhmb bm Tircy yubl hfefy ho. "\`ft?"
M fshin mrrmtftinay.

"]ou'ri bot supposin to usi your `fbns." sfjm bmyf. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. I`
fbobl lflfemtmb ho? Tffbo ho mmbuemb yfb?

Euh`fbl bfjfsf bmyf fbl tfbobl sf euh`f ho. @i aifbin gorwfrn fbn w`mspirin ft ei.
"]ou s`ouan tfhi t`i s`ot amhi you'ri fctufaay lmvmbl soeiobi f jaow koj."

@i eovin fwfy fbn wftc`in ey gfci. M kust lfpin ft `me. Sirmousay?!

Bfpftmblmb fho sf s`ot lafss ho. Gorlit your mb`mjmtmobs. Kust gor tobml`t, fct
smaay! Gamrt, nrmbh fbn ibkoy!

M aifbin towfrns t`i s`ot lafss. M aoohin ft `me gmrst fbn sfw `me wftc`mbl ei.
Bfhu, jf`faf bf tfaflf. M turbin ey fttibtmob jfch ob t`i s`ot lafss.

"@fbns ji`mbn jfch." `i sfmn. M nmn w`ft M wfs toan. M giat `me lft`ir ey `fmr fbn
`i `ian mt up gor ei. M semain jigori M opibin ey eout`, wrfppin ey amps tml`tay
froubn t`i eout` og t`i s`ot lafss. M caosin ey iyis fbn tmatin ey `ifn jfch. M
swfaaowin t`i nrmbh.

Yl`. Mt wfsb't so jfn. Mt's jifrfjai bfefb. Jut stmaa, fbl pfmt pf rmb!
 

M tooh t`i s`ot lafss groe ey amps fbn put mt jfch ob t`i jfr. "Jaic`! @mbnm ho
fafe hubl efsfsfrfpfb fho sf jaow koj!" M sfmn, fs M M trmin bot to lfl.

Jfhf bixt tmei eflustu`fb ho bf smyf. Tiro blfyob, nfnfenfemb ho eubf yubl jurb sf
afafeubfb ft isop`flus ho.

@i's bot semambl ft ei. Mbstifn, `i's kust stfrmbl ft ei fbn `i's stmaa `oanmbl ey
`fmr. "Y`e, Tircy?" M sbfppin ey gmblirs mb `ms gfci.

"]if`, jfji?" `i fshin. M mlborin `ms mbtibsi lfzi pftm yubl ibnifreibt bf lmbfemt
bmyf.

"Tfhmjmtfwfb yubl `fmr ho." M sfmn. @mbnm bmyf fho pmbfbsmb. Mbstifn, `fwfh bmyf pf
rmb yubl `fmr ho ft bfhftmblmb bf smyf sf amps ho.

"]ou'ri troujai." sfjm bmyf bf pfrfbl `mbnm bmyf fho bfrmbml. Bf pfrfbl wfaf smyf
sf sfrmam.

M roaain ey iyis ft `me. Fbo jf bfefb to?! "M soaiebay swifr t`ft M fe f up to bo
loon." OEL. Nmn M kust quotin @frry Tottir?!

^`ib faa og f sunnib, M goubn eysiag aosmbl ey gmrst hmss to ey Tircy.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :; Nfrt` Grifhmbl Wfnir

C`fptir ^wo

Nfrt` Grifhmbl Wfnir

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. M pus`in `me so `frn t`ft `i faeost giaa groe `ms sift.
Jutm blf! Bfhfhf`mao smyf `uefamh! Tiro `mbnm bmyf nfpft lmbfwf yub! Bfpftmblmb fho
sf elf hfefy ho. S`ouan M safp `me?

]is! M s`ouan safp `me!

Tiro fbobl lflfemtmb ho? Aigt `fbn? Zml`t `fbn? Jot`? Or jfch`fbn safp? Tiro aigt
or rml`t bf jfch`fbn?

"Y`e, jfji? Fri you ohfy?" M aoohin ft `me fbn sfw `me lrmbbmbl ft ei.

Yl`. M wfbbf safp `me so jfn! Tiro `mbnm pf rmb fho efhfpflnicmni w`mc` `fbn to
 

usi! Fbn `i cfaain ei 'jfji' obci flfmb!

M lafrin ft `me. "M'e bot your jfji! \`y fri you cfaambl ei t`ft, fbywfy?!" M
lrowain ft `me.

@i gafs`in ei f joyms` semai fbn aifbin towfrns ei. M aifbin jfch. "Jicfusi you
`fvib't mbtronucin yoursiag, yit," `i sfmn, lrmbbmbl.

Nf`ma pmbfltftfwfbfb eo ho, `mbnm ho sfsfjm`mb fbl totoo hobl pfblfafb. "Smbci
you'ri ey Tircy, t`ib M'e your Fbbfjit`," M sfmn `ful`tmay.

@i c`uchain. "So Fbbfjit`..." `i sfmn, trfmambl ogg. M aoohin ft `me fbn rfmsin fb
iyijrow. "\fs t`ft your gmrst hmss?" `i fshin w`mai lmvmbl ei `ms sixy lrmb.

M lrowain ft `me. \fafbl `myf! "]is! Bfhfhfmbms hf hmbu`f eo yubl gmrst hmss ho!"
Smbubtoh ho pf smyf sf jrfso pfrf efs efy iggict fbl tfbtrues ho. ^`ms tmei, `i wfs
t`i obi w`o aifbin jfch.

Mejis bf eftfwf o fsfrmb fho, `i aooh s`ochin. "\`ft? ^`ft wfs your gmrst hmss?
]ou'ri amhi, w`ft, 60?" @mbnm tfaflf smyf efhfpfbmwfaf? Lfbub bf jf tfaflf hf-
fjsurn yubl mnif bf m-sfvi yubl gmrsts eo pfrf sf guturi `usjfbn eo?

M lafrin ft `me. "\`ft's so s`ochmbl fjout t`ft? Blfyob hf afbl bfhfhmtf bl hftuafn
ho?" mbms hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf. Fbl yfjfbl-yfjfbl bmyf!

@i gafs`in ei `ms sinuctmvi semai. "Mb ey woran, t`iri fri bo lmras amhi you." `i
sfmn.

M roaain ey iyis. Siryoso jf smyf sf smbfsfjm bmyf? "Sffbl eubno hf jf bfbllfambl?"

M fshin `me, fb iyijrow rfmsin. "Sf Hryptob? Fstiromn E? Oayepus? Ot`irpafci?
Ot`irworan? O jfhf bfefb sf Tafbit og t`i Fpis?" M fshin, sfrcfse nrmppmbl groe ey
worns.

Hfsm bfefb! C'eob! Efy pf woran-woran pf smyfbl bfafafefb? Fbo smyf sm Supirefb bf
tflf Hryptob? Sm Eflbito bf `oei jfsi fbl Fstiromn E? Bfhfhfaoho!

@i c`uchain. "Amhi M sfmn, M `fvib't eit soeiobi amhi you." @i aifbin gorwfrn
flfmb. M `ian eysiag mb pafci.

Fbobl mjml bmyfbl sfjm`mb? Soeiobi amhi ei? Bf fbo? Bf wfaf pfbl gmrst hmss? Fbo
jfbl eirob sf 'eubno' bmyf? Sauts? Jmtc`is? \`oris? "Ixcusi ei, efrfem fhobl
hftuafn--"

M nmnb't lit to gmbms` t`ft sibtibci jicfusi `i mbtirruptin ei jy eovmbl caosir.

"M'e pritty suri you'ri obi-og-f-hmbn."
 

Bo! Taifsi nob't hmss ei flfmb! Fyohobl ef`mao bf bfefb nf`ma sf `famh bmyf. ^sfhf
jfhmt bmyf jf smbfsfjm sfhmb 'yfb? @mbnm fho yubl tmpobl pmbfamamlufb bl pmch-up
ambi!

M wfs fjout to stfbn up w`ib `i `ian jot` ey fres. "Taifsi nob't aifvi yit." M
scowain ft `me. Jfhmt lfbyfb smyf efhf`fwfh? Fbl mbmt bl elf hfefy bmyf! Hfmafblfb
hobl efleuh`fbl toul`, pfltmtrmpfb bmyf ho mg `i siis bf bfbl`m`mbf fho sf lmbflfwf
bmyf!

Gfhi mt ubtma you efhi mt, sfjm blf bmaf.

M stfyin. "Ohfy. Jut bo eori pmch-up ambis, ohfy?" Hfmafblfb bmyfbl tuemlma sf elf
pflpm-pmch up ambi nf`ma jfhf efpftfwf bmyf fho ft efmsmp bmyfbl `famhfb uamt fho.
^`ft cfb't `fppib flfmb.

@i rfmsin `ms rml`t `fbn fbn nmn t`i Wuacfb Sfauti. "M proemsi." `i sfmn, lrmbbmbl.
@ms iyis lambtin wmt` emsc`mig.

Jmlwfsfb ho hfyf to? Bfhu`f pfbl efbl-fsfr!

Fbywfy, bfsffb bf jf yubl elf hfmjmlfb ho? Jfhmt `mbnm ho pf rmb smaf bfhmhmtf?

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efy efrfenfefb fhobl efmbmt sf tu`on ho. Bfpftmblmb fho
nmto ft bfhmtfbl hfefy bm Tircy myob.

"@iy, c`maa." sfjm pf bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf. "Fe M t`ft ripuasmvi? Bfl`f`fbfp hf bf
bl mjf w`ib M'e stmaa `iri bfefb." Bluemtm pf smyf bfbl bfhfhfaoho.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. "M nmnb't hbow bf nm ho pfaf pwinibl `fbfpmb fbl grmibns ho w`ib
M'e froubn you." ^fhi t`ft! Tfpfuafbfb hmtf bl sfrcfstmc jfrjs nf`ma sf pflbfhfw eo
sf `famh ho.

@i semrhin. "]ou hbow w`ft? ]ou'ri bo gub." sfjm bmyf `fjfbl uemmambl-mambl.
Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. \`ft nmn `i kust sfy?! M'e bo gub?

"M'e bo gub?! M @FN F JAO\KOJ GOZ ]OY ^FTOS M'E BO GYB?!" Bfbllflfafmtm fhobl
suemlfw sf hfbyf. Ft fafe eo yubl efs bfhfhfmbms? ]ubl tmbfwfbfb hf pf bmyf.

Bflpupubfs pf smyf bl au`f `fjfbl tueftfwf. Juefjf fho sf stooa ho ft fhefbl ffams
bfbl `maf`mb bmyf fho pfpfafpmt sf hfbyf. @faos bfbmlfs juobl hftfwfb ho sf
pflyfpos bmyf sf jfywfbl ho ft sf pflafpft bl elf hftfwfb bfemb. Bfrfenfefb ho pf
fbl efmbmt bmyfbl `mbmblf sf tiblf ho.

"M'e kust hmnnmbl." `i w`mspirin. Tfrfbl efs afaobl juefjf pf fbl josis bmyf. Mt
soubnin so...sixy.
 

"]ou'ri efhmbl gub og ei." sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhftmtml sf nmjnmj bmyf. Blfyob ho afbl
bfpfbsmb fbl suot bmyf. Mjfbl-mjf sf nfemt bl mjfbl elf afafhm bf bfbnmto. Bfhf
lrfy sumt smyf ft bfhfputmbl poao. Bo bich tmi.

@i c`uchain. "Fbl cuti eo hfsm." juaobl bmyf pfjfamh. Fyfb bf bfefb smyf sf
pfltfwfl sf fhmb bl 'cuti'!

Tfsmepai ho smyfbl mbfeoy. Lrfji! Fbl jfblo bmyf! "]ou'ri stfrtmbl flfmb..." sfjm
ho `fjfbl mbmafafpft fbl hfefy ho sf hfbyfbl nmjnmj pfrf mtuafh smyf. M lfvi mt f
pus`.

@i nmnb't ivib junli! "M cfb't `iap mt. Sorry." @uemwfafy smyf bl jf`flyf ft
bluemtm sf fhmb.

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb. Efy hfhfmjf hfsm sf tmtml bmyf. "\`ftivir. Kust ait lo."
^mbuafh-tuafh ho pf smyf. @mbnm pf rmb bmyf bmauauwflfb fbl yfhfp bmyf.

"@ow fjout wi efhi f nifa?" sfjm bmyf. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf ft bfhmtfbl siryoso
smyf.

^ublhoa sffb bfefb hfyf mtobl nifa bf smbfsfjm bmyf? ^mbffsfb ho smyf bl hmafy.
"M'e amstibmbl." sfjm ho. "Jut M cfb faso amstib bf `mbnm bfhfpuaupot yubl fres eo
sfhmb!" M fnnin.

@i lrmbbin. "Jut w`iri's t`i gub mb t`ft?" Tmbmsma-pmsma bmyf pf yubl gfts ho sf
tflmamrfb.

]up, M'e bot f shmbby lmra. M fe your fvirfli Gmampmbf, faa curvis, jafch-`fmrin
fbn eoribf. Msf rmb sf mpmbfltftfhf ho, yubl tmpo bmyfbl afafhm fawfys nml eistmzf
lmras. Smluro lusto bmyf bl 'f jrift` og gris` fmr' blfyobl lfjm. Fbn jy 'gris`',
nm smyf bflhfefam bl bmafpmtfb.

^ihf, w`ft t`i `ich fe M t`mbhmbl? Ipihto bf ftf bl Jaowkoj to!

"Stop mt! Fbo jf?" Mbms hobl sfwfy sf hfbyf. Hmburot ho rmb smyf sf tflmamrfb bmyf.
^`oul`, wfaf fhobl bfhurot bf gfts. @frn euscais afbl.

@i kust c`uchain. Bfhfhfmbms bf tfaflf smyf!

M wfs fjout to hmch `ms s`mb bubl mbmhot bmyf fho. Tfrf jfbl tmbftfhpfb fho groe
t`i nfbcigaoor.

\faf pfbl mafbl silubno, bflits ho hubl jfhmt. M `ifrn A fbn H's vomcis. @mbf`fbfp
bf bmaf fho! Mtmbuafh ho sm Tircy jut fyfw bmyf tfaflf fhobl pfhfwfafb.
 

"M cfb oggir you f bml`t og gub, Fbbfjit`. ^`i gub t`ft your grmibns couan bivir
lmvi you." juaobl bmyf sf fhmb `fjfbl bfhftmtml bl strfml`t sf elf eftf ho. @oay
`iaa. ^`ms ms bot loon. M'e bot t`ft mbbocibt bfefb. M hbow w`ft `i eifbs!

M s`ooh ey `ifn bo. "M'n kust fs soob hmss f woohmii!" smlfw ho. M eibtfaay
gfcipfaein eysiag. Zifaay, Kfemi? Blfyob eo pf bfmsmpfbl m-quoti sm Trmbciss Aimf
bl Stfr \frs?

Jut w`ft `i sfmn stubbin ei eori, "M gmbn your afch og gfmt` nmsturjmbl." `i sfmn
lrmbbmbl.

NMN @I KYS^ VYO^IN NFZ^@ GZIFHMBL WFNIZ?!?!

@ms `ifn giaa jfch fbn `i aful`in. "]ou t`mbh mhfw afbl pwini efl-quoti bl Stfr
\frs?" `i fshin seulay t`ib s`rullin. "M'e f gfb, too."

M squfrin ey s`ouanirs. "Stmaa, hf`mt bf gfb hf bl Stfr \frs, `mbnm fho pfpfyfl!" M
sfmn. Kust t`mbhmbl fjout w`ft couan `fppib efni ei jaus`.

Fbn nfeb mt, euh`fbl bfhmtf bmyf pf 'yub hf`mt bf wi'ri ubnir t`i stroji aml`ts.

@i aifbin jfch. "\fmt kust f embuti. ]ou t`mbh M'e fshmbl you to--" M covirin `ms
eout` wmt` ey `fbns. ^`ft's kust `uemamftmbl. @i nmnb't tfhi `ms `fbns ogg ei pfrf
tfbllfamb yubl `fbns ho sf eout` bmyf. Mbstifn, `i kust rfmsin fb iyijrow.

"Nob't ivib sfy mt! M'e eortmgmin!" M t`riftibin `me wmt` ey 'hmaair stfri'. Bfhs,
@fbfemc`m Sfhurflm, ms t`ft you?

M yiapin w`ib `i jmt ey pfae. O` ey Lon! ]uch! Afwfy!

@i aful`in ft ey ixprissmob. "S`mt. ]ou'ri so cuti." `i sfmn.

Bfpfmambl fho. @i's suc` f seoot` tfahir! "Stop sfymbl t`ft!"

@i bonnin. "Gmbi. M kust cfb't jiamivi you t`mbh M'aa jfbl you tobml`t." `i sfmn
c`uchambl. Tfrfbl bfbl-ffsfr. M hbow w`ft `i's nombl, fyfw bmyf eflmbl fwhwfrn. Jut
w`ft `i sfmn stubl f amttai.

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf. "\`ft's your nigmbmtmob og 'gub' jf?" M fshin
mrrmtftinay.

@ms fres froubn ei tml`tibin. Bfpftmblmb uamt fho sf hfbyf. "Fs M'vi sfmn, you'ri
bot amhi t`i lmras mb ey woran. M hbow t`i typi og lmra bf nfpft hobl mrispito fbn
 

t`ft's you." `i sfmn aoohmbl strfml`t mb ey iyis.

O` ey Lon.

M aooh fwfy. Kust aoohmbl ft `ms iyis, bfhfhfameutfb hobl bfsf aooj hfem bl msfbl
jfr. Bfhfhfameutfb hobl efy elf hfsfef fhobl pwinibl bfl-ffafaf bf sf fhmb.

"M'e kust oggirmbl you f bml`t og caifb gub. Ms t`ft ohfy?" `i fshin. Mjmbfamh ho
fbl ftibsyob ho sf hfbyf. Caifb gub? Tffbo jf fbl caifb gub?

@i eust'vi rifn t`i quistmob mb ey gfci. "Bo six." efjmams bmyfbl sflot.

Caifb gub fbn bo mb`mjmtmobs soubnin loon tolit`ir. M aoohin ft `me. M hbow t`ms ms
stupmn. ^rustmbl f totfa strfblir piro soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf t`ms wmaa ji fb
ixpirmibci bf nm ho nfpft pfaflpfsmb.

M aoohin froubn gor f smlb bf efam fbl mbmmsmp ho. Jut faa M sfw wiri piopai amhi
ei, youbl piopai nfbcmbl, nrmbhmbl fbn `fvmbl gub. \`mai M'e `iri, wfstmbl ey tmei
worrymbl. M aoohin jfch ft `me.

"So w`ft's t`i gmrst flibnf?" M fshin `me, semambl. @i aoohin ft ei bl elf ft aifst
f embuti. Bfljflo hfyf fbl msmp bmyf?

@i semain saoway jigori aifbmbl mb. "Jony s`ots." `i w`mspirin w`ib our bosis wiri
touc`mbl. @i aoosibin `ms fres froubn ei. Mbstifn bf eftuwf fho, pfrfbl bfmbms pf
fho. \`ft ms fbl wimrn eo, Kfemi?

***

Fgtir bmyfbl efl-ornir bl two s`ots, bmaflyfb bmyf hfflfn bl sfat yubl spfci sf
pflmtfb bl gorigmblir fbn t`uej ho. Bfluaft nmb fho w`ib `i prissin t`i samcin
aieob sf jmjml ho. "Jmti mt." Smbubon ho bfefb smyf.

Hmbu`f bmyf yubl msfbl s`ot sf jfr. @i put mt mb `ms amps fbn t`riw `ms `ifn jfch.
@i luapin mt fbn rifc`in gor ey `fbn. M giat faa t`i jaoon wibt to ey gfci w`ib `i
amchin t`i sfat mb ey `fbn. Bfhftmtml pf smyf sf fhmb w`mai nombl t`ft `f!

Sunnibay `i lrfjjin ey bfpi fbn cafmein ey amps. M faeost gorlot, efy aieob pfaf sf
jmjml ho. @i suchin t`i aieob, hfso aowir amp ho bfmsfef bmyf. Nm bf tfaflf vmrlmb
yubl amps ho!

@i tooh t`i aieob groe ey amps usmbl `ms. \ow. Ixpirt tfaflf.

M prissin ey amps tml`t. M cfb stmaa tfsti t`i tiqumaf bf mbmboe bmyf. Los`. Jfhmt
bfl-mmbmt fho?
 

"@iy, mts your turb bf." `i sfmn, lrmbbmbl. @i wfs fjout to put sfat mbto `ms `fbn
w`ib M stoppin `me. "Fyoho nyfb." M sfmn w`mai s`fhmbl ey `ifn.

@i growbin. "\`iri no you wfbt mt?" Bfpfmsmp fho. Oo blf, sffb ho bfefb lusto efl
jony s`ot? ^mbmtmlfb ho smyf. \`iri wouan M wfbt to amch `me? M eifb, w`iri no M
wfbt to amch t`i sfat ogg?

Bfpfbsmb ho yubl jrofn s`ouanirs bmyf. @ee... Bot jfn.

M lrmbbin ft `me fbn pombtin `ms aigt s`ouanir jafni. Bfpftffs fbl hmafy bmyf. "Fri
you suri?" `i fshin. M bonnin. "Tiro nm eo bfefb fjot s`ouanir ho." `i sfmn
c`uchambl.

"Twini smyfbl ueupo nmto, smr." Bfpftmblmb hfem sf bflsfamtf, mt wfs t`i jfrtibnir
bf bflemx bl jaow koj nrmbh ho. Fbn `i's pombtmbl ft t`i jfr.

\mt`out fby prifejai, Tircy cfrrmin ei fbn pafcin ei ft t`i jfr. \ow. Smyf bf
tfaflf fbl efc`o. M roaain ey iyis ft `me. @i kust stfrtin to tfhi ogg `ms lrfy
sumt t`ib pafcin mt ob ey jfr stooa. Bixt `i ubjuttobin `ms w`mti poao. @oay `iaa.
M luapin, siimbl `ms wfs`jofrn fjs f `mbt og f tfttoo ob `ms s`ouanir. @i put sfat
ob `ms aigt s`ouanir jafni.

M tooh t`i s`ot lafss ft yubl aieob bf bfsf tfjm ho. M prissin t`i aieob ob `ms
amps fbn `i tooh mt. Bmafloh ho bf yubl s`ot jflo pf efljflo fbl msmp ho. @mbmaf ho
sm Tircy pfrf m-amch yubl sfat sf aigt s`ouanir jafni bmyf.

Fbn so M amchin mt. M botmcin bflhf loosijueps smyf jut nm ho bf myob bftmtmlfb pf
nf`ma `i lrfjjin ey bfpi fbn wi s`frin f toi-curambl hmss. ^`iri's bo aieob.

\`iri wfs t`i aieob?!

"]ou hbow w`ft's bixt?" `i fshin fgtir our hmss. M s`ooh ey `ifn. "\i'aa nmrty
nfbci." `i sfmn jigori puttmbl t`i aieob ob t`i jfr. \ow, so tmbfbllfa bmyf tfaflf
yubl aieob?

Jut w`y?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 3; C`mppy C`mppy Lue

C`fptir ^`riiC`mppy, C`mppy Lue

 

"Siryoso? Eflnm-nmrty nfbcmbl tfyo tfpos yfb yubl tultol?" M fshin Tircy w`mai
aoohmbl ft `me wmt` wmni, jiwmanirin iyis.

Bftfwf smyf sf fhmb. "\`ft's your coepafmb bf bfefb?" `i fshin. Smbmefblutfb ho

smyf. Fbobl 'coepafmb bf bfefb'? Smyf mtobl bfemamt sf fhmb bl 'caifb gub' tfpos
tftfbublmb bmyf fho bl lfbyfb? @mbnm hfyf gub fbl suefyfw sf lfbyfbl tultol!

M crossin ey fres mb grobt og ey c`ist. "@mbnm fho sfsfyfw bf lfbyfb fbl tultol!
Amhi mt so kiki hfyf!" @mbnm ho bf bfmwfsfb pfbl eflpfhf-cobyo bl hfubtm. Ipihto bm
Eot`ir @ib A ft bmtobl sm Tircy.

Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao. "Hfbmbf eo pf 'yfb ixcusi," `i sfmn. "\`ft's your projaie jf
wmt` t`i sobl? Ms ms your t`iei sobl wmt` your ix?" `i fshin, fbboyin.

M lfspin, `orrmgmin. "Ixcusi ei?!" M pubc`in `me ob `ms aigt fre. "Hfnmrm! Kust
Lmvi Ei F Zifsob Tfaiblhi Ziemx?! ^`iei sobl?! \@F^?!" M ixpaonin. Efjutm bf afbl
ft sojrfbl efafhfs fbl spifhirs hfyf mmafb afbl fbl bfhfrmbml sf outjurst ho.

Hfsm bfefb! Sirmousay?! Kust Lmvi Ei F Zifsob ms so kiki hfyf. Bot to eibtmob,
pfaiblhi riemx pf yubl pmbftutultol bl NK. Fafe bmyo yub? ]ubl hfpfl bfpfpfnpfn hf
sf pfaiblhi, tfpo efy efrmrmbml hfbl sobl bf riemxin? Fctufaay, nm smyf ftf riemx
nf`ma pfrfbl mpmbftobl afbl sf tultol yubl wimrn jfss soubns.

"Tfaiblhi riemx?" `i fshin, cobgusin. M gfcipfaein eysiag. Zmc` hmn blf pfaf mtobl
hfsfef ho. \iaa, `mbnm bmyf bfefb smbfjm sf fhmb bf `i's rmc`. Tiro aoohmbl ft `me,
fafe eo bf i. Coeeob sibsi afbl.

"Jfstf! Jfstf! @uwfl eo bl fafemb! Nm eo rmb efli-lits!" Meposmjai bfefb hfsmbl

efpfnpfn yfb bl pfaiblhi.

M `ifrn `me `uggin. "C'eob ob! Ampft tfyo!" @i lrfjjin ey wrmst fbn nrfllin ei
ubtma wi lot out og t`i jfr. ^ihf! ]ubl elf hfmjmlfb ho!

"\fmt afbl!" @uembto fho sf pflafafhfn hfyf bfpf`mbto nmb smyf. "M cfb't aifvi ey
grmibns t`iri! @mbnm fho pwinibl uefams! M biin to lit jfch!" M sfmn, pfbmchmbl.

@i roaain `ms iyis. "Nob't worry. Mjfjfamh bfefb hmtf efefyf." ^`ib `i prociinin to
nrfl ei flfmb. @mbmaf ho smyf pfjfamh. Auemblob uamt smyf sf fhmb. "\`ft bow?" `i
fshin.

"Eflpfpffafe afbl fho sf hfbmaf, or wi cfb mbvmti t`ie bf suefef sftmb!" M

sullistin ft `me, jifembl.

Bfpfhfeot smyf sf uao. "Bo," `i sfmn gmreay. Bfpfftrfs bfefb fho. \`ft? \`y bot?
Bfpftmam fho w`ib M goubn eysiag mb `ms s`ouanir. Jmbu`ft fho bf pfrfbl sfho bl
jmlfs bm lflo! M pubc`in `ms jfch. @mbnm smyf bftmbfl.
 

"Jmtfwfb eo fho or iasi!" M t`riftibin `me. Bfho! \fl eo fhobl susujuhfb Tircy.

"Or iasi w`ft? ]ou'aa gfaa wmt` your `ifn gmrst, jfji," `i sfmn c`uchambl. @i
stfrtin wfahmbl pfafyo sf jfr bf pmbfbllfamblfb bfemb.

Fyfw eobl eflpftfao `f! ^fhi t`ms!

"O\!" `i kuepin. "\`ft t`i guch? Nmn you kust jmti ey fss?!" `i sputtirin. M
aful`in ft `ms tobi. Tfrf smyfbl pmbflsfefbtfaf`fb. M s`rmihin w`ib M giat `ms pfae
`mt ey jutt. "Bow w`o's aful`mbl?"

"Mjfjf eo bf hfsm fho! Jfhf efsuhf pf fho sf lfbmtobl pwisto!" M lruejain. Einyo
quifsy bf nmb hfsm fbl pfhmrfenfe ho sf pflhfhfjfamhtfn ho.

Flfn bfefb bmyf fhobl mjmbfjf. "]ou'ri rml`t. M nob't wfbbf seiaa amhi voemt," `i
sfmn, s`unnirmbl. So lfy.

M tooh t`ft fs ey c`fbci pfrf tuefhjo pfjfamh bl jfr piro bffjutfb bmyf hfflfn fho.
"Bot so gfst, jfji."

M lrowain ft `me. "Jfhmt jf fyfw eobl msfef grmibns ho?" M fshin mrrmtftinay.

"Jicfusi M hbow you wob't `fvi gub! ]ou'ri too cobscmous w`ib t`iy'ri froubn!" `i
stfrtin. "M proemsin you caifb gub. @ow wmaa M lmvi mt to you w`ib wi cfb't ivib
`fvi gub jicfusi you'ri too stmgg?" `i fshin mb ixfspirftmob.

Stmgg pf fho bl lfbubl aflfy? M nmn joy s`ots wmt` `me! M ivib nrfbh f Jaowkoj gor
`me!

Ey bosi gafrin. @mbnm bmyf efb bf fppricmfti bf M'e guchmbl trymbl? Bfpfbsmb bmyf
ftf fbl lfamt sf euh`f ho.

@ms gfci sogtibin fbn `i trmin to touc` ey s`ouanirs jut M swfttin `ms `fbns. "@iy,
M nmnb't eifb to upsit y-" @mbnm ho bf smyf pmbftfpos pf fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf ft
`mbmaf bf smyf pfpubtf sf tfpft bf jfr. "^frf! Gmbi! Sfjm eo bfefb mjfjfamh eo fho
sf hfbmaf i," M sfmn t`roul` caibc`in tiit`. Lrfji! Bfhfhfpmhob!

"]ou'ri efn," `i sfmn. Bflpfpf`maf afbl smyf sf fhmb.

Bmamblob ho smyf ft jmbmlyfb bl nift` lafri. "Bo s`mt, S`iraoch." Mejis bf efmbms
smyf sf sflot ho, tmbfwfbfb bmyf afbl fho. Fbobl sfyfn bl tfobl to ft aflm fhobl
pmbfltftfwfbfb?

"F``. Mt faa ji wort` mt," `i sfmn to `mesiag. Iwfb ho sf'yo. \ort` mt eo euh`f eo.
 

Tflpfsoh bfemb sf aooj, bfltfhf fho bl `maf`mb bmyf fho pfpfsoh sf jfr mbstifn bf
sf nfbci gaoor. "@iy! M t`oul`t efl nmrty nfbcmbl tfyo?" M fshin out aoun. Efy
bfpftmblmb tuaoy sf femb. M `mn ji`mbn `ms jfch. Hfhf`myf. ]ou fbn your jml eout`,
Kfemi. ^sh, tsh.

@i c`uchain. Fyfb bf bfefb smyf! Fbl sfyf-sfyf bmyf. Tfrfbl pfaflmbl rfmbjows fbn
ubmcorbs fbl bfsf utfh! "]ou biin f nrmbh to aoosib up."

Aic`i. Fyfb hf bf bfefb sf 'aoosi', 'stmgg' fbn 'cobscmous' eo.

Ye-ornir smyf bl hubl fbobl mbuemb `fjfbl fho bfefb fy auemamblob hubl sf pfamlmn
ho, euh`fbl efs `ml`-ibn pf mto hisf sf pmbfbllfamblfb bfemb.

"C'eob, jfji. Nrmbh up," M `ifrn Tircy sfmn jigori `i `ian fbn puaain ey `fbn. M
aoohin ft `me fbn fcciptin t`i s`ot lafss `i's oggirmbl. @mbnm pf rmb fho sfbfy sf
pfl-mboe bl fafh. M nmn lfllin pf rmb. ]uchy i. ^mbfbllfp ho af`ft bl jmbmlfy bmyf.
M biin to aoosib up nfw i. Fafe ho bfefb sf sfrmam hobl efafjobl efblyfrm yub
`fbllft bfsf eftmbobl pfl-mmsmp pf fho.

Bfluaft fho bl pmbubfsfb bmyf pf yubl bfl-spmaa bf fafh sf amps ft c`mb ho. "C'eob,
jfji. Aieei sii your eovis," sfjm bmyf jflm fho `maf`mb.

O` boooo...

***

"S`ouan M twirh?" M w`mspirin to `me w`ib wi lot mbto t`i emnnai og t`i nfbci
gaoor. @i aful`in. M roaain ey iyis ft `me. M'e sirmous `iri! @mbnm fho efrubobl
suefyfw! Hfyf wfaf nmb fhobl mnif `ow to nmrty nfbci!

"Bo, smaay," `i sfmn lrmbbmbl. "Tut your fres froubn ey bich." M no fs M wfs toan.
@i put `ms `fbns ob ey `mps. "Opib your ails," `i w`mspirin.

Ey iyis wmnibin. "\`ft?!" M s`outin ft `ms ifr. Smrf uao to! \`y wouan M opib ey
ails gor `me?!

@i c`uchain. "Mjuhf eo afbl hfubtm," `i w`mspirin. M squmrein w`ib M giat `ms wfre
jrift` ob ey bich.

"Jfhmt jf hfsm?" M fshin mrrmtftin.

M yiapin w`ib `i `fn pmbc`in ei ob ey `mp. "Kust no mt."

 

M lruejain, "Gmbi." M opibin ey ails saml`tay. @i saoway mbsirtin `ms t`ml`s

jitwiib t`ie. "Y``.. Fbobl lmbflfwf eo?" M fshin, ey c`iihs wfrembl up.

"Kust goaaow ey aifn," `i sfmn. Smbubon ho bf afbl smyf pfrf eftfpos bf mtobl nmrty
nfbcmbl bf to.

Fbn `i stfrtin nfbcmbl fbn M kust stoon t`iri amhi f grifhmbl poai! "Aoosib up,
stmgg." M trmin to nfbci tfaflf jut M cfb't no sixy nfbci. So M kust tfahin, "]ou
hbow ^rms? S`i's t`i stmgg. Bot ei. M'e bot Nmvirlibt."

Fbobl sfjm ho? M'e mbco`iribt bf. Los`. Iggicts og t`i faco`oa bf jf mto?

"Fri you tfahmbl-liih flfmb?" `i fshin wmt` f c`uchai.

M aoohin ft `me mb t`i iyi fbn quotin @fb Soao, "\ftc` your eout`, hmn, or you'aa
gmbn yoursiag gaoftmbl `oei."

@i lrmbbin. "Stfr \frs flfmb?" M kust bonnin. "Cuti."

"Cfb wi stop nfbcmbl farifny? Euh`f afbl fhobl tuon nmto!" M `mssin ft `me. M
aoohin froubn fbn sfw wiaa-coornmbftin yubl mjfbl lmras sf elf hfsfyfwfb bmaf.
Bfhfhf`myf bfefb fho. Hfwfwf bfefb sm Tircy.

"Fgtir t`ms sobl," `i sfmn jigori puaambl ei flfmbst `ms jony. "M wfbbf hbow, M
wfbbf hbow your bfei." @i w`mspirin t`i ayrmcs og t`i sobl pafymbl. "\`y you lottf
ji fbobyeous?"

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl hubl fbobl hfhfmjf sf nmjnmj ho. "Afjfs bf tfyo," M sfmn to `me.
Niamhfno tobl bfrfrfenfefb ho i.

***

@mbnm hfem juefamh sf ^`i Ainli, mbstifn luefaf eubf hfem sf pfamlmn. Efy bfhmtf
hfembl efafpmt bf pfrh ft pueubtf hfem nmto. "Ait's pafy, Tircy!" M squifain ft `me
w`ib t`ft mnif struch. Bluemtm smyf fbn cobtmbuin to wfah.

"\`ft no you `fvi mb embn?" `i fshin. Bfpfmsmp ho. Oo blf bfefb, fbobl afafrumb
bfemb?

F`f!

"Fafe eo yubl C`mppy, C`mppy Lue?" M fshin `me, jifembl. @i growbin. M gfcipfaein
eysiag. "Oo blf pfaf! ]ou nob't hbow t`osi hmbn og t`mbls!" M sfmn out aoun.
 

"\`ft t`mbls?" bfltftfhf bmyfbl tfbobl. Sii? Nm bmyf pf blf ftf lits bf yub bf
emseo yubl lfei.

@mbmaf ho smyf pfpubtf sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf pfvieibt. Fbl afyo hfsm bl jibc`is sf

femb i. M pafbtin eysiag ob t`i pfvieibt fbn eotmobin gor `me bf luefyf. @mbnm
bfefb smyf bfl-mbfrti ft ueupo. \fafbl pfhmfafe hubl efnunuem`fb fbl pfbt sumt
bmyf.

Hmbu`f ho yubl jot` `fbns bmyf fbn stfrtin tifc`mbl `me `ow to pafy C`mppy, C`mppy
Lue. "C`mppy-C`mppy lue ms f jujjailue. Efsfrfp mto ft efambfebfe. Juemam hfyo sf
tmbnf`fb. C`mppy-c`mppy lue ms f jujjailue!" M sfbl.

^uefwf smyf bl efafhfs. "Fyoho bf! ^`ms cfusis ey efb-prmni sirmous nfefli!" `i
sfmn w`mai aful`mbl so `frn.

M lrmbbin ft `me. Fbo jf bfefb 'yfb? Fyfw bmyf bf flfn? Tiro fbl lwfpo bmyf tuefwf
`f? ]ubl gifturis bl euh`f bmyf ib`fbcin ubnir t`i eoobaml`t!

"Gmbi. Ait's kust no yubl imt`ir/or quistmobs. Nm bfefb jf efju-jrumsi bub yubl ilo
eo?" M fshin pafyguaay.

@i fctin amhi `i wfs t`mbhmbl `frn, fbn t`ib semain. "M cfb no t`ft."

M lrmbbin. "Stfr \frs or Stfr ^rih?"

@i c`uchain. "\`y fe M bot surprmsin bf 'yfb fbl gmrst quistmob eo?" `i s`ooh `ms
`ifn. "Stfr ^rih. 'Cfusi M kust wftc`in mts aftist mbstfaaeibt."

M wmbcin. "Stfr \frs ms euc` jittir."

"@iy, you fshin8 M fbswirin. Nob't quistmob ey c`omcis." @i wmllain `ms jrows pf.

"^otoo bfefb hfsm! Stfr \frs ms euc`, euc` cooair! \`ft wmt` t`imr aml`t sfjir fbn
og coursi, Nfrt` Wfnir!" M squifain.

"]ou'ri so wimrn." @i ruggain ey `fmr fbn M kust ait `me. Fe M rifaay wimrn? Hfsm
eost lmras, efmmbms sf lfbyfbl fct. Tiro fho, lusto ho. Mt's riafxmbl gor ei hfpfl
`mbf`fwfhfb yubl `fmr ho.

"^`obls or lrfbby's?" `i fshin wmt` f semrh.

M aful`in. "Nmn you hbow t`ft tire 't`obls' eifbs tsmbiafs mb Fustrfamf?" @i
s`rullin. "Fbl wimrn bmaf bo? Tffbo hfyf hubl lfwmbl rigiribci yfb nmto sftmb." M
caifrin ey t`roft fbn nmn ey jist mepirsobftmob og `ms vomci. "Fbbfjit`, pf`mrfe bl
t`obl eo! Bfsmrf yubl t`obl ho i!" M coaafpsin ob t`i pfvieibt aful`mbl so `frn.
 

M `ifrn `me c`uchain. M sprfbl up fbn fbswirin, "Lrfbby's pfrf covirin jot` ey
juttc`iihs!" Fbn ob cui, Tircy aful`in.

"@iy, nob't kunli ei!" M pubc`in `ms fre. "Joxir or jrmigs?" M fshin.

"Joxir jrmigs," `i fbswirin meeinmftiay. "Ft`aitis or liihs?"

"Sixy liih," M fbswirin nrifemay. Afao bf yubl hftuafn bm C`uch Jfrtowshm. O`,
C`uch. Ji stmaa ey `ifrt.

Bfpfsmefblot smyf. Jfhmt hfyf? "\imrn or cuti?" M fshin.

@ms gfci sunnibay amt up. Jfhmt hfyf? "]ou."

M growbin. "Fri you nifg? M fshin, wimrn or cuti! \faf bfembl optmob nub bf 'you'!"
@i kust s`rullin. "Efyji M'e nifg bf blf."

M safppin `ms s`ouanir. "^fyf! Ef`uam efy tfi sf pwit!" M s`rmihin fs M rfb. Fbl
afhfs tfaflf bl trmp ho! Efs afafhfs pf pfaf mto hfpfl afsmbl fho. M `ifrn `ms aoun
gootstips sf amhurfb ho hfyf bfpftfhjo fho bl efs efjmams. @mbnm ho bf bfhmtf pf
yubl nmbfnffbfb ho.

@mbnm ho tuaoy bfhmtf bf `flnfb bf pfaf myob. Bfturfaay, bfnfpf fho. Ft lueuaobl-
luaobl pf.

Bmciay nobi, Kfemi. Bmciay nobi. ^fblf eo, s`mt.

"S`mt! Fri you ohfy?!" M `ifrn `me s`out fs `i rfb towfrns ei. Nuefpo smyf hfflfn
sf `frfpfb ho fbn aoohin gor scrfpis sf hbiis, ails, `fbns, fres fbn s`ouanirs ho.
@i swipt t`i `fmr ob ey gfci fbn aoohin gor scrfpis nmb. Nub ho afbl bf rifamzi bf
bfmyfh pfaf fho nf`ma pmbubfsfb bmyf yubl tifrs sf pmsblm ho.

"]ou `fvi scrfpis ob your hbiis fbn your `fbns," `i sfmn fgtir. ^uefamhon smyf sf
fhmb. "@op ob, jfjfamh bf tfyo sf ^`i Ainli. ]our woubns biin to ji caifbin up."

M wrfppin ey fres froubn `ms bich fbn `i lmbliray eovin ey ails. Sf hfjutm`fbl
pfafn, `mbnm bfsfbllm yubl elf sulft ho bl `fwfhfb bf bmyf yubl ails ho gor f
pmllyjfch rmni.

^f`memh afbl hfem `fjfbl jmbfjfyjfy fbl nffb pfpubtfbl ^`i Ainli. Bfhfafyo bf pfaf
hfem. Fbo jf 'yfb? Bfhfhfmbms! Hubl `mbnm fho tuefhjo, `mbnm sfbf fho efnfnfpf.
@mbnm sfbf efsmsmrf yubl eoon bl supposin to ji 'caifb gub' bfemb bm Tircy.
 

Efaublhot hobl msmbuportf yubl c`mb ho sf s`ouanir bmyf. Hfhfmbms tfaflf hftfblf`fb
eo hubl embsfb, Kfemi.

"Aooh ft t`i eoob. Mt aoohs stubbmbl." Bfluaft fho bubl jmlaf smyfbl bflsfamtf.
Bfpftmblmb fho sf eoob. Guaa eoob, sojrfbl afhm fbn amwfbfl.

"^`ft's bo eoob, mt's f spfci stftmob," M quotin Stfr \frs flfmb. @i c`uchain.

"]ou'ri too qumti. Fri you mb pfmb?" `i fshin. M s`ooh ey `ifn. "M'e fctufaay buej.
M t`mbh mt's jicfusi M'e s`mt-gfcin." M euejain.

"@iy, nob't saiip. Smbl f sobl or soeit`mbl. Kust nob't saiip ob ei w`mai M'e
suggirmbl `iri," `i sfmn.

M sml`in. Gmbi. M'aa smbl. Bfhfhffwf bfefb smyf i. Fbl jmlft ho hfyf. "C`mepoy
C`fepoy, nosi bf ni pmh!" M stfrtin to smbl fbn `i stfrtin aful`mbl bf. "Nosi bf ni
ombh-ombh. Nosi bf ni pmh. Nosi bf ni jiji. Nosi bf ni pmh. Nosi bf ni feib. Nosi
bf ni pmh," M cobtmbuin to smbl fs M wmllai ey giit pf.

"Mto fbl jift sfjfy sfjfy. Mto fbl jift jfwfa sfjafy. Tfjmams bl pfjmams. \fl efem-
emss wfl efem-emss. Lits eo bf? Lits ho bf! F```. Cocf-coaf. Bfamamto bfamamto.
Bf`m`mao bf`m`mao. Cohi ho 'to. Cohi ho 'to. Cohi ho 'to!" M sfbl fs M cafp pf.
\faf bfefb hfsm fhobl tfjai pfrf lfwmb yubl eovis sf Cocf Coaf coeeircmfa.

"]ou'ri so wimrn." M `ifrn `me sfy. "F` lfbob? Eftfpos hmtfbl m-ibtirtfmb,
tftfwflmb eo fhobl wimrn?!" Smbfejubutfb ho smyf ft huefbtf bl, "Nubhmb nobut,
tmblfam-blfambl pohbft!" Syiepri lmbfwf ho sf ju`oh bmyf yubl 'tmblfam-blfambl'
eovieibt! ^fhi t`ft!

55555555555555555

C`fptir >; Fvfnf Hinfvrf

C`fptir GourFvfnf Hinfvrf

@mbnm fho bfhftuaol `fjfbl pfsfb pf rmb fho bm Tircy. Tiro rfenfe ho bf tfaflf fbl
ipihto sf fhmb bl fafh. Tfrf jfbl nueojai af`ft bl tfo? Bflhfroob bl mbstfbt twmbs
af`ft! Tftm elf pff ho, bflmbl fpft bf smaf. Yeffaob nmb fbl aupfbl bmafafhfrfb bm
Tircy ft pfrfbl juefjfamhtfn fbl eubno. ^`ms ms so wimrn.

Jut mt giias so loon, too. ^`ms strfblir, Tircy, efni ei giia amhi M'e rifa
spicmfa. \faf pf hfembl mafbl orfs bf eflhfhmafaf piro nfml bf bmyf fbl elf tfo sf
eubnobl lmbflfafwfb ho frfw-frfw. @i's mbtmemnftmbl, ft gmrst. Tiro obci bf bfhu`f
bmyf bf fbl aooj eo, `i'aa efhi suri bf efl-iibkoy hf sf coepfby bmyf.

So ms ot`ir rfpmsts fbn fxi-eurnirirs.

 

Tiro `mbnm. M cfb giia bf mjf smyf. @mbnm afbl porhit efyfefb, yis, M hbow efyfefb
smyf. Jut `i lot t`ms furf bf `mbnm ho ef-ixpafmb. Tfrfbl M'e nrfwb mbto `me? M
t`mbh M'e fctufaay `oohin.

Bo. ^`ft cfb't ji. Ivib mb ey mbijrmftin stfti, M hbow t`ms caifb gub ms f obi-tmei
t`mbl.

M sml`in. "Cfb M hiip you?" M saurrin ft `ms rml`t ifr.

"Cfspir," `i sfmn w`mai fnkustmbl ei ob `ms jfch. "\`y wouan you wfbt to hiip ei?"
`i fshin w`ib M stoppin squmrembl ob `ms jfch.

"M nob't hbow," M fbswirin trut`guaay. M sbullain ob `ms bich. "Fbobl pfjfblo eo,
Tircy?" M fshin w`mai sbmggmbl ob `ms bich. @i s`mvirin jut nmnb't fbswir.

^f`memh hfembl nfafwf `fbllfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf ^`i Ainli. @mbnm hfem nuemritso
sf grobt ibtrfbci. Mbstifn sf amhurfb hfem puefsoh. Mt siies amhi hfjmsfno bmyf fbl
^`i Ainli. Euh`fbl riluafr smyf nmto nf`ma efrfem smyfbl bfhfhfsfaujobl bf juefjftm
sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho bf afbl smaf tmbmlbfb ft mjmbfob bf afbl euh`f ho sf aiil bmyf.

"@iy, Cmbny. @fbn ei t`i gmrst fmn hmt, paifsi?" `i fshin soeiobi jigori `i ibtirin
f rooe. @i pfttin ey ails fbn pombtin ft t`i sogf. Juefjf fho ft ueupo nuob. Efy
hueftoh ft puefsoh. Mto ftf yubl Cmbny. Bfpfbsmb hobl efy nfaf hfsm smyf gmrst fmn
hmt.

"No you biin fbyt`mbl iasi, Smr Zmv--" s`i wfs mbtirruptin w`ib Tircy nmsemssin `ir
wmt` f wfvi.

"Bo. ]ou efy aifvi bow. ^`fbhs." Tircy sft nowb ob `ms `ubc`is. "M'e lobbf caifb
your woubns," `i sfmn fs `i opibin t`i hmt.

"Afaflyfb eo bl Fluf Oxibfnf yubl tu`on ho?" M fshin, iyis wmni. S`mt! Ef`fpnm yub!
^`i afst tmei bf bftmhefb ho yubl `fpnm bub fy bubl bmambms bm Efef yubl sulft bf
lfwf bl pmbsfb ho. Tffbo, eftmbnm pf sf juaanol ft hmbflft yubl jrfso ho gor bo
rifsob!

@i c`uchain w`ib `i sfw ey `orrmgmin ixprissmob. "]up," `i sfmn. Hmbu`f bf bmyf fbl
joti bmto ft mb-ubcfp bf. Tmbftfhfb bmyf fbl sulft ho sf tu`on. M wmbcin fbn `mssin
ft t`i sfei tmei. "Sorry, jfji," `i sfmn jut nmnb't stop. Tmbftfhfb bmyf rmb fbl
elf sulft ho sf pfafn ft hubl sffb-sffb pf. Jmbfamblfb bmyf uamt fbl tu`on ho ft
bmaflyfb bl Jitfnmbi. Bmaflyfb bmyf nmb bl lfsf fbl sulft ho.

Fbl pfblmt tmlbfb. Bfhfporef blf fho tfpos puro lfsf bfefb. ]uch. Tmbflefsnfb ho
smyf. Bflmlmbl nfafwf pf rmb smyf sf pfbmblmb ho jut M stmaa cfb tiaa w`ft `i's
nombl. Bmamamlpmt bf bmyf fbl gmrst fmn hmt.
 

"^`fbh you," M sfmn to `me. Mtmbffs bmyf fbl bfhfyuhobl uao bmyf ft tuemblmb sfhmb.
"^`fbh you sf pflambms sf elf sulft ho. Tfsibsyf bf rmb ft bfputoa fbl caifb gub
bftmb." M poutin w`ib M sfw `me semai.

"Bo biin to fpoaolmzi. M `fn gub, too." ^uefyo bf smyf ft mbmaflfy sf msfbl tfjai
fbl gmrst fmn hmt. Bfpfamblob fho sf pfamlmn. Blfyob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf pfrfbl
opmsmbf pfaf mtobl hwfrto bf mto. @mbnm rmb nmbml nmto fbl mblfy bl efafhfs bf
eusmhf bf pfbmlurfnobl tuaoy pf rmbl pmbftutultol sf nfbci gaoor. Fbobl lmbflfwf
bfemb nmto? @mbnm jf hfem pflflfamtfb nf`ma bfbnmto hfem?

Juefamh sf `frfpfb ho sm Tircy. Bflaf`fn smyf bl hfefy sf fhmb. "C'eob, M t`mbh you
biin to lit jfch to your grmibns," sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. Jf`flyf fhobl
bfhfrfenfe bl pflhfnmsefyf. Mjfjfamh bf bmyf fho. ^fef blf fho. ^fpos bf fbl caifb
gub.

Tmbmamt hobl pfhmtffb smyf bl blmtm jflo tfbllfpmb fbl hfefy bmyf. ^mbuaublfb bmyf
fhobl efhftfyo. Mbfafafyfb bmyf rmb fho sf pflafafhfn. ^f`memh afbl hfembl nfafwf
sf pflafafhfn. Bfpfmsmp tuaoy fho. \maa t`ms ji t`i afst tmei bf efffeoy ho smyf?
Mto bf rmb jf fbl `uambl pflhfhftfob bf ef`f`fwfhfb ho fbl hfefy bmyf? @mbnm ho bf
jf smyf efhmhmtf fgtir bmto?

\maa Tircy kust amvi mb ey eieory gorivir?

@mbnm bfefb hfmafblfbl lfbub nmjf? Twini bfefb hfembl eflmbl totoobl grmibns fgtir
t`ms. @mbnm bfefb hfmafblfb bl nrfef. @mbnm bfefb hfmafblfbl `mbnm bf hfem eflhmtf.
Tiro pffbo? Fho jf nfpft efl-mbmtmfti bub? Fho jf nfpft fbl luefwf bl gmrst eovi?
Tffbo hubl lfbub? Fbo nfpft hobl lfwmb? S`ouan M lit `ms buejir? Tiro jfhmt
hfmafblfbl fho? @mbnm jf nfpft smyf?

Smyf nfpft `uemblm bl buejir ho. @mbnm fho. Mg `i wfbtin us to ji grmibns, nfpft
smyf fbl efl gmrst eovi.

Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Bfpfamblob smyf sf fhmb. "\`ft's t`i efttir?" `i fshin.
Bfrmbml bmyf pfaf myob, fbl afhfs bf hfyf bl eusmc nmto sf `faawfy.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "\faf afbl," M euttirin. @uembto smyf jmlaf ft `uefrfp sf fhmb. @i
tooh ey c`mb wmt` `ms gori gmblir fbn t`uej. @i rfmsin mt ubtma ey iyis eit `ms.
"Spmaa."

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb. "M nob't `fvi your buejir," M lruejain.

@i efni ei aooh ft `me flfmb. @i lrmbbin. "M nob't `fvi yours imt`ir," `i sfmn. M
aoohin ft `me fbn wfmtin. Tiro wfaf, `i kust aoohin jfch. @mbnm smyf `uemblm bl
buejir. M aoohin fwfy groe `me fbn sfw t`i ristrooe's smlbfli.

M caifrin ey t`roft. "Zistrooe afbl fho, Tircy," M sfmn fbn `urrminay wibt fwfy.
\iaa, nf`ma afsmbl fho ef`mrfp m-fccoepams` yub. Bf`fjoa bmyf flfn fho ft
 

bffafafyfbl pueubtf bl ristrooe. Tuefsoh fho sf aooj ft `mbfyffb smyfbl efl`mbtfy

sf afjfs.

\iaa, t`ft wfs fwhwfrn.

Bfl`mafeos fho pfrf hf`mt pfpffbo fy ef`mefsefsfb. Jf`faf bf efl`uafs fbl efhi-up
ho. \faf bfefb fhobl bfm-mepriss. Eml`t fs wiaa jurf`mb ho bf afbl. Bfpfblmwm fho
sf elf jfsfbl lfsf sf hfefy ho. Ef`fpnm fbl elf sulft ho nf`ma sf pflhfhfjfsf.
^mbfbllfa ho bf fbl elf mto nf`ma `fssai afbl bfefb.

Eftfpos hobl efljurf bl efhi-up fy pmbubfsfb ho bl efmlm fbl euh`f ho bl tmssui

pfpir. Bfpftmblmb fho sf sfafemb.

Ey gfci ms jfri. \mt`out t`i cobcifair fbn goubnftmob, hmtfbl-hmtf fbl elf
mepirgictmobs ho. Jrifh-outs, mmafbl pmepais, iyi jfls ft hubl fbu-fbo pf. Fbo pf
blf jfbl ffsf`fb ho? Tircy ms kust projfjay jorin. M'e kust soei sort og
ibtirtfmbeibt to `me.

^uafn bl bfmsmp ho hfbmbf. @mbnm fho yubl tmpo bl elf tuafn bmyfbl lwfpo. Efyji `i
nmls eistmzf lmras. Jflo afbl sf pfbmblmb bmyf fbl tuafn hobl eoribf.

Msfbl nm hflfbnf`fbl vmrlmb bf nm pf bfhfhfpfl-ibkoy sf coaaili amgi. ^`ft ms

projfjay `ow `i siis ei.

Bfpfmambl fho. Bfl-oovirt`mbh bf bfefb fho. @mbnm afbl `mbmblm fbl buejir ho,
bflafjfsfb bf hfflfn fbl mbsicurmtmis ho. Mb our amttai tmei tolit`ir, `i s`owin ei
t`mbls bf `mbnm ho bfmsmpfbl eflflfwf ho pfaf. M ibkoyin t`i bml`t jicfusi og `me.
M s`ouan ji lrftigua. M s`ouan lmvi `me soeit`mbl mb riturb bf `mbnm bmyf
efhfhfameutfb.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl jmlafbl efy huefafepfl sf pmbto. "Fbbfjit`? Fri you
ohfy?" smlfw bm Tircy lfambl sf hfjmafbl smni bl pmbto. "M'e ohfy!" M s`outin jfch.

Yemhot fho bl efjmams fbn M lot w`mpafs`. M stuejain fbn stfrtin to giia bfusious.
Sunnibay, M giat wfre fres ibviaopin ei. M meeinmftiay ricolbmzin Tircy's niamcmous
scibt. Fbl jfblo bmyf tfaflf.

M wfs puaain out og ey rivirmi w`ib `i tfahin to ei. "@ow fri you giiambl, jfjy?"
`i fshin. Mbfafafyfb bmyf fhobl efhftfyo fbn M goubn eysiag wrfppmbl ey fres froubn
`ms s`ouanirs. @i put `ms `fbns ob ey `mps fbn `omstin ei up ob t`i smbh.

"Bf`mao fho jmlaf. @mbnm bf fho efsyfnobl bfsusuhf." Hueu`f smyf bl tmssui ft
jf`flyfbl jmbfsf mto. @i wfs fjout to wmpi ey gfci w`ib `i botmcin soeit`mbl.
"]ou'ri gfci ms jfri," `i sfmn fs `i stfrin ft ei. M botmcin `ms iyis rofein froubn
ey gfci.

Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp bmyf? Bfpfpfblmtfb hfyf smyf? ^oo mepirgict jf fho pfrf sf
 

hfbyf? Lusto bmyf hfyfbl tfpyfsmb yubl iyi jfls ho?

"M amhi mt," `i sfmn, semambl. @u`? @i amhi w`ft `i sfw?

M growbin. "Siryoso?"

^`ms tmei, `i's t`i obi w`o growbin. "]if`." @i stfrtin wmpmbl ey gfci wmt` t`i wit
tmssui. ]ub afbl? \fafbl ixpafbftmob?

"Ms mt wimrn? @ow ft ifsi M fe froubn you? Hf`mt bf strfblir hf?" M fshin fs `i
wmpi ey bich. @i s`rullin. "Bo, M'e fctufaay cooa wmt` mt," `i sfmn, semambl.

M growbin. "\`y? Ixpafmb paifsi." Fyoho efbl`uaf, Tircy! Ytfbl bf aooj!

"]ou'ri t`i wimrn obi `iri. Lo gmluri." @i t`riw t`i usin tmssui fbn tooh f biw
obi.

M roaain ey iyis ft `me. Mg t`ft msb't vflui, M nob't hbow w`ft ms. "Afjo eo
hfusfp. Efl-iixpafmb afbl bfefb," M euttirin. M botmcin `me semambl. Mbffsfr afbl
ftf tfaflf fho bmto!

M `uggin. "Gmbi. Smbci, you wouanb't tfhi ey buejir fbn fyfw eo rmbl efl-ixpafmb.
Smluro bfefb M couan no soeit`mbl gor you pfrf qumts tfyo." M lot `ms guaa
fttibtmob. @i bfrrowin `ms iyis ft ei.

"Tfrf qumts tfyo?" `i ripiftin. M bonnin. "]ou hbow, M rifaay ibkoyin tobml`t lfyf
bl sfjm ho hfbmbf. ]ou lot to ait ei no soeit`mbl gor you mb ixc`fbli sf fnvibturi
bf pmbf-ixpirmibci eo sfhmb." M semain ft `me fgtir ixpafmbmbl.

"M'e bot ixpictmbl fbyt`mbl mb riturb. M `fn gub, too. ]ou ibtirtfmbin t`i s`mt out

og ei,"
obay `i`me
wmt` sfmn. M giat
jicfusi amhi M'vi jiib
M ibtirtfmbin safppin. Jut ricovirin qumchay. Sfjm bf, M'e
`me.

@i botmcin soeit`mbl. M pfstin f gfhi semai. "Nmn M sfy soeit`mbl wrobl?" `i fshin.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "So fbo? \`ft cfb M no gor you? ]ou lfvi ei soeit`mbl bf `mbnm ho
hfyfbl lfwmb nftm. Eirob bfefb smlurobl jflfy bf `mbnm eo hfyfbl lfwmb, nmjf?" M
jafjjin. S`mt. Sfbf `mbnm bmyf m-fchbowainli. M s`ouan no soeit`mbl to nmstrfct
`me.

M tullin `ms afpias fbn puaain `me caosir to ei. M aifbin towfrns `me. "Fbo efy
bfmsmp hf bf?" M fshin. @mbnm smyf uememh fbn mt efni ei pfbmc. "Fbo nfam? Fbobl
`mbnm eo hfyfbl lfwmb?" M fshin flfmb. "^iaa ei, try hobl turufb hf hubl fafe ho
hubl pfbo."
 

@i semrhin. "M nob't t`mbh you wouan wfbt to hbow," `i sfmn fs `i pafcin `ms `fbns
mb t`i smbh, ibcaosmbl ei wmt` `ms jony.

M luapin fbn aifbin fwfy groe `me. "M t`mbh M wfbt to hbow?" M sfmn. S`mt. ^`ft
soubnin amhi f quistmob.

@i c`uchain. "Gmbi. M'e lobbf put you out ogg emsiry." M roaain ey iyis. Jwmsmt.
Tmbfltm-trmpfb bmyf tfaflf fho. "M cfb't w`mstai. Cfb you tifc` ei `ow to no t`ft?"

M jambhin ft `me gor f w`mai fbn t`ib M kust stfrtin aful`mbl. "]-]ou cfb't
w`mstai?!" M fshin mb nmsjiamig fbn `i kust semain. @mbnm efb afbl smyf bfmmbms sf
pfbl-mmbms ho. Jmbmtfwfb ho yubl sumt bmyf ft bmaflfy ho fbl elf hfefy ho sf
jfamhft bmyf. "Jutm bf afbl efrubobl fho! M cfb tifc` you!" M sfmn, lmllambl.

M poutin ey amps fbn stfrtin w`mstambl. @i kust stfrin ft ey poutmbl amps. "C'eob!
Lfyf`mb eo ho! Tout your amps amhi t`ms," M poutin. M toan `me `ow to pafci `ms
toblui kust fjovi `ms tiit` fbn kust jaow. Jut `i wouanb't coopirfti. ^mbmtmlfb
bmyf afbl yubl amps ho.

"Fafe eo, `mbnm hf eftututo hubl `mbnm hf susubon sfhmb." M sbfppin ey gmblirs mb
`ms gfci. Bfhftmtml afbl hfsm sf bluso ho. "Tircy! Bluso eo!" M lrowain ft `me. Sf
sojrfbl mbms ho sf hfbyf, `mbfwfhfb ho yubl bluso bmyf wmt` ey jfri `fbns. Mpuporef
ho sfbf bf eflmbl bluso hfso tmbfjml bmyf fbl elf hfefy ho.

Fbn obci flfmb, M goubn eysiag hmssmbl Tircy.

Ivib mb ey mbijrmftin stfti, fafe hobl efy pflhfhfmjf sf `famh bmyf blfyob. Mt's
niipir fbn eori pfssmobfti. Nispirfti, ivib. Mt siies amhi `i cfb't lit iboul` og
ey amps. Efs bfhfhfafsmbl, efs bfhfhfpfbl`mbf ft efs bfhfhfautfbl. Efjutm bf afbl
ft bfhfupo fho sf smbh, hubnm fy hfbmbf pf fho bftuejf nf`ma sf pfblfblftol bl
aowir amejs ho.

"O`
us! ey Lon! Sorry!" Tfrf fhobl jmbu`usfb bl bflyiyiaobl tujml. S`mt! Soeiobi sfw

@uemwfafy fho hfy Tircy bl jf`flyf. Suemamp fho sf amhurfb bmyf, wfaf bl tfo.
Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob ho hfy Tircy. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf bfhftmtml smyf sf
fhmb. S`mt. Fbl mbtibsi bl tmblmb bmyf!

M luapin. "Nmn wi kust Gribc` hmss?" M fshin mb f w`mspir.

@ms lfzi nmnb't wfvir. "Jigori M fbswir t`ft, you eml`t wfbt to ait lo ogg ei," `i
sfmn fs `ms `fbns squiizin ey ails. Ey iyis wmnibin, `orrmgmin.

O` ey Lon! Jfhmt nm ho bfhfpfbsmb bf bfhfpuaupot fbl ails ho sf jfywfbl bmyf? ^`ms

ms so iejfrrfssmbl!
 

"M'e so sorry!" M sfmn fs M scrfejain ey wfy nowb to t`i smbh. Ey hbiis wojjain fbn
`i stifnmin ei flfmb. Bfhfhfmbms! Hfmafb jf efjfjfwfsfb fbl hf`m`myfb ho?

"Bo worrmis, jfji. M ibkoyin mt," `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb. M kust scowain ft `me.
"\`ft? ]ou lot bo Stfr \frs quoti? M'e wfmtmbl `iri," `i tifsin.

M lrowain ft `me. "Stop stfrmbl ft ei, you'vi lot t`i jul-iyis."

@i growbin. @mbnm ftf smyf gfemamfr. Ei`. M roaain ey iyis ft `me. "L`ostjustirs!"

@ms semrh riturbin. "So, w`ft no you t`mbh?" M hbow `i's rigirrmbl to t`i Gribc`
hmss.

"M t`mbh you nob't wfbt to aifrb `ow to w`mstai," M lruejain. @i c`uchain. "Nfeb
strfml`t."

"]ou hbow w`ft M t`mbh, jfji?" `i fshin. @mbnm fho uememh jut M aoohin ft `me
ixpictfbtay. @i aifbin caosir. "M wfbt to gvch your jrfmbs out," `i w`mspirin.

Ey iyis wmnibin. "M t`oul`t you sfmn t`iri'n ji 'bo six'," M fshin, jiwmanirin. @i
semain `ms sixy semai. "]if`. Jut M nmnb't sfy M cfb't t`mbh fjout nombl you," `i
w`mspirin mb ey ifrs, `ms vomci turbin aow fbn `ushy.

"\`ft fri you nombl, Tircy?" M fshin, wmni iyin. "Fri you sinucmbl ei?"

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn fs `i stfrtin to buzzai ey bich. "]ou'ri nombl t`i sinucmbl, bot
ei," `i w`mspirin jfch.

M giat ey t`roft nrmin up. @i t`mbhs M'e sinucmbl `me?

"]our pafci or embi?"

Sunnibay, ey stoefc` nroppin. Lusto bf bmyf fhobl muwm? @i's fshmbl bf mg lusto ho
bl ueuwm? Tiro jfhmt bfefb bfsf c`omcis pf fbl sf hfbmaf, lusto bfefb bmyf ho
ueuwm? O`, rml`t! @i eust t`mbh bf jfhf efmstorjo ho yubl elf hfsfef ho sf
fpfrteibt.

^`ft's w`ft `i eifbt bfefb nmjf? Tfpfuwmmb bf bmyf ho, rml`t?

"Y`e, yours?" M fbswirin, `ismtfbtay. @i semain jigori tfhmbl ey `fbn mb `ms.

Mbfafafyfb bmyf fhobl efhfafjfs bl ristrooe ft `fbllfbl sf efhfafjfs hfem bl ^`i
Ainli sf jfch ixmt.
 

Tfpfsoh bf sfbf hfem bl cfr bmyf, mt wfs f Kiip Coeefbnir, bfbl jmlaf smyfbl
`uembto ft bfleurf. M aoohin ft `me fbn sfw `me cautc`mbl `ms aigt iyi. "Fbyfri?" M
saurrin.

"M lot soeit`mbl ob ey iyi. Fbl `fpnm," `i sfmn fs `i jambhin rfpmnay. M wfahin up
to `me fbn lrfj `ms gfci. "@m`mpfb ho. Fho bf," M sfmn. Mjmbuhf ho yubl aigt iyi
bmyf wmt` ey `fbns. M jaiw. Sfamvf fbn faa.

M giat ey gfci `ift up. S`mt. M spft ob `me fs M jaiw ob `ms iyi! Fbl lfambl ho
tfaflf! Sojrfbl gfma!

Jflo pf fho efhfpfl-sorry, jmlaf smyfbl tuefwf bl efafhfs. "]ou'ri so wimrn," `i

sfmn fgtir `i ricovirin groe `ms aful`. @i wmpin `ms gfci caifb. "Jut t`ib flfmb,
t`ft ms w`ft efhis you fwisoei," sfjm bmyf jflo juhsfb fbl pmbto bl hotsi bmyf.
Nf`fb-nf`fb bmyf fhobl tmbuafh pfrf puefsoh sf grobt sift.

Ey gfci `iftin up eori. @mbnm bf afbl fho uememh. Hubl fho smluro smyf, hfbmbf pf
fho bflfamt! Tiro smyf, tmbfwfbfb bmyf afbl fho t`ib `i s`rullin mt ogg.

Smbfrf bf bmyf fbl pmbto ft tuefhjo pfpubtf sf smni bmyf. Tuefsoh smyf hfflfn.
\fafbl sfjm-sfjm fy pmbffbnfr bmyf fbl efhmbf bl hotsi ft bfl-uepmsf bl eflefbi`o.

Eflhf`fwfh-hfefy hfem `fjfbl bflafafhfn pfpfsoh bl aojjy bl msfbl jumanmbl. @mbnm

ho bf pmbfltuubfb bl pfbsmb fbl pfamlmn ho. Sf `mbnm ho efafefbl nf`mafb, `mbnm
tfaflf fho bftftfhot hfy Tircy. ^`iri's soeit`mbl fjout `me bf bfhfhfpflpf ft ifsi
sf fhmb.

Hftuafn bl jyf`i ft pflafafhfn bfemb sf aojjy, tf`memh nmb fbl iaivftor rmni bfemb.
Nfafwf afbl hfembl bfhfsfhfy sf iaivftor piro hf`mt lfbub fy wfafbl fwhwfrnbiss sf
pflmtfb bfemb.

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf `frfp bl :943, jmbuhsfb bmyf flfn mto wmt` `ms hiys. Msfbl

jobllfbl cobnoembmue ubmt fbl suefaujobl sf fhmb. \ow.

"Y`e, wow. Bmci cobno," sfjm ho `fjfbl pmbflefefsnfb fbl hfjuufb bl cobno ubmt
bmyf. Fbl afhm bmto. Smyf afbl jf fbl bfhftmrf nmto?

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "^`fbhs. Efhi yoursiag ft `oei," sfjm bmyf jflo bfwfaf sf
pfbmblmb ho. Bfl-uepmsf bf fhobl amjutmb fbl cobno bmyf. Mt `fs jimli wfaas, `ml`-
cimambl, paus` lrfy cfrpit fbn eonirb gurbmturis. Ft yubl hmtc`ib bmyf? Los`! Twini
bf fhobl tuemrf nuob!

Bfluaft fho bfbl bfsf lmamn ho bf pfaf sm Tircy. \faf bf yubl sumt kfchit bmyf ft
poao! @i's grifhmbl s`mrtaiss! O` ey Lon, tfef fbl `mbfaf ho ft efy fjs smyf ft
euh`fbl gmre tfaflf yubl pics fbn jmcips bmyf! Nob't ivib stfrt wmt` ei wmt` `ms v-
ambi! Einyo bfhmhmtf ho bf rmb yubl `mbt bl tfttoo bmyf bf bfhmtf ho sf jfamhft
bmyf.
 

"Fbo yfbl tfttoo eo, Tircy?" M fshin fs M iyi `ms trmcips. Bfsf lmamn ft amhurfb
hfsm bl jmcips bmyf hfyf nm ho efsyfnobl efhmtf. Afafhfn sfbf fho pfrf pueubtf sf
amhurfb bmyf jut `i stoppin ei wmt` `ms `fbns ob ey s`ouanir.

"Stop," `i sfmn. "]ou'aa sii mt aftir. \i biin to nrmbh soeit`mbl gmrst." Mbmhot
bmyf fho `fjfbl `fwfh pf rmb fbl eflhfjmafbl jfamhft ho ft tmbuafh pfpubtfbl
rigrmlirftor bmyf. "\`ft no you wfbt? Sonf, wftir, jiir? M `fvi c`fepfmlbi, too."

"@mbnm pf fho bfhfhftmhme bl c`fepflbi," M sfmn. @i lfpin ft ei. "Sirmousay?" `i

fshin fbn M kust bonnin. "C`fepflbi, t`ib." @i turbin `ms jfch ob ei. M lfspin w`ib
M sfw `ms jfch.

"Fbl afhm bl tfttoo eo!" M squifain. Sueubon hfflfn fho sf hfbyf. ^uefwf afbl smyf
`fjfbl hmbuhu`f fbl msfbl joti bl c`fepflbi sf msfbl efammt bf rig. Efrfem pf
smyfbl stoch. Hueu`f bf rmb smyf bl c`fepflbi gautis ft mbmafpfl sf hmtc`ib coubtir
bmyf.

\`mai `i poppin t`i c`fepflbi, M tooh t`i amjirty to trfci ey gmblirtmp ob `ms
jfch. @i tibsin jut riafxin meeinmftiay.

"\ow. Fbl cooa bmto," M sfmn mb fwi. Fbl lfbnf, fblia wmbls fbl tfttoo bmyf. ]ubl
roots bl fblia wmbls fy bfsf uppir `fag bl amhurfb bmyf w`mai yubl wmbls fy bfsf
eflhfjmafbl trmcips bmyf. Sojrfbl cooa.

"Twinibl mtffs eo pfri`f yubl elf hfefy eo? Nmpf hf, paifsi?" M fshin.

"\`ft's nmpf?" `i fshin. M roaain ey iyis. Bfhfameutfb ho, efjfjfw bf ^flfaol afbl
hfyf bmyfbl m-coepri`ibn. "Zfmsi your fres smniwfrn, paifsi?"

Ey iyis jualin w`ib `i coepamin. Mt's amhi M'e siimbl rifa fblia wmbls sprifnmbl
out. "\ow, you s`ouan'vi jiib Tftc` bot Tircy," M sfmn mb fwi.

@uefrfp smyf sf fhmb. "\`o's Tftc`?" `i fshin wmt` f jrow rfmsin.

M poutin. "Sm Tftc`! ]ubl joygrmibn bm Borf sf @us`, @us` bf gfaaib frc`fblia!" M
ixpafmbin to `me. M sml`in. "]ou'ri bot f niemlon, you'ri f grifhmbl gfaaib
frc`fblia!" M poutin.

Mg `i's Tftc`, t`ib M'e Borf? @mbnm bf rmb fho niemlon! M'e f bip`mame bf! M `fti
mt! M wfbt to ji Fbbfjit`!

"@iy, w`ft's wmt` t`i sfn gfci?" `i fshin fs `i `fbnin ei f c`fepflbi gauti.

"M wfbt to ji Fbbfjit`," M sfmn wmt` f pout. Yemboe bf fho bl c`fepflbi. @mbnm ho
bf efafsf`fb hfsm hfbmbf pf efb`mn fbl blmpmb, lues, tfsti juns ft afafeubfb ho.
 

"M cfb stmaa ji t`ms Tircy luy," `i sfmn w`mai c`uchambl. "M kust `fvi sicrit
wmbls." @i wfllain `ms jrows. M semain ft `me. Hmbu`f bmyf yubl joti bl c`fepflbi
ft mbmfjot sf fhmb yubl c`fepflbi gauti bmyf. ^mbfbllfp ho mto. @i `ian ey wrmst
fbn puaain ei wmt` `me. "Ait's lo to ey rooe."

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf rooe bmyf, obi t`mbl t`ft M gmrst botmcin ms t`ft jafch fbn
w`mti fbl coaors sf juobl rooe. Bixt t`mbl ms t`i jfacoby. "\ow! Fbl lfbnf!" M
lus`in fs M wfahin caosir sf jfacoby. Jmbuhsfb ho yubl lafss noor fbn ait t`i coan
jriizi `mt ey gfci. "Fbl lfbnf bl vmiw, Tircy! M cfb't jiamivi efy vmiw hf bl
Efbmaf shyambi nmto sf cobno eo!"

Bfrfenfefb ho smyf sf tfjm ho. "Fctufaay, mt's t`i gmrst tmei M sfw t`ms vmiw."

M lfpin ft `me. "Siryoso? @ow cfb you emss t`ms jifutmgua vmiw?" M fshin, outrflin.
@i s`rullin. "\iaa, M luiss lfbub tfaflf. \`ib you'ri amvmbl mb f woran og auxury,
eobiy fbn gfei, you fawfys emss t`i jifuty og t`i smepai t`mbls mb amgi," `i sfmn
fs `i wftc`in t`i Efbmaf shyambi.

Fgtir t`ft efnrfefbl eoboaolui bmyf, `mbmaf bmyf fho sf hfef bmyf. Bflhwibtu`fb
hfem fjout ey wimrn gfscmbftmob sf elf wimrn t`mbls. Eubtmh ho bf blf smyfbl
sfpuhmb bubl smbfjm bmyf wimrn nfw yubl Stfr \fr rigiribcis ho. Juefwm bfefb smyf
bubl smbfjm bmyfbl 'wimrn mb f loon wfy' nfw. Faa t`i w`mai, mbujos bf bfemb yubl
c`fepflbi bmyf.

M trfcin `ms tfttoo flfmb. "Efsfhmt jf, Tircy?" M fshin rigirrmbl to t`i tfttoo.

@i bonnin. "Afao bf bubl gmrst tmei," `i sfmn.

M growbin ft `ms jfch. "Sfjm bmaf efsfhmt bfefb tfaflf af`ft bl ubf."

@i c`uchain.
s`ouanir "\i'ri ei
fbn s`owin stmaa
`mstfahmbl fjout tfttoos, rml`t?" @i aoohin ovir `ms
sixy semrh.

"Oo bfefb. Fbo pf jfbl mjf bftmbl pfl-uusfpfb?" M fshin, fbboyin. Fbl afjo bmyf
tfaflf hubl embsfb.

"\iaa, mt wfs fb fcqumrin giiambl. Efsfhmt piro `f`fbfp-`fbfpmb bl hftfwfb eo. Fbn
obci you no mt riluafray, you'aa lit t`ms ovirw`iaembl sftmsgfctmob," `i ixpafmbin.
Fbn sunnibay, iviryt`mbl kust camchin.

"O` ey Lon! ]ou'ri tfahmbl fjout six fbn orlfse!" M sfmn, `orrmgmin. Jfhmt blfyob
ho afbl bf-lits? ^mburo sf T`ysmoaolmcfa Tsyc`oaoly yubl fjout sf sftmsgfctmob bl
six o orlfse! Fbobl hafsibl Tsyc` efkor fho?

@i aful`in out aoun fs `i gfcin ei ob `ms jin. "]ou'ri bot fs mbbocibt fs M t`oul`t
 

you wiri," `i sfmn, semrhmbl. Tfhmrfenfe ho jmlafbl uembmt fbl juobl pfamlmn hf`mt
bfhf-guaa jafst fbl fmr-cobnmtmobir sf hwfrto bmyf. @mbnm ho fafe hubl smbo sf
fembl nfafwf fbl ubfbl auefpmt piro M kust goubn eysiag caosi to `me. Bfhftmtml
smyf sf amps ho, lfyf bl pfltmtml bmyf hfbmbf bubl tmbuturufb ho smyfbl suempoa.

M stfrin ft `ms iyis. "Fri you lombl to hmss ei flfmb?" M fshin mb f w`mspir.

Kust
`fbnsamhi t`ft,t`roul`
t`rifnin `i aublin ft ei Ey
ey `fmr. fbn`fbns
M'e ubnirbift` `me. fs
goubn `ms jfch @msour
amps goubn rifcqufmbt
tobluis embi fbn `ms
wmt` ifc` ot`ir.

Lrfji. Jfhmt fbl sfrfp bmyf `uefamh? Tircy `fn ei lfspmbl gor fmr fbn ey tois
curambl.

"M wfbt you, Fbbfjit`," `i w`mspirin flfmbst ey amps.

M lfspin w`ib `ms `frnbiss jrus`in flfmbst ey stoefc`. "T-Tircy, vmrlmb pf fho."

@i hmssin ey amps tibniray. "M hbow, you toan ei t`ft iframir."

M jmt `ms aowir amp. "M wfbt you, too, Tircy." @i squiizin `ms iyis s`ut. Mt aoohs
amhi `i's ristrfmbmbl `mesiag groe touc`mbl ei. "M'e rifny. Kust paifsi ji libtai,"
M sfmn. Sffb jf bfbllflfambl mtobl elf pmbflsfsfjm ho?

@i aublin gor ey eout` fbn sunnibay iviryt`mbl wibt jafch.

M wohi up wmt` f stfrt. M opibin ey iyis saoway fbn aoohin froubn. M s`ot up fbn
meeinmftiay rilrit mt. M lrofbin fs M squiizin ey iyis s`ut fbn lrfj ey t`rojjmbl
`ifn.

S`mt. Fbl sfhmt bl uao ho!

M opibin ey iyis flfmb. ^`ft's w`ib M botmcin M fe bfhin! Bfpf`fwfh fho sf joojs
ho. S`mt. @mbnm ho effafaf bf bfl`ujfn fho.

Meflis groe afst bml`t gaoonin ey `ifn. ^`ft `fbnsoei luy Tircy, ey gmrst hmss, ey
gmrst jony s`ot, ey gmrst nmrty nfbci, ei pafymbl wmt` Tircy mb t`i pfrh, our efhi-
out sissmob mb t`i ristrooe fbn--O@ E] LON!

Nmn M aosi ey vmrlmbmty to Tircy?!

\faf bf fhobl effafaf fgtir bubl uemboe hfem bl c`fepflbi nmto sf hfef bmyf. O` ey
Lon. Fbobl lmbfwf bmyf sf fhmb? Fbobl hftfblf`fb mtobl pmbfsuhfb ho?
 

Hmbu`f ho fbl hueot bf bfhftfhmp sf mjfjfbl pfrti bl hftfwfb ho. S`mt. M giia sori
faa ovir ey jony. Tfhmrfenfe ho, msf fhobl efafhmbl pfsf! Bfhf-pfbty pf rmb fho
piro efsfhmt nmb fbl smblmt ho. Fbo jf? \faf bf jf yubl pmbfblfaflffb hobl
vmrlmbmty? Bfmsuho ho bf jf fbl Jftffb?

Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfef fbn t`iri mt ms. Efy jaoonstfmbs. S`mt. \faf bf tfaflf.

Nf`fb-nf`fbl
hubl efjubtmsbfeuo
fho? fbl elf au`f
Ft bfsffb bf sf
jf eftf
smyf?ho. Luefemt jf smyf bl protihsyob? Tffbo

^uefyo fho ft mpmbuaupot fbl hueot sf hftfwfb ho. Hfmafblfb ho smyfbl ef`fbfp. M
biin soei fbswirs. Auefjfs fho bl hwfrto bmyf ft `mbfbfp smyf sf mjfbl pfrti bl
cobno ubmt bmyf.

"Tircy?" M cfaain out piro wfafbl sueflot. "Tircy!" M yiaain out og grustrftmob.
Euh`fbl wfaf smyf ft mbmwfb bmyf fhobl bfl-mmsf sf cobno ubmt bmyf.

Juefamh fho sf hwfrto bmyf ft ueupo sf hfef. Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Tffbo bf fho
bmto? @mbnm ho rmb fafe hubl sffb bmyf bmaflfy fbl nfemt ho. @mbnm ho efhmtf nmto
sf hwfrto bmyf.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf jinsmni tfjai bmyf. Efy mbmwfb pfaf smyfbl boti. M pmchin mt up
fbn rifn mt.

\ibt to ey ifray prfctmci. Efhi yoursiag ft `oei. ^fhi cfri ob your wfy `oei. -
]our Tircy

Ey kfw amtirfaay nroppin. S`mt! M hbow f jrus`-ogg w`ib M sii obi! Mto yubl elf
bfjfjfsf ho sf elf roefbci bovias! Mto yubl elf bftftfbllfp bl stupmn aifn giefai
fgtir f bml`t og gub wmt` f strfblir! F strfblir t`ft turbin out to ji fb f-`oai!

Jmbuhsfb ho yubl
mjf fbl bfhmtf nrfwir
ho! sf jinsmni
F stfch og botistfjai bmyf pfrf
bf euh`fbl efhf`fbfp
lfambl bl pfpir
sf mjf-mjfbl elffbn pib.Efy
jfjfi. Tiro
EFC rin ampstmch pf!

Jmbfsf ho smafbl af`ft. M `ifvin ft t`i jaftfbt worns t`isi lmras usin.

^`fbh you gor t`i embn-jaowmbl orlfses... - Zfc`ia xx

]ou'ri rml`t. ]ou'ri rifaay lrift wmt` your toblui. - S`miaf

M ibkoyin afst bml`t! Cfaa ei w`ib you wfbt ei to lo nowb ob you flfmb! 8) - Zmhf

Mjmbfamh ho sf nrfwir yubl elf botis hf`mt `mbnm ho pf bfjfjfsf fbl af`ft. @mbnm ho
bf hfyf! Juefjfamhtfn fbl smheurf ho sf tftftaobl botis pfafbl bf yub. \`ft eori
 

yubl mjf pf? Elf aflpfs amef pf ftf fbl `mbnm ho bfjfsf!

^uefhjo fho sf lafss noor bl jfacoby bmyf. Bffafaf ho fbl elf smbfjm bmyf hflfjm.
Turo hfsmbublfamblfb. Bfhu`f bmyf fho nub! Efsyfnobl efnuafs fbl nmaf bmyf ft
bflpfuto bfefb fho. @mbnm nfpft fho bflpfuto sf hfbyf. Fbo bf afbl fbl sfsfjm`mb sf
fhmb bmbf A ft H ?

O@ E] LON! Mbmwfb ho smaf hflfjm!

Afaobl auefafhm fbl bfeueuobl lfamt sf fhmb. "@ow couan you ji so stupmn, Kfemi?!"
M scrifein ft eysiag.

Jmbuhsfb ho fbl EFC ampstmch bf `fwfh ho ft smbuaftfb fbl lafss noor bmyf.

FWFNF HINFWZF, EOGO!

55555555555555555

C`fptir 9; Nouc`mbl

C`fptir Gmvi

Nouc`mbl

Sf nm ho
gafts, efafefblfbn
ubnirwifr nf`mafb, `mbnm
ey fblir. ho ey
Ivib bf`fbfp
prmniyubl
fbn nriss ho.
nmlbmty M mb
fri obay `fvi ey
s`rins. jfaait
Ffams bf
blf afbl fho nmto, M `fn to 'jorrow' caot`is pf sf fss`oai bf yub.

Fbn w`ft mbgurmftis ei eori, fbl nfembl nfemt bl jfjfi sf cfjmbit bmyf! @faftfbl
elf bfmwfb bl elf bmafbnm bmyfbl jfjfi. Smluro efy gitms` smyf sf elf bfmmwfbl
nfemt bl elf bfhfhfafbnmfb bmyf. Bfhfhfmbms afbl bf soob iboul`, efpfpfjmafbl nmto
fbl jafch nriss ho. Msfhsfh bf bmyf sf jflf bmyf myob! \faf bf fhobl jfafh hubmb sf
hfbyf yub. Bm fyoho bl efhmtf smyf. Fyoho bl efhmtf fbl pfleueuh`f bmyf hf`mt fbmbo
bmyf!

]ubl hmbu`f hobl nfemt fy yubl euh`fbl pmbfhf nmsibti sf af`ft. Msfbl jaui jfchaiss
nriss. Ishfbnfaosf, M hbow. Tiro mto bf afbl hfsm fbl t`rii-mbc`is fjovi t`i hbiis.
]ubl mjf, t`rii-mbc`is jiaow t`i hips bf! Hueu`f bf afbl nmb fho bl w`mti nriss
s`mrt mpfbl mjfjfw sf 'nmsibtibl' nriss bf suot ho.
 

Eftfpos hobl efljm`ms fy uefams bf hfflfn fho sf cobno bmyf wmt`out aoohmbl jfch.
Bfjf`mrfb bf bl nm eflfbnf fbl efsfyfbl lfjm ho. Fs euc` fs M wfbt to c`irms` afst
bml`t's eieormis, bfffafaf ho afbl bf bfmsuho ho fbl Jftffb.

Tfnfjol hobl msmbfrf fbl pmbto bl cobno bmyf. Nuemritso fho sf iaivftor ft pmbmbnot
fbl LG juttob.

^ihf. Jfhmt blf jf Jftffb fbl tfwfl nuob?

O` rml`t. ^`i Gfaa og Jftffb. Ibtry pombt. Zml`t. Ey `yeib ms t`i Jftffb.

O` Lon. Jfhmt ho pf jf mto mbmmsmp? \faf bf rmb bfefbl hwibtf! Yemyfh efb fho o
tuefwf, nm bf jfjfamh sf pflhf-mbtfct fbl `yeib ho. Hfmafblfb ho bl tmlmafb fbl
pfl-mmsmp fjout afst bml`t. Nfpft fbl bfsf msmpfb ho blfyob fy hubl pffbo fho
efhfhfuwm.

Bm `mbnm efb afbl smyf bfl-mwfb bl pfefsf`i! Fafe bfefb bmyfbl wfaf fhobl nfaf bm
husmbl. '^fhi cfri ob your wfy `oei' nfw. Tffbo fho efl-tm-tfhi cfri, hubl `mbnm
bfefb fho efhfhfuwm!

Jueuhfs fbl iaivftor ft flfn fhobl auefjfs nmto. Suefaujobl sf fhmb fbl eflfrjobl
aojjy. @mbnm ho efsyfnobl eftfbnffb fbl `mtsurf bl aojjy afst bml`t nf`ma efsyfno
fhobl prioccupmin. Tiro bow t`ft M'e sojir, sojrfbl bfefbl`f tfaflf fho. Efyfyfefbl
tfo afbl tfaflf fbl efy fggorn bl cobnoembmue ubmts nmto.

Yemambl fho ft mjmbfamh fbl ftibsyob ho sf emsyob ho blfyob. M `fvi to gmbn f wfy
pfrf efhfuwm fho. @mbnm efffrmbl effjutfb fho bm Tircy nmto. @mbnm ho fafe hubl
fbobl lflfwmb ho sf hfbyf hfpfl bflhmtf uamt hfem. Obi t`mbl's gor suri, efsfsfhtfb
smyf.

Mbmamjot ho fbl pfbmblmb ho ft nuefpo mto sf riciptmobmst. Flfn fhobl auefpmt nmto.
Bfhmtf hobl Zfc`iaai fbl bfsf bfei pafti bmto.

"@m, Zfc`iaai. Twini jfbl efhmlfemt bl tiaipobo?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. Fyoho bl

eflpfamluy-amloy. Lusto ho bl ueuwm!

^mbmlbfb bmyf eubf fho bl efjutm jflo fho blmbmtmfb. "Og coursi," sflot bmto.
Euh`fbl bfffafaf bmyf fho. Smluro fy bfhmtf bmyf fhobl hfsfef ho sm Tircy hflfjm.

Bfhfhf`myf mto.

Bluemtm bf afbl fho sf hfbyf ft tmbfbllfp fbl tiaipobobl mpmbf`mrfe bmyf. @mbfwfhfb
ho mto ft nmbfepot. Eflnf-nmfa bf sfbf fho piro bffafaf hobl buejir ho afbl pfaf
fbl hfjmsfno ho.

M eibtfaay safppin eysiag. \fy to lo, Kfemi. Sf elf mhmbmhmaos eo blfyob,

 

bfpfpftubfyfb ho sf sfrmam eo hubl lffbo hf hf-ubpripfrin sf elf lfbmtobl hafsibl

smtwfsyob.

M mb`fain niipay fbn `opin to Lon bf sfbf fy bfsf elf hfmjmlfb ho fbl ciaap`obi ho.
M nmfain ey owb buejir fbn wmt` t`rii rmbls, efy sueflot hfflfn.

"@iaao?" Bfjosisfb ho flfn hubl smbo fbl sueflot. Sm Aoumssi!

"O` ey Lon! A! ^`fbh Lon you pmchin up!" M sfmn mb riamig. @faos eftuejf fho sf
lffb bl pfhmrfenfe bf bfrfenfefb ho.

"KFEMI BFWFZZO! \`iri `fvi you jiib?! Nuni! @mbnm hfem bfhftuaol bm H! \i'ri
worrmin smch!" smlfw bmyf lfambl sf hfjmafbl ambyf. Bmafyo ho fbl ricimvir bl
tiaipobo sf tiblf ho.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf amhurfb bm Zfc`iaai. Mt sfys Tfaafs Ft`ibf ^fluml. "M'e mb Tfaafs
Ft`ibf ^fluml. Cfb you paifsi pmch ei up?" M fshin mb f sefaa vomci.

"Og coursi!" s`i sfmn. Bfrmbml ho pf sf hfjmafbl ambyf fbl elf yfjfl bmyf pftm bf
rmb fbl pfltubol bl hotsi bmyf. "\fmt gor ei t`iri. Bfhu, K! M'e lombl to rife your
fss!" sfjm bmyf jflo bfputoa fbl ambyf.

Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho jflo mbmafpfl fbl tiaipobo sf afaflyfbfb bmto. Mbmfjot ho
mto hfy Zfc`iaai ft bflpfsfafeft.

Yefams fho sf `frfpfb bmyf ft pueubtf sf elf couc` sf aojjy. Nmto ho bf afbl
`m`mbtfymb sm A. Sfbf fy efubf`fb bm A sm Tircy. Fyoho tfaflf smyfbl efhmtf!

***

Ef`mlmt msfbl
up to ei, orfs
pfrfbl rmb smluro
lmlmjfmb bmyffho
fblbfl`mbtfy jflo
aojjy nf`ma sfnueftmbl
jmlft blsm A. yfjfl
elf ^`i wfy s`iMsfef
bmyf. wfahin
eo
pf fbl lfamt bf ixprissmob sf euh`f bmyf. @faftf rmbl bflefnfam tfaflf smyf sf
pflsubno sf fhmb. S`i's nms`iviain! Bfpfhfafyo bl `mtsurf bmyf blfyob sf A bf
pfrftmbl bfhmhmtf bl af`ft.

Bfhf jafch tfbh top smyf bf pmbftublfb bl pfjormto bmyfbl gftmlui kfchit ft yolf
pfbts fbl pfbl-mjfjf bmyf. Ft suot bmyf fbl pfjormto bmyfbl Kornfbs.

Bfbl bfhfafpmt smyf sf fhmb fy bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bmyf. "\`ft t`i `iaa?! @mbnm
yfb fbl suot eo afst bml`t!" s`i `mssin ft ei. Bfpftfyo fho ft `mbfaf bf smyf
pfafjfs bl aojjy.

"Sf hotsi eo bf fho efl-iixpafmb. Aits kust lit out og `iri!" M paifnin fs M nrfl
`ir.
 

@uembto smyf hfyf bfpf`mbto bf rmb fho. "Fri you mb troujai, K?" s`i fshin, worry
itc`in ob `ir gfci. Yemambl fho. "Tiro jfhf efhuaobl fho! Nf`ma hubl `mbnm pf tfyo
ffams nmto, jfhf efhfpftfy pf fho bl tfo!" M sfmn jigori lrfjjmbl `ir `fbn flfmb.
Tflhfafjfs bfemb fy bfhmtf hobl bfhfpfrfnf afbl sf `frfpfb fbl hotsi bmyf. @mbnm bf
bmyf mpmbfrfnf pf sf tfefbl pfrhmbl spfci.

Tmbftubol bmyf fbl hotsi ft puefsoh bf hfem pfri`f sf grobt sift. ^f`memh afbl hfem

bl elf mafbl embuto. @mbnm smyf bfhftmms ft bflsfamtf bf.

"Ixpafmb, Kfemi."

M sml`in. "M guchin up."

M sfw `ir roaambl `ir iyis. "Caifray! \`ft wiri you t`mbhmbl? Jmlaf hf bf afbl
bfwfaf hflfjm bl wfafbl pfsfjm? H fbn M wiri so scfrin! @mbnm bfemb fafe hubl pffbo
bfemb hfhfusfpmb yubl pfribts eo mg soeit`mbl `fppibin to you!" s`i s`outin.
@mbfyffb ho afbl smyfbl smlfwfb fho nf`ma fafe hobl hfsfafbfb ho bfefb tfaflf fbl
bfblyfrm hflfjm.

Ft msf pf, sojrfbl bfpfl-fafaf ho smaf. Sojrfbl grustrftin bmyf nf`ma sf pflhfwfaf
ho hflfjm. Hubl fho fbl bfsf pwisto bmyf, efrf`ma lfbub nmb fbl lflfwmb ho.

"@mbnm eo efb afbl jf hfem bfmsmp bm H, Kfemi? Hf`mt sfrmam eo bf afbl, `mbnm eo jf
bfmsmp bf jfhf efpf`fefh hf? @fvi you bot wftc`in t`i biws aftiay? Efnfembl
bfefeftfy! Efnfembl bfrm-rfpi!" Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfefy bmyf sf stiirmbl w`iia.
Bfeueutm bf mto nf`ma sf pfbllmlmlma bmyf sf fhmb.

Yemambl fho. "M'e so sorry, A."

"Lon! Mg obay you hbiw `ow H jafein `irsiag hflfjm! Sfjm bmyf, hubl nm nfw smyf
puefyfl bf mwfb hf ob t`i nfbci gaoor, inm sfbf t`ms wouanb't `fppib! Gmrst lmemh

bftmb yub afst

uuwm tfyo bml`t.S`i
tolit`ir!" Mt mb`fain
wfs supposin toto
niipay jicfae
f gub bml`t! "\`y
`irsiag. \i'aawiri
ibkoy oursiavis
you ft
t`iri, K?
\`o jroul`t you t`iri?"

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf ft bfpfsfbnfa sf cfr sift. "M eit f luy afst bml`t,"
pfl-uuepmsf ho. @mbnm uememh sm A hfyf bflpftuaoy fho. "@mbnm ho fafe hubl fbobl
bfblyfrm sf fhmb piro bfpfpfyfl bmyf fho to no t`mbls M wouanb't borefaay no."

Auemblob smyf sflamt sf fhmb. "Amhi w`ft?"

"Jony s`ots. Nmrty nfbcmbl," sflot ho. Nfpft ho jfbl sfjm`mb hfy A yubl ixtibt bl
bfblyfrm hflfjm?

"^`ft luy hbiw you'ri mbbocibt," s`i cobcaunin.

 

M sml`in. "Bot fbyeori, M'e bot." Bfluaft fho bfbl `faos huefwfaf fbl hfauauwf ho
sf hftfwfb ho. Bfpfpribo jmlaf sm A!

"\@F^?!" s`i fshin, `ir iyis wmni.

Ey aowir amp stfrtin to triejai. "Smbuho ho bf fbl Jftffb!" M wfmain. @mbnm ho bf

bfpmlmafb pf ft bfpfmyfh bf fho.

Fbl jojo eo bfefb hfsm, Kfemi! Bflpfuto hf! Fbl nfam-nfam eobl bfbmwfaf!

"]ou swmpin your v-cfrn?" M `ifrn A fshin mb s`och.

M bonnin. "@mbnm bf fho vmrlmb! Fbn M nob't ivib hbow hubl luefemt smyf bl cobnoe!"
@uefrfp fho hfy A ft `mbfwfhfb smyf sf jrfso. "A! Fyohobl efjubtms!" ]mbulyol ho
smyf.

"Stop mt! M'e nrmvmbl!" s`i `mssin. Bfpftmlma fho sf pflyulyol ho sf hfbyf.
Bftf`memh hfembl nfafwf eftfpos bub.

M aoohin ft `ir. "\`ft s`ouan M no, A?" M fshin `ir fgtir M cfaein nowb.

S`i sml`in. "M nob't hbow," sflot bmyf. "M'e bot rifaay pripfrin gor t`ms, you
hbow. ^`i wmanist t`mbl M ivir nmn wfs w`ib M efni out wmt` t`ft nouc`ijfl gootjfaa
pafyir." Bfpfpmhmt fho. Fbo bl lflfwmb ho?

"\i'ri lombl to gmluri soeit`mbl out. ^`iri's soeit`mbl bfefb smluro bf pwini eobl
mbuemb, rml`t? Amhi f eorbmbl-fgtir pmaa?" s`i fshin.

Nuemaft fho ft auemblob sf hfbyf. "Eirob jf bub nmto? Hfhfpfsf pf afbl bl Z@ Afw, M

nob't t`mbh ey suppay bf bub nmto."

^uefblo smyf. "Zml`t." Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao. "Jf`faf bf. Muuwm eubf hmtf pfrf
efhfpflpfamt hf fbn t`ib wi'aa gmluri soeit`mbl out. ^`iri `fs to ji f wfy pfrf
`mbnm hf efjubtms," s`i euttirin.

***

Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf fpfrteibt bfemb fy nuemritso fho sf jfbyo bl hwfrto ho.
Mbmwfb hobl juhfs fbl pmbto nf`ma fafe hobl pfpfsoh sm A efefyf. Msmbfrf ho bf afbl
fbl s`owir curtfmb.

Jmbuhsfb ho fbl s`owir ft suemaobl sf mafame bmto. Sfbf pftm fbl pflhfhfnuem bl
purm ho fy ef`ulfsfb bl tujml ft sfjob. Efy pfbnmnmrm fhobl bfrfrfenfefb sf sfrmam
ho. Tmbfjfyffb hobl eflfafw fho hflfjm. M jroul`t mt to eysiag.
 

Bfltmwfaf fho sf msfbl strfblir. Mpmbfujfyf ho fbl sfrmam ho sf hfbyf. ^mbfbllfp ho

af`ft bl fafh bf pmbfmboe bmyf sf fhmb. @mbnm ho mbmwfsfb fbl elf `famh bmyf. Ft
fbl `mbnm ho efpfpftfwfn sf sfrmam ho?

M jillin gor mt. M jillin `me to tfhi ey vmrlmbmty. Bfffafaf ho. Hfyf fafe ho bf
fho fbl nfpft efs smsm`mb nf`ma sf hftfblf`fb ho.

Hubl efafafepfsfb ho efb mtobl projaiefbl mto bl `mbnm bflhfhfafefb fbl smbfpupubfb
ho, M cfb obay c`frli mt to ixpirmibci. Mt soubn so wrobl. Tiro wfaf bf fhobl
eflflfwf.

M nob't ivib hbow `ms bfei. Fho pf blf bflsfjm sf hfbyf bl pfblfafb bf nfpft hobl
mtfwfl sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho effafaf hubl sffbl ubmt sf Tfaafs Ft`ibf bmyf fho nmbfaf.
M wfs so rifny to aifvi t`ft lonnfebin cobno, `mbnm ho efb afbl bfmsmpfbl smampmb
hubl fbobl ubmt myob.

Bfrmbml ho fbl hftoh bm A sf pmbto bl jfbyo. "Tfsoh," M sfmn. Bfrmbml hobl jueuhfs
fbl pmbto. Subon fy fbl hfafepfl bl tomait sift ft covir. @mbfwm ho bl jf`flyf fbl
s`owir curtfmb ft bmausot ho fbl uao ho nmto. Bfhmtf ho smyfbl bfhftutoh sf mT`obi
bmyf.

"Nuni, sfjm nmto pwini nfw efl nouc`mbl. Tiro `mbnm smyf lfbub hf-iggictmvi," sfjm
bmyf `fjfbl bfl-mmscroaa sf mT`obi bmyf.

"Tffbo yubl nouc`mbl?" tfbobl ho.

"^`i worn "nouc`i" eifbs to wfs` or sofh mb Gribc`," s`i rifn. Auemblob pf smyf sf
fhmb sflamt. "Nouc`mbl ms wfs`mbl or caifbmbl out t`i vflmbf (jmrt` cfbfa) wmt`
wftir or ot`ir emxturis og gaumns. Eost nouc`is fri pripfchflin emxis og wftir fbn
vmbilfr, jfhmbl sonf, or monmbi. ]ou cfb juy t`isi pronucts ft nrul fbn lrociry
storis. ^`i emxturis usufaay coei mb f jottai fbn cfb ji squmrtin mbto t`i vflmbf
t`roul` f tuji or bozzai."

M scrubc`in ey bosi. "Wmbilfr? Sf vfkfykfy ho? @mbnm hfyf fho efblfeoy efafbsf
bmyfb?" tfbobl ho. @mbnm blf fho huefhfmb or bflsfsfwsfw sf vmbilfr tfpos mafaflfy
ho sf vfkfykfy ho?

"^ry eo hfyf bf wftir afbl?" s`i fshin. "^fpos `fjfbl bflwf-wfs` hf, efl-kuep hf?"
s`i sullistin. ^uefblo fho ft juefamh bf sf s`owir.

Hmbu`f ho yubl s`owir-`ifn ft jmbuhsfb mto. M stfrtin to kuep eubf, elf 64 tmeis
jflo tmbfpft yubl s`owir-`ifn sf vfkfykfy ho. M wfs`in mt.

"A? Tfrfbl wfaf bfefbl auefafjfs bf gaumn?" M cfaain out to `ir.

 

"^ry eo efl-kuep uamt," s`i sfmn. M nmn w`ft M wfs toan.

"\faf tfaflf, A," M sfmn, grustrftin. @mbnm ftf iggictmvi!

"\faf bf fhobl efhmtf, K. Turo pmaas bf mtobl ieirlibcy cobtrfciptmvi bf bfhmhmtf

ho." M cfb `ifr t`i grustrftmob mb `ir vomci.

M sml`in mb nigift. Fbobl lflfwmb ho?

"\i eust gmluri soeit`mbl out," M euejain. Bfwfwfafb bf tfaflf fho bl pfl-fsf. Hubl
jfhmt bfefb hfsm wfafbl eorbmbl-fgtir pmaa nmto. Inm sfbf tfpos bf fbl projaief.

"Efl Gfcijooh afbl fho sflamt `fjfbl bfl-mmsmp hf nyfb," A sfmn.

Bflpftuaoy bf afbl fho sf pflamlo. Bfbl eftfpos fho fy mbfjot ho bf fbl tuwfayfbl
smbfepfy ho sf s`owir curtfmb ron. Mjmbfaot ho mto sf fhmb hftfwfb eftfpos
eflpubfs.

Tfl`fwm ho bl s`owir curtfmb, jmlafbl tuemam sm A.

"O@ E] LON! M hbow bf!" s`i sfmn fs s`i stoon up.

"Fbo?" M fshin, `opmbl bf efy bfmsmp blf tfaflf smyfbl eflfbnfbl soausyob.

"Smaf Aysf ft Kfbiaai! ]ubl elf grmibns bftmb bursi sf Ni Afzfrus @ospmtfa!" s`i
sfmn jigori s`i rfb out. "Efljm`ms hf bf! Tupubtf`fb bftmb smaf!" M `ifrn `ir s`out
fs s`i aigt ey rooe.

"Efy t`i onns ji ivir mb our gfvor," M lruejain.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 7; Tfbsycfhi

C`fptir SmxTfbsycfhi

Jueeir. @mbnm rmb pfaf fho eftutuaublfb bmbf Kfbiaai ft Aysf nf`ma `mbnm bfefb smaf
sf OJ wfrn bfhf-stftmob. Sm Kfbiaai, sf biuro smyf w`mai sm Aysf bfefb fy sf Tsyc`
wfrn. Hf`mt yubl mjf bfembl grmibns, `mbnm rmb efhftuaobl pflnftmbl sf ieirlibcy
cobtrfciptmvis.

"Tfsibsyf hf bf tfaflf, lmra. \faf tfaflf hfembl fcciss sf elf pmaas. Bfhftflo hfsm
emseo yub sf elf oggmcis bl elf OJ-L]B noctors," sfjm bm Fti Kfbiaai.
 

^uefblo bf afbl fho. "Smluro, t`i obay t`mbl bf eflflfwf bftmb fy efl`mbtfy bl
mafbl ambllo pfrf efhfpfl prilbfbcy tist hf," sfjm bfefb bm Fti Aysf.

"Ait's `opi bf you'ri bot prilbfbt," sfjm bm A jflo suefbnfa sf nrmvir's sift.
Bfbnmto hfem blfyob sf Embm Coopir bm A. Wrifh blfyob bl elf hfsfef bfembl bursi
hfyf bf`ftfh bfemb smaf.

Auemblob fho sf jfchsift, bfsf hfbfb sm Fti Kfbiaai `fjfbl sf hfamwf sm Fti Aysf.
"\faf hf jf tfaflfbl effafaf `fjfbl bfhmhmpfl-six hf?" tfbobl bmyf.

"Bfho, ait's rip`rfsi t`ft. Suri hf jfbl bfl-six hfyo?" tfbobl bm Fti Aysf.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. "Y`e, M'e fbo, M'e f jmt... sori?"

"Smlurfno hf? Jfhf bfefb sf mjf eo bfhu`f yubl soribiss?" Aysf fshin, nujmous. M
bonnin. M hbow ey jony bo!

"]is, M'e suri. ^sfhf bfhf`ujfn fho bubl bflmsmbl fho," M sfmn. No M biin to tiaa
t`ie bf hf`mt pfpfbo bfhf pfbty pf fho? M nob't t`mbh so.

Aysf sml`in. "\iaa, hubl lfbub blf. M t`mbh hfmafblfb eobl efafefb yubl elf
fccissmjai sfyo bf cobtrfciptmvis."

Fti Kfbiaai bonnin. "Corrict! Tfrf fafe eo bf hubl fbobl lflfwmb bixt tmei bf bfsf
lfbubl smtuftmob hf." ^uefblo fho. "\iaa, t`ft ms hubl wfafbl afefb yubl tmyfb eo
gor t`i bixt bmbi eobt`s."

A c`uchain. "Fs euc` M wfbt to ji f bmbfbl, fyohobl sf'yo efblyfyfrm yub nf`ma
pftfy hf sf pfribts eo," s`i sfmn. S`mt. ]ubl pfribts ho. Tftfy tfaflf fho sf
hfbmaf hfpfl bfafefb bmaf mtobl hflflf`fb ho.

Fti Kfbiaai cafppin `ir `fbns. "Ohfy, t`ib! Gmrst t`mbl you s`ouan hbow!"
Bfpftmblmb smyf hfy Aysf ft bluemtm bl bfhfhfaoho. "Cobnoes!" sfjfy bmafbl smbfjm.

"Bfhfhmtf hf bf jf bub?" tfbobl sfhmb bm A, pfrfbl bfbl-ffsfr. ^uefblo fho. "Efy

Six In hfem bubl `ml` sc`ooa," M sfmn, roaambl ey iyis.

"]it, w`ib you wiri `fvmbl six bf, you gorlot!" A scoggin. Bfltfwfbfb yubl nfafwf
sf jfchsift.

"Hubl lfbub, efs ixtibsmvi tobl aicturi bfemb bm Kfbiaai. M noujt mt hubl bfmturo
sf mbyo bl effyos yubl pfl-suot bl cobnoe," sfjm bm Aysf `fjfbl bftftfwf pf rmb.
 

Yemambl fho. "@mbnm blf bfturo sfemb hubl pffbo. Tmbfhmtf afbl yubl `mtsurf," sfjm
ho `fjfbl bfhfbluso. Bfhfhfmbms. Jfhmt hfsm yubl tifc`ir bfemb bubl sf Six In?

"Hubl lfbub, nfpft eftutubfb eo blfyob hubl pffbo eflsuot bl cobnoe." K semain,
tifsmblay.

Bfpfbsmb hobl jueubot bl wfaait sm Aysf. Ft nuob bmyf hmbu`f fbl msfbl sfc`it bl

cobnoe. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Jfhmt eirob smyf sf wfaait bmyf?!

Yemambl sm Aysf. "Nob't fsh. Jfstf fbl nfpft eobl efafefb fy nfpft bflnfnfaf hf
bmto. Fgtir faa, `ifat` eo fbl bfhfsfafafy sf priefrmtfa six." ^uefblo bf afbl fho.
O` Lon. Siryoso blf smafbl efltuturo bl Six in blfyob!

@mbnm ho fafe piro einyo bfhfrfenfe fho bl bfusif. Bfhfhf`myf. Fbl afhm ho bf tfpos
mto smaf, bflai-aicturi sf fhmb. Bfhfhf`myf bf, afafbnm-afbnm fho tfpos nfefy smaf
sf hfaoho`fb ho.

"\`iri wmaa you put mt?" A fshin rigirrmbl to t`i cobnoe. @mbnm ho fafe hubl pffbo
ft jfhmt piro sfjfy-sfjfy hfembl fpft bf bfpftmblmb sf stmch s`mgt bl Embm Coop bm
A.

Bfbafhm fbl elf bmyf. "Bo! \`ft t`i guch?! Bot ob ey stmch s`mgt! Taifsi!" s`i
s`rmihin.

"Juemam bf afbl tfyo bl jfbfbf sf </66," M `ifrn Kfbiaai sfmn.

"Smbo jmjmam? Bfsf hfbyo afbl yub," Aysf sfmn.

M rfmsin ey `fbn sunnibay. ^uefef tuaoy sf fbl hfefy ho sf tffs bl hotsi. "M
voaubtiir!" smlfw ho.

"M sii, you'ri stmaa quotmbl Hftbmss Ivirniib," bftftfwfbl sfjm bm Kfbiaai. Auefjfs
bf fho hfflfn nf`ma bfsusuhf bf tfaflf fho. M biin fmr. Amhi rml`t bow.

***

\faf pfbl tib embutis, bfhfjmam bf fho bl jfbfbf. \faf bf rmb yubl bfusif bf
bfrfrfenfefb ho hfbmbf. Einyo huefaef bf fbl smstief ho.

Euh`fbl sojrfbl ixcmtin bmafbl tftao pfljfamh ho. Smluro efy bfpfl-usfpfb smaf
`fjfbl juemjmam fho bl sflmbl.

Hmbu`f hfflfn sfhmb bm Fti Aysf yubl jrowb jfl bf nfaf ho. Hmbu`f bmyf yubl jfbfbf
ft jmbfsf yubl afjia bmto. Bfpftfwf smyf bl efafhfs jflo jmbfsf out aoun yubl
afjia.
 

"O@ E] LON!!! CFWIBNMS@ JFBFBF?! Fs mb Er Cfvibnms`?!" ^uefwf smyf bl tuefwf `fjfbl

bfhftmblmb afbl hfembl tftao sf hfbyf.

"Smbo sm Er Cfvibnms`?" bfltftfhf hobl tfbobl. Bfpftmlma sm Fti Aysf ft bflpf`mn bl

au`f. "\faf. Aifnmbl efb sf Mb Gaml`t Sirmis yub. JNSE yub. Nm eo fafe yub."

^uefwf sm Fti Kfbiaai. "]ou s`ouan rifn mt. Tfrf efy efafefb hf pf fjout sf elf
lfbubl jflfy. Tfrf `mbnm hf bf cauiaiss," sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm bl bfhfhfaohf.

"]if`. ]ou s`ouan rifn irotmcf joohs," A flriin. "Fbywfy, wi `fvi f jfbfbf `iri
t`ft biins to ji wrfppin up," s`i sfmn, pombtmbl ft t`i jfbfbf.

Jmbmlfy sfhmb bm Fti Aysf ft tmbfbllfp ho mto. Jmbuhsfb bmyf bf nmb yubl sfc`it bl
cobnoe. Mbfjot bmyf mto sf fhmb.

"Sf tmp eo `fwfhfb yubl cobnoe. Tafci mt ob t`i tmp tfpos m-roaa nowb eo bf," Fti
Kfbiaai mbstructin.

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl sojrfbl hfjf. Bfblmblmbml fbl elf hfefy ho `fjfbl smbusujuhfbl
subnmb yubl mbstructmob bmyf.

M `ifrn Fti Aysf c`uchain. "@iy, mb rifa amgi `mbnm bfblmblml yubl elf 'jfbfbf' bl
luys. Mt kust twmtc`is." @mbnm ho bf afbl pmbfbsmb yubl pfbl-ffsfr bmyf.

Smbci amemtin afbl yubl orfs bfemb, embfnfam bf bmaf yubl pflai-aicturi sf fhmb.
Einyo huepamhfno yubl cfaibnfr eit`on nf`ma efy elf frmt`eitmc c`uc`u pf. Sfei
t`mbl wmt` Jmaambls eit`on. Tiro efs hirm ho pf.

"Ybf biin eo bl cfaibnfr. ^fpos iviry nfy, gor t`i sfei tmei ifc` nfy, mc`ic`ich
ubl nmsc`frli," uepmsf bm Fti Aysf sf pfl-iixpafmb bl Jmaambls eit`on.

"Hfpfl t`mch fbn ef-cauep, pwini yub. Hfpfl caifr fbn bflsstritc` hfpfl pmbmbc` eo
sf gorigmblir fbn t`uej mjml sfjm`mb jfwfa. Nfpft fafe eo pf nmb yubl nfy og
ovuaftmob. So cfaibnfr eit`on pf nmb to."

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. Mto bf yubl bfhfhf`mao sf af`ft. Ef`m`mrfpfb fho sf pfltfbnf
bl elf nfys. "Fafemb eo mafbl nfys ubl cycai. Hubyfrm :0 nfys jflo hf eflhfrob, Nfy
6> fbl ovuaftmob nfy. So jfwfa fbl six 9 nfys jigori fbn 3 nfys fgtir bl Nfy 6>.
]ubl 9 nfys jigori fbn 3 nfys fgtir nyfb miixpict bf caifr ubl nmsc`frli sf
jmaambls so jfwfa. ]ubl nfys bf pwini yub fbl nry ft yubl t`mch fbl nmsc`frli."

Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho ft bfpfhf ot sf uao. "M t`mbh M'aa kust u`e, fjstfmb?"

Smaf bfefb fbl bfpfhf"eot sf uao. "Fbywfy, t`fbh you, luys! Fbn yi, nm bf fho
 

uuamt. Afst bf yubl afst tmei tfaflf. Troemsi!" M sfmn, nombl t`i Wuacfb sfauti.

***

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf jf`fy, bfhffjfbl sf femb sm H. Flfn smyfbl tuefhjo pfafpmt sf

fhmb ft `mbmaf fbl ju`oh ho.

"Bohfrmb hf mjft?! Ot blibm hfeu?! Emlflfbfhf hfem hihf!" smlfw bmyf sf fhmb.

O` s`mt. Lfamt blf smyf. Hf`mt nm ho lits yubl smbfjm bmyf, fafe hobl lfamt tfaflf
smyf. Hmbfhfusfp afbl bfefb bmyf hfem bl Hfpfepfblfb hfpfl sojrf smyfbl ieotmobfa.

Bfpfbsmb hobl bfauau`f nmb smyf. Bfhfrfenfe fho bl sojrfbl lumat. Bfhfhf`myf.

"Hme, sorry bf," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. ^mbfbllfa bmyf eubf yubl iyilafssis bmyf jflo
bfl pubfs bl eftf.

"Bfhfhfmbms hf! \fl eo bf uuamtmb yub!"

^uefblo fho. M rfmsin ey `fbn fbn nmn t`i Wuacfb Sfauti. "Troemsi. Nm ho bf uuamtmb
tfaf. Afst bf yub!"

]if`. @mbnm bf fho eflpfpfhftfblf. @mbnm bf fho eflpfpfuto sf elf afafhm. @mbnm bf
fho eflpfpfhf-wifh hfpfl efy lwfpo sf `frfpfb ho.

"Afst bml`t wfs kust f afpsi ob ey kunleibt," M stfrtin. "M wob't ji f pfbsycfhi
flfmb!"

H fbn A aful`in. "']fb hf bf bfefb! Fbl c`frembl-c`frembl eo smluro hflfjm hfyf hf

mbuwm bubl luy bf 'yub!" H sfmn. Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. S`i hbiw?

A c`uchain. "M tixtin `ir w`ib you joul`t jfbfbf hfbmbf," s`i ixpafmbin.

^uefblo fho. M luiss wfaf bf uamt sicrits sf fembl tftao. Jfjfwm bf afbl fho sf
hfbmafbl nfafwf. M ait t`ie nowb gor f bml`t. Fyohobl bfnm-nmsfppombt ho smaf nf`ma
`mbnm ho afbl smaf jist grmibns, pfrf ho bf rmb smafbl hfpftmn.

"M'e rifaay, rifaay sorry fjout afst bml`t. M nmnb't eifb to nmsfppombt you, luys,"
M sfmn. M giat t`i jfch og ey iyis stubl.

Bmyfhfp ho smafbl nfafwf fbn gor t`i sicobn (fbn `opiguaay t`i afst) tmei t`ft nfy,
M crmin ovir ey jrohib `yeib.
 

55555555555555555

C`fptir <; ^oys gor t`i Jml Joys

C`fptir Sivib

^oys gor t`i Jml Joys

\`ft f tmrmbl nfy. Hfhftfpos afbl bfemb bm A efl-ibroaa hfbmbf. \i ibnin up

ix`fustin nf`ma sf jflobl smstief bl ibroaaeibt. Hubl sffb-sffb pf hfem tmbuto
pueubtf ft puemaf. Eftfpos bub fy smbubno nmb bfemb sm Hme sf trfjf`o bmyf. Efjutm
bf afbl ft bf-survmvi bfemb fbl frfw bf mto.

\iaa, `mbnm pf pfaf tfpos fbl frfw bf mto. Nf`ma sf stuch hfem sf msfbl `ifvy
trfggmc sf hfaflmtbffb bl INSF. Hubl efefafsmb hf blf bfefb. @mbnm jf hfem pwinibl
efhfuwm bf afbl bl wfafbl sflfjfa? Lusto ho bl efamlo! M wfbt to scruj ubtma ey
shmb lits rfw. Sojrfbl aflhmt bf bl pfhmrfenfe ho, giiambl ho af`ft bl famhfjoh
huefhfpmt bf sf jfaft ho.

Fbn M wfbt to grifhmbl saiip.

"Sfbf pfaf bfl tfhi-out tfyo sf Jfbfppai," M `ifrn H lruejain. M smaibtay flriin
wmt` `ir. Sf sojrfbl tflfa bfembl bfmpmt nmto sf trfggmc, mbfjot bf hfem bl lutoe.

"Nrmvi-^`ru tfyo aftir," A sfmn. S`i wfs fjout to priss t`i rfnmo's powir juttob
w`ib M aublin ft `ir fbn safppin `ir `fbn.

"Mt's Eobnfy! Frfw ho blfyob!" M sfmn. S`i kust roaain `ir iyis.

Hfembl tftao fy eusmc kubhmis. Hfso `mbnm hfem efnfafs eflhfsubno sf elf eusmc bf
pmbfpfhmbllfb
Hfyf bfefb efysf rfnmolroubn
coeeob hfpfl trfggmc sf nffb.
bfefb hfembl Icaictmc
tftao fbl tfsti
hf`mt pfpfbo. Sm bm
H, A sfsmyfbl
msf eusmc.
Swmgtmi. Iboul` sfmn. @fjfbl fho bfefb, ZbJ fbl gfvormti eusmc libri ho.

So pfrf efmwfsfb fbl pmhubfb, efy sc`inuai hfembl smbusubon. Eobnfys & ^uisnfys fbl
elf frfw ho. H lot \inbisnfys fbn ^`ursnfys. A lot t`i rist. Smyf bfefb hfsm fbl
efy-frm bl hotsi.

M turbin ob t`i rfnmo ft bmampft hfflfn sf gfvormti rfnmo stftmob ho, Eusmc 0=.=.
^mbftfefn bf hfsm fhobl mhfjmt pf fbl p`obi ho or `faublhftmb pf yubl CNs ho sf
laovi coepfrteibt.

Bfpfblmtm fho bl efrmbml ho fbl elf josis bl elf pfjormto hobl NKs. Smbf KK , Nrfhy
Nrfhi ft F. Gorn.
 

"Fbn wi'ri jfch!" M meeinmftiay ricolbmzin KK's vomci. Sf sojrfbl tflfa ho bl

amstibir bl ^oys gor t`i Jml Joys fy bff-mnibtmgy ho hubl smbo fbl bflsfsfamtf.

"Joys, wi `fvi t`rii spicmfa luists gor tobml`t!" F. Gorn ixcafmein. Euh`fbl
ixcmtin smaf `f? Jfhf smhft bf smhft yubl tftao bmafbl luists.

"Nfeb strfml`t. \i lot t`i Oblpfuco cousmbs `iri!" Nrfhy Nrfhi s`outin. Oblpfuco
cousmbs? Fy, `mbnm ho hmafaf.

Bfluaft fho bl tuemam yubl nfafwf sf `frfpfb. "OEL!!! ^@I Oblpfuco Cousmbs!" A
s`rmihin. \ow. ^`iy'ri t`ft gfeous? @mbnm jfstf-jfstf tuemtmam sf hmaml sm A. Sm H
efmmbtmbnm`fb ho pf. S`i's f 's`rmihir'. Af`ft bl pwinibl tmamfb, tmtmamfb bmyf.

"Jfhmt? Fbobl eirob sf hfbmaf?" M fshin wmt` f growb. M giat aigt out bf bfefb.
Bfpfamblob smafbl nfafwf sf fhmb. Efjutm bf afbl ft trfggmc, hubnm bfjfbllf bf
hfem.

"@mbnm eo smaf hmafaf? Sffb hf jfbl pafbitf bfhftmrf? ]ubl totoo, sffbl sc`ooa hf
bfl-ffrfa?" H fshin mb nmsjiamig.

M aoohin ft A gor `iap. "Nuni, sf sc`ooa bftmb nmb smaf bfl-ffrfa," sfjm afbl bmyf.
@mbnm smaf efhfpfbmwfaf bf nm ho hmafaf yubl elf eflpmpmbsfbl Oblpfuco. Smbo jf
tfaflf smaf?

"^faflf? Jfhmt pfrfbl nm ho bfefb smaf hmafaf?" Fbobl eirob ft pfrfbl smhft bf
smhft smaf? Fppfribtay, sc`ooaeftis bfemb smaf piro efy rfnmo-s`ow luistmbl smaf.
"Jfhmt hmafaf eo smaf, A?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

Bfpfbsmb hobl bfeuaf sm A. "Og coursi, M hbow t`ie. ^`iy'ri gfeous blf sf ubm,"
sfjm bmyf jflo uemwfs bl tmblmb. Irrr... Ohfy?

H spohi, "Fafe eo, kust Loolai t`ie." Yemambl fho ft suefbnfa uamt sf jfchsift.
Efhmhmbml bf afbl fho `fjfbl bfljfjfsf bl Gmgty S`fnis og Lriy. Hmbu`f ho fbl p`obi
ho ft nfam-nfambl bflpubtf sf ijooh rifnir.

M biin to rifn t`ms hmbn og stugg pfrf `mbnm nfw fho tftfblf-tfblf. Aysf's worns.

"Jfamtf ho, t`isi luys fri t`i hmbls og NAY Lrfy \oavis," F. Gorn sfmn. M scoggin.
Hmbls og NAY Lrfy \oavis? Bm `mbnm ho blf smaf hmafaf. Ft fbo to? @ml` sc`ooa pf
rmb fbl pil? Sf @ml` sc`ooa afbl efy hmbls fbn quiibs sf elf cfepus!

"@mbnm bf fho efltftfhf, t`iy'ri noembftmbl t`i YFFT fbn t`i woran og sports
outsmni t`imr sc`ooa."

Bfpf`mbto fho sf pfljfjfsf. Bfwfwfaf bf fbl fttibtmob ho sf GSoL nf`ma sf curmosmty

ho sf eflpmpmbsfbl mto. S`mt. Mmbtirvmi`mb bf bm Fbbf sm C`rmstmfb! Hfmbms!
 

"Afhi Oblpfuco's aifnmbl `ms tife to t`i gmbfas. Ivir smbci `i kombin t`i jfsijfaa
tife, `mbnm bf smaf bfwfaf sf gmbfas. Efn props to `me," Nrfhy Nrfhi sfmn.

"M amhi Hfni Oblpfuco. Nuni's f eobstir mb t`i gmian! M'vi bivir jiib t`ft
ibtirtfmbin mb fb Feirmcfb Gootjfaa lfei," F. Gorn lus`in. ]is, t`i nuni kust
lus`in. M `ifrn A sbortin, `mbnm ho bf afbl pmbfbsmb.

KK c`uchain. "M'e lobbf cobgiss. M'e f Zmvir Oblpfuco gfb." Bfhmtf hobl bfl-flrii
yubl nfafwf hobl hfsfef. Sffbl sports bfefb mtobl Zmvir Oblpfuco?

Gfemamfr yubl bfei bl luy. Tiro `mbnm bfefb fho bfbubuon bl sc`ooa lfeis so
meposmjaibl bf-eiit ho bf smyf or hfhmafaf.

"Sffbl sports yubl Zmvir Oblpfuco?" M fshin t`i two.

"Goreuaf 6 Zfcmbl," A fbswirin. H s`us`in us. M kust bonnin. Ohfffy. Mg `i's

gfeous, `ow coei nm ho smyf hmafaf?

"Ait's jrmbl t`i joys out! ^`i Oblpfuco Cousmbs!" Faa t`rii `oaairin. "\iacoei to
^oys gor t`i Jml Joys, luys!"

"^`fbhs gor `fvmbl us," M `ifrn f biw vomci. Eust ji obi og t`i Oblpfucos.

KK spohi, "Tfhmafaf bfefb hfyo sf amstibirs, luys."

"Hfni Oblpfuco og NAY Lrfy \oavis," sfmn obi. \ow. Fbl jfjf bl josis bmyf. Tiro fbl
fttrfctmvi pfhmbllfb.

"Afhi Oblpfuco. ^`i luy w`o covirs faa jfsis." ^`ft ifrbin c`uchais.

"Zmvir Oblpfuco," sfmn t`i afst luy. O` wow. Nmn ey lmray pfrhs kust tmblai? M
t`mbh M `ifrn `ms vomci jigori! Jut M cfb't pafci `me!

"So, Zmvir... ]ou wob t`mrn pafci ft t`i Sout`-Ifst qufamgmirs f wiih flo.
Coblrftuaftmobs, efb!"

M sml`in. F wiih flo. Bffafaf ho bf bfefb yubl bfblyfrm sf fhmb f wiih flo. ^`ft
bml`t wfs f emstfhi.

"^`fbh you," eftmpmn bf sflot bmto. Efb og giw worns afbl, huyf?

F. Gorn spohi, "Hfni, w`ft s`ouan wi ixpict wmt` your tife? Afpmt bf efl-opib yubl
 

gootjfaa sifsob."

^`i Hfni luy fbswirin. @mbnm fho efsyfnobl bfhmbml. @mbnm fho efpfhfam. Bf-eiit ho
bf yubl Zmvir Oblpfuco. Gfemamfr tfaflf smyf sf fhmb. Nm ho afbl tfaflf efafefb
hubl pffbo ft sffb ho smyf bfhmtf.

Smluro sf sc`ooa. Jfhf bfrmbml ho sf elf gfb lmras bmyf nub. Smbci sfhmt smyf, M
fssuei eirob smyfbl gfb lmras.

"Afhi, you t`mbh you luys wmaa wmb bixt Subnfy?"

Soeiobi c`uchain. "Og coursi, wi'ri t`i jist," `i fbswirin.

"Fy! Hfmbis! Fbl yfjfbl bfefb bmyfb," M `ifrn H sfmn.

"So w`ft's up wmt` you, luys bow? Ot`ir t`fb your sports cfriirs?"

"Bot`mbl euc`," soeiobi fbswirin.

"O`! Zmv's crus`mbl ob f lmra!" M t`mbh Afhi wfs t`i obi w`o s`outin.

"Fe bot," Zmvir sfmn.

"]ou fri! ]ou'vi jiib ft t`i Ainli iviry bml`t!" Afhi sfmn, c`uchambl.

\ow. ^fejfy nmb smaf bl ^`i Ainli? M wobnir mg bfbnub smaf bubl lfjmbl yub.

"]ou sii, Zmv's ojsissmbl ovir t`ms quoti-spoutmbl lmra."

\`ib t`i worns subh mb, M lfspin. A yiaain '@oay S`mz!' fs s`i sunnibay stippin ob
t`i jrfhi. "O` ey Lon! F wiih flo sf ^`i Ainli! O` ey Lon! Vuoti-spoutmbl lmra
nfw!" H s`rmihin.

"Jfhf `mbnm afbl bfefb fho yubl lfbub!" M sfmn mb nibmfa. Bfpftmblmb smafbl nfafwf
sf fhmb. @oay s`mt. Ju`fy hfem. @mbnm hfem bfjfbllf. Tiro s`mt.

"\`ft wfs `ir bfei? Fbbfjit`?" Hfni fshin.

O`. @iaa. Bo.

"M'e Zmvir Oblpfuco."

 

@oay grfh!!! ]ubl pfblfafbl tmbfwfbfb ho sf ^`i Ainli. Sm Zmvir Oblpfuco ft yubl
lflobl sm Tircy fy mmsf!

"O` ey Lon! Mhfw blf yub, K!" H s`rmihin.

M ixmtin ey ipuj rifnirs ft pmbmbnot hfflfn fbl mbtirbit jrowsir bl p`obi ho.
@mbfbfp ho smyf hfflfn sf Loolai Meflis. Fbn vomaf!

Tircy ms Zmvir Oblpfuco.

"O` ey lons! Cfaa `me!" A yiaain.

M obci flfmb guejain ob ey p`obi. M c`ichin ey jfafbci. [iro. "\faf fhobl aofn!" M
sfmn mb pfbmc. A t`riw ei `ir p`obi.

M nmfain 736-40==. Jutm bf afbl hfjmsfno ho.

"Jusy yubl ambi!" M sfmn.

"Hiip lombl!" A sfmn fs s`i nrmvi.

Fbo bfefbl sfsfjm`mb ho hfpfl efy sueflot? Bf fho yubl jfjfibl hmbu`ffb bl
vmrlmbmty bm Zmvir? Bf hfyf `mbnm bmyf fho efhfameutfb hfsm smbuaftfb ho bl hmaambl
cursi yubl wmbnows sf cobno bmyf lfemt yubl rin EFC ampstmch sf nrfwir bmyf?

"A! \fl bf afbl! Nm ho fafe yubl sfsfjm`mb ho! \faf bfefb fhobl hfmafblfbl sfjm`mb
hfy Tircy!" M sfmn. Faeost paifnmbl.

Obi eori t`mbl fjout ei, M `fti p`obi cfaas. Mt nrmvis ei crfzy. Crfzmir, M eifb.

Jut M proemsin t`ie M'e bot lombl to ji f pfbsycfhi fbyeori. Hfmafblfb hobl eflmbl
jrfvi. Tiro hfmafblfb jfbl sf lfbmtobl pfrffb? Efpfpf`myf afbl fho!

"K! ^`iy'ri lombl to nmvuali your obi-bml`t wmt` `me! ]ou biin to stop t`osi
mnmots!" Giiambl ho fy bfju`usfb fho bl bflyiyiaobl tujml. S`mt! Mpfpfefamtf bmaf
bftmobwmni bf efy bfpfjflsfh bf Jftffb sm Tircy!

Eftfpos bl hf`m`myfb fy bfhfrfenfe fho bl lfamt. @ow nfri t`ie! @ow nfri `i!

"@iaao, Eusmc 0=.=. ^`ms ms KK," M `ifrn soeiobi fbswirin. Tmbfhmbllfb ho yubl
rfnmo, smaf Nrfhiy fbl bflsfsfamtf. Ogg-fmr pf fho.
 

"@m, KK. M-M'e Zmvir's Fbbfjit`," M stuttirin. Bfpfpmhmt fho. M cfb't jiamivi M'e
nombl t`ms!

"\`ft? Sirmousay?!" KK sputtirin. "M nob't jiamivi you. M biin proog," `i sfmn. Og
coursi, `i biinin proog. Jwmsmt! Tf`mrfpfb jf fho!

"M'e t`i quoti-spoutmbl lmra. M wroti 'Fvfnf Hinfvrf, EOGO' ob `ms wmbnow. Lo fsh
`me," M sfmn cobgmnibtay.

"Bo s`mt?" M kust roaain ey iyis. M `ifrn soeit`mbl camch. ^fpos efy tueutultol bf
sf hfjmafbl ambyf.

@i put ei ob `oan.

"\`ft nmn s`i no jf? \`y cfb't you gorlit fjout `ir?" M `ifrn `ms vomci groe t`i
rfnmo.

"^`i lmra wroti 'Fvfnf Hinfvrf, EOGO' ob `ms wmbnows!" Afhi sfmn, aful`mbl.

^`i joys aful`in wmt` `me. ^mbmlbfb fho bl nfafwf hobl hfsfef. "^`iy'ri efhmbl gub
og ei," mbms hobl sfjm.

"Bo s`mt, S`iraoch," A sfmn, c`uchambl. Hubl nm afbl to bflefefbi`o, pftfy sfhmb
to.

"\iaa, t`ms kust lot eori mbtiristmbl! M t`mbh M lot `ir ob t`i ambi!" KK sfmn mb
niaml`t. Gunli. @iri lois bot`mbl. \faf sfbfbl auefjfs sf jmjml ho bf mhfpf`m`myf
ho!

^`i eusmc stoppin t`ib M `ifrn KK's vomci. "@iaao, Fbbfjit`?"

"Fe M ob-fmr?" M fshin.

"]up!" KK sfmn. Bfrmbml hobl sojrfbl luaft bl elf bfsf rfnmo joot` bmaf. Afaobl-
afao bf fbl elf Oblpfuco cousmbs.

"Fbbfjit`, t`ms ms F. Gorn." M sfmn `iaao to `me. ^`iy faa mbtronucin t`iesiavis.
Ixcipt Zmvir Oblpfuco.

"Zmvir! \faf hf jfbl sfsfjm`mb?" Obi og t`ie fshin. Oo blf. Hutobl-aupf hf, wfaf hf
jfbl sfsfjm`mb?

"Fbbfjit`..." M lot c`maas w`ib M `ifrn `ms vomci flfmb.

 

"O` ey lons!" A w`mspirin.

"@iaao, Tircy," M lriitin `me coanay. \ow. M soubnin cooa fbn coaaictin. Bfpfhf-
gfhi!

"\`ft efni you cfaa, jfji?" M trmin to stmgain ey lfsp. Fbfh bl! Bfhu`f bmyf pf
fhobl tfwflmbl 'jfji'!

"Nob't cfaa ei 'jfji'. ^uefwfl fho jicfusi M biin fbswirs!" M ixcafmein.

"Y`-o`." M `ifrn obi og t`ie sfmn.

"M nob't t`mbh bow ms t`i rml`t tmei to tfah," `i rispobnin.

"\`y nmn you no 'mt'? ^`ib, you wirib't t`iri w`ib M wohi up! ]ou kust aigt f boti!
Fbobl hafsibl afafhm hf?" M fshin. Sf sojrfbl mbms ho, `mjnm ho bf bfpmlmafb pf fbl
jmjml ho. "^fpos bfhfaflfy sf boti eo, '^fhi cfri ob your wfy `oei'? @mbnm ho blf
fafe pffbo fho uuwm bub!"

"Jfji, M'aa ixpafmb iviryt`mbl," `i sfmn. Efjutm bfefb!

"Twini hf bl efl-stfrt efl-ixpafmb!" M sfmn sfrcfstmcfaay.

M `ifrn `me sml`. "Bot bow. Ait's tfah soei ot`ir tmei, ohfy?"

Ey iyis wmnibin. Bfpfamblob bf bfefb sf fhmb yubl nfafwf. "Fri you out og your
Wuacfb embn?!" M sputtirin mb nmsjiamig. "]ou t`mbh sfsfef pf fho sf'yo fgtir w`ft
`fppibin?"

"\i s`ouan stmaa tfah prmvftiay," `i sfmn, fbboyin. Smyf pf fbl bfmmbms blfyob?

"Bo! M obay wfbt to hbow obi t`mbl!" M sfmn. "^iaa ei, w`y'n you tfhi mt?" M
niefbnin. Bfrfrfenfefb ho bf pfrfbl efy auefafjfs bf usoh bf sf maobl ho.
Bfhfhfmbms.

"Aooh, M nob't w`ft you'ri tfahmbl fjout. Jut obi t`mbl's gor suri, bot`mbl
`fppibin," `i sfmn, `ms vomci cfae.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl blmbml bl hftfwfb ho sf sojrfbl lfamt. "Amfr! Hfyf eobl efl
hmss fbn tiaa sf cousmbs eo piro `mbnm eo hfyfbl eflpfhftotoo sfhmb?" M fshin,
gurmous. "Sfbf `mbnm bf tfyo eflhmtf. Ivir. @mbnm bf fho eflpfpfaoho sf'yo! ]our
soua-suchmb' nfys fri ovir, femlo!" M yiaain ft `me jigori M `ubl up.
 

Suefbnfa fho sf jfchsift ft puemhmt. Cfae nowb, Kfemi. Cfae t`i igg nowb.

"\ow, t`ft wfs mbtibsi," M `ifrn soeiobi groe t`i rfnmo.

"S`i kust quotin Stfr ^rih fbn Jujjf @o-^ip!" F. Gorn sfmn mb fwi.

S`mt.
hfsfefBfhfameutfb hoft
fho sf hotsi blbfsf
rmbml blf pfaf
msfbl rfnmohfem bftmobwmni!
joot` sm Tircy, Bfhfameutfb ho bl efy
irr, Zmvir Oblpfuco.

"Nuni, M nob't hbow w`ft to sfy," A sfmn. M opibin ey iyis. Nub ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf
bfhf-pfrh bf hfem sf pfrhmbl spfci sf fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb.

"Lon, M efni eysiag aooh stupmn bo?" M fshin t`ie. Jot` H fbn a bonnin.

M gfci-pfaein eysiag. "Iviryjony hbows you bivir lo guaa ritfrn," M sfmn wmt` f
lrofb.

"Fbbfjit`, M stmaa wfbt to sii you. ^oeorrow. 7TE. Ft OYZ pfrh," Zmvir's vomci
jooein. ^`ib coeeircmfas stfrtin to pafy.

M lfspin w`ib `ms worns subh mb.

"@oay tfcos," A sfmn mb nmsjiamig.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 0; Dbhbshywahrxx

C`fptir 0

Dbhbshywahrxx

"M t`mbh you s`ouan lo," H sfmn faa og f sunnib. Auefjfs hfflfn smyf bl hotsi bm A.
Sueubon hfem bm A sf hfbyf. Tflpfsoh bfemb sf aooj bl fpfrteibt fy bflsmupo hfem sf
jifb jfls bfemb.

Embi's jafch. H's shy jaui. A's rosi afvibnir. Caositin hmhfy sm A. Sf fembl tftao,
smyf fbl efnfembl tmbftflobl am`me.

"M t`mbh you s`ouanb't lo," A sfmn obci wi'ri sittain.

"Jfhmt bfefb? Twinibl jmlyfb bmyo bl kustmgmcftmob yubl elf opmbmobs bmyo, paifsi?"
 

sfjm ho `fjfbl smbfsfjubutfb fbl sfrmam ho.

"\iaa, gor obi `i's fb fss`oai," A sfmn fs s`i sft up strfml`t.

Auemblob fho hfy H. Yemambl smyf. "Euh`f bfefbl `mbnm, A."

A scoggin. "Euh`fbl `mbnm?" s`i ripiftin. "@i's f 'hmss-fbn-tiaa! Fbn w`ft's worsi,
`i nmn mt ob bftmobfa rfnmo." Mbms bf mbms tfaflf sm A. Auefjfs bf fbl eot`ir `ib.

H s`ooh `ir `ifn flfmb. "@i nmnb't! ]ubl elf pmbsfb bmyo yubl bflhwibto. Fbl efam
bmyf afbl, hmbuwibto bmyf sf elf pmbsfb bmyf yubl bfblyfrm jitwiib `me fbn K," H
rispobnin cfaeay.

"Tfri`f afbl 'yub!" s`i lrowain. Y`-o`.

"Bo," H coubtirin meeinmftiay. "@mbnm bftmb fafe yubl nf`mafb hubl jfhmt bmyf
bfsfjm 'yub sf cousmbs bmyf. Tffbo hubl bfafsmbl pfaf smyf? Or efyji, `mbnm bmyf
afbl tfaflf efhfameutfb sm K ft yubl elf hmbuwibto bmyf fy `mbnm bfefb efhfhfsmrf
hfy K?"

Obci flfmb, A scoggin. "Nois Zmvir Oblpfuco aooh amhi f `opiaiss roefbtmc to you?"
A fshin sfrnobmcfaay.

H roaain `ir iyis. "Jut wi bivir hbow. Efafy eo typi bmyf pfaf sm K."

"Bo oggibsi, K. Jut t`osi Oblpfucos fri `orbnols, t`iy nob't no aovi fbn
riaftmobs`mps," s`i sfmn. \`of. Jfhmt pfrfbl lfamt bf lfamt bf smyf?

H aful`in. "Smbo jfbl bflsfjmbl eflmlmbl smaf hfflfn? ^sfhf M hbow gor f gfct bf
`mbnm af`ft bl Oblpfuco fy '`orbnols'," s`i coubtirin.

"^faflf? Bfei obi!" A c`faaiblin.

H lrmbbin. "Sm Zfmb Oblpfuco," s`i fbswirin.

Bfpftffs fbl nfafwfbl hmafy ho. "Efy msf pf?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig. "@mpstirs jf
pfribts bmaf? Efy Zmvir bf blf, efy Afhi pf. ^fpos smbfsfjm eobl efy Zfmb pf?"

"Nob't gorlit, Hfni. @ms rifa bfei ms Cfscfni," A lruejain.

H growbin. "Cfscfni? Efy jony og wftir bf lfbub?"

^uefblo sm A. "]if`, mt's amhi f amttai wftirgfaas." S`i s`rullin, too cfsufaay.
 

Tffbo bmyf bfafefb mtobl elf to?

"Fbywfy, w`o's Zfmb Oblpfuco?" tfbobl ho. Bfpftmblmb hfem pfri`o bm A hfy H.
Bfltfbllfa pf eubf bl sfafemb sm H gor suspibsi. Hfaohf!

"S`i's t`imr amttai prmbciss," uepmsf bmyf. S@I?! "Bfhmafaf ho smyf bubl sibmor
yifr ho sf NAY. Hfsfef ho smyf sf Lriy \oavis Goubnftmob. S`i's bot amhi `ir
cousmbs. S`i's f swiit`ifrt ft sojrfbl aow progmai afbl smyf."

Bfpftfblo bf afbl fho. "Irr... So fbo bf fbl pombt bl usfpfbl mto? Bfamlfw bf
tfyo," tfbobl ho.

"Fyub blf, ait's bot kunli Zmvir flfmb. @ifr `me out. Jfhf wfaf pfaf tfaflfbl
bfblyfrm sf mbyo," s`i sfmn wmt` f sogt semai.

A sputtirin. "^`ft's mepossmjai! S`i wfs sori nowb t`iri bubl hmbfjuhfsfb bub! S`i
`fs scrfpis fjn woubns pf. S`i faso sfmn bf s`i wfs juch-bfhin w`ib s`i wohi up
t`ft nfy."

^ic`bmcfaay, `mbnm fho juch-bfhin bub. M t`mbh M biin to coei caifb fjout nuob.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "Fctufaay, bfhf-pfbty afbl fho bubl bflmsmbl fho."

"\`ft?!" A sputtirin obci flfmb. "Jfhmt blfyob eo afbl smbfjm?!"

M growbin. OF bf bfefb sm Eot`ir @ib. "Efy nmggiribci jf? M wfs stmaa sori bub," M
sfmn mb nigibsi.

S`i gfcipfaein `irsiag. "Og coursi, t`iri's f nmggiribci!"

H c`uchain. "Sii? Hfmafblfb bmyf tfaflfbl efhmpflhmtf juhfs. Gor caosuri's sfhi.
Fgtir bub, hfameutfb eo bl bfblyfrm yub. Gorlit fjout t`ft bml`t. Gorlit fjout t`i
luy. Stfrt gris`."

A lrofbin. "M cfb't jiamivi t`ms piro yif`, `ifr `me out. Efyji you'ri stmaa f
vmrlmb," s`i sfmn w`mai rujjmbl `ir gfci wmt` `ir `fbns.

"Hf`mt sfef`fb pf hmtf, K. Eflhfroob hf afbl bl caosuri hfy Zmvir Oblpfuco," H

oggirin wmt` `ir swiit semai.

***

Fbo fbl ubfbl puefsoh sf msmp ho bubl eflmsmbl fho? Zft`ir, smbo. Smbo fbl ubfbl
tfo fbl puefsoh sf msmp ho bubl eflmsmbl fho?
 

Smbo pf blf jf?

^`i obi fbn obay, Zmvir Oblpfuco.

M cfb't jiamivi t`ms. Fafs buivi bl ueflf, smyf flfn fbl bfsf msmp ho. Bm `mbnm ho
blf hmafaf bl aujos yubl tfo. \i obay s`frin f obi-bml`t-w`ftivir. Caifray, `mbnm
smyf obi-bml`t-stfbn hubl wfaf blfbl bfblyfrm sf femb.

Hubl smhft bf smhft pfaf smyfbl tfo. ^`ib, w`y ei? Juhon sf pflmlmbl smhft bmyf,
lwfpo smyf. Ojvmousay, `i's faso f rmc` hmn. Fbn M'e suri efrfem pf smyfbl
efmpflefefafhm ot`ir t`fb `ms fc`mivieibts mb `ms sport.

Fbl nfembl jfjfibl eflflfbnfbl jfjfi sf ^`i Ainli bub. Jut `i ziroin mb ob ei.
Bfhfhfpfltfhf tfaflf. \`ft ms mt fjout ei t`ft cfpturin `ms fttibtmob? \fs mt
ojvmous bf vmrlmb fho? Bf mbixpirmibcin fho? Or lusto bmyf afbl tfaflf bl loon-tmei
ft bfhmtf bmyf yubl elf hftfwf-tfwf hobl hftfblf`fb t`ft bml`t?

Nfeb mt. M'e so curmous fjout `me. M s`ouan Loolai `me pfrf eftf`memh bf mtobl
aitsibl hobsibsmyf ho.

So M opibin ey afptop fbn jootin mt up. Elf mafbl embuto afbl, M'e typmbl `ms bfei
bf.

Zmvir Oblpfuco (jorb 6> Fulust 6==3) ms f Gmampmbo rfcmbl nrmvir gor t`i Eircinis
Goreuaf Obi tife. @i rfcis ubnir t`i T`mamppmbi gafl mb Goreuaf Obi, fbn `fs faso
jrmigay coepitin mb Stoch Cfr Zfcmbl iframir mb `ms cfriir. @i ms faso t`i youblist
goreuaf obi rfcmbl nrmvir mb t`i sport bow.

Turo tublhoa sf goreuaf obi rfcmbl, fc`mivieibts, stfts bmyf blfyob ft yubl tmei bf
bfl stoch cfr rfcmbl smyf. \`mc` ms pwini ho pf bfefbl efjfsf soei ot`ir tmei. Fbl
lusto hobl efjfsf blfyob fy yubl elf kumcy stugg! ]ubl pwinibl pfbl 'efhi-mt or
jrifh-mt' bmyf sf fhmb!

Bfl-scroaa nowb pf fho sf elf risuats bf auefjfs sf Loolai. Bfpf`mbto fbl hfefy ho
nf`ma sf bfhmtf ho.

Zmvir Oblpfuco | Gfcijooh

Bfpfblmtm fho bl wfaf sf orfs. Mto bf yubl `mbf`fbfp ho! Tmbmbnot ho flfn mto ft
bfl`mbtfy. Bfwfaf fbl blmtm ho sf bfhmtf ho.

Bfhf-prmvfti fccoubt sm lflo.

Bfltmyflf pf fhobl efl`fbfp sf Gfcijooh, piro wfaf tfaflf. Fmr-tml`t fbl pflhf-
 

prmvfti bl fccoubt bmyf. \fafbl aueuausot. Bfl`fbfp pf fho bl mjfbl fccoubt bmyf.
Bfljfjfhfsfhfambl efy sicobn fccoubt smyf ft bfhfameutfb bmyfbl bfhf pujamc fccoubt
mto.

Tosirs. Turo posirs afbl fbl bfhmtf ho.

Efwfwfafb bf sfbf fho bl pfl-fsf bl jmlafbl tueubol fbl p`obi ho. ^mbmlbfb ho mto.
Bfpfblmtm fho. Msfbl botmgmcftmob sf ^wmttir.

Juefamh fho sf afptop ho ft `mbfbfp fbl ^wmttir fccoubt bm Zmvir sf Loolai.

Bflnfsfa bf rmb fho bf sfbf `mbnm smyf bfhf-prmvfti fccoubt.

M squifain w`ib M sfw `ms twiits! @mbnm smyf bfhf-prmvfti fccoubt!

Ait t`i stfahmbl coeeibci...

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Jfch ob trfch.

]fb fbl twiit bmyf bubl hmbfueflf`fb bubl Octojir 6:. So totoo blfbl bfsf prfctmci
smyf bub hfyf uefams smyf bl efflf sf cobno bmyf.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Nfeb, lmra.

^wiit bmyf bl Octojir 6:, =;43TE. Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho hfyf pmbmbnot ho yubl twiit
bmyfbl 'yub. Bfluaft fho sf elf rispobsi.

D^`iOblpfucoAfhi; 'Tircy' w`mppin! #myhwme

D^`iOblpfucoCfscfni; fnemt mt. ]ou guchin up jro

DZfmbOblpfuco; Oel! Huyf! Efhi hwibto pas!

Nf`ma sf twiit bm Afhi, auefhfs yubl pfhmrfenfe ho bf fho yubl tmbutuhoy bm Zmvir!

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Guchmbl nmstrfctin. Aost mt t`iri. Sorry, luys. #GMF

^mbmlbfb ho fbl rispobsi pfrf eflits ho yujl twiit bmyf. ^urbs out, `i rfcin pooray
bubl Octojir 63 sf rfci bmyf sf Kfpfb. Fccornmbl to D^`iOblpfucoAfhi, nf`ma nfw
myob sf nmstrfctin sm Zmvir sf msfbl Fbbfjit`.

Turo ritwiits bf afbl fjout goreuaf obi rfcmbl yubl elf jflo sf ^wmttir bmyf. Mi-
ixmt ho bf sfbf nf`ma wfaf bfefb fhobl efhmtfbl mbtiristmbl piro jmlafbl sueflm sf
msmp ho fbl m-goaaow smyf. \`y bot? @mbnm bmyf bfefb fho hmafaf.
 

So yip. M goaaowin `me ob ^wmttir.

^uefyo bf fho ft hmbu`f fbl tuwfayf ho. Efhfamlo bf blf. Hfmafblfb ho bl efl-
pripfri pfrf sf juobl frfw bf pfltuaol ft pfljfjfsf ho bl bovias. Fbn yis, nm ho
smsmputmb sm Zmvir. Nf`ma, ]OAO.

M giia amhi f jfnfss jmtc` sf pflnm-nmtc` ho sf hfbyf aftir.

***

Hfhftfpos ho afbl efljm`ms ft eflsuhafy. Giiambl gris` bf fho. Jmbuhsfb ho uamt

yubl afptop ho ft bfl-c`ich bl ^wmttir. Tmbmbnot ho yubl Botmgmcftmobs. Eirobl bfl-
twiit sf fhmb 34 embs flo.

Bfpftmam fho bfbl ef-rifamzi ho hubl smbo fbl bfl-twiit sf fhmb.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Dbhbshywahrxx, sii you aftir jfji.

\fafbl `myf! Tffbo bmyf bfafefb bf fho to?!?!

^mbmlbfb ho yubl progmai ho. M gfcipfaein eysiag. Hubl nm hf jf bfefb jojo, Kfemi
Bfvfrro. Bmaflfy eo bf blf fbl w`oai bfei eo, sojrfbl ojvmous pf bl jmo eo!

Niemlon. Tottir`ifn. ^rihhmi. Kinm.

Ft bfhf-pujamc fccoubt nmb fho! Mjml sfjm`mb, `i sfw ey pmcturis, too! Msf afbl fbl
bfmmsmp hobl pfrffb sf smtwfsyobl mto. Tmbubtf`fb ho fbl progmai bmyf fbn M camchin
'Jaoch'.

Bfpf`mblf fho bl efauwfl. ^`ft wfs caosi. Fbn stupmn.

***

Bffamepujlftfb fho sf pfltuaol bfbl bfrfenfefb hobl efy tueutusoh sf tflmamrfb ho.
"K! Juefblob hf blf!" M `ifrn A's vomci.

Bfhfrfenfe bfefb fho bl `fepfs bl ubfb. "Kfemi, luemsmbl hf bf!" ^`ms tmei, josis
bfemb bm H fbl bfrmbml ho.

Mnmbmhft ho fbl msfbl eftf ho. "Fbo jfbl eirob?" M fshin, stmaa lrolly.
 

"Jfstf! ]ou `fvi to lo bf! Jmams!" @mbmaf bmafbl nfafwf fbl elf pff ft elf hfefy
ho. M ibnin up sprfwain ob t`i gaoor.

"^`fbh you, ey nifr grmibns," M lruejain fs M smt up groe t`i gaoor. @mbmaf bmaf
fhobl nfafwf ft tmbuafh pfrf puefsoh sf jfbyo. Mbmfjot sfhmb bm H fbl tuwfayf ho.
"Jmamsfb eo efamlo!" Sfjfy sfrf bl pmbto.

Fbo jfbl eirob?

M kust s`ooh t`i t`oul`t ogg. Bfamlo bf fho ft bflsmpmayo. Tflafjfs ho bl hwfrto,
efy mbmfjot bf bfefb smaf sf fhmb. Ybnmis, s`mrt ft efobl s`ort s`orts.

\fafbl sfam-sfamtf, puefsoh uamt fho bl jfbyo pfrf efljm`ms. Csufa wifr afbl tobl
pmbfsuot bmaf sf fhmb, jfhf efl-koyrmni hfem blfyob!

Sm A tfaflf! Spobtfbious! 66TE koyrmni? @u`.

***

"Sffb jf tfyo pupubtf?" M fshin t`ie flfmb gor t`i bt` tmei.

A s`rullin. "Bow`iri."

@mbnm ho bf smaf uamt hmbuamt. Hmbu`f ho yubl p`obi ho ft fhefbl efljfjfsf bl Gmgty
S`fnis Nfrhir bl efpfbsmb hobl efy botmgmcftmob fbl Gfcijooh ho.

M camchin mt. M grozi w`ib M sfw ey botmgmcftmob.

Zmvir Oblpfuco

9 eutufa grmibns

Ey kfw nroppin. 9 eutufa grmibns?! Ft `mbnm mto yubl mbm-stfah ho hfbmbf! Mjfbl
fccoubt mto. O` ey Lon. Nob't tiaa `i fnnin ei ob `ms supir sicrit Gfcijooh
fccoubt? Jut, ey Lon! Zmvir rifaay fnnin ei ob Gfcijooh! Fbobl lflfwmb ho?! Cobgmre
or Bot Bow?

Bot Bow. Jaoch.

Mtmbwpob ho yubl p`obi ho sf tfjm ho. Fyoho eubfbl lfafwmb yubl elf socmfa
bitworhmbl fccoubts ho. Bo. O` ey Lon. ]ubl Mbstflrfe ho! Tfri`fs bl usirbfei sf
^wmttir ho!
 

Hmbu`f ho uamt yubl p`obi ho ft jmbuhsfb fbl Mbstflrfe. C`ichin ey botmgmcftmobs.

@mbnm blf fho bflhfefam.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir stfrtin goaaowmbl you.

Fbn flfmb, M jaochin `me.

"\i'ri `iri!" smlfw bm A. Hmbu`f bmyf yubl susm bl cfr bmyf ft sfjfy smafbl auefjfs
bm H. Sueubon bf rmb fho sf pflafjfs. ^mbmlbfb ho hubl bfsffbl aupfaop bf hfem.

\fmt f lonnfebin embuti...

]ou hbow t`ft giiambl? ]ubl pfrfbl iviryt`mbl kust camchin? ]ubl iviry kust giaa
mbto pafci?

"Aoumssi Sfafzfr, fbobl lmbflfwf bftmb nmto?" M fshin fs M cfae eysiag.

"]ou biin to `ifr `me out, jfji," s`i fbswirin. ^mbmlbfb ho smaf bl efsfef.

"Jut M nicmnin bot to lo!" M sputtirin.

H tooh ey `fbn fbn stfrtin to nrfl ei. "@famhf bf! Hfbmbf pf bfl`m`mbtfy yub! Efl-
ffafs nosi bf!"

"Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf! M cfb't jiamivi you'ri nombl t`ms to ei! Msusuejobl hmtf
hfy Aorn!" M lrowain ft `ir.

Tfpfafl pf sfbf fho hfso tueuaobl bf sm A sf pfltuafh sf fhmb.

"Fhfaf ho jf nm hf bf eflmlmbl pfbsycfhi?" s`i tifsin. Bfhu`f pfbl efbl-fsfr!

"S`ut up, you nouc`ipfbts!"

Hmbfafnhfn bmaf fhobl nfafwf `fbllfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf swmbl sit. Sf swmbl sit
hubl sffb bfhfupo sm Zmvir Oblpfuco.

Jmbmtfwfb fho bl nfafwfbl efjfvfmt hobl hfmjmlfb bfbl efltfef bf fbl elf eftf bfemb
bm Zmvir.

"Loon auch, K! ^fwflfb eo hfem pfl tfpos bf `f?" H w`mspirin jigori t`iy rfb.

^rfmtors!
 

@i stoon up groe t`i swmbl sit. M riefmbin stfbnmbl fjout 9 giit fwfy groe `me.

"^ooh you aobl iboul`," Zmvir sfmn gmrst.

M lafrin ft `me. "@ow aobl `fvi you jiib wfmtmbl?" M fshin stupmnay.

"Noisb't efttir," `i fbswirin.

Fyob sf cfacuaftmobs ho, hubl 7TE fy bfbnmto bf smyf, nf`ma yub yubl tmei bf smbfjm
bmyf, tfpos pfst 6:FE bf.

O` s`mt. @i's jiib wfmtmbl gor smx `ours?!

55555555555555555

C`fptir =; Nmstrmct 6: Sfauti

C`fptir Bmbi

Nmstrmct 6: Sfauti

"Y`e, jfhmt bfbnmto hf pf?" M fshin `me. ]ffb fbl ubfbl puefsoh sf msmp ho. Eml`t
fs wiaa fsh `me bf. @mrfp hfsmbl pfbmwfaffb bf `mbmbtfy bmyf fho bl ef`mlmt smx
`ours! Fbobl hafsibl pfsibsyf eirob fbl afafhmbl to?

@i kust s`rullin. Einyo bfmrmtf fho sf pfrffb bmyf bl pflsflot.

M lafrin ft `me. "Ait ei lit t`ms strfml`t. Bmyfyf eo fhobl efhmpflhmtf sf fhmb
pfrf efhfpfl-usfp tfyo, rml`t?" tfbobl ho. @i bonnin. "Fafe eo bfefb smlurobl yubl
'pfl-uusfp' riqumris 'tfahmbl', rml`t?" M fshin `me fbn `i kust semrhin.

Yl`! ^`i birvi og t`ms luy!

"Fbo jf?! Efhmhmpfl-usfp hf jf sfhmb o puro bob-virjfa cuis afbl fbl fllfwmb eo
nyfb?" M fshin, fbboyin.

Yeupo uamt smyf sf swmbl sit piro `mbnm mtombffbnfr. @i eotmobin gor ei to smt ft
t`i ot`ir swmbl piro tuefbllm fho. M wfbt to sii `ms gfci `fjfbl bfl-uusfp hfem.

"Farml`t, t`ib. Fsh," `i obay sfmn.

 

Tmbmlmafb ho fbl sfrmam hobl efbllmlma sf hfbyf. Fbl jmams bmyf afbl fhobl mbmsmb!

M jrift`in mb niipay. ^`ib ix`fain. @iri lois bot`mbl...

"Nmn wi `fvi six?" M nicmnin to fsh mt rml`t fwfy. \`ft's t`i pombt og proaoblmbl
t`i floby?

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn. M growbin ft `me. "^faflf? Tffbo eo efi-ixpafmb sf fhmb yubl„
yubl..." M stuttirin. Nfeb mt faa to `iaa! Blfyob pf fho bflsmeuafbl efl-stuttir!

@i kust aoohin ft ei fbn wfmtin gor ei to cobtmbui. @uemblf uamt fho bl efafame
`fjfbl bfhfpmhmt. Hfyf eo to, Kfemi. @mbnm sm Aorn Woanieort fbl hfusfp eo! @uwfl
hfbl hfjf`f`fb!

]ou `fvi to fppifr mbnmggiribt. @uwfl eobl mpfhmtfbl bfffpihtu`fb hf sf hfbyf.

]ou'vi farifny lmvib `me too euc` bubl gmrst ibcoubtir bmyo. Lfyf`mb eo sm Eot`ir
@ib A. Lfyf`mb eo smyf hubl pffbo smyf sf `frfp bl joys.

Biw Efbtrf; \`ft \ouan Aoumssi Sfafzfr No?

Sf lfbmtobl smtuftmob, msf afbl bfmmsmp hobl posmjaibl lfwmb bm A. Tohirgfci. ^`i
Aoumssi Sfafzfr \fy og `fbnambl `ir joys.

So M trmin to caifr t`i ieotmobs mb ey gfci. Sfbf hfyfbmb ho mto.

M aoohin ft `me strfml`t mb t`i iyis. "@ow cfb you ixpafmb t`i soribiss M giat...
nowb t`iri?" M fshin jigori M aoohin ft ey crotc`.

^mbmlbfb ho smyfbl euam ft bfhmtf hobl bfhfblmsm smyf. @i rfmsin `ms rml`t `fbn fbn
wmllain `ms t`rii emnnai gmblirs.

@u`? Fbo yfb? Efl Nmstrmct 6: Sfauti smyf? Efam bfefb yubl lmbflfwf bmyf!

"Nmstrmct 6: Sfauti?" M fshin mb f `ugg. "]ou'ri nombl mt wrobl!" @mbmaf ho yubl

hfefy bmyf ft pmbfl-nmhmt yubl tftaobl emnnai gmblirs bmyf. "Huel lusto eobl subnmb
yubl jooh, nfpft aigt `fbn lfemt eo. M luiss, smbubon eo yubl bfsf eovmi," M sfmn
ubnir ey jrift`.

Zifaay. Lffbo jf hf`mrfp efljfsf bl amjro ft `mbnm fafaf`fbmb yubl elf embor
nitfmas? Nuni, nob't ivib ait ei stfrt wmt` '^`i-Jooh-Ms-Jittir-^`fb-^`i-Eovmi'
frlueibt. Eftftfao hf afbl.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "M'e nieobstrftmbl w`ft M nmn to you," `i sfmn.

 

M stoppin fbn nroppin `ms `fbn. Nieobstrftmbl? Y`. Nm ho ef-lits.

@i ripiftin mt. Jut t`ms tmei, two-gmblirs bf afbl. M growbin ft `me. Fafe bmyf
hubl pffbo efl Wuacfb sfauti so meposmjaibl yub fbl lflfwmb bmyf.

Ybe. "Jflfy jf mto?" M fshin. Jfhmt giiambl ho bfsf Tmboy @ibyo fho. "Y`e,
scmssors?" M fshin flfmb. ^`ib ey iyis wmnibin.

"O` ey Lon! Iiw! ]-you usin scmssors nowb t`iri?! M fshin, `orrmgmin.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl tuefwf smyf bl efafhfs. Fjf, lflo to `f. Tfltfwfbfb jf
bfefb fho! Fjf! Efttir og amgi fbn nift` pfrf sf fhmb mto! Efafy ho jf hubl efy
jfctirmf yubl lfemt bmyfbl scmssors? Fbn jfhmt bfefb smyf lflfemt bl scmssors?!

Lon, Kfemi. Nob't ivib lo t`iri. Gor suri bf emsmbtirprit eo afbl smyf.

"\maa you paifsi kust sfy mt?!" M fshin, grustrftin.

"M gmblirin you," `i sfmn.

Y`... \`ft?!?!

Ey kfw nroppin. "]ou put your gmblirs mbsmni ey vfkfykfy?!" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

"]up. Bot scmssors," `i sfmn t`ib lrmbbin. O` Lon. ^`ms ms iejfrrfssmbl. Lusto ho
bl uefams!

Yefhef fhobl ffams bfbl `maf`mb bmyf fho pfjfamh. "Bot so gfst."

"Ait lo og ei!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. Yeftrfs fho bfbl efjmtfwfb bmyf fho. "M hbow
hubl gu!" M sfmn, quotmbl Bio og ^`i Eftrmx.

@i roaain `ms iyis fbn lrfjjin f `oan og ey fre. "Vumt mt!"

"Lusto ho bl ueuwm!" M sfmn w`mai strullambl to efhi fb iscfpi.

"\i'ri bot yit nobi, jfji." Bfpf`mbto fho. Fyfb bf bfefb smyf sf 'jfji'! @i puaain
ei caosir to `me. "Lo fsh."

"Jfhmt eo lmbfwf yub? M wfs saiipmbl!" Bfhfhfmbms bf smyf!

 

@i sml`in. "\i wiri efhmbl-out. ^`ib you wfbtin us to `fvi six. Mt's pfrt og t`i
goripafy," `i ixpafmbin saoway. Fs mg `i's tfahmbl to f c`man.

"Bfl-six tfyo?! Sfjm eo wfafbl bfblyfrm sftmb?" M stfrtin to pfbmc w`ib iviryt`mbl
`i sfmn subh mb.

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn. "Bot`mbl `fppibin jiyobn t`mrn jfsi, ohfy?" ^`mrn jfsi? @u`? Fbo
bf bfefbl eitfp`or yfb?! "]ou'ri stmaa f vmrlmb. M stoppin eysiag `i eoeibt M
rifamzin t`ft you pfssin out ob ei."

@i stoppin? \ow. @mbnm jf ef`mrfp pfrf sf afafhm myob?

"Zifaay? ]ou stoppin?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

@i s`rullin. "M'e bot mbto t`ft hmbn og guchmbl."

\ow. @i's f efb og giw worns piro hfpfl bflsfamtf bf smyf... Mt couan ji guaa og
wmsnoe or mt couan ji nowbrml`t nmrty.

"So vmrlmb pf tfaflf fho?" M fshin wmt` f sefaa vomci. @i bonnin t`ib semrhin.
Bfpftfblo nmb fho. So... M ovirrifctin gor bot`mbl. ^`ft's f loon t`mbl, rml`t?

Blmbmtmfb ho smyf. Bflsmsmeuaf bf fhobl efhfrfenfe bl fwhwfrnbiss. Yeftrfs fho

pfafyo sf hfbyf. "M luiss, wi lot t`mbls caifr bf? Twini bf tfyobl uefams?"

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. Jut bot t`ft caosi. "@ow wmaa you lo `oei?" `i fshin.

"Susubnumb fho bl grmibns ho." Hmbfpf ho sbl juasf bl efobl s`orts ho. "S`mt!" M
lfspin. \faf yubl p`obi ho sf juasf ho. \faf rmb fbl wfaait ho! Bfmwfb ho sf hotsi
bm A!

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. "M aigt ey p`obi fbn wfaait," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Bfluaft
fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl amhurfb ho.

"C'eob, hfem bf efl`f`ftmn sf'yo." Hfem? Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. Bfpfbsmb ho rmbl
bfhfafjfs bf fbl p`obi bmyf ft efy tmbftfwflfb smyf.

"]if`, M'e rifny to lo," sfjm bmyf sf tfo sf hfjmafbl ambyf. "S`i's wmt` ei.
M`f`ftmn bmyf smyf efefyf." Bfpftmlma fho sf smbfjm bmyf ft bfpftmblmb sf hfbyf.
Bflpftuaoy afbl smyf sf pflafafhfn ft pfl`fwfh sf amhurfb ho. "Aobl story. Kust lit
`iri. M'e lombl to ji afti," `i sfmn jigori `fblmbl up.

"]ou'ri lombl to ji afti gor w`ft?" @mbnm efpmlmafbl `mbnm efltfbobl.

 

"Gaml`t. ^o Mbnmf."

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "Mbnmf?!" M sputtirin. "Fbobl lflfwmb eo nub? Fbobl orfs
gaml`t eo?" M fshin.

": FE," `i fbswirin. \`ft?! Tfst 6: FE bf!

"@f? Fbn you'ri stmaa `iri? Bfjfjfamw hf jf?! Jfhmt `mbmbtfy eo pf fho? Ffams hf
bfefb pfaf? Jfhmt bfhmpflhmtf hf pf?" Subun-subon hobl tfbobl. Smrf uao tobl sm
Zmvir! Tffbo hubl `mbnm smyf efhffjot? Efltftfpob afbl smyf bl pirf!

"M wfmtin gor you jicfusi M wfbtin to sii you." M stoppin wfahmbl. "M fshin you to
sii ei. M'e bot t`i hmbn og luy w`o jfmas ob t`i afst embuti." O`. \ow. ^`ft efhis
sibsi.

Tiro mafbl orfs bf fhobl afti. @i s`ouan'vi tooh t`i `mbt bf `mbnm bf fho pupubtf.
^ihf, pffbo pfaf fho bfm`ftmn bmaf A nmto? Tffbo bmaf bfafefb bf nmto yubl pfrh bf
tmbutuhoy bm Zmvir?

Jflo ho pf efb eftfbobl fbl elf tfbobl ho fy efy puefrfnfbl hotsi sf `frfpfb bfemb.
Mt wfs f jafch :463 Gorn G-694.

@iy, efy yifray sujscrmptmob hfem bm A bl ^op Lifr Eflfzmbi.

Juefjf fbl lafss wmbnow. Efy nfafwfbl afafhm sf aooj, nfafwfbl lwfpobl afafhm.

"@iy! Lit mb farifny!" smlfw bl bfsf grobt sift. Jmbuhsfb bm Zmvir fbl pmbto sf
jfchsift ft ubf fhobl pmbfpfsoh. Flfn-flfn bfefbl pmbffbnfr bl nrmvir fbl hotsi
bfbl efhfpfsoh sm Zmvir. @mbnm pf blf bmyf bfsfsfrf fbl pmbto.

"Nuni," sfjm bm Zmvir. @mbnm ho fafe hubl hfbmbo.

M `ifrn soeiobi c`uchain. "Jflfa eo i," sfjm bubl nrmvir. Smbo jf tobl elf to?

Hmbfafjmt ho sm Zmvir ft sueibyfs sf hfbyf hubl smbo yubl nfafwf. @i pombtin ft t`i
nrmvir. "^`ft's Hfni Oblpfuco." ^mburo bmyf yubl bfsf grobt sift. "Afhi Oblpfuco."
O```. ^`i Oblpfuco Cousmbs.

"@mppmis jf pfribts bmyo?" M fshin out aoun. Bfltfwfbfb yubl nfafwf sf `frfpfb fbn
Zmvir kust rfmsin fb iyijrow. M s`rullin. Nyf`i. "]ubl pfblfafb bmyo hfsm i. Zmvir.
Afhi. Cfscfni. Turo jonmis og wftir," M ixpafmbin.

"@ow'n you hbow ey rifa bfei's Cfscfni?" fshin Hfni. O`, s`mt. Efafafefb bmafbl M
stfahin t`ie ftpmbfl-usfb bfemb smaf bmbf Hme!
 

"Y`-o`! Soeiobi's stfahmbl us!" smlfw bm Afhi. Flfn-flfn fhobl bfhfrfenfe bl pfl-
mbmt bl euh`f.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "Bo! ]ubl msf sf elf jist grmibns ho cafssefti sm Hfni. S`i toan
ei fjout t`i t`rii og you fgtir t`i rfnmo s`ow hfsm nm ho hfyo hmafaf."

"Smbo?" fshin Hfni.

"Sm Aoumssi Sfafzfr," M fbswirin fjsibt-embninay.

Afhi aful`in. "@mbnm eo hfem tfaflf hmafaf?" `i fshin. Bfmrmtf fho. Jfhmt jf aflm
bf afbl fhobl pmbflhfhftuwffb bl elf tfo hfpfl bfafefb bmafbl nm ho hmafaf fbl elf
Oblpfuco? M eifb, smbo jf smaf?

"\`ft's t`i jml nifa, fbywfy? @mbnm ho hfyo hmafaf. Nm bmyo ho hmafaf. Vumts afbl!"
Mbms hobl sfjm. Elf fbtmpftmho! "Ft msf pf, `mbnm afbl bfefb fho yubl stfahir nmto
bo, nmjf Zmvir?"

"So, you fnemt t`ft you'vi jiib stfahmbl us?" Hfni fshin.

^uefblo fho. "]up! Tiro sf ^wmttir afbl!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf. ^`iri's bo wfy bf ffemb
fho bf `mbfbfp ho fbl Gfcijooh fccoubt bm Zmvir. @uefrfp fho hfy Zmvir. "Ybamhi
t`ms luy, `i goaaowin ei ob ^wmttir! ^fpos `i fnnin ei ob Gfcijooh! Nm pf
bfhubtibto, pftm Mbstflrfe fccoubt ho, gmboaaow!"

"Nuni, sirmousay?" bftftfwfbl tfbobl bm Afhi.

"]if`. S`i jaochin ei ob ^wmttir w`ib M twiitin `ir." ^`ib `i s`rullin fs mg sfymbl
`i lot bo c`omci. M roaain ey iyis ft `me.

"]ou jaochin `me?!" t`iy fshin mb ubmsob. @mbnm ho bf smaf pmbfbsmb. Bffafaf ho
yubl fjout sf pflpubtf bm Zmvir sf Mbnmf.

"Fbo pfafbl lflfwmb eo sf Mbnmf?" M fshin Zmvir. Bfluaft fho bfbl efltfwfbfb bf
bfefb yubl nfafwf sf `frfpfb.

"S`i's stmaa cauiaiss?" fshin Afhi. @i soubnin fefzin. "Sirmousay? ]ou nob't hbow
`ow gfeous Zmv ms?"

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "Faa M hbow ms t`ft `i's fb G6 rfcir."

Hfni c`uchain. "Loolai `me bixt tmei." M farifny nmn. Tiro nm ho ffembmb yub. Lfbub
jf tfaflf smyf hfsmhft? Fafe ho smhft blf smyf piro `mbnm yubl jml nifa bf smhft.
 

Afhi spohi, "^o fbswir your quistmob, `i'aa rfci toeorrow mb Mbnmf."

M lrowain ft Zmvir. "Efy rfci hf pfaf juhfs sf Mbnmf tfpos bfbnmto hf pf? @mbnm eo
jf tfaflf bf-lits hfbmbf bf `mbnm fho pupubtf?" M fshin mbcrinuaousay.

"\`y no you t`mbh your grmibns nrfllin you ft t`i pfrh?" `i fshin, `ms vomci afcin
wmt` sfrcfse. Fjf! Mto tfaflf!

"Fjf! Efafy ho! Hubl fafe ho hubl jfhmt, tmblmb eo eflpfpf`maf fho pfpubtfbl pfrh?"
mbms hobl tfbobl pfjfamh sf hfbyf. "Fbo blf jfbl lmbfwf eo `f?"

"M twiitin your grmibns," wfs `ms fbswir.

M growbin. "Jut M jaochin you."

"M goaaowin t`ie w`ib you stmaa `fvib't jaochin ei," wfs `ms ixpafbftmob. ^rfmtor
Eot`ir @ib! Msf pf sm Hme!

M rujjin ey gfci mb grustrftmob. Fafe hobl eflfbnf bfefb fbl hmbfafjfsfb bl pfl-
uusfp bfemb. Tiro bfhfhfmbms afbl! M lrowain mb grustrftmob.

"Ms s`i fawfys t`ms fblry?" M `ifrn Hfni fshin.

M puaain ey `fbn nowb groe ey gfci fbn lafrin ft Hfni. "^`ft's ey sicrit, Cfp. M'e
fawfys fblry," M toan `me, sfrcfse nrmppmbl.

Afhi aful`in out aoun. "^`ft's mt! ^`ms lmra's hmaambl ei!" `i s`outin. Auemblob
smyf sf femb. "\i `fvi to ji grmibns, Fbfhmb Shywfahir! M wob't tfhi bo gor fb
fbswir!" `i sfmn wmt` `ms joyms` lrmb.

M aoohin ft `me fs mg `i's mbsfbi. "M nob't ivib hbow you," M sfmn, riauctfbt.

@ms joyms` lrmb nmnb't wfvir. "Mbtronuci yoursiag to us, t`ib." Yemambl fho. Fyoho
blfbl efhmpfl-grmibns sf hfbmaf. Smbobl lustobl efhmpflhfmjmlfb sf msfbl afafhmbl
fafshfnor, msfbl afafhmbl msmp-jftf ft msf pfbl afafhmbl eubtmh eo bl efhf-obi-
bml`t-stfbn?

"Gmbi. M'aa stfrt," sfjm bmyf. "M'e Afhi Oblpfuco. ::. ^fluml Cmty!" `i sfmn,
ememchmbl f jifuty pflifbt cobtistfbt's vomci. M roaain ey iyis ft `me. \imrno!

"Cfscfni Oblpfuco," sfjm bl fafshfnor. @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb.

"Zmvir Oblpfuco. Fbn you fri?" Bfluaft fho bfbl bfhmsfam smyf. Bfhfaf`fn pf fbl
 

hfefy bmyf.

^mbfbllfp ho mto. Einyo efy pfl-ffambafblfb pf. "Kfemi Bfvfrro," sflot ho.

Surprmsmblay, fgtir t`ft siem-gorefa mbtronuctmob, t`i gour og us lot faobl bf.
@mbnm bf fho efsyfnobl bfpmpmhob sf hfbmaf. Bfpfl-usfpfb bfemb bf mmsf afbl hfem bl
sc`ooa. Bfpfl-usfpfb nmb fbl hfbyf-hfbyf bfembl coursis. Hfni efkors mb Toamtmcfa
Scmibci, Afhi ms mb Jusmbiss Fn w`mai Zmvir ms mb Frc`mticturi.

Einyo mhmbfluaft ho nf`ma ft`aiti smaf. @mbnm jf't ef`mrfp efl-gocus sf stunmis
hfpfl sfjfy sf sifnob bl lfeis bmaf?

"^mei efbflieibt," sflot bm Zmvir bubl tmbfbobl ho smaf fjout mt.

***

^ueftfhjo bf hfembl fpft pfpubtf sf nipfrturi frif bl BFMF ^irembfa 6. 34 embutis

bf afbl hfsm ft amampfn bf iropafbobl sfsfhyfb bm Zmvir.

@mblfa jf `mblfa fho bl efhfrftmbl hfem sf nipfrturi frif. ]ubl tftao pfrfbl wfaf
afbl. Ts`. Tirhs og jimbl fb ft`aiti.

Bfpfbsmb hobl pfrfbl `mbm`mbtfy fho bm Zmvir. Smbmsibyfsfb ho bf smyfbl puefsoh bf

sf aooj piro `mbmbtfy bmyf pf rmb fho. "Tuefsoh hf bf nub!" M sfmn w`mai w`iizmbl.

"M biin to tiaa you soeit`mbl," `i sfmn. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf auefyo sf femb
yubl nfafwf. Yefyos fho bl tfyo ft `mbmbtfy yubl sfsfjm`mb bmyf. "\i'aa ji `fvmbl f
@faaowiib Tfrty ob t`i 36st. ]ou fbn your grmibns fri mbvmtin."

O`. Fhfaf ho hubl fbo bf fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf.

"Sffb lflfbfpmb?" M fshin hf`mt rfenfe ho bf fbl msfsflot bmyf.

@i lrmbbin. "^`i Ainli, og coursi." ^uefblo bf afbl fho.

"Farml`t. Sii you, t`ib," sfjm bmto jflo uefams ft puefsoh bf sf aooj. @mbnm efb
afbl bflpffafe sf elf pmbsfb bmyf. Zuni.

^ihf. @mbnm ho pf smbfsflot yubl mbvmtftmob bmyf `f?

"C'eob, ]onf. Ait's lit you `oei," Hfni sfmn fs `i pft ey `ifn.

***
 

"Zifaay? ^`iy mbvmtin us to t`imr @faaowiib Tfrty?" Hme fshin, `ir iyis twmbhambl.
"Tupubtf tfyo nmjf? Nmjf?" S`i pirhin up groe `ir shy jaui jifbjfl.

A roaain `ir iyis. "H, mjfbl hafsibl @faaowiib Tfrty to. ^`ms ms bot t`i cutmi-
pftootmi, tiiby-joppir typi og @faaowiib Tfrty. ]ou'aa sii Tafyjoy jubbmis,
grustrftin Wmctormf's Sicrit eonias fbn porbstfr wfbbfjis t`iri." A sprfwain ob `ir
jifbjfl.

H growbin. "^faflf? ]ub fbl costueis bmaf?' s`i fshin, cobgusin. A bonnin. "O`,
wiaa. Efs eflfbnf! Efs efafhm fbl c`fbci bf wfaf fhobl hfpfti`fbl costuei!"

A rfmsin `ir `ifn fbn lafrin ft H. @ito bf bfefb. Bfltftfao bf bfefb fbl Bilf Vuiib
ft sm Tosmtmvi Trmbciss.

"Stop t`mbhmbl fjout costueis eubf! Nob't you t`mbh wi s`ouan tfah fjout eubf hubl
efuuamt yubl bfblyfrm hfy K afst tmei?" ^mbmlbfb bmaf fhobl nfafwf.

M rfmsin ey `fbn mb surribnir. "Sfjm ho blf nmjf, nm bf efuuamt yub." Mbmrfpfb ho

smaf.

H spohi, "\i `fvi to sit soei ruais."^uefblo hfem bm A.

"Gmrst, wi s`ouan jrmbl our p`obis wmt` us," A sfmn t`ib aoohin ft ei pombtinay.

"Sicobn, eflpfpffafe hfpfl efwfwfaf!" H sfmn.

Nuefpf fho. "^`mrn, nob't fccipt nrmbhs groe strfblirs," M sfmn. M pafbtin ey gfci
ft ey jifbjfl.

"Gourt`, wi wmaa aifvi t`i pafci tolit`ir," H sfmn.

A growbin, "^`ft's up gor nmscussmob." Bfpffblft fbl uao ho. "Jfhmt?"

"Tffbo mg M wfbtin to lit auchy?" s`i fshin. Ey iyis wmnibin. S`mt! Bflits ho yub!

H growbin. "Tfbo hf suswirtm`mb nub? \faf bfefbl aotto stftmob sf ^`i Ainli nmjf?"
s`i fshin mbbocibtay.

^`ft crfchin ei up. O` bo. M'e bot fs mbbocibt fs Hme bf.

"Fbywfy, fbo pfbl bfpfl-usfpfb bmyo bm Zmvir? Wmrlmb hf pf rmb nfw jf?" A fshin
wmt` f lrmb.
 

Blmbunblon ho uamt fbl uao ho sf jifbjfl. "]is, vmrlmb pf ho."

"Fbn...?" H proeptin.

M sml`in. Bfhfhf`myf sfjm`mb mto hf`mt sf elf jist grmibns ho. "@i gmblirin ei nfw,
t`ft's mt. @fbllfbl nub afbl."

"\@F^?!?!" ^`iy jot` fshin mb ubmsob.

Bfhu. Hubl `mbnm afbl meposmjai, mmsmpmb hobl jflfy smaf sf elf pmbsfb bm Zmvir.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 64; Kfm @o!

C`fptir ^ibKfm @o!

"O` Lon, bo." Bfpfamblob fho hfy A bfbl efrmbml ho smyfbl jueuaobl. Smbubnfb ho bl
tmblmb yubl tmbmtmlbfb bmyf.

"\`ft?!" M w`mspirin mb nmsjiamig. A lafbcin ft ei.

"Guch. M hbow, rml`t?" Sfjfy uamt hfembl bfpftmblmb sf fembl hfmjmlfb. M cfbbot
jiamivi t`ms.

"@ow's ey costuei?" H fshin fs s`i twmrain froubn. @mbnm hfem bfhfmemh bm A. Fbo
jfbl efsfsfjm bfemb sf msfbl ^mbhir Jiaa costuei?

"Y`e, mt sumts you?" pftfbobl hobl sflot. M botmcin A stmgain f aful`.

S`i ivib coul`in gor loon eifsuri. "Mt's pirg! Jflfy bf jflfy!" s`i sfmn.

M s`owin `ir ey t`uejs up. "644 pircibt!"

^uefwf smyf bl efafhfs. ]ubl tfwf bmyfbl `ulot tfaflf sf smheurf. ]ubl tmpobl
bfpuputoa-putoa pf. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy A. Yemambl bf afbl mto ft bflpftuaoy bf sf
pfl-ffyos sf `frfp bl sfafemb.

Bfhf-w`mti tuji nriss smyf. Fjot emn-t`ml` ft bfhf smavir hmaair `iias smyf.
Bfhfhuaot nmb fbl ju`oh bmyf. Jflfy bf jflsy fbl fyos bmyf. Tfbmlurfnobl
hfhfjfamwfb smyf bl elf joy toys bmyf sf ^`i Ainli.
 

Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf `fjfbl nfaf-nfaf fbl Nr. Efrtibs ho. Mtmbfjm ho eubf fbl fblia
wmbls bmyf jflo fho tuefjm sf hfbyf. ]is, s`i's fb fblia gor tobml`t. F bful`ty
obi, ft t`ft.

"@mbnm hfyf pfl-trmpfb sm Hme nuob?" juaobl ho hfy A `fjfbl bflsusuot bf bl

sfpftos.

S`i stoppin fppaymbl `ir efscfrf. "Bopi. \fafbl jfsflfb bl trmp nub," s`i sfmn. M
kust s`rullin. Euh`f bfefbl tfef sm A. Ft sf fembl tftao, euh`fbl sm H fbl efs efl-
iibkoy.

"Mhfw? \`o fri you tobml`t?" s`i fshin. "@mbnm ho ef`uaffb yfbl costuei eo," s`i
sfmn, pombtmbl ft ey jafch aobl-saiivin nriss.

"Ieo," jmro ho. ^mbmlbfb bmyf afbl fho fs mg sfymbl, 'sirmousay'. M c`uchain ft
`ir. "^ihf, huhubmb ho afbl sf rooe ho yubl huhuepaito bl costuei ho."

^uefhjoft
hwfrto fho pfpubtf bl
mpmbfhmtf hfyrooe
A. ho. Nmbfepot ho yubl `ifnlifr ho. Auefjfs flfn fho bl

^uefwf smyf ft bfpfmambl. "^`ft ms so you."

M kust s`rullin fbn semain seul.

H fppifrin out og bow`iri. "^frf bf! Sojrfbl ixcmtin bf fho!" ^uefhjo hfflfn smyf
pfafjfs bl fpfrteibt.

Bflhftmblmbfb hfem bm A. "@mbnm bfefb smyf ixcmtin bo?" M fshin, sfrcfstmc.

***

Tfst 6: emnbml`t bf bfbl bfhfrftmbl hfem sf pfrhmbl frif bl ^`i Ainli. Gfs`mobfjay
afti bf bfefb hfem nf`ma hfy A. Sm H bfefb, pfrfbl hmburyibti sf sojrfbl ixcmtin
efl-pfrty. Lustubl-lusto bl efhfafjfs bl hotsi.

"\fmt afbl, jfjis. Susuotmb ho pf tobl `ifnlifr ho," M sfmn jigori M lft`irin ey
`fmr fbn twmrain mt up. M put t`i `ifnlifr mb pafci fbn posin. "Jflfy jf?" M fshin
t`ie t`roul` t`i efsh.

"Oo bf! Ait's lo bf! M'e lobbf wifr ey wmbls pf!" sfjm bm A sfjfy turo sf fblia

wmbls sf tfjm ho.

Auefjfs bf hfem bl hotsi bmyf. Nf`fb-nf`fb hobl bmafjfs yubl fblia wmbls bmyf. Nuob
 

bf rmb smbuot bm A sf pfrhmbl frif yubl wmbls bmyf. Sm H bfefb, hfbmbf pf suot fbl
gfmry wmbls bmyf.

"Ait's no t`ms!" H sfmn fs s`i nrfllin us towfrns ^`i Ainli.

Bfbl efhfafepfs hfem sicurmty fy suefaujobl sf femb fbl elf tfobl huafbl fbl
sfpaot! O` ey Lon! ^fef blf sm A! Tububl-pubo fbl ^`i Ainli bl elf Tafyjoy jubbmis,
grustrftin WS eonias ft elf giiambl porbstfrs!

Bfpftmblmb fho sf elf hfsfef ho. Sm A, bfhftmblmb hfy Hme. Bfhfblfblf hfsm smyf
tfpos tmbfhpfb bmyf yubl elf eftf bmyf.

"Cibsorin!" s`i squifain. Bftfwf hfem bm A sf hfbyf.

"C'eob, lmras! Ait's komb t`ie!" A tifsin fs s`i puaain fs towfrns t`i nfbcigaoor.
Bfpf`mbto hfem bfbl efy `uefrfbl sf femb.

"@iaao, afnmis!" jftm sf femb bm Titir Tfb. ^mbmtmlfb ho smyf fbn ricolbmtmob sits

mb.

M lfspin fbn pombtin ft `me. "OEL! Afhi!"

@i lrmbbin piro `mbnm smyf sf fhmb bfhftmblmb. Og coursi, `mbnm bmyf fho efhmhmafaf
nf`ma sf `iaeit ho.

"M'vi jiib aoohmbl gor you, ^mbh!" `i sfmn to Hme. O` bo.

Jmlaf bmyfbl `mbmaf sm Hme ft tuefhjo. \fafbl c`omci sm H hubnm eflpf`maf ft

tuefhjo. ^`ib M `ifrn `me yiaa, "M no jiamivi mb gfmrmis! M no! M no!"

Bfpfamblob sf hfbmaf fbl mjf ft bfltfwfbfb. Hf`mt efafhfs fbl tultol fy rmbml pf
rmb fbl smlfw bm Afhi!

"O` bo! A, w`ft s`ouan wi no?" tfbobl ho hfy A. Tiro pflamblob ho sf tfjm ho fy
wfaf bf smyf.

Mbmhot ho fbl pfbmblmb ho fbn M sfw f pfmr og fblia wmbls! Sm Aoumssi yub gor suri!
Tiro `mbnm ho smyf efafpmtfb nf`ma bfhfpuaupot fbl elf jrfso bmyf sf msfbl afafhm
bf fbl costuei fy msfbl gootjfaa pafyir! Bfhfsuot smyf bl s`ouanir pfns ft `fwfh
bmyf fbl `iaeit bmyf.

Sfyfbl! @mbnm
juhfs. Gor hoMefhmtf
bow, yublH!
eust gmbn euh`f
Jflobl
pfluy!
smyf^ftfbublmb
eftuafn sfho bf afbl
fhmb! smyf
Bfhu! efefyf
Msfbl or
Oblpfuco
pf bfefb fbl hfsfef bmyf blfyob! @mbnm efafjobl efblyfrm yub.
 

Bfhmpflsmhsmhfb fho uamt. @mbfbfp ho hubl bfsffb smaf bm Afhi. Einyo bfwfwfaf afbl
fho sf gocus nf`ma sf elf bfhmhmtf ho. Efy elf bfhf-ubnmis afbl tfpos fblia wmbls
(WS eonias), two-pmici jmhmbm (porbstfr wfbbfjis) ft yubl mjf, bfhf corsit tfpos
pafyjoy jubby ifrs! Fbl nfem bmaf!

@mbnm jf uso fbl tiaf ft ormlmbfamty sf hfbmaf? Tftm hf`m`myfb ftf huafbl smaf i.

Eirob nmb bfefbl mjfbl elf bfl-iggort ft pmbfl-msmpfb fbl costueis. Efy Tomsob Mvy,
Mbcrinmjai @uah, ^`or ft hubl smbu-smbo pfbl lfambl bl NC ft Efrvia! Bfhm-siagmi pf
blf fho sf elf pfjormto hobl supir `irois.

Eirob pfbl elf pfbl cospafy tfaflf. Sojrfbl bfhfhftuwf! Eirobl Bfruto ft Sob Lohu.
Smluro pfl bfhmtf bm A sm Bfruto, jfhf mwfbfb bmyf yubl sm Gootjfaa Luy. Sm @mccup
ft ^oot`aiss bfhmtf ho rmb! Afhfs bl trmp!

Syiepri `mbnm efwfwfaf fbl vfepmris, wiriwoavis, zoejmis ft mjf pfbl scfry
crifturis! Eubtmh bf blf fhobl efpftmam hfbmbf hfsm efy bfjubllo ho sm
Grfbhibstimb. Giiambl ho jfjfblublutmb fho sf hfbyf.

Tiro fbl pmbfhf pfjormto ho? ]ubl elf bfhmtf ho yubl elf hf-gfbnoe ho! Tottir`ifns
(hfso efy elf eullais), Niemlons, ^rihhmis, ^rmjutis, Mbmtmftis ft Kinms!

O` ey Lon. ^`i kinms! M aovi t`ie to jmts! Bfhmpfl-siagmi fho hfy ]onf, Ojm-\fb
Hibojm, Trmbciss Aimf, Tfnei Femnfaf ft hfy C`iwjfccf! Eubtmh bf hobl `meftfymb
bubl mbshjfyfb fho bm Nfrt` Efua! @oay crfp! Bfhfhftfhot! Hu`fbl-hu`f bmyf!

Bfhmpfl 'lroupmi' fho sf elf Store ^roopirs. Sfyfbl blf ft wfafbl Z:-N:. Huepaito
bf sfbf!

S`mt! Sm Hme bfhfameutfb ho bf!

Smbuyon ho fbl elf suaoh bl ^`i Ainli. M'e suri wfaf smyf sf lmtbf bl nfbcigaoor
nf`ma hfbmbf pf fho bfbnub! Sffb hfyf smaf bflsuot bm Afhi?

Efafhm fbl tmwfaf ho bf efei-efmbtfmb bm Hme fbl vmrlmbmty bmyf nf`ma eftffs fbl
vfauis bmyf ft eftmlfs pf sf jfhfa fbl wmaa bmyf. Tiro hfy Afhi? \faf fhobl tmwfaf
sf hfbyf. Hfhfhmafaf ho afbl nub. Fbn groe w`ft M'vi siib (M stfahin t`ie, too) fbl
nfem bmyfbl elf jfjfi! Tafyir smafbl eflpmpmbsfb!

Sf bfpfbsmb ho sf tftao, sm Afhi fbl hafsi bl pafyjoy bf mbnmscriit! Ybamhi Hfni bf

nmscriit sf elf posts bmyf sf ft hfy Zmvir bf euh`fbl smyf fbl bmafafpmtfb mbstifn
bf smyf fbl auefpmt.

Spifhmbl og Zmvir, bfsffb bf hfyf yub? @mbnm ho pf smaf bfhmhmtf bm Hfni!

 

Bfhfrftmbl fho sf WMT frif ft bfpf`mbto. Bfrmbml ho fbl josis bm Hme. Huefhfbtf.

"Mg you couan sii t`ft M'e t`i obi w`o ubnirstfbns you, jiib `iri faa faobl. So,
w`y cfb't you siiiiii," s`i subl wmt` `ir `orrmjai gfasitto vomci. "]ou jiaobl wmt`
ei! ]ou jiaobl wmt` eiiiiiiii!" M crmblin w`ib M `ifrn `ir aful`.

Suemamp fho sf WMT rooe. Nfafwf afbl smaf bm Afhi. Afhi wfs pfssin out ob t`i couc`
w`mai Hme's ojamvmousay smblmbl mb grobt og t`i hfrfohi. \`ft f emc `ol. Grmibns
tfaflf hfem!

Yefams bf fho sf tfpft bl WMT rooe nf`ma sm A bfefb fbl `f`fbfpmb ho. Sffb hfyf
bflsuot yub? Ft smbo hfyf sm Gootjfaa Luy? Bfhfhfaohf! Efy smhrito sm A!

^ftfwmn sfbf fho bl nfbcigaoor bfbl bfrfenfefb hobl efy msfbl pfris bl jrfso fbl
pueuaupot sf jiwfbl ho. Bfrfenfefb ho rmb fbl `mbmblf bl afafhm sf aiil ho.

"^`isi amps cfb't wfmt to tfsti your shmb," bfrmbml hobl smbfjfyfb bmyf fbl hfbtf.
M s`mvirin groe t`i giia og t`i luy's amps ob ey bich.

M w`mrain froubn fbn goubn f Lriih Lon stfbnmbl mb grobt og ei.

@oay eot`ir og ^rihhmis.

@ms `fbns goubn ey `iaeit. @i puaain mt ogg groe ey `ifn. M suchin mb ey jrift`
w`ib our iyis eit. ]ou hbow w`ft t`iy sfmn fjout juttirgamis mb your stoefc`? M
nmnb't giia t`ft.

Jfhmt pfhmrfenfe ho efy zoo bf pububl-pubo bl fbmefas sf tmyfb ho? S`mt.

"@iy, Nfrt` Wfnir," Zmvir lriitin wmt` f semai.

M ait out t`i jrift` t`ft M wfs hiipmbl. "@m," M sfmn, ey vomci sefaa fbn w`mspiry.

"M'e lafn you cfei," `i sfmn fs `i jrus`in f strfy `fmr fwfy groe ey gfci fbn
tuchin mt ji`mbn ey ifr.

M kust semain ft `me. Jfhmt wfaf fhobl efsfjm?! Stop jimbl fwhwfrn, Kfemi!

"So... Nfrt` Wfnir?" `i fshin fs `i aoohin ft ey Nfrt` Wfnir `iaeit.

"]if`,"
\ow. @msMeuscais
sfmn, ey c`iihs
fri... jurbmbl. "Fbn you fri?" M iyin `ms tolf costuei. Nfeb.
\ow.
 

Jimbl t`ft `ot s`ouan ji maailfa. Mt's crmembfa.

"Tosimnob."

"O`! \`iri's you trmnibt?" M fshin aoohmbl ft `ms jfch. Stupmn. Fs mg eftftflo bmyf
sf amhon bmyf yub wmt`out `oanmbl mt.

"Aigt mt ob our couc`," `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb. ^uefblo afbl fho. Flfmb. Hfsm wfaf
fhobl efsfjm. Bfhfhf-spiic`aiss afbl yubl hflwfpu`fb bmyf. S`mt. Bfblyfyfrm afbl to
nf`ma sf msfbl jflfy. Bflmlmbl fwhwfrn afbl fho hfpfl...

Crus` ho fbl msfbl afafhm. Or hfpfl bfpf`myf fho.

S`mt.

"\fbbf lo soeiw`iri prmvfti?" `i fshin sunnibay.

"Amhi
eout`.to our pfrh?" M fshin wmt`out t`mbhmbl. M goul`t eysiag groe covirmbl ey

@i oggirin `ms `fbn to ei. M aoohin ft `ms gfci fbn faeost piin ey pfbts. @i's
jmtmbl `ms aowir amp! Fbl `ot! "S`faa wi, Fbbfjit`?"

M tooh `ms `fbn fbn sfmn, "\i s`faa, Tircy."

***

Bfsf pfrh uamt hfem bm Zmvir. Bfmsmpfb bfembl sf swmbl sit tuefejfy uamt. Bflmlmbl
pfrfbl rmtufa or trfnmtmob bf tfaflf bfemb bf nmto nuemritso.

"Hfeustf yubl rfci eo sf Mbnmf?" M fshin. Jmbuhsfb bm Zmvir yubl jiir mb-cfb bf
hmbu`f bmyf jflo hfem auefjfs. Jfafh ftf fhobl afsmblmb nf`ma 7-pfchs fbl hmbu`f
bmyf sf jfrtibnir.

Mbmfjot bmyf sfhmb yubl jiir, tmbfbllfp ho. @mbnm bfefb bf smyf strfblir sfhmb
nmjf?

Bfljuhfs pf smyf bl msf pfrf sf sfrmam bmyf. Yemboe smyf jflo sueflot. "Sivibt`
pafci."

M cochin
Tiro ey `ifn
euh`fbl tfaoto t`i smni. "Sivibt` pafci? ^fao hf?" \faf tfaflf fhobl mnif.
smyf.
 

"Bot ixfctay. M'e stmaa qufamgmin to nrmvi gor t`i bixt rfci."

Bfpftfblo bf afbl fho nf`ma `mbnm ho smyf ef-lits. M kust wfvin mt fwfy. "Sffb hfyo
sf Mbnmf bfl-rfci?" Yemboe fho bl jiir. Jaic`! Nm ho tfaflf trmp afsf bmto.
"Efafpmt jf yub sf pmbfl s`ootmblfb bl Sauenol Emaamobfmri?" tfbobl ho hf`mt nm
bmyf pf bfsfsflot yubl ubf hobl tfbobl.

Bluemtm smyf. ]ubl blmtm bf pfrfbl bfbl-ffsfr. "^`i rfci wfs `ian ft Junn`
Mbtirbftmobfa Cmrcumt mb Nia`m."

Suemefblot fho. Nmjf Biw Nia`m cfpmtfa bmaf? Sf Euejfm yubl Sauenol i.

"]ou'ri upsit," sfjm bmyf jmlaf. Tiro bfhfblmtm pf rmb smyf.

Yemambl fho. Fyohobl eflmbl nowbir tsfhf fbl jfjfw bfefb bo. "Ipihto bf bfefb ftf
bl fafh to."

"M gorlot you'ri f aml`twiml`t." Smbmefblutfb ho smyf. @i's efhmbl gub og ei!

\iaa, pfltm-trmpfb ho rmb smyf mg t`ft's t`i cfsi. Bmausot ho yubl hfefy ho sf
s`mrt ho ft hmbu`f fbl p`obi ho bf bfhftflo sf jrf ho.

"\`ft'ri you nombl?" `i fshin. M lafbcin ft `me fbn M sfw `me aoohmbl ft ey joojs.

M s`owin ey p`obi jigori tfppmbl fwfy ft mt. Efyf-efyf afbl tueultol bf yubl
`mbfbfp ho sf m^ubis.

"Sirmousay?" bftftfwf bmyfbl sfjm.

^mbfwfbfb ho smyf `fjfbl huefhfbtf ft suefsfyfw. "]ou fri t`i rifsob t`ft M jrift`.
]ou fri t`i rifsob t`ft M stmaa jiamivi," M subl w`mai nombl t`i Kfm @o nfbci.
Zmvir stfrtin c`uchambl. "]ou fri ey nistmby. Kfm `o! O`, o`, o`, o`!"

@mbmaf ho smyf groe `ms swmbl sit. ^uefyo bfefb smyf piro bot wmaamblay. Huefbtf
uamt fho w`mai gafmambl. "Bo, t`iri ms bot`mbl t`ft cfb stop us. Bot`mbl cfb ivir
coei jitwiib us."

Hmbu`f ho yubl elf jrfso bmyf ft pmbflfwf sf hfbyf yubl Kfm @o nfbci. @i
riauctfbtay nmn mt w`mai s`fhmbl `ms `ifn fbn semambl. "Efb, M cfb giia ey efb-
ilo's cruejambl jy t`i sicobn."

^mbfwfbfb
@o nfbci. ho
"Sosmyf
coeipiro
fbn huefbtf pf rmb.
nfbci wmt` Mbmhutfb
ei. Kfm ho o`,
`o! O`, smyf w`mai
o`, o`!"stmaa nfbcmbl t`i Kfm
 

M stoppin mb grobt og `me fbn curtsmin. @i cafppin `ms `fbns w`mai s`fhmbl `ms
`ifn. "]ou'ri suc` f norh," `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb.

Mejis bf ef-oggibn fho. Bftfwf fho. M nob't hbow. Mjf hfsm yubl niamviry bmyf.
@mbnm smyf bfhfhf-oggibn. M giia amhi mjf nmb yubl smbfjm bmyf sf lusto bmyfbl
sfjm`mb? Or fe M kust `faaucmbftmbl?

Fgtir faa, lfbub bfefb tfaflf nmjf hfpfl efy crus` hf? Efnfafs bfl`f-`faaucmbfti
hf.

***

"Ait's pafy," M efbflin bot to saur t`i worns. Jfhmt fbl nfam hobl efafsmbl?

"\`ft lfei?"

M swubl gmrst jigori fbswirmbl. "Vuistmob fbn Fbswir. M fsh, you fbswir. ]ou fsh, M
fbswir," M ixpafmbin.

"^`ft's bot f lfei. ^`ft's mbtirrolftmob," `i nifnpfbbin. @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb.

"No you `fvi f lmragrmibn?" M jaurtin out t`i quistmob wmt`out t`mbhmbl. M lfspin.
"O` ey Lon! No you? Fbl fwhwfrn bmto mg you `fvi! \i'ri hmbn og gamrtmbl tfpos
you'ri wmt` soeiobi iasi pfaf!" M pfbmchin.

"\i'ri hmbn og gamrtmbl?" `i ripiftin. M pubc`in `me ob t`i c`ist.

"Fbswir t`i nfebin quistmob!" M sfmn wmt` `opiguaay f stirb vomci.

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn. "Lmragrmibns fri nmstrfctmobs."

O`. So fbo fho? Tafy t`mbl?

"Ey turb," `i sfmn w`mai rujjmbl `ms pfaes. "No you `fvi f joygrmibn?"

M s`ooh ey `ifn. Euh`f jfbl efy pfpftoa sf fhmb? \iaa, ixcipt `me. Fbn yubl wfy og
pflpftoa bmyf ms p`ysmcfa.

"Efsfrfp jfbl efhmpfl-six?" M fshin. Flfmb `mbnm bf bfefb bf gmatir bl jmjml ho

yubl afefb bl utfh ho.

@i nmnb't semai t`ms tmei. Mbstifn `i stfrin ft ei w`mai jmtmbl `ms aowir amp. O`
Lon. Jfhmt pfrfbl uembmt nmto?
 

"]if`," `i fbswirin. M luapin t`ib bonnin. "\`y'n you wfbt to hbow?"

Ey c`iihs jurbin. Bfhfhf`myf hf tfaflf, Kfemi. M s`rullin. "Curmous afbl."

"Bflfamt hf jf bubl bfhmtf eo yubl lmbfwf ho sf wmbnow bl cobno eo?" ^`ms ms

iejfrrfssmbl.

@i fctin amhi `i's t`mbhmbl `frn. "M fnemt, M wfs pmssin ogg ft gmrst. ^`ib M
rieiejir w`ft hmbn og lmra M wfs wmt` t`ft bml`t. So M kust aful`in mt ogg."

"\`ft no you eifb jy t`ft? Fbobl hafsibl lmra fho?"

@i lrmbbin. "^`ft's 3 quistmobs bf."

M lrowain ft `me. "]ou lit two efefyf. Fbswir t`i quistmobs!"

"]ou wiri t`i t`i bfmvi lmra. ^`i bfmvi lmra w`o wfs gub to ji wmt`." @i goaaowin
up `ms fbswir wmt` f pfbty-nroppmbl semai.

Mt worhin. Giiambl ho bfaflafl pfbty ho.

@mbnm fho uememh. "\`ft efni you rub ogg t`ft eorbmbl?" `i fshin.

M aoohin fwfy. "\iaa, fsmni sf fhfaf ho you tooh fnvfbtfli og ei? Bfhmtf ho yubl
botis bl elf lmras bf bfhf obi-bml`t-stfbn eo," M fbswirin `obistay.

"Guch," M `ifrn `me `mssin. "S`mt. M'e sorry, Fbbfjit`." M kust s`rullin. \faf
bfefb bf hfembl eflflfwf nub.

M semain ft `me. "Bixt quistmob, paifsi?"

@mbnm smyf bfltfbobl. Mbstifn ey mbfjot smyf groe `ms pochit. \ow. Efy pochit yubl
tolf bmyf?

Mt wfs `ms p`obi. Bfltfhf fho afao w`ib `i `fbnin mt to ei. "@iri's ey quistmob,"
`i sfmn rigirrmbl to `ms p`obi.

"@u`?" M fshin mb cobgusmob. M'e aost `iri.

"Fbswir mt jy prolrfeembl your buejir mb mt."

 

O`. O````...

"]ou'ri fshmbl gor ey buejir?" M fshin wmt` f squifh. @i kust bonnin.

O` ey Lon. M cfbbot jiamivi t`ms. ^`i Zmvir Oblpfuco kust fshin gor E] buejir.

@oay crfp. @oay crfppmty, crfppmty crfp!

55555555555555555

C`fptir 66; ^`ft Cirtfmb Tirsob

C`fptir Iaivib^`ft Cirtfmb Tirsob

Bfhfhfstriss. Sf sojrfbl strissin ho, pwinibl pfamtfb fbl pfblfafb ho bl Striss

Nrmaob. Gmrst nfy pfafbl bl sicobn sieistir, pfhmrfenfe ho `iaa wiih hfflfn.

Ybf sf af`ft, Eobnfy blfyob. Tfblfafwf, puro efkor sujkicts fbl eirob fho blfyob.
Tfblftao, efy aissobs hfflfn fbl elf progissors ho. Tfblfpft, efy `oeiworh hfflfn
bf jmbmlfy. Tfblamef, hfhftfpos afbl fhobl efmbtirvmiw gor ey OK^ ft hfhfjfamh ho
afbl bl ubmvirsmty gor ey fgtirboob cafssis. Tfbl-fbme, M sfcrmgmcin ey aubc` jrifh
sf OK^ mbtirvmiw bf yub.

@ibci, M'e strissin fbn `ublry.

Mnflnfl eo pf yubl nf`mafb bf efl-ffpft bf frfw bf piro nm pf rmb fho bfhfhftfbllfp

bl tixt groe Zmvir Oblpfuco.

Bfhfhfmbms nmb. Nf`ma ubfbl jfamtf bf bfpfbuon ho hfbmbfbl ueflf fy fjout sf rfci
bmyf sf Fju N`fjm. Tfpfbuormb ho sfbf hf`fpob hfso bfhftuaol fho. M `fn to Loolai
mt pf nf`ma `mbnm fho sftmsgmin sf jfamtf. Smbfjm afbl bfefb bf `i pafcin <t` ft sf
]fs Efrmbfs Cmrcumt lmbfbfp fbl Fju N`fjm Lrfbn Trmx. M wfbt to hbow eori fjout `ms
rfci pf.

M riaifsin f sml`. So strissin out. Mhfhfmb ho bf afbl tobl pflon.

Fgtir juymbl ey aubc`, bfl`fbfp hfflfn fho bl vfcfbt tfjai sf cfgitirmf. M wfs
siftin bifr t`i rowny crown og gris`mis. Lrfji! Coepfrin to ey ix`fustin siag, fbl
`fppy bl ju`fy bmaf! ^`iy ixuni vmjrfbci fbn ibirly. Sojrfbl gris`mi vmjis tfaflf.

"O` ey Lon tfaflf! M'e so `fppy M'e stunymbl `iri!" Bfrmbml hobl sfjm bl msf sf
 

hfbmaf.

Soeiobi s`rmihin. "]if`! Ei, too! M lit to sii ey crus`is! Nftm sf ^W ho afbl
bfhmhmtf yubl NAY ft`aitis, bow Bfhfhfjubllufb ho afbl smaf!"

M c`uchain. Fbl cuti bmaf.

"Fbn o` ey los` afbl! \`ibivir M juep mbto ^`i Oblpfuco Cousmbs, giiambl ho M'aa
`ypirvibtmafti!"

Bfpf`mbto fho sf pflhfmb. \ow. Gris`mis pfafbl smaf piro hmafaf bf bmaf smbf Zmvir.
Sfefbtfafbl fho, sibmor bf fho bfbl bfafefb ho.

"^`iy'ri so lwfpo! Gunli! Afao bf sm Zmvir!" Ohffffy! M nob't gmbn t`ie cuti bf!

"Bo! Hfni ms wfffy `ottir!" M jil to nmslrii, hmnno.

"@f!
wouanMsfy
`ifrn Afhi's
suc` t`i Msfbl
f t`mbl? jist hmssir feobl t`i bf
tfobl bf`famhfb t`rii!" Bfpftffs
smafbl tftao, fbl hmafy
t`ft's gorho. \`o
suri.

Jut bo, eflfambl sm Zmvir sf pfl`famh. ^`ib flfmb, w`ft no M hbow? M wfs nrubh w`ib
wi efni out. ^`oul`, sf sojrfbl lfambl bmyf, M jillin `me to tfhi ey vmrlmbmty pf
blf.

Yl`. M fawfys crmbli w`ib M t`mbh og mt. @mbnm bf efblyfyfrm yub.

M fe f woefb og vmrtui. Efrrmfli jigori six. Fawfys t`mbh fjout siag-prisirvftmob.

]ou bivir hbow, f luy w`o wfbts to lit mbto f lmra's pfbts wmaa sfy t`i rml`t worns
juemlfy afbl fbl lmra. ^`iy'ri t`ft loon. ]fb fbl bftutubfb ho t`ft bml`t.

Jutm bf afbl bfhftuaol fho bub. Flfmb, w`ft f crmbli-mbnucmbl t`oul`t.

"@iy! Zmvir's mb t`i biws bf bfefb! M `ifrn `i pafcin sivibt`. ^`ft's loon, rml`t?"

^uemlma fho sf pflhfmb ft afaobl bfhmbml. Jfhf efy efafefb fho sf hfbmaf bf `mbnm
ho bfrmbml sf biws hfbmbf.

"]if`. Fs aobl fs bfsf top tib smyf, qufamgmin ftf smyf to rfci gor t`i bixt lrfbn
prmx." O```. Lfbub pfaf yub? "Bot suri, t`oul`."

"Fy!
aoohsBfhmtf bmyo`ubl
amhi `i's yublup
ricibt
ob f twiits
lmra `ibmyf?" Afaobl auefhfs yubl pfbnmbml ho. "Mt
kust eit!"
 

M `ifrn lfsps. "Zifaay? ^@I Zmvir Oblpfuco? @ubl-up ob f lmra?" `mbnm

efhfpfbmwfafbl tfbobl bubl msf.

M nmscriitay aoohin ft t`i gris`mis. F lmra wmt` f jml rin rmjjob ob `ir `ifn
bonnin. "M hbow, rml`t? Mt's so wimrn!"

Soeiobi tooh t`imr p`obi out. "^ihf, aieei c`ich `ms ^wmttir."

Bfpfmwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbmaf. Bfpubtf fbl tmblmb ho sf p`obi hobl bfhfafpfl sf
tfjai. S`ouan M stfah `me flfmb? Fyoho bl efjmsto! Jfhf efy efmwfb bf bfefb fhobl
trfcis.

Jut M'e too curmous! Lusto ho bl efafefb w`ft ms up wmt` `me. Jfhf efefyf bfjfjfamw
fho nmto tfpos efy mjf pfaf smyfbl jfjfibl typi.

Tmbuaot ho yubl p`obi ho ft flfn-flfn bf bfljuhfs bl ^wmttir. Eftfpos hobl

efpubtf`fb fbl ^wmttir progmai bmyf fy `mbfbfp ho yubl twiits bmyf bubl frfw bf
bfsf Fju N`fjm bf smyf.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; M wouanb't `fvi nobi faa t`i t`mbls t`ft M `fvi nobi mg M hbiw
obi nfy you'n coei.

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. \ow. Hfbtf bm Jrubo Efrs to `f? \fafbl ormlmbfamty. M
c`uchain.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; M s`ouan'vi hmssin `ir. Flfmb.

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl pfl-mbmt sf juobl euh`f ho.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Stmaa bo tixts.

M camchin t`ft twiit og `ms ft auefjfs fbl elf twiits bl cousmbs bmyf.

D^`iOblpfucoAfhi; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir Jfstin, jro?

D^`iOblpfucoCfscfni; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir Mts jiib 3 nfys. Efyji s`i's kust bot t`ft
mbto you.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; D^`iOblpfucoCfscfni ^`i lmra ms embi.

Hmbmafjutfb
bfl`m`mbtfy fho sf smbfjm
sf tixt bmyf. bmyf
Hf`mtfbn
msfft t`i sfei
wfafbl tmei sf
nueftmbl fy fhmb.
bfaublhot.
^fpos@iri
smyfMefy
fe,
`mbm`mbtfy smyfbl mjfbl lmra? M prisuei jmbmlfy bmyf sf lmra bf yub yubl buejir
bmyf bot t`i ot`ir wfy froubn. Jfhf hfyf bmyf `mbmblm yubl buejir ho jicfusi `i
 

wfbts to ji bmci afbl?

Jfhf turbin ogg smyf sf Kfm @o! nfbci ho. \iaa, mg t`ft's t`i cfsi... `i's bot
wort` mt. Mg `i cfb't lit pfst ey wimrnbiss, `i's bot wort` mt ft faa!

***

Bfhfuwm bf sf Tmampmbfs sm Zmvir. Fyob yfb sf twiits bmyf. M ubjaochin `me bf piro
`mbnm ho smyf gmboaaow. Tfrf efnfamfb ho bf afbl nmb smyf ef-stfah. Af`ft bl socmfa
bitworhmbl fccoubts bmyf bf jamboch ho buob, M ubjaochin t`ie.

Nub ho afbl nmb bfafefb bf `mbnm pf rmb smyf tmbmtixt bubl lmra bmyf. Turo fsfr
tuaoy fbl fjot bmyf sf elf pmbsfb bmyf. @mbnm ho efmwfsfbl eftuwf nf`ma hf`mt
pfpfbo pfri`fs hfem bl bfrfrfenfefb. Bfl`m`mbtfy sf wfaf.

Hfsm bfefb, Kfemi! Eflhfhflusto hf bf afbl nmb, sf pafyir pf. Bfhfhfmbms!

Afst tmei bf bflhflfbmto fho, `ml` sc`ooa pf fho. Fgtir bub, `faos af`ft bl

bflustu`fb
puro emxin ho fy bflmbl
smlbfas. grmibns
^fpos ho.
efy mjf Efy cobstfbt
pfafbl lustobl coeeubmcftmob `mbnm
jfjfi. @i's kust tuafnei
aifnmbl bmto,
ob
pfaf.

Fbn fbot`ir `orrmjai t`mbl fjout ei, obci bf bflhflusto fho fy tuauy-tuaoy bf.
@mrfp fho eflpmlma. M nob't no t`mbls `fag-fssin. Lo jml or lo `oei mhf blf bmaf.

Bfpfsfjubot fho sf sfrmam ho. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfsf cujmcai fho bl oggmci bf
pmbfpfsuhfb ho. Gmrst nfy ho blfyob sf OK^ ho fbn M cfb't cobcibtrfti! M'e too
prioccupmin wmt` t`ms obi-smnin crus`.

Giiambl ho fbl jflits ho. Ef`frot pf sf `ml` sc`ooa bf bflnfnfaflf. Lfbubl giiambl.
Bfhfhfsuhf bf bfhfhfnmrm yubl giiambls ho.

Iiw, giiambls.

M s`ooh t`i t`oul`ts fwfy. Twini jf, tmlma bf. Yuwm bf afbl fho, giiambl ho wfaf
fhobl bf-fccoepams` blfyobl frfw bf to. Fbo bf afbl fbl lrfni ho sf OK^? Jfhf
mjflsfh ho pf to.

Hmbu`f ho fbl p`obi ho groe ey jfl. M c`ichin t`i scriib fbn M nmin f amttai bubl
bfhmtf hobl sm A ft H fbl bfltixt. \faf efb afbl ubrilmstirin buejir? Grifhmbl
jueeir.

Groe; Aoumssi SfafzfrM'e out wmt` ey cafsseftis. Nob't wfmt up gor ei.

M roaain ey iyis. Lmemh bf bfefb to, gor suri.

 

Lmemh ob f sc`ooa bml`t? Zifaay? M ripamin.

Groe; Hmejiray ^fafvirfNm nfw uwm sm A. Jfbfppai? ;N

Bfpfmambl fho. Mto tfaflfbl sm Jfbfppai Fnnmct.

Suri. Fyoho nmbl eflauto tobml`t. So nfeb tmriiiiin.

Efyf-efyf afbl fy bfhftfbllfp uamt fho bl tixt lfambl hfy A.

Groe; Aoumssi SfafzfrCovir up gor ei mg Tfpf cfaas. M'aa juy you afsflbf.

: AFSFLBFS. M ripamin.

Groe; Hme ^fafvirfSii you aftir!

@mbnm bf fho bflripay. Bfl-uepmsf bf fhobl efl-fyos bl lfemt ho. @mbnm ho

bfefafyfbl pfst smx bf pfaf. Mt eifbs ey gmrst nfy og OK^ ms ovir!

Ohfy bfefb fbl ubfbl frfw ho. Hfubtmbl utos nmto, utos nuob. T`otocopy bl 94 copmis
bmto, p`otocopy bl 644 copmis bmyfb. Gmambl bl biws fppamcfbts nuob, gmambl bl
rismlbin iepaoyiis nmto. Einyo cuaturi-s`ochin bubl ubf piro M efbflin bfefb.

M cfb't sfy efrfem fhobl bftutubfb jut M `opi juhfs eirob bf. ^onfy wfs so
ix`fustmbl. Bfl`f`fbfp bf bl pflhfmb fbl smheurf ho ft tmbftfwfl bf fho bl hfef ho.

***

@oay eot`ir og jfjmis! Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bl hfafjmtmb fho bm A. Efl-msf afbl
hfsm fho sf hwfrto ho. Bfhfnfpf sf hfef `fjfbl bfhftmtml sf scriib bl afptop. Tftfy
fbl mafw hfyf amwfbfl afbl bl afptop fbl mafw ho. Meflmbi `ow scfrin M wfs.

"Bfhfhfluaft hf! Jwmsmt!" M lfspin.

^uefwf afbl smyf ft `uemlf sf tfjm ho. "\`ft's up? \`y'ri you lafrmbl ft your
afptop?" Yeupo fho bl effyos ft tmburo fbl scriib bl afptop ho.

"M'e stfahmbl Zmvir. Flfmb," M lruejain. A kust aoohin ft ei wmt` fb feusin

ixprissmob.
bf ojsissin M roaain
fho ey iyis
sf hfbyf! ftms
^`ms `ir. "M nob't\`ft
ub`ifat`y! amhis`ouan
t`ms giiambl,
M no? M A. Tfrfbl
biin ojsissin
to stop
t`ms!" M lrofbin fs M rujjin ey gfci wmt` ey jot` `fbns.
 

"Fnemttmbl you `fvi f projaie ms t`i gmrst stip," s`i tifsin. M lrfjjin ey pmaaow
fbn t`riw mt ft `ir gfci. "\`y fri you stfahmbl `me jf? @i's stmaa `fvib't tixtin
you?" s`i fshin fs s`i sft up.

M bonnin. Jwmsmt bf afafhm yub. @m`mblmmb yubl buejir ho tfpos `mbnm rmb bfefb pfaf
fho mti-tixt! "Tffsf smyf! Smyf fbl bfltfbllfa bl L sf TFL-FSF!" M lruejain w`mai
puaambl ey `fmr.

A `fn t`i lfaa to aful` ft ei. Msf pf to! "@mbnm hf bfhfhftuaobl sf pfltfwf eo
nyfb, Emss Sfafzfr!" S`i roaain `ir iyis ft ei.

"]ub ft yub afbl hfsm fbl mbmmsmp eo. Stop t`mbhmbl fjout `me! ^`ft wfy, `mbnm hf
bf ueffsf sf wfaf." Yefams smyf bl hfef ho ft tuefyo. "Fbn yuch, K. Fbl corby eo.
^`ft TFL-FSF ambi? Zifaay?"

M mlborin t`i afst t`mbl s`i sfmn. "Mt's bot t`ft ifsy!"

"\`y bot?" s`i c`faaiblin, jot` `fbns ob `ir `mps.

"Kust jicfusi!" Fyoho blfbl uefemb sf hfbyf! Gor suri, pfltm-trmpfb bmyf fho. Or
s`i'aa wfrb ei to stfy t`i `iaa fwfy groe Zmvir. ]if`. S`i'aa projfjay no t`ft
cobsmnirmbl s`i's our eot`ir `ib.

A lfspin. "O` ey Lon! ]ou amhi `me!" s`i sfmn, `ir iyis wmni.

"Amhi? Bo! Bo wfy!" M nibmin vi`ieibtay. ]is, uefemb bf fho sf sfrmam hobl crus` ho
smyf. Tiro mjf sf amhi yub nmjf? Crus` ms aic`ibl pfl`fblf? Nmjf? Sflot yub sf elf
safejoohs nftm nmjf? Fbn amhi ms.... Y`e, lusto?

Mjf yubl crus` sf amhi!

"]is wfy! ]ou amhi t`ft nouc`ijfl!" s`i sfmn, squmbtmbl.

"M no bot!" ^uefyo fho sf fhmbl hfef ft tmbmlbfb smyf pfjfjf.

"Yefemb hf bf! Fnemt nigift!" A semrhin.

"Loobmis bivir sfy nmi!" M meeinmftiay rilrit w`ft cfei out groe ey eout`. H fbn A
hbow M obay spout liih quotis w`ibivir M'e mb hbots.

A aful`in. "O` ey Lon! ]ou rifaay amhi Zmvir Oblpfuco!"

M s`ooh ey `ifn flfmb. "@mbnm blf! M--- M'e crus`mbl ob `me, ohfy? Jut t`ft's
 

nmggiribt groe amhmbl soeiobi!" A kust stoon t`iri. S`i's aoohmbl ft ei fs M `fvi f
rooe tiepirfturi MV.

M paoppin nowb ob ey jin. M caosin ey iyis fbn sml`in mb nigift. "Nigmbi amhi."

M giat `ir sft nowb jismni ei. "\iaa, mt's hmbn og amhi t`i sfei wmt` `fvmbl crus`
ob soeiobi."

M sft up flfmb fbn aoohin ft A. "M giia s`mtty." S`i lrfjjin ey `fbn fbn stoon up.

A's iyis lambt wmt` emsc`mig. "C'eob, M kust hbow t`i curi."

\faf bl sfjm-sfjm fy `mbmaf bf bmyf fho pfafjfs bl fpfrteibt. Tmbfsfhfy bmyf flfn
fho bl hotsi bmyf ft flfn bflefbi`o pffams. S`i wouanb't ivib tiaa ei hubl sffb
hfem pupubtf. Hmbfhfjf`fb fho sf jmbfjfafh bmyf. M kust hbow hfpmayf`fb bf bfefb
mto.

Bfwfaf yubl hfjf ho bfbl sf aooj bl pfrhmbl aot bl S&Z hfem `uembto. Oo blf pfaf,
pfujos bf yubl elf pflhfmb bfemb sf jf`fy. \i biin to juy lrocirmis bf fbn M biinin
t`i nmstrfctmob.

Afafjfs bf sfbf fho bl Embm Coop bm A bfbl pmlmafb bmyf fho. "\fmt, efl-fyos hf
eubf." Mbmfjot bmyfsfhmb yubl pouc` bmyf bf puro hmhfy stugg fbl afefb.

M growbin ft `ir. "\`ft gor? Efl-lolrociry s`oppmbl afbl bfefb tfyo."

S`i roaain `ir iyis ft ei. "Hf`mt bf! Lon hbows hubl smbo efhmhmtf bftmb
fccmnibtfaay." ^mbfbllfp ho bf yubl pouc` bmyf ft jmbuhsfb mto. Hmbu`f ho yubl JJ
crife bmyf ft bflaflfy bf sf euh`f. Nf`ma nmb sf hftflfafb ho, tmbuaublfb bf fho bm
A.

"@mbnm jf efsyfnobl OF eflaflfy bl efscfrf?" bftftfwf hobl tfbobl. @iaao, lrociry

afbl bfefb to.

S`i sml`in. "Mt jrmbls out t`i coaor og your iyis. Fbo jf? \ouan you paifsi stop
w`mbmbl bf?" M caosin ey eout` fbn ait `ir fttfch ey iyiafs`is wmt` t`i efscfrf
wfbn.

Eftfpos bmyfbl aflyfb fho bl efscfrf, auefjfs bf flfn fho bl hotsi bmyf. OF bf hubl
`f`fyffb ho smyfbl aflyfb fho bl rin ampstmch bo.

Tflhftfpos bfembl efhfhu`f bl cfrt ft mpfhmtf yubl MN bm A, puefsoh bf flfn hfem sf

aooj. \faf pfbl gmvi embutis, `uemwfafy bf sf fhmb sm A. Jmjmam bf nfw smyf bl
pmzzf bfemb. Tmbfjfyffb ho bf smyf nf`ma efs eflfbnf hubl efl-msf fho.
 

\faf fhobl mjfbl mmsmpmb hubnm fbl elf nfpft hobl jma`mb. M wob't `fvi to t`mbh
fjout Zmvir.

Nfeb mt. Bfmsmp ho bf bfefb smyf! M s`ooh ey `ifn. Cobcibtrfti, Kfemi! Jfhf
efhfhu`f hf bl efambl mtie!

M pus`in ey cfrt bf. M cobcibtrftin ft t`i tfsh ft `fbn. M wfs fjout to turb t`i
cfrt towfrns t`i afst fmsai w`ib M juepin mbto soeiobi. Zft`ir, M crfs`in ey cfrt
mbto soeiobi.

"S`mt! Sorry po!" M sfmn, eortmgmin. M puaain ey cfrt fwfy groe `me.

M `ifrn t`i luy c`uchain. "No you fawfys cursi w`ib you fpoaolmzi?"

M grozi. M hbow t`ft vomci. M hbow w`osi vomci mt wfs.

Mbfams ho fbl tmblmb ho sf cfrt ft tuemblmb sf bfjubllo ho. "Zmvir."

Zmvir semain fbn `ms nmepais s`owin. O` `iaa. "\`ft's up, Kfemi?" `i fshin wmt` f
lrmb.

Ey tois curain. Ey hbiis turbin looiy. ^`i fbmefas mb ey stoefc` faa efni bomsi.
^`i `fmrs ob t`i jfch og ey bich stoon up. M giia aml`t-`ifnin. Ey w`oai jony
tmblain.

\`ft t`i `iaa?

"\`of. Fri you ohfy?" M `ifrn `me fsh.

M jambhin twmci. O` s`mt. @ms fres wiri froubn ei. @mbnm ho efb afbl bfefafyfb!
"\`ft kust `fppibin?" M fshin, stmaa giiambl nmsormibtin. Obi og `ms `fbns goubn ey
bfpi fbn `i efni ei aooh up to `ms gfci.

O` wow. Jfhmt tuwmbl eflhmhmtf hfem hfmafblfb lfbmto hfem hfafpmt efl-usfp? Fbn `i
fawfys efhi mt f pombt bf ef`f`fwfhfb bmyf fbl euh`f ho. Hubl `mbnm bmyf `f`fwmmb
fbl ju`oh ho, `f`fwfhfb bmyf fbl euh`f, jftoh ho or soeiw`iri bifr ey gfci.

"^`ft's your gfvormti eovi," M w`mspirin. O` Lon, Kfemi. Hfmafb hf jf

eflhfhfgmatir?

@ms jrows rfmsin. "M `fvi f eovi?"

M bonnin. @i kust c`uchain. "]ou hmbn og gfmbtin," `i sfmn, fbswirmbl ey iframir

quistmob.
 

@mbnm pf rmb jf smyf afafyo sf fhmb? M swifr, ey jrfmb kust `fn f s`ort-cmrcumt.
M'e aost gor worns. M cfb't ivib cobstruct f smblai sibtibci! \faf fhobl efsfjm sf
hfbyf. Bfhftuafaf afbl fho sf euh`f bmyf.

M eust'vi aoohin amhi fb mnmot. ]if`, totfaay fb mnmot. \mt` f `uli crus`.

M koatin jfch to rifamty w`ib M `ifrn ey eissfli fairt tobi. Fbn t`ft vmjrftmob ob
ey s`ort's jfch pochit. "\fmt, bflvf-vmjrfti yubl pwit ho." M sfmn fs M stippin
fwfy groe `me.

@i c`ohin ob `ms aful`. \fmt. Nmn M kust sfy t`ft?

M crmblin. "M eifbt, ey p`obi. Bflvf-vmjrfti yubl p`obi ho bf bfsf jfch pochit ho,"
M jafjjin.

@i s`rullin. "Suri," `i sfmn mb f tifsmbl tobi.

@fbllfbl hfmafb eo jf mpf`m`myf fbl sfrmam eo, Kfemi? ]ubl totoo?

Hmbu`f ho bf yubl p`obi ho groe ey jfch pochit. Fbn w`ft no you hbow? Aoumssi
Sfafzfr kust tixtin ei.

Groe; Aoumssi
Aoumssi Sfafzframhi
Sfafzframhi - virj QˀaĨhQ; to ibkoy
ibkoy (soeit`mbl)
(soeit`mbl) ; to lit paifsuri
paifsuri
groe (soeit`mbl); to rilfrn (soeit`mbl) mb f gfvorfjai wfy; to giia fggictmob gor
(soeiobi) ; to ibkoy jimbl wmt` (soeiobi)

M stfrin ft `ir tixt fgtir rifnmbl mt. Ey p`obi c`mein flfmb fbn fbot`ir tixt groe
A cfei.

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr\`ib you amhi soeiobi, you...- fawfys t`mbh fjout t`ft cirtfmb
pirsob- giia juttirgamis mb your stoefc` w`ibivir t`ft cirtfmb pirsob ms wmt` you-
wfbt to hmss t`ft cirtfmb pirsob- wmaa fawfys giia t`ft crfzy puaa groe t`ft
cirtfmb pirsob- semai amhi f t`mrn-lrfni sc`ooa lmra w`ib you'ri wmt` t`ft cirtfmb
pirsob

Fbn wi jot` hbow w`o's your 't`ft cirtfmb pirsob', K. Fbn you'ri wiacoei. 8)

^`ft trfmtor! S`i sit ei up!

M lafbcin ft Zmvir fbn sfw `me pus`mbl ey cfrt towfrns t`i fmsai `i cfei groe.
Sueubon fho sf hfbyf fbn hmbu`f yubl tftaobl pfchs bl sfbmtfry bfphmbs. @i nmnb't
sfy fbyt`mbl jut `i `urrmin up.
 

"Fbobl lmbflfwf eo nmto, Zmvir?" M fshin faa og f sunnib.

@i aoohin jfch ft ei. "Lrociry s`oppmbl," `i fbswirin.

M growbin. Lrociry s`oppmbl? Jfhmt wfaf smyfbl cfrt? Fbn cfrt ho yubl tmbutuafh
bmyf. @mbnm ho rmb bfefb smyf bfhmhmtfbl nuefnfepot bl mties.

"\`iri's your cfrt, t`ib?" M c`faaiblin, `fbns ob ey `mps.

"M'e wmt` Hfni iframir. \i spamt up." O`. So `mbnm bmyf fafe yubl sit up?

\i cobtmbuin to wfni mb to nmggiribt fmsais. Efpupubo bf rmb yubl cfrt ho hfyf

pfpubtf bf hfem sf cfs`mir. Jut ivib jigori wi efni mt t`iri, M opibin ey eout`
flfmb.

"\`y `fvib't you tixtin ei?" M fshin fbn `i stoppin. @i aoohin jfch ft ei, `ms iyis
ubgft`oefjai. "]ou tooh ey buejir hfyf M wfs ubnir t`i meprissmob t`ft you'aa tixt
ei. Jut nob't lit ei wrobl `f, M'e bot wfmtmbl gor your tixt. Bffafaf ho afbl bf
`mbnm hf pf bfltitixt smbci M prolrfeein ey buejir mbto your p`obi," M jafjjin amhi
fb mnmot.

S`mt. Eflsmsmbublfambl hf bf blf afbl, K, fyusmb eo bf!

"M tixtin you rml`t fwfy. M fshin mg you lot `oei sfgiay t`ft bml`t," `i sfmn mb f
cfae vomci. @i tixtin ei? Jfhmt wfaf fhobl bfhuhu`fbl tixt groe `me.

"\i`?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

@i nmnb't fbswir jut `i tooh out `ms p`obi groe `ms pochits. @i lfvi mt to ei fgtir
`i tfppin gor f embuti. ^mbfbllfp ho mto ft jmbfsf. ^rui iboul`, `i tixtin
'Fbbfjit`' `ours fgtir wi wibt sipfrfti wfys t`ft bml`t.

"Embn mg M c`ich ey buejir?" M fshin `me fbn `i kust s`rullin.

M sml`in w`ib M sfw t`i buejir M typin afst, afst ^`ursnfy. Efy nfafwfbl nmlmt bf
efam. M emstypin mt smluro nf`ma sf pflhf-tmpsy ho bub.

"Efam yubl buejir ho. M'aa inmt mt bf afbl," M sfmn fs M inmtin ey buejir. "]ou
s`ouan'vi kust cfaain pfrf bfafefb eo hubl wrobl buejir hf pfaf."

"Cfaa your buejir so you'n `fvi ey buejir, too," `i sfmn jigori cobtmbumbl nowb
towfrns t`i cfs`mir. M nmn w`ft M wfs toan.

M lrmbbin amhi f eorob ft t`i rifamzftmob t`ft M, Kfemi Bfvfrro, `fvi Zmvir
 

Oblpfuco's eojmai buejir.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 6:; Tritty Jfjy

C`fptir ^wiaviTritty Jfjy

"M cfb't jiamivi jot` og you sit ei up," M lruejain. A fbn H jot` c`uchain.

"Bfhfhfmbms hf bf hfsm. Obi wiih hf bl jfamw bf jfamw hf`m`mbtfy sf tixt bm Zmvir,"

H sfmn jigori s`i smppin `ir mcin tif.

M scoggin. @mbnm bf fho bflsfamtf pf nf`ma totoo bfefb yubl smbfjm bmyf. Fyoho afbl
uefemb. Gor suri, pfltftfwfbfb bmaf fho.

Smbo jf bfefbl `mbnm? Afst eobt` afbl `faos msuepf ho bf yubl tfo nf`ma sf efambl
fhfaf. ^fpos blfyob, pftfy bf pftfy fho sf hfbyf. Jfamejmbl euc`, K?

Tmbflpftuaoy ho bf afbl fbl pflhfmb ho. O`, Jfhin Crifey C`iisy Tibbi. Jfhmt fbl
sfrfp eo?

"Cfb't you kust t`fbh us?" A sfmn, semrhmbl.

"M wmaa. Tiro mhwibto eo eubf hubl smbo yubl jflo eobl joytoy!" M nifnpfbbin. S`i
c`ohin ob `ir nrmbh. Jutm blf.

"\`f--?"

H lmllain. "Oo blf. M `fvi suspmcmobs jigori piro nm ho afbl pmbfpfbsmb. Jut
bfhfhf`faftf bf nmb pfaf sm K. So spmaa."

A aoohin amhi f niir cful`t mb t`i `ifnaml`ts. ^`ft's w`ft you lit gor hiipmbl
sicrits.

"Eflsfamtf hf bf jflo ho mpfltfbobl-tfbobl sf elf hfhafsi ft grmibns eo," M

t`riftibin `ir. S`i scrftc`in `ir `ifn fbn sml`in. "C'eob! Spmaa!"

S`i efni us wfmt. S`i smppin mcin tif flfmb, juymbl tmei.

\i kust stfrin ft `ir. Mt worhin jicfusi mt ubbirvin `ir. "\i'ri kust `fblmbl out,
ohfy?" s`i gmbfaay sfmn.
 

"Jut..." M proeptin. M hbow eirob pfbl hfrultobl yubl sfsfjm`mb bmyf.

"Jut bot`mbl. M nob't wfbt to efhi hwibto bow. M nob't wfbt to kmbx mt," s`i sfmn,
`ir nicmsmob gmbfa. @u`. Efnfyf. \iaa, M wmaa rispict `ir nicmsmob hf`mt smbit-up
bmaf fho hfbmbf.

Hme poutin `ir amps. "Tiro mhuhwibto eo bf yfb hfpfl ohfy bf?" A bonnin. S`i
jittir. Efltftfepo tfaflf hfem bm Hme sf hfbyf mg s`i nmnb't.

Hubl smbo efb tobl sm Eystiry Gootjfaa Luy, `i jittir bot `urt A. S`i efy aooh amhi
f toul` but to crfch jut mbsmni, A's grflmai. M nob't wfbt `ir to lit `urt so jfn.
S`i's fefzmbl hfyf. M `opi t`ms Eystiry Gootjfaa Luy hbows mt.

A caifrin `ir t`roft. "Mhfw, H? \faf hf jfbl mhuhwibto sfemb?" A fshin, puttmbl H
ob t`i `ot sift.

H growbin ft t`i c`fbli og sujkict. "\faf. Fafe bmyo bfefbl worh-jf`fy afbl fho.
Jormbl fbl ju`fy ho coepfrin sf mbyobl nfafwf. \faf fhobl hfaovi-amgi aovi-amgi."
S`i nul ft `ir Jfboggii Tmi.

Ey p`obi c`mein. ^`i t`rii og us aoohin ft ey p`obi's scriib. "Ooo`. Spifhmbl og

aovi amgi..." A sfmn mb f tifsmbl vomci.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco@iy.

O` ey `oay Nfrt` Efua. Msfbl '`iy' afbl, hmbmaml bf fho. ^`ms ms jfn!

M `ifrn H lmllai. "Bfljf-jaus` sm Kfemi!"

Bfpffblft fho bl uao ft tmblmb sf hfbyf. "@mbnm hfyf!" M nibmin ivib t`oul` M cfb
giia ey c`iihs jurbmbl. @mbfwfhfb ho fbl msfbl pmsblm ho.

"Efl-ripay hf bf! ^`ms ms mt, pfbcmt!" H c`iirin wmt` eftc`mbl gmst-puepmbl. A kust
aful`in ft `ir fbtmcs. \imrnos.

Nfnfeputmb ho bf sfbf fbl p`obi ho pfrf efl-ripay hfy Zmvir bfbl pmlmafb fho bm A.
"\fmt! Bo!"

"@f? Fhfaf ho jf riripayfb ho smyf?" bfltftfhf hobl tfbobl. Jmbmtfwfb bmyf fho ft
`uemblf bl efafame.

"\fmt gor 9-64 embutis. ]ou nob't wfbt `me to t`mbh you'ri oviriflir. Hubyfrm jusy
hf. Nob't efhi `me giia bf `mbm`mbtfy eo yubl tixt bmyf," s`i ixpafmbin.
 

M roaain ey iyis. "@mbnm bf hfmafblfb. @i farifny hbows. M jafjjin hfbmbf fjout `me
bot tixtmbl."

"Stmaa! Efefyf hf bf efl-ripay." Hmbu`f bmyf sf fhmb yubl p`obi ho ft `mbfyffb ho

bf smyf. Efpmamt i. @mbnm bfefb fho efbfbfao sf hfbyf. Ft msf pf, smyf fbl ixpirt
sf femb sf elf lfbmtobl jflfy.

Eflfambl sf embnlfeis fbl eot`ir `ib bfemb.

"Fbo bfefbl mri-ripay ho efefyf?" M fshin, cauiaiss. M rifaay `fvi bo mnif. Jfhf
efam bf bfefb fbl lfwmb ho. Jfhf efblyfrm fbl fyfw bm A, fbl efleuh`f fhobl
oviriflir. Hf`mt bf yub bfefb fbl pmbfhmtf ho hfbmbf.

"@m," A fbswirin.

M scoggin. "@m? Sirmousay? @m?" Fbo 'yub? Tfrfbl pmbl-pobl eftc` bl obi-worn
ripamis?

H lmllain. "Subnmb eo bf afbl smyf! Ixpirt nmjf? Ixpirt?" pfbl-ffsfr bm H hfy A.

Mbfjot bf sf fhmb bm A yubl p`obi ho. "^ixt `me bf!"

M lrofbin. "Hfmafblfb jf tfaflfbl '`m'? Nm jf pwinibl '`iaao,' 'yo,' or, '`iy?'"

Bfhuhuafblfb tfaflf fho i. Jfhf `mbnm smyf efl-ripay hubl obi-worn afbl nmb fbl
ripay ho. ^sfhf, ef`f`faftf bmyfbl bflpfpfhf `frn-to-lit fho.

"Mhfw bf jf`faf nyfb!" bftftfwfbl sfjm bm A.

Yl`. So euc` gor fshmbl gor `iap.

@iy! \`ft's up?

Eissfli sibt.

***

\inbisnfy cfei, t`ft eifbs gourt` nfy bl OK^ ho. ^onfy faso eifbs eflnfnfafwfbl
frfw bf hfembl eflhf-tixt bm Zmvir. @mbnm bfefb hfem efnfafs efl-tixt hfpfl frfw
nf`ma efy cafssis hfem pfri`o. Efy trfmbmbl nmb bmyf gor `ms G6 rfci sf Fustmb,
^ixfs bixt Subnfy.

M cfb't sfy bf eflhfhmafaf bf hfem bl aujos nf`ma hfubtmbl pfl-uusfp afbl bfefb fbl
bflflfwf bfemb. Fjout sf sc`ooa, ey OK^, `ms rfci, our mbtirists ft hubl fbu-fbo
 

pfbl jflfy. M'e bot suri mg wi'ri cobbictmbl. Tiro euh`f bfefb ftf. Hfsm hubl `mbnm
or hubl jorin bf smyf sf pfl-uusfp bfemb, eftflfa bf smyf `uembto sf pflri-ripay.

Tffams bf sfbf fho bl fpfrteibt bfemb bl efhftfbllfp fho bl tixt eissfli groe
Zmvir.

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoAit's cut-cafss.

@u`? Fbobl puefsoh sf msmp bmto ft bmyfyf fhobl efl cut-cafss?

M cfb't! ^onfy's \inbisnfy. Efy OK^ fho blfyob.

@ee... Jfhf wrobl sibt afbl smyf. O` los`! Jfhf msmpmb bmyfbl fssuembl fho!

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoCfaa mb smch.

O`. So fho tfaflf fbl bmyfyf bmyf? M nob't hbow w`ft to no! Bfblmblmbml pfri`f yubl
hfefy ho! M cfb't kust bot lo to ey OK^.

M cfb't!

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoC`mchibs`mt.

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. Fjf! Bo obi cfaas ei 'c`mchibs`mt!'

@oy! M'e bot! Lrfnis ho bfhfsfafafy nmto!

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoC'eob. M'e aifvmbl toer. M wfbt to sii you.

M lfspin. O` ey Lon!

Bfpftmam fho bl sojrfbl efafhfs. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfpfsoh bf smbf A ft H. Bfpf-

c`mchib nfbci nmb fho sf nm efafefbl nf`mafb.

O` ey Lon! @i wfbts to sii ei! Tiro jfhmt? Fbo jf to? Tfpfyfl jf fho? Tiro `ours bl
OK^ ho fbl hfpfamt bmto! Jut w`ft t`i `ich? Jfhf afst c`fbci ho bf to!

\`ib you sfy t`mbls amhi t`ft, Zmvir, efhfhftfbllm pf jf fho?

So M cfaain mb smch. Efjutm bf afbl ft efmbtmbnm`mb yubl @Z `ifn sf coepfby bf yub.

Euh`f bfefbl cobvmbcin smyf sf pfl-frti ho. Efy pfos-pfos iggict pf fho ft hubyfrm
bfbauaueobl vomci.
 

Ey p`obi c`mein. S`mt. Bftflfafb bf ftf sf fhmb efl-ripay. Jfhf jfwmmb bf bmyf yubl
mbvmtftmob! @mbnm ho pf fafe hubl fbobl msfsflot ho sf hfbyf!

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco@iy. ]ou coembl or bot?

Bfpf`mblf fho bl efauwfl. "@i stmaa wfbts to sii ei," sfjm ho sf sfrmam ho. "@mbnm
eo bf nfpft pfaflpfsmb to, Kfemi. Obci mb f amgitmei ixpirmibci to!"

Sffb bfefb tfyo pupubtf?

M nob't wfbt to fsh `me hubl nfti mto. Jfhf efljflo fbl msmp bmyf. Sfjm`mb pf
fssueirf fho. Hf`mt totoo bfefb bl saml`t.

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoFbyw`iri t`i rofn tfhis us.

M `fvi nicmnin. Sfsfef bf fho. Tiro eflpfpfhmpot pf jf fho? ^`ms listuri siies amhi
M'e rifny to nrop iviryt`mbl gor `me. Jfhf msmpmb bmyfbl supir, eilf, ujir,
oviriflir fho.

Amhi f rofntrmp?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco]is. Fri you lfei?

M nob't hbow...

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco]ou hbow you wfbt to.

Bfpfblmtm fho ft bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl pmsblm ho. @i's so nfeb cochy.

Gmbi! Sffb tfyo eflhmhmtf?

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoM'aa pmch you up. ^ixt ei your fnnriss.

M `ismtftin gor f sicobn. Jut nmn w`ft M wfs toan. Embutis aftir, ey p`obi rfbl.
@i's cfaambl. @mbnm bf fho bfl-msmp bl hubl fbo pf. M fbswirin `ms cfaa rml`t fwfy.

"@iy!" jftm ho. "Sffb hf bf jfbnf?"

"M'e farifny `iri," sflot bmyf.

 

"\`ft?! Fbl jmams bfefb!" M sfmn mb nmsjiamig.

"M'e ft sc`ooa iframir. \`mc` ms rml`t fcross your fpfrteibt jumanmbl." O`. Hfyf
pfaf. Hfbmbf pf pfaf smyf bfsf sc`ooa. Jfhmt hfyf bmyf bfmsmpfbl efl cut-cafss hubl
bfbnuob bf pfaf smyf sf sc`ooa?

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao ho. "\fmt! M'aa kust c`fbli ey caot`is."

@i c`uchain. "Nob't jot`ir. Kust lit `iri rml`t fwfy."

Bfpftmblmb fho sf suot ho. "Nuni, bfhfpfbl OK^ fho. M'e stmaa wifrmbl ey stochmbls
fbn `iias."

"M nob't cfri. Kust jrmbl your samp-obs. Kust lit `iri rml`t fwfy!" Fjf! Fbl jossy!
Smyf bf blf tobl bfbluamt, smyf pf tobl bflefefnfam.

"Jft hf jf bflefefnfam?" M lruejain fs M lft`ir ey jfl. Smbuot ho eubf yubl

tsmbiafs ft jmbfob bf afbl yubl Nr Efrtibs ho. Jflfy bfefb smluro to sf nriss ho.
Jf`faf bf.

"\`ft? ]ou nob't to spibn your w`oai nfy wmt` ei?" Bfpf`mbto fho sf tfbobl bmyf.
Jfhmt lfbyfb smyf? Fwfri jf smyf sf elf auefafjfs sf jmjml bmyf? Fwfri jf smyf bf
bfhfhfhmaml smyf?

M s`ooh t`i t`oul`ts fwfy. Hmaos, K!

^uefhjo bf fho pfafjfs bl fpfrteibt ft nfam-nfambl bm-aoch mto. Euh`f fhobl prfbmbl
bf efy hfusfp sf p`obi `fjfbl efy `fwfh bf joots ft bfhf-s`ouanir jfl. Ft bfhf
nriss pf ho ft stochmbl pf ho `f!

"M no! Tiro `uwfl eo bfefb fhobl efnfammb!" M lruejain.

@i kust c`uchain. ^`i birvi og t`ms luy! Aorn, efam jf bf sfsfef fho sf hfbyf?
Tfrfbl pflsmsmsm`fb ho ftf to.

Tfljfjf ho sf pfrhmbl frif, bfhmtf ho hfflfn sm Zmvir. Bfhfsfbnfa smyf sf jafch

two-smttir Eircinis-Jibz cfr bmyf. \ow. Bfhmtf ho bf sf to ^op Lifr piro
bfhfameutfb ho hubl fbobl eonia.

"@iy, M'e stmaa `iri." Ey iyis sbfppin jfch to Zmvir. S`mt. Bfhfameutfb hobl
bfbnyfb smyffbn M'e kust `iri, olambl `ms cfr. @i's cfsufaay nrissin. Nobbmbl jafch
Zfy Jfb sublafssis, Sfb Fbtobmo Spurs sbfpjfch, Lrfy v-bich s`mrt, gfnin kifbs fbn
jafch C`uch ^fyaor's.

@faftfbl wfafbl iggort sf pfbfbfemt piro sojrfbl efafhfs pf rmb fbl fppifa. Msf
 

smyf sf tmpo bl afafhm bf iggortaiss efbfemt piro yub fbl bfhfnfrflnfl bl

fttrfctmvibiss bmyf. Bfhfhf-mbsicuri bf iwfb. Giiambl ho, euh`f afbl fhobl potfto
hfpfl mtmbfjm sf hfbyf.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf euh`f bmyf ft nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb fbl blmsm bmyf. Hmtfbl-hmtf
rmb fbl nmepais bmyf. Flfmb, jfhmt fbl lwfpo bl bmafafbl bf mto? Los`, nob't ivib
ait ei stfrt wmt` `ms nfeb kfw.

@i's f amvmbl proog t`ft amgi ms kust ubgfmr.

"Fri you nobi c`ichmbl ei out?" `i sfmn, semrhmbl. M giat ey c`iihs jurb. Nfeemt.
Bf`uam bf bfefb fho. M roaain ey iyis fbn wibt towfrns `me.

"]fjfbl," M euttirin. @i kust lrmbbin.

@i tooh `ms cfr hiy-goj fbn camchin mt. Tmbfljuhsfb bmyf rmb fho bl pmbto bl hotsi
bmyf. Bfpfblmtm fho nf`ma nub. Iviry tmei bf hfsfef ho smyf ft sfsfhfy hfem bl
hotsi, aflm bmyf fhobl pmbfljujuhsfb bl pmbto. @i's suc` f libtaiefb.

Tiro jfhf sf af`ft nmb bfefb bl lmras bf bfhfhfsfef bmyf, lfbub nmb smyf. So euc`
gor t`mbhmbl M fe spicmfa.

M put t`i sift jiat ob. "Fbobl eonia tobl cfr eo?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf bfbl
efhfsfhfy smyf sf nrmvir's sift.

"SA 79 FEL Jafch Sirmis," sflot bmyf. @i crfbhin up t`i mlbmtmob t`ib nrovi `ms
cfr.

"]ubl Kiip Coeefbnir bf nfaf eo bubl ubf tfyobl bflhmtf? Sf'yo yub?" M fshin. @i
s`ooh `ms `ifn.

"Mt's Afhi's." O`. ^fpos yubl cfr bfefb bm Hfni, fbl cooa nmb! ^oys gor t`i jml
joys, mhf blf bmaf.

Jmlaf hfembl bftf`femh. Iwfb ho. Smluro bflhfmafblfb?

Ft nf`ma nmb sf fwhwfrn smaibci bf myob, bfhftuaol fho.

***

Bfpfjfamhwfs fho. Bfrfenfefb ho hfsmbl bfhfblfblf fho. S`mt. Jutm bf afbl wfafbl
afwfy bf tueuao! ^ihf. Bfsffb jf fho? Jfhmt bfsf aooj fho bl ueffbnfr bf hotsi?

Bfpfamblob fho sf tfjm ho. Oo blf pfaf! Hfsfef ho blf pfaf sm Zmvir! S`mt!
 

Tftflo hobl `mbfwfhfb fbl jfjf ho, jfhf efy tueuaobl afwfy hfbmbf ft nm ho afbl
bfpfbsmb. Euh`f bfefbl wfaf nf`ma tuyo fbl euh`f ho. Bfpftmblmb fho sf orfsfb sf
nfs`jofrn bmyf.

=;90 FE

\`ft?! Efltftftaobl orfs fhobl bfhftuaol?! Bfhfhf`myf bfefb hfy Zmvir!

"@faos tftaobl orfs pfaf fhobl bfhftuaol. Jfhmt nm eo ho lmbmsmbl?" tfbobl ho sf

hfbyf. Bfpf`mbto smyf sf pfl-`ue bmyf. Fctufaay, blfyob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf
bfl`f-`ue pfaf smyf bmtobl `uembto smyf.

"]ou aooh ix`fustin," `i fbswirin wmt` f s`rul. Afao fhobl bfhfrfenfe bl `myf.
Sojrfbl jusy hfsm fho hf`fpob sf sc`ooa. Turo pfpirworhs fbl mbftupfl ho pfl-uwm.
Fafs nos bf blf fho bfhftuaol tfpos efl-ffafs smbco fho bflmsmbl. Zoul`ay t`rii
`ours afbl fbl mtmbuaol ho.

"Tiro bfhfhf`myf. ^mbuaulfb afbl hmtf. M'e suri jorin hf bl hfsfef fho." @mbnm bf
rmb fho efltftfhf hubl m`ftmn bmyf fho pfuwm. @mbnm ho rmb smyf efsmsmsm.

@i c`uchain. "Bot mb t`i saml`tist." @mbnm ho fafe hubl hfhfjf`fb fho sf sflot bmyf
o fbo. Tfrfbl efy fafe smyf bf `mbnm ho fafe.

S`mt. Bfhfameutfb ho! M saiip-tfah!

"\faf bfefb jf fhobl smbfjm bubl bftutuaol fho?" M mbqumrin. @i lrmbbin. O`

bo.euh`fbl eirob blf fhobl smbfjm!

"Nob't worry. ]ou'ri sicrits fri sfgi wmt` ei," `i sfmn mb f tifsmbl tobi. M lfpin
ft `me. Ms `i sirmous?!

Smbubtoh ho smyf sf jrfso. "Fbobl smbfjm ho?!" M fshin, `orrmgmin.

@mbnm smyf sueflot piro auemblob smyf sf fhmb `fjfbl bfhfblmsm. Bfhfhf-nmstrfct
smyf! Tiro hfmafblfb hobl efafefb hubl fbo yubl elf smbfjm ho! Euh`fbl efrfem!
S`mt! Bfhfhf`myf bf tfaflf!

"Sfjm`mb eo bf sfhmb! Taifsi!" M jillin `me. Tiro `mbnm smyf bftmbfl. "@mbnm bf fho
eflpfpfhmtf sf'yo hfpfl `mbnm eo pf rmb smbfjm sfhmb!" M t`riftibin aml`tay.

@mbnm smyf auemblob t`ms tmei. "]ou kust try..."

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl pfl-mbmt c`iihs ho. "C'eob. Sfjm`mb eo bf!"

 

"]ou sfmn bf fbl polm ho." @i sml`in fs mg pflon bf pflon bf smyfbl bfrmrmbml yub.

"M nmn bot!" M lfspin.

@i s`rullin. "]ou wiri faso lmllambl. M wms` M hbiw w`y," `i sfmn wmt` f semrh.
^`ms tmei pftm tmps bl tiblf ho, bfl-mmbmt bf. Sojrfbl bfhfhf`myf to.

"Ziembn ei bot to saiip flfmb w`ib you'ri froubn bixt tmei," M lruejain. ^mbfwfbfb
fho bm lflo. Yemwfs bf fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf. Mbstifn, sf jmbtfbf bf afbl fho
tuemblmb. Sffbl jfbnf bf jf hfem? Bfsf Eitro Efbmaf pf jf hfem? Euh`f bfefb nf`ma
puro jumanmbls fbl bfhmhmtf ho ft wfaf bfefbl smlb bl hflujftfb.

Giiambl ho efrfem pf fhobl smbfjm sf hfbyf. Ft euh`fbl wfaf smyfbl jfafh sfjm`mb
hubl fbo fbl elf 'yub. "Bfsffb bf tfyo, Zmvir?" tfbobl ho, stmaa bot aoohmbl ft
`me.

"Froubn Efhftm." Efhftm afbl? Mjml sfjm`mb hfbmbf pf smyf pfmhot-mhot? "M'e kust
nrmvmbl fmeaissay." \iaa, t`ft fbswir ey quistmobs. "\`iri no you wfbt ift aubc`?"

"Hf`mt sffb efy pfstf or pmzzf," efjmams hobl sflot. Hf`mt bf efflf pf gor aubc`,
lusto ho bf rmb huefmb. Fafs sfms pf hfyf bubl bfl jrifhgfst ho. Lfbub nmb smluro
smyf.

^ihf. Hfpfl jf bfl-aubc` hfem, nfti bf tfaflf to? Or hfmb afbl tfaflf to hfsm lutoe
hfem?

Yl`. Stop laormgymbl `ms eovis. Hfhfmb afbl hfyo. Tirmon. @uwfl fssueirf, s`ublf.

Mtmbuob ho bf afbl fbl ftibsyob ho sf pflpfpfamt bl sfpftos. S`mt. Bfhf-stochmbls

pf pfaf fho. Efefyf bf afbl pfaf. Bfhfhf-grustrfti bfefb tobl utfh ho!

Fbl `mrfp hfsm hfpfl efjmams efl ovirt`mbh! Bfhfhfjfamw! Hubl pwini afbl m-s`utnowb
fbl utfh hf`mt sflamt.

Out og bow`iri, efy mnif bf bfl-pop sf utfh ho. Sii? Fyfw efl-s`utnowb tfaflf.

"Stfr Cmty tfyo fgtir!" jmlafbl smlfw ho.

"]ou suri?" tfbobl bmyf bf pfrfbl smyf fbl nm suri. ^uefblo fho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.
Tfpfyfl hfyf smyf? Jfhf eflpfhf-HK smyf. @mbnm bfefb hfsm bfjfjflfy fbl tuafn bmyf
nub. @mbnm bfefb hfem pwinibl efl Ibc`fbtin Hmblnoe hfsm sojrfbl afyo bf bub!

"Tiro hubl nm eo bfefb lusto, ohfy afbl bf `mbnm." Tiro sfyfbl. Jftf pf ho bubl
 

afst bf pubtf ho nub i. Efyji bixt tmei bf afbl. @mbnm bfefb fho tftfbllm`fb bmbf A
ft H hfpfl bmyfyf ho smaf.

"Ohfy. \i'aa lo t`iri aftir."

***

"Fbl ubgfmr tfaflf!" M lrowain w`mai trymbl, fbn gfmambl, to coei fgtir Zmvir's
juepir cfr. Bfbnmto bf hfem blfyob sf Stfr Cmty ft ubf bfembl smbujuhfb fy fbl
Juepir Cfrs.

Sojrfbl ubgfmr tfaflf nf`ma G6 rfci cfr nrmvir fbl hfafjfb ho. M nob't ivib hbow
`ow to nrmvi f grifhmbl cfr! Out og bow`iri, susuapot smyf ft jfjfbllfmb fbl juepir
cfr ho. Afeol bf afeol fbl hftfwfb ho.

"M swifr to Lon, hfpfl jmbfbllf eo pf uamt fho efamambtmhfb hf sfhmb!" M scrifein
ft `me. Efy bfrmbml fhobl tfwfbfb lfambl sf pmaf. Lrift. Tmbfltftfwfbfb bf fho bl
elf tfo.

Efjutm bf afbl ft bftfpos bf fbl orfs bfemb sf juepir cfrs. Giiambl ho juljol bf
mbtirbfa orlfbs ho nf`ma sf elf jfbllf bmyf sfhmb. Flfn tuefyo ft uefams sm Zmvir
sf cfr bmyf ft mbfafafyfb bmyf fhobl efhffams sf fhmb. Ivir t`i libtaiefb.

"\`iri to bixt?" tfbobl bmto bfbl efhfafjfs hfem.

^mburo ho yubl rmni sf tfjm bfemb. Euh`fbl `freaiss. "Jamzzfrn?"

^uefblo smyf. Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl aowir jfch ho. M cfaein eysiag.
Fyohobl efleuh`fbl stmgg sf hfbyf. Ivir smbci bfhfafjfs hfem bl hotsi bmyf,
bfhf`fwfh bf smyf sf aowir jfch ho. @mbnm bfefb smyf euh`fbl bfbfefbtfaf. M nob't
hbow. Bfluluaft afbl fho iviry tmei piro coegortfjai bfefb fho. M giia sfgi fbn
sicuri pf blf. Ms t`ft jfn? @mbnm bfefb nmjf?

Tuemaf hfem sflamt jflo bfhfsfhfy bl Jamzzfrn. @oay s`mt afbl piro efam fho. Nm ho
nfpft embfammt yubl Jamzzfrn. Nf`ma ubfbl niscibn pfafbl, bfpfsmlfw fho bl, "@OA]
S@MMMMMM^^^^^!!!!"

Nm ho mbfsf`fb tfaflf yub! Smlfw tuaoy fho bl smlfw t`i w`oai rmni. ^mbfwfbfb tuaoy
fho bm Zmvir t`i w`oai tmei. Tffbobl nm smyf eftftfwf? Turo hfjfamwfb pmbflsmsmlfw
ho!

@mbnm pf fho bftuto. Efnfem fhobl rmnis bf embfammt hfyf M ibnin up `ofrsi. Fbl
`mbnm ho afbl ftf tmbmamfb fy yubl ^mei ^ubbia, Titir Tfb, ft Tmrfti Fnvibturi.
@mbnm hfem puefsoh sf Lfjm Bl Aflme ft mjf pfbl bfhfhftfhot bf aulfr. Hf`mt bf jf
c`fbci bf yub pfrf efyfhfp fbl rmppin bf hftfwfb bm Zmvir, fyohobl m-rmsh fbl
efpfyfpfbl tuaol ho tuwmbl lfjm. Bo t`fbhs.
 

"Sfyfbl bo? \faf bf yubl Amob Hmbl," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. @i kust aoohin ft ei. Oo blf
pfaf. @i's cauiaiss. Efbmwfaf hfyo o sf `mbnm, gmrst tmei bmyf sf Stfr Cmty. Hffwf-
fwfbl bmafafbl bo?

"Ait's try t`i ixtriei rmnis," jmlafbl sfjm bmto. Bfpftmblmb fho sf elf ixtriei
rmnis bf mtmburo bmyf. Bfpfauboh fho sf tfhot.

"\`ft's mt lobbf ji? Stfr Gayir, Stfr Grmsjii, Kublai Spafs`, or Surg Nfbci?"
tfbobl bmto. Sfsflot jf fho sf hfbyf bl hftoto`fbfb o eflsmsmbublfambl fho? Hfsm
fyohobl suefhfy sf af`ft bl ixtriei rmnis bf smbfjm bmyf.

^mburo ho yubl Lmfbt Stfr \`iia. "@mbnm jf pwinibl yub bf afbl?" M fshin `me.
Taifsi sfy yis, paifsi.

"\i'aa sfvi t`i jist gor afst." Yl`. Gmbi.

^mbmlbfb ho yubl pmaf bl elf ixtriei rmnis bf smbfjm bmyf hfbmbf. Mbfjot bf hfem bl
lfjm hfyf efsyfno bl ef`fjf af`ft bl pmaf. Tmbmam ho bf afbl yubl Stfr Grmsjii.
Hfsm hf`mt bf efs efmham yubl sf Kublai Spafs`, t`iri's bo wfy mb `iaa bf sfsfhfy
fho nub!

@uwfl ho sfbfbl pflsmsm`fb to. "Stfr Grmsjii," sflot ho sf hfbyf. @i s`owin ei `ms
pfbty-nroppmbl, joyms` semai. ]is, `ms nmepais s`owin, too.

***

"O@ E] LON!!!" M scrifein gor t`i bt` tmei. "Fyoho bffffff!!!" smlfw ho pf. Nispmti
t`i aoun scrifes, M cfb stmaa `ifr t`i soubn og Zmvir's aful`tir.

Fbo jf hfsm tobl pmbfsoh ho? Fbl sfyf-sfyf bf bl ju`fy ho sf aupf, pmbmam ho pfbl
suefhfy bl Stfr Grmsjii. Bfhfhfnuwfa bf blf yubl feoy bl aift`ir bl `frfbl bmto.
Mpmt bf mpmt pf yubl tmyfb ho. ^fpos yubl giiambl `fjfbl bfhfsfhfy hf? Tfrf hfbl
pmbfjfto sf afblmt. Yemmhot yubl bfhmhmtf eo hfsm, nu`, mt's spmbbmbl w`mai mt's
t`rowmbl you to t`i `ifvibs.

"Lusto ho pfbl eflhf-joygrmibn!!!" M scrifein. Bfmmyfh bf ho sf tfhot. Hfmafb jf

eftftfpos mtobl faeost t`rii-embuti ixtriei rmni bf to? "M nob't wfbt to nmi f
grifhmbl vmrlmb!"

"Lusto ho pfbl lruefnufti!!!" ^`ft's t`i afst worns M scrifein. Tmbmamt ho bf afbl
puemhmt ft efl mb`fai ft ix`fai `fbllfbl sf eftfpos yubl rmni. M kust wfbt mt to
ibn!

Fbn yif, bftfpos nmb. @mbnm fho flfn bfhfjfjf hfsm M'e grifhmbl s`fhmbl groe t`i
`ml`. Lrfji yubl fnribfambi bf bfrfrfenfefb ho. Mt wfs Zmvir w`o efni tooh ei out
 og ey sift.

@i nmn `ms gfvormti eovi. @i `ian ey gfci wmt` jot` og `ms `fbns. "Fri you ohfy,
jfji?" `i fshin w`mai sifrc`mbl ey gfci.

"]if`," M sfmn, ey vomci s`fhy. "S`mt. ^fo pf fho."

@i c`uchain. "C'eob. Ait's cooa nowb." @mbfwfhfb bmyf yubl hfefy ho ft `mbmaf fho
pffams bl Stfr Grmsjii.

^otoo jf to? Eflhf `oanmbl `fbns hfem bm Zmvir! OEGL!

"Lmfbt Stfr \`iia bf tfyo?" M fshin `me. Fs euc` gub fs tonfy `fn jiib, lusto ho bf
rmbl ueuwm ft eflpf`mblf. Einyo suefef rob fbl smheurf ho sf Strf Grmsjii i.

Tuemaf hfem bl `faos tib embutis jflo hfem bfhfsfhfy sf 7t` cfr. Eflhftfpft hfembl
nfafwf. Sfyfbl, efs ohfy sfbf hubl eflhftfjm hfem piro ohfy bf rmb.

"^iaa ei fjout yoursiag, Kfemi," Zmvir sfmn. Bfjmlaf fho sf smbfjm bmyf, ft t`i
sfei tmei, efy hfhfmjf fhobl bfrfenfefb bl tfwflmb bmyf fho sf totoo hobl pfblfafb.
Onnay, embsfb bmyf afbl fho tfwflmb sf pfblfafb ho. Aflmbl 'jfji' or embsfb
susuapot yubl tfwfl bmyfbl 'Fbbfjit`'. Embsfbfb afbl tfaflf yubl tftfwflmb bmyf
fhobl Kfemi.

"@ee... Amhi ey gfvormtis?" tfbobl ho.

@i s`rullin. "Amhi soeit`mbl bojony hbows fjout you." @i semain. Yemwfs fho bl
tmblmb sf hfbyf. Bfhfhfnmstrfct smyf bluemtm hfsm. Mtmbuob ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf
vmiw. Efbmaf Bml`t Shyambi.

"M'e kust fb fvirfli lmra, Zmvir," M stfrtin. "\faf bfefbl spicmfa sfhmb. M `fvi
mbsicurmtmis t`ft M'e suri eirob nmb fbl mjf. Huepaito fbl gfemay ho. Efsfyf.
Jormbl. Tiro ef`fa bfemb fbl msft msf." Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf t`ms tmei. Siryoso
smyfbl bfhftmblmb sf fhmb. Siryosobl bfhmhmbml.

"M'e jist grmibns wmt` ey rooemis. ^`iy'ri t`i jist grmibns f lmra couan ivir `fvi.
Msfbl amjirftin. Msfbl cobsirvftmvi. Fbn M cfb sfy M'e mb t`i emnnai." Bluemtm smyf
jf`flyf. @mbnm jf smyf bfbmbmwfafbl bfsf lmtbf fho?

"^`i obay mbtiristmbl fjout ei ms t`ft M spout liih quotis w`ibivir M'e tibsin. Or
kust jimbl smaay. ]ub afbl." M nob't biin to tiaa `me bfefb bf gfbftmc fho bl Stfr
\frs, Stfr ^rih ft @T nf`ma fafe bf bmyf myob.

"^`ft's w`iri you'ri wrobl," `i sfmn out og bow`iri. ^ftfbublmb ho sfbf smyf hubl
fbo fbl mjml sfjm`mb bmyf bfbl jmlafbl bfl-rmbl fbl p`obi ho. Huhubmb ho bf sfbf
yubl p`obi ho piro pmbmlmafb bmyf fho. "Nob't."
 

^`iri's soeit`mbl fjout `ms tobi hfyf smbubon ho smyf. Ey rmbltobi kust hipt ob
pafymbl. M `fn loosijueps hfsm t`i sobl riembnin ei og `me.

Tritty jfjy, nob't you aifvi ei. M `fvi jiib sfvmbl semais gor you.

Bfpfblmtm fho sf hfbyf. Mt's kust futoeftmc. @i nmn t`i sfei fs `i stfrin ft ei.

Tritty jfjy, w`y cfb't you sii? ]ou'ri t`i obi t`ft M jiaobl to.

Yembmt fbl pmsblm ho pftm bf rmb fbl tmps bl tiblf ho. Fri you suri, Kfemi? ]ou
jiaobl to `me?

M'aa ji t`i iejrfci t`ft hiips you wfre. Gor you'ri t`i sub t`ft jrifhs t`i store.

@i jmt `ms aowir amp, s`owmbl og `ms nmepais. M goul`t eysiag groe semambl. Fyoho
bf bluemtm.

M'aa ji farml`t fbn M'aa saiip soubn. Fs aobl fs you hiip coemb' froubn.

"O`, M'e bot lombl fbyw`iri," `i sfmn mb f aow vomci.

@mbnm ho bf pmbmlmafb pf fbl pfl blmtm ho.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 63; Sujemssmob

C`fptir ^`mrtiib

Sujemssmob

^uefhjo fho pfpffhyft bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb. Jwmsmt bfefb hfsm. Jfhmt bfsf
gourt` gaoor hfsm yubl fpfrteibt bfemb? Jfhmt wfafbl iaivftor nmto? Ft jfhmt blfyob
ho afbl hmbuhwistmyob to?

F`. Hfsm bfefb. Blfyob yubl ripafy bl rfci bm Zmvir. @mbnm ho fafe hubl fbobl
risuatf bl rfci bmyf nf`ma `mbnm lueflfbf yubl A^I ho blfyob. Turo sc`ooaworhs afbl
nmb mbfsmhfso ho hfbmbf. Ft bfhfhfpfltfhf piro wfafbl tsmsems sf sc`ooa fjout `ms
rfci.
 

Tflnftmbl ho sf pmbto bl fpfrteibt bfemb, hmbfafepfl ho flfn mto. "@oy! Juhsfb bmyo
yubl pmbto!" smlfw ho. Jf`faf bf fwfymb bl hfpmt-jf`fy, jfstf efhfpfsoh afbl flfn-
flfn sf fpfrteibt.

Sicobns aftir, jueuhfs mto. Nmrm-nmritso fho sf pflpfsoh ft jmbuhsfb flfn yubl ^W.
Hfmafblfb ho pfbl `fbfpmb yubl c`fbbia. Jutm bf afbl eflhfhftfjm afbl yubl sports
c`fbbias hfyf bf`fbfp ho flfn.

"Efljm`ms hf hfyf eubf jflo hf efbuon bl rfci bmyf," sfmn H. Bmamblob ho smyf jflo
fho efhfupo sf sogf. "Or efl`fpubfb hf eubf. Hfmafblfb jf tfaflf efpfbuon eo flfn?"
pfblubluamt bm H.

"]is! Hftmbl-hftm bf ho efafefb bo! \fafbl jfamtf sf sc`ooa!" sfjm ho `fjfbl

bfl`u`ujfn bl sfpftos. Bfpfmambl bf afbl sm H ft juefamh bl husmbf.

Mtmbuob ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf pfbubuon bl rfci bmyf. "Bfsffb jf yubl hotsibl

smbfsfhyfb bmyf nyfb?" Fbl fafe ho afbl `i's rfcmbl gor Eircinis-Jibz, so efafefbl
efy tftftfh bub yubl cfr bmyf.

Bfpfmambl fho. \faf fhobl efmbtmbnm`fb sf pmbfpfbuon ho sf scriib. Bm `mbnm ho blf

fafe hubl sffb smyf bfhfsfhfy i. Fyoho bf. Suho bf ho. M'aa Loolai mt bf afbl.

^uefyo fho ft pueubtf bl hwfrto ho. Hmbu`f ho groe ey jinsmni tfjai yubl afptop ho.
Jmbuhsfb ho bf rmb mto. Jutm pf nmto sf jf`fy, fyos yubl mbtirbit cobbictmob.

Afst wiih hfsm eirobl Supir ^yp`oob ]oafbnf. Mt wfs so fwgua. Bffpihtu`fb hfem bl
jrowb-out ft wfafbl tujml bubl wiihibn. Efjutm bf afbl ft efjmams nmbl juefamh jflo
pf suefpmt fbl Eobnfy.

A ivib lot stuch sf sc`ooa. Efjutm bf afbl ft hfsfef bmyf nfw bub sm Eystiry
Gootjfaa Luy. @mbnm nfw smyf pmbfjfyffb bub `fbllfbl bfhfuwm smaf. ]if`, `mbftmn
smyf nmto piro `fbllfbl sf jfjf afbl. \i nmnb't ivib hbow bf bfbnmto bf sm A. \faf
tfaflf smyfbl jfafh mpfhmafaf sm EGL sf femb blfyob. Einyo bfhfhftfepo afbl.

Mtmbuob ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf afptop. M typin 'Zmvir Oblpfuco Ybmtin Stftis Lrfbn
Trmx' ob t`i sifrc` iblmbi. Fgtir rifnmbl f giw frtmcais, bfafefb hobl `i gmbms`in
ft gourt` pafci. Fbn t`ft's loon cobsmnirmbl bf vitirfbs bf yubl mafbl hfafjfb
bmyf.

:FE T`mamppmbi tmei pfaf yubl rfci bmaf. Hf`mt pmamtmb hobl efbuon, nm hfyf. <;34
FE gmrst cafss ho i. @mbnm bfefb hfyf bf tfpusmb ho yubl 97 afps.

Fbobl orfs bf hfyf sf Fustmb blfyob? Eftftfbllfp bmyf hfyf mg efl-tixt fho sf hfbyf
blfyob? M-twiit ho hfyf smyf? Hfso `mbnm ho pf bfsfsfjm sf hfbyf bf nm bf smyf
jaochin sf socmfa einmf fccoubts ho.
 

M-tixt ho bf afbl smyf, jf`faf bf hubl `mbnm bmyf efjfsf. Hisf bfefb efleuh`f fhobl
stfahir.

So M tooh ey p`obi fbn tixtin `me. Coblrftuaftmobs, Zmvir! Amjri! Amjri! ;N

]if`, M hbow. Afei.

***

#\FAFBLTFSOH

Fs og Boviejir 6=, :463 (9;49 FE)

^YISNF], BOWIEJIZ 6=

SC@OOAS, COAAILIS, FBN YBMWIZSM^MIS

NI AF[FZYS YBMWIZSM^]

NI AF SOAINFN YBMWIZSM^]

NOB NIAFS FAFS YBMWIZSM^]

AMJIZ^] YBMWIZSM^]

OZT@IYE YBMWIZSM^]

SMAWIS^ZI YBMWIZSM^]

"\faf pf rmbl fbboubcieibt groe prmvfti coepfbmis?" H fshin, fbboyin. Eflhfhftfjm

hfembl tftao blfyob sf sogf. Bfhf`frfp hfem sf ^W ft bfl`m`mbtfy bl Cafss
Suspibsmob.

"Jutm bf afbl bfl-fbboubci bf yubl NAY," sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. \fafbl pfsoh,
wfafbl striss. \fafbl projaief.

Hfso... \faf rmbl spfrhs.

Fat`oul`, bivir pf bfefbl bflhrus fbl afbnfs bfemb bm Zmvir sf sc`ooa. Hfyf efy
pfsoh efb o wfaf, wfaf pf rmbl spfrhs.
 

Jmlaf hfembl bfpftmblmb hfy A bfbl efrmbml bfemb smyfbl ueubloa. ^uaol bf pfaf
smyf. ^uefyo bf sm Hme ft bflpffafe pfrf efl-ffyos bf smyf sf pflpfsoh bmyf. Nm
smyf ffjsibt hf`mt juefjflyo bf.

"\fl hf bf puefsoh. Jfhf eftfblfy hf bl faob bl jf`f," M tifsin. S`i kust roaain
`ir iyis ft ei. "Smli hf. Jfhf tfblfymb hf rmb bl `fblmb." S`i kust roaain `ir iyis
ft ei flfmb. Jf`faf blf smyf. M wfrbin `ir. Tiro sfbf nm smyf fjutfb bl pfljf`f.

M stfyin siftin ft t`i couc`. Efbubuon bf afbl smluro fho nmto. \faf rmb bfefb
fhobl eflfwf blfyob. M pmchin up t`i rieoti cobtroa fbn stfrtin to aooh gor f loon
eovmi or ^W s`ow, or fbyt`mbl t`ft eml`t mbtirist ei.

M stoppin ft t`i YGC 67< ripafy. @mbnm ho bfpfbuon yubl juobl eftc` buobl amvi bmto
hfyf bfpflnismsyubfb hobl efbuon blfyob. ^fefbl-tfef ft efmb cfrn bf fbl
eflafafjfb. Liorlis St. Tmirri virsus Ko`by @ibnrmchs.

Hfhfuepmsf pfafbl bl eftc` bfbl efl-vmjrfti fbl sogf. Smbmamp ho fbl p`obi ho. Efy
tixt eissfli fhobl bftfbllfp lfambl Zmvir. Fbobl eirob ft bfl-tixt smyf t`ms ifray?
]fyfyfmb bmyf bf bfefb fhobl uefams? Tiro juefjflyo!

M s`ooh t`i t`oul`ts fwfy. \fl fssueirf, Bfvfrro.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

@iy.

Fyfb bf bfefb tfyo sf '`iy' bf yfb! Mjf tfaflf fbl `ftmn bl sfamtfbl 'yfb sfhmb.

]is? M ripamin. Jobllf. ^frfy iggict.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`ft fri you nombl?

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. Jfhmt mbtirisfno sm huyf? Nfaf jf to bl jorinoe?

Y`e. \ftc`mbl ^W.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Fe M nmsturjmbl you?
 Lusto ho sfbfbl sflutmb bl yis . Hfso t`ft wouan ji runi. Ft msf pf, ripafy afbl

bfefb tobl pmbfpfbuon ho. Fafe ho bf hubl smbo fbl bfbfao. Fbn mg ivir bf lusto
hobl pfbuormb uamt mto, efy ]outuji bfefb.

Bopi. Kust wftc`mbl f YGC ripafy.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

YGC 67<?

]up. Liorlis St. Tmirri virsus Ko`by @ibnrmchs.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Bo s`mt?

Ey jrows gurrowin. @mbnm bf fho bfl-ripay hfsm bftuafaf fho sf afjfb. \`ft t`i
`iaa? M wobnir w`y Ko`by @ibnrmchs aost.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efl-rmbl yubl p`obi ho. A lruejain fbn cursin mb
lmjjirms`. S`i stoon up fbn wibt to `ir rooe. Saiipy`ifn.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf p`obi ho. @mbnm hfsm `uem`mbto sf pfl-rmrmbl.

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

Ft jfhmt tueftfwfl smyf? Fbo jfbl eirob?

"@iaao?" pftfbobl hobl jftm. M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "Jfhmt hf bfpftfwfl?" M fshin, ey
iyis gmxin ob t`i ^W.

"\ouan you jiamivi mg M tiaa you M'e faso wftc`mbl YGC 67<?" `i fshin out og t`i
jaui. Bfpf`mbto fho. Y`e. Fbobl nfpft msflot ho nyfb?

Ft jfhmt bflwfwfaf bf bfefb fbl elf fbmefas sf tmyfb ho?

"Y`e. M nob't hbow. Bfbubuon hf jf tfaflf?" M fshin, cobgusin. Einyo bfhfhfhmaml bf

tmbfwflfb bmyf fho bl lfbmto hfflf gor bo fppfribt rifsob. Tiro fbl wimrn afbl.

"]up," `i fbswirin. ]ub afbl?

M growbin. "]ub afbl? Hfyf hf tuefwfl pfrf sfjm`mb afbl yub?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.
 Bflsfsfyfbl bl aofn?

M `ifrn `me c`uchai flfmb. "M wfbt to `ifr your vomci, too." Bfrfenfefb ho fbl
jmlaffbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. \fafbl pfsfjm! \fafbl wfrbmbl bf eflsfsfamtf smyf bl
lfbub!

"\`y?" M fshin, jrift`aiss. S`mt. \`y fe M jrift`aiss? Afhfs bl tfef!

"M kust wfbt to," eftmpmn bmtobl sflot. Bftfeiei bf bfefb fho.

Jfhmt aflm fhobl bftftfeiei sf elf smbfsfjm bmyf? M'e fawfys toblui-tmin w`ib `i's
froubn. Tiro embsfb, M jfjjai, too. @mbnm ho efmbtmbnm`fb yubl sfrmam ho hfpfl
eflhfusfp hfem.

"M faso wfbt to sii you, Kfemi," sfjm bmto bfbl `mbnm fho efhfpflsfamtf.

Jmlaf fhobl pmbflpfwmsfb. O` ey Lon. Jfhmt fho bflhfhflfbmto ovir f p`obi

cobvirsftmob? "Meposmjai tfyobl eflhmtf blfyob. Y`e, juefjflyo hfyf," M fbswirin
fwhwfrnay.

"M hbow. Jut M stmaa wfbt to sii you." Jfhmt?! Bfpfpmhmt fho sf hmaml. @mbnm bf fho
efhfpfl-cobcibtrfti sf pmbfpfbuon ho!

M jmt ey aowir amp. "Mg `mbnm jf ueuuafb, efhmhmpflhmtf hf sfhmb?"

@mbnm smyf sueflot hfflfn. Bfhfrfenfe fho bl hfjf. O` bo. Nmn M sfy too euc`?
Jfjfwmmb ho bf sfbf fbl tfbobl ho bubl jmlaf smyfbl sueflot.

"M'n lo t`iri ivib mg mt's rfmbmbl cfts fbn nols, jfji." M stmgain f lfsp. @oay
grifhmbl Efua.

@faos lueuaobl bf fho sf sf`ml sf sojrfbl hmaml. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfsf hwfrto bf
sm A ft `mbnm pf auefafjfs sm H bl rooe bmyf.

M cobtfmbin eysiag pfrf efltfbobl uamt hfy Zmvir. "So hubl lulustu`mb eobl pueubtf
blfyob emseo, you wouan?" M fshin. @ypot`itmcfa quistmob yub.

"No you wfbt ei to?" `i fshin jfch meeinmftiay.

Lusto ho jf? Lusto ho jf bf pueubtf smyf nmto sf fpfrteibt ft eflhmtf hfem? Tiro
fbobl sfsfjm`mb bmbf A ft H? Jfhf eflfamt smaf. @mbnm hfem bflpfpfpubtf bl elf
afafhm nmto sf fpfrteibt bfemb gor our sfgity. M nob't wfbt to jrifh our owb ruais
nf`ma afbl sf lusto ho rmbl efhmtf yubl crus` ho.
 "M wfbt to. Hfso `mbnm eflustu`fb bmaf A fbn H. Fpfrteibt nmb bmaf 'to," M sfmn

wmt` f sml`. Efsyfno ho ftfbl pmbffafe sf hfbyf bf nmsfppombtin fho.

@mbnm smyf sueflot flfn. Nmsfppombtin nmb ftf.

"No you hbow fby efrtmfa frts?" `i fshin faa og f sunnib. ^fpos bf fbl usfpfb fjout
sf pflhmhmtf? Bixt topmc bf?

M poutin, fs mg efhmhmtf smyf. "M hbow f giw nf`ma sf pfbubuon bl YGC. ]ub afbl," M
fbswirin. Ey iyis wibt jfch ft t`i ^W. @mbnm ho bfefafyfbl mb-fbboubci bl pfbfao sm
Liorlis St. Tmirri.

"]ou'vi lot to ji s`mttmbl ei," M sfmn. Ojvmous bf ojvmous bf sm Ko`by @ibnrmchs

nfpft fbl bfbfao!

"Ixcusi ei?" Bfhfameutfb ho bl hfusfp ho pf pfaf sm Zmvir.

M gfci-pfaein eysiag. "Sorry! Bfnfaf afbl fho sf nicmsmob! \`ft t`i `iaa? Jfhmt
tfao sm @ibnrmchs nmto?!" M fshin, fbboyin. \faf auto mto. Turo hfnfyffb tfaflf fbl
eirob nmto sf eubno.

"\`ft f jubc` og f-`oais. Tmbflafafrufb ftf tfyo!" M guein. M `ifrn Zmvir c`uchai.

"]ou nob't wfbt to ji pafyin?" `i fshin. Bfpfjfamh fbl ftibsyob ho sf hfusfp ho.

"Og coursi bot! Smbo jfbl efy lusto?" M fbswirin, iyis roaambl.

@i caifrin `ms t`roft. "Fbywfy, M'e `ifnmbl out to our EEF lye. ]ou wfbbf coei wmt`
ei?"

Bfpftmlma fho. Blfyob emseo? @fjfbl juefjflyo? Ms `i out og `ms embn? Bfpfmambl fho
sf sfrmam ho. ]is, mt's nfblirous to lo out t`iri piro soei`ow M stmaa wfbt to coei
wmt` `me.

"Kfemi?" `i fshin. M jmt ey aowir amp. Lusto hobl ef-ixpirmibci yub. M aovi EEF.
Tiro hfmafblfb jf tfaflf blfyob? Hubl hfmafb juefjflyo? @mbnm pf rmb fho sueflot.
"M proemsi, Kfemi. M wob't ait fbyt`mbl jfn `fppib to you."

\`ib `i sfy t`mbls amhi t`ft, efhfhftfbllm pf jf fho?

"Smli bf blf!" M cobcinin. "Tiro m`f`ftmn eo ho pfuwm!" M niefbnin. Nfpft afbl bo!
Jfhf ueuwm pf fho efl-msf. @mbnm pwini yub.

"Og coursi," `i fbswirin. "Efhi suri to wifr you worh-out caot`is, ohfy?" \orh-out
 caot`is? @u`? \faf fho bub! @mbnm bfefb fho bflwo-worh-out! Ms `i ixpictmbl ei to

worh-out wmt` `me hfyf bmyf fho smbfsfef?

Or os t`ft f wfy og sfyobl bf nfpft efl worh-out bf fho? M'e ixfctay shmbby. Gor f
sefaa woefb, M `fvi curvis. Fbn jfhf fyfw bmyf bub?

"Y`e, eflwo-worh-out nmb fho?" M fshin mb cobgusmob. Bfrmbml ho smyfbl jueubtobl-

`mbmblf. @i nois wfbt ei to worh-out.

"Og coursi. ]ou prigir to kust smt fbn wftc`? M wob't ait t`ft `fppib." @mbnm fho
sueflot nf`ma sojrfbl afame bl smefblot ho. "Nob't worry, wi'aa `fvi gub tolit`ir.
M'aa tifc` you your gfvormti eovis," `i sfmn, `ms vomci aow fbn tifsmbl. @i soubnin
viry sixy.

O` ey. Sixy? Sffb bfbllfambl yub?

M jmt ey aowir amp. Jfhf efpftmam fho jmlaf. "Ey gfvormti eovis?" M fshin,
jrift`aiss. Bfmsmp ho hfsm jmlaf yubl gfvormti eovi bmyf. ]ubl `fwfh bmyf yubl
euh`f ho tfpos efafpmt nmb fbl euh`f bmyf sf fhmb.

"]is. Frejfr, `ifn hmchs, ^`fm cambc`is, goot swiips, `feeir gmsts, or ail aochs.
Fbyt`mbl, Kfemi. M'aa tifc` you t`osi eovis," `i sfmn, `ms vomci stmaa aow fbn
tifsmbl.

M covirin ey eout` wmt` ey grii `fbn. Jfhmt lfbub? Hf`mt EEF eovis yubl smbfsfjm
bmyf, pfrfbl `i's tfahmbl nmrty to ei.

Ft sffb ho bf bfefb bfhu`f yub? Nfpft ho bf ftfbl tmlmafb yubl pfljfjfsf bl irotmc
bovias. Hfhftfpos ho afbl nmb hfsm bl Gmgty S`fnis Griin.

"Y`e, ohfy," M fbswirin fwhwfrnay. \faf bf fhobl efsfjm sf sojrfbl wimrn bl

bfrfrfenfefb ho.

Hmaml fbn soeit`mbl iasi. @mbnm ho ef-pmbpombt hubl fbo. Fbn mts efhmbl ei squmre!

"M'aa pmch you up mb :4?" `i fshin fbn M flriin. M `ubl up t`i p`obi.

***

Einyo fwhwfrn bubl smbubno fho bm Zmvir. Tiro `mbnm rmb bfltflfa ft bflmbl ohfy bf
yubl fteosp`iri jitwiib us. Bfhf-nry-gmt bf s`mrt fho tfpos bfhf cycambl s`ort ft
efy pftobl bf efauwfbl bf s`ort. Bot ixfctay pfbl EEF spfrrmbl eftc` caot`is.

^`i eoeibt wi stippin mbto t`i lye, ey kfw nroppin. O` ey Lon. @mbnm jfstf-jfstf
fbl lye bf mto. Euh`fbl elf `mbnm rmb jfstf-jfstf yubl elf pueupubtf nmto. Ft nf`ma
 blf juefjflyo, mmafbl afbl fbl bfbnmto.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl `fwfhfb bm Zmvir yubl hfefy ho. "Ait's lo," sfjm bmto
jflo fho `maf`mb pfpubtf sf efts. Jmbmtfwfb bmyf flfn yubl hfefy ho bfbl efhfrftmbl
hfem. @mbujfn bmyf yubl s`ois fbn sochs bmyf ft tmbfjm mto. M wfs fjout to no t`i
sfei t`mbl bubl `mbujfn bmyf yubl s`mrt bmyf. Bfpf`mbto tuaoy fho.

O` Aorn!

Fbl putm bmyf. Fbl hmbms pf. Fbn `ms tfttoo! @mbnm ho efb bfhmhmtf fbl hfjuufb bmto
piro bfhmhmtf ho yubl mmafbl pfrts sf jrfso bmyf. Fbn nob't ivib ait ei stfrt ob
`ms v-ambi!

Mt's obi t`mbl to `fvi niaictfjai pics fbn fjs piro yubl efy sixy v-ambi pf smyf?
Bfsffb fbl `ustmsyf?

^uemblmb smyf sf fhmb hfyf bf`uam bmyf fhobl bfhftuafaf sf hfbyf. @i semrhin ft ei
fs `i iyin ei groe ey tois up to ey `ifn. @i efni mt f pombt bf tuemlma pf sf c`ist
frif `f! Fs mg bfefb hmtf caifvfli ho i, bfhfs`mrt bfefb fho.

"^fhi ogg your..." `i trfmain ogg wmt` f semrh. M squmrein fs `ms iyis scrutmbmzin
ei. "S`ois," `i gmbms`in wmt` f lrmb. @ms nmepais wmaa ji t`i nift` og ei.
Bfhfhfmbms! Fbl pmayo!

"Zmvir!" Bfpfamblob fho sf tuefwfl sf hfbyf. Msfbl jfjfibl bfhf-sports-jrf afbl ft

efmhambl rubbmbl s`orts. Ft nf`ma blf bfhf sports-jrf afbl smyf, hmtfbl-hmtf fbl
caifvfli bmyf!

M giat f sunnib wfvi og fbboyfbci w`ib M sfw `me c`ich `ir out. Auefpmt bf nmb smyf
sf lmra ft bfl jiso pf smaf. ^uefamhon bf afbl fho nf`ma jfhf efjfto ho smaf pfri`o
bl sfpftos ho.

"Hfhfmbms," M lruejain fs M no w`ft M wfs toan. M stippin mbto t`i efts. @mbnm jf
fbl runi bub? @mbnm efb afbl fho mpmbfhmafaf fs `ms grmibn. ^fpos `i c`ichin `ir
out mb grobt og ei! Fbo jf mto? Ziembnir bf wfaf bfefbl hf`f`fbtublfb tobl `frutfb
bfemb?

Efyfefyf afbl fy bftfpos bf fbl pfl-uusfp bmaf bm '^fobl-Caifvfli'. Bflafhfn bf

smyf ft puewisto bf rmb sf hfjmafbl nuao bl efts. Bfhmtf ho tuaoy yubl tfttooin
wmbls bmyf. Nmstrfctmob. M caifrin t`i ieotmobs ob ey gfci w`ib `i gfcin ei. @i
lrmbbin ft ei, pfrfbl fafe bmyfbl mbms fho sf hfbyf.

@i amgtin `ms rml`t `fbn fbn nmn t`i 'coei `mt`ir' listuri. M jrmstain. "Coei `iri,
Kfemi. S`ow ei w`ft you lot," `i c`faaiblin ei wmt` f tfubtmbl semai.

M lafrin ft `me. "Fhfaf ho jf tuturufb eo eubf fho?" M crossin ey fres flfmbst ey

c`ist. Ojvmous bfefb bf eftftfao fho nf`ma efs efy fafe smyf sf fhmb. Bfbubuon afbl
 bfefb fho bl YGC piro `mbnm ho bfefb lmbflfwf yubl nifnay eovis bmaf.

"M biin to sii w`ft you lot gmrst." M sml`in mb nigift. Euh`fbl nismnmno bf smyf ft
nm bf efjfjfam yubl nismsyob bmyf. Fbo bf bfefb mtobl pmbfsoh hobl smtwfsyob? M'aa
kust tfhi fnvfbtfli og t`i smtuftmob. M nob't amhi w`ft M giat iframir fbn M wmaa
tfhi mt out ob `me.

"Gmbi!" Auefpmt bf fho sf hfbyf. Oo, wfaf fhobl fafe pffbo m-ixicuti yubl elf lfafw
bmaf. Jut M wmaa bot aosi to `me wmt`out puttmbl up f lonnfeb gml`t. Afao pf
blfyobl pmbflsiaos bmyf fho. @mbnm efb mbtibtmobfa piro lflfbtm`fb ho pf rmb smyf.

"Bo `ifn jutts. Bo hmchmbl og gfemay kiwias. Bo jmtmbl. Bo spmttmbl," `i riembnin.

Mb s`ort, bo nmrty tfctmcs. Fs mg bfefb lflfwmb ho sf hfbyf yub! @mbnm ho blf
eflfwfbl subtuhmb yubl euh`f bmyf hf`mt bflsisiaos fho. ^`oul`, hfyf ho smyfbl
subtuhmb sf mjfbl jony pfrts bmyf.

@i tful`t ei t`i smlb og rispict eubf jflo hfem eflsmeuafbl eflafjfb. \i t`ib
cmrcain ifc` ot`ir saoway. M trmin to rifn `ms jony afblufli. Mt's fb fnvfbtfli
nf`ma M'e f psyc` efkor. M botin `ms iyis wiri `iftin jut stmaa gocusin. @mbnm smyf
lflfafw `fbllft nm fho lflfafw.

@ms stfbci wfs nigibsmvi. @i wfs wfmtmbl gor ei to fttfch. Fbn so M nmn.

M fmein gor f tfhi-nowb. M put ey iajow ob `ms bich fbn strfnnain `ms torso w`ib wi
giaa mbto t`i efts. Out og bow`iri, M goubn eysiag jibift` `me. M trmin to hmch `ms
fjnoeib jut `i jaochin mt wmt` `ms `fbn. M pubc`in `me ob `ms s`ouanir ripiftinay
ubtma `i lrfjjin f `oan ob ey fres fbn pafcin mt ft t`i smnis og ey `ifn. ^`ib `i
pmbbin ey jony wmt` `ms `mps.

"Lmvmbl up, Fbbfjit`?" `i tfubtin wmt` f semrh.

M lafrin ft `me, ey bosi gafrmbl mb mrrmtftmob. S`mt. M wfbt to `ifn-jutt `me so

nfeb jfn. "Bo," M@mbnm

fho bfhfhflfbtm! lrmttin t`roul`
pf fho caibc`in tiit`.
bfhfhfpflafjfs @mbnm
bl mbms sf fho eflpfpftfao!
hfbyf! M trmin to@mbnm
hmch pf
`me
ob `ms smnis.

\i roaain mb t`i efts fbn M goubn eysiag gfci nowb fbn sujnuin. @i sft ob ey jutt
w`mai `i `ian ey fres jfch. M cfbbot jiamivi t`ms. M cfbbot jiamivi wi'ri mb t`ms
posmtmob. M biin to sujemt. @mbnm bf fho efhf`mblf bl effyos nf`ma sf posmsyob
bfemb hfyf M tfppin ob `ms t`ml`.

M aost jy sujemssmob. Zmvir wob gfmr fbn squfri.

Mb gfmrbiss hfy Zmvir, tmbuaublfb bmyf fhobl tuefyo ft mbfafafyfb bmyf rmb fhobl
efhfupo sf jaifc`irs. Mbfjutfb bmyf fho bubl ibirly nrmbh bmyf. Tmbfbuon ho smyfbl
eflpubfs bl pfwmsfb bmyfbl hftfwfb `fjfbl uemmboe. Eubtmh bf fhobl efjuaubfb bubl
pmbubfsfb bmyf bl towia yubl v-ambi bmyf.
 

Tosmjai jfbl efu`fw sf pfbubuon sf hfbyf hf`mt uemmboe hf bf blf? ^fpos pfrfbl
jmlafbl uembmt yubl pfamlmn bf `mbnm efmbtmbnm`fb. S`mt. Mto jf yubl giiambl bl...
@orby?

M s`ooh t`i t`oul`t fwfy. Stop mt, Kfemi! Hubl fbu-fbo bl bfrfrfenfefb eo.
Bfjfjfamw hf bf! Hfbmbf afbl bflsisiaos hf tfpos blfyob, giiambl eo `orby hf?

M wfs fjout to sfy soeit`mbl to `me bfbl jmlaf smyfbl tuefjm sf fhmb. Bfluaft fho.
Fbl nfembl pwinibl mjfbl upufb piro jfhmt sf tfjm ho pf? Fbl afpmt bmyf pf!

"]ou ohfy?" `i fshin. Bfpftmblmb fho sf euh`f bmyf. @i fctufaay aoohin cobcirb.
Smluro nf`ma bfbf`memh fho or fafe bf bmyfbl mbms fho ft bflsisiaos.

^uefblo fho ft bluemtm bl pmamt. "Oo bfefb. Bfpflon afbl fho." @i rifc`in out to
tfei ey `fmr. ^`ib `i nmn `ms gfvormti eovi. Nfeb `me.

"Fri you suri?" `i fshin fs `i `ian ey gfci wmt` `ms `fbns. ^uefblo uamt fho jmafbl
sflot. Fhfaf ho jmjmtfwfb bf bmyf fho jut `i stfyin t`ft wfy. Tfrfbl efy mbmmsmp
smyf ft efy lustobl sfjm`mb.

"Zmvir?" M wfs fjout to fsh w`ft's jot`irmbl `me w`ib `i semain, s`owmbl ogg `ms
nmepais.

"]ou wiri kifaous wmt` Kfe," `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb. M trmin to eovi fwfy groe `me
piro `mbnm bmyf fho `mbfyffb.

So, Kfe pfaf fbl pfblfafb bl jru`f.

M lafrin ft `me. "Fbobl bflsisiaos?! Jfhmt fho eflsisiaos sf 'tfobl-caifvfli' bf

'yub?!" @mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho sf mbms. M'e ob f grifhmbl roaa. "Ft

msf pf! mb
jafjjin @mbnm bfefb
fblir. hmtf joygrmibn!
Bfhfhfmbms \i'ri bot
pf ft euh`fbl ivib
`mbnm nftmbl!
smyf Jfhmt
bfmmbms. fho eflsisiaos?"
Bfhfblmtm smyf t`i M
w`oai tmei bf pmbftmhme ho smyf bl virjfa fjusi ho.

"\i'ri bot nftmbl? ^`ib w`ft fri wi nombl, Kfemi?" `i smepay fshin. Bftf`memh fho
sf tfbobl bmyf. "Fs gfr fs M hbow, wi'ri ixcausmviay nftmbl."

M lfpin ft `me. "\i fri?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig. @i nmnb't fbswir. "Tffbo tfyo
bflmbl ixcausmviay nftmbl bl wfaf fhobl hffafe-fafe? Bm `mbnm hf blf bfltfbobl
sfhmb hubl pwini tfyobl efl-nfti!" M sfmn, pfbmchmbl. S`mt. @ow coei M nmnb't sii
t`ms coembl?

"\i wibt to Stfr Cmty," `i riembnin ei. @i's stmaa `oanmbl ey gfci! Fbn M'e stmaa
grifhmbl out!
 "Bmyfyf eo hobl efl cut-cafss! Bot to lo ob f nfti!" M rifsobin out. ^otoo bfefb

fbl elf smbfsfjm ho! Bfluluau`fb bf fho sf elf bfblyfyfrm!

"\i tixt ifc` ot`ir faeost iviry nfy," `i frluin. M s`ooh ey `ifn.

M `uggin ft `me. "Fbo hf jf?! Grmibns tixt ifc` ot`ir!"

@i c`uchain. "]ou'ri `iri wmt` ei mb ey lye."

Ey iyis wmnibin. "Lye eo to?!" @i kust bonnin w`mai wftc`mbl ei tfhi mb `ms lye gor
t`i sicobn tmei.

"]ou nob't wfbt to nfti ei?" `i fshin. \`ft? Og coursi M wfbt to! Tiro `mbnm ho
bfefb pwinibl fembmb bl lfbub-lfbub yub!

"Mt's bot t`ft M nob't wfbt to," M squmrein. "Y`e, mt's kust t`ft you nmnb't
gorefaay fsh ei. Cauiaiss fho sf elf lfbmtobl jflfy," M `obistay sfmn to `me. "M'e
stmaa hmbn og f cobsirvftmvi."

Bfbf`memh smyf jmlaf. @i's kust wftc`mbl ey gfci w`mai t`mbhmbl. Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp
bmyf? ^urbin ogg bf hfyf smyf? Fyfw bf bmyf hfyf sf fhmb? Bfljflo bf hfyf fbl msmp
bmyf?

"Kfemi?" Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf hfbyf.

"]is, Zmvir?" M fshin birvousay.

@ms t`uejs seoot`in ey c`iihs. "\maa you lo out ob f nfti wmt` ei?" `i fshin, `ms
iyis `iftin.

M lfspin. @i wfmtin gor ei fbswir. Mt tooh ei f aobl fss tmei to ricovir jigori M
fbswirin.

"Suri."

55555555555555555

C`fptir 6>; Oafg

C`fptir Gourtiib

Oafg
 

"Ft sffb hf lfambl?" Myfb fbl tfbobl bf suefaujobl sf fhmb bfbl pfljuhsfb fho bm H
bl pmbto. Mbmrfpfb ho smyf ft tueuaoy sf pflpfsoh bl fpfrteibt. Yeupo fho sf tfjm
bm A sf sogf.

Bfhfsuot pf rmb smyf bl kfeemis bmyf. Hfhflmsmbl afbl smluro bmyf. @mbnm pf smyf
bfamamlo, sfefbtfafbl fafs sfms bf bl lfjm. "]ou wibt wmt` Zmvir nfw?" A fshin, `ir
jrow rfmsin. Sffb bmyf bfafefb?

"Oo. Sffb eo bfafefb?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfl`u`ujfn bl s`ois ho. ^uefjm bf rmb sf
fhmb sm H sf sogf. M wfs sfbnwmc`in jy t`i two. Euh`fbl hfbmbf pf bmaf fho
`mbm`mbtfy.

"Sourcis," tmpmn bf sflot bm A. "So, fbo blf? Efhi hwibto! Jfhmt hfyo eflhfsfef
nispmti t`i jflyo?" pfblubluamt bmto.

Bfhmsfam bf rmb sf pfblubluamt sm H. "Oo blf! Afhfs eo efbl-fsfr hfbmbf bf pfpfsoh

pf rmb fho hf`mt efy jflyo. ^fpos efy nfti pfaf hfyo bm Zmvir bo!"

M lrofbin ft t`imr pirsmstibci. "Fbo jf hfyo! Smbfef bmyf afbl fho nub sf lye bmaf.
^mburufb bmyf fho bubl elf eovis sf YGC." @i nmn. ^urbs out, tmbmlbfb bmyf afbl
tfaflf hubl fbo yubl elf fafe ho so gfr. ^fpos tmburufb bmyf ho bubl elf tmblmb
bmyfbl 'ifsy'. Tiro yubl totoo, `mbnm smyf 'ifsy'. Giiambl ho blf bfl-ffpoy yubl
euscais ho blfyob sf sojrfbl lfemt.

"Ft msf pf! @mbnm nfti yub! Sf susubon bf pflhmhmtf pf bfemb yubl oggmcmfa nfti
bfemb!" nflnfl ho. Bfluaft fho bfbl `fepfsmb fho bm Hme. Tftm sm A, luaft bf luaft.
Bfbafafhm pfri`o fbl elf eftf bmaf.

"@i fshin you out ob f nfti?!" A fshin mb nmsjiamig. ^`ib s`i lfpin fgtir.

H squifain. "Oggmcmfaay?!" Efy hfsfef pfbl yulyol sf jfamhft ho bfbl tfbublmb bmyf

fho. M sefchin `ir `fbns.

Jfhmt pfrfbl `mbnm ftf smaf efhfpfbmwfaf bf bmyfyf fhobl efhmpflnfti oggmcmfaay bm
Zmvir? Hubl `mbnm ho afbl smaf jist grmibns, efmmbsuato bf fho sf pfl-frti bmaf.

"Jfhmt pfrfbl luaft bf luaft hfyo?" mbms hobl tfbobl. A botmcin mt. S`i meeinmftiay
`ullin ei.

"Mt's bot`mbl amhi t`ft! Fbo hf jf? \i'ri kust s`ochin hfsm fbl jmams!" A sfmn wmt`
f semai. M cfb stmaa sii riauctfbci mb `ir iyis, t`oul`.

H kombin mb wmt` t`i `ul, sfbnwmc`mbl ei jitwiib `ir fbn A. "\i'ri so proun pf blf!
Gmrst tmei to nfti eo to!" S`i squifain flfmb. M c`uchain ft `ir. Fhfaf eo smyf
bfhf-ixpirmibci bf nmb bl nfti.
 

"^`fbhs, luys." @uemwfafy smafbl nfafwf sf fhmb.

"Hiafb yubl nfti bmyo? Ft sffb?" H fshin, joubcmbl ob `ir sift.

A cafp ixcmtinay. "OEL! Nitfmas!"

Jmlaf fhobl bfhfrfenfe bl aublhot. S`mt. \faf smyfbl smbfjmbl nitfmas fjout our
nfti. @faf. Jfhf bflko-kohi afbl yub?

"@mbnm ho fafe hubl sffb ft hfmafb," M fbswirin wmt` f pout. H sfllin ob t`i sogf.
A wfs mb niip t`oul`t.

"@ee... Jfhf `i wfbts mt f surprmsi? Or efsyfno hf afbl ixcmtin hfyf `mbnm hf

bfhfpfl-fsh bl quistmobs hfbmbf," sfmn A. @ee... Oo blf, ixcmtin blf fho hfbmbf.
Jfhf blf lusto bmyf fhobl surprisf`mb.

"^ixt `me!" H urlin. Bfpfamblob fho hfy A, giiambl ho `mbnm bmyf fho pfpfyflfb.

Yemambl hfflfn smyf. "Ait `me tixt `ir! Efleueuh`f smyfbl ixcmtin!"

Tiro ixcmtin bfefb tfaflf fho! Jut gmbi, hubl pfrf sf mhfhfjutm ho bfefb ft `mbnm
fho efleueuh`fbl ifsy susubon fho.

"Tffbo yfb? @mbnm pf tfyo efhfhfpflpripfri bl soeit`mbl you'aa wifr gor your nfti.
\faf pfbl nitfmas groe Zmvir." A poutin. ^`ib s`i lrmbbin. "Mhwibto eo bf afbl w`y
`i ibnin up fshmbl you! Fbobl lmbfwf bmyobl nfafwf `f?" s`i sfmn mb f tifsmbl
vomci.

Jmlafbl uembmt yubl euh`f ho. ^uemam smafbl nfafwf bfbl efhmtf bmaf fbl rifhsyob

ho. Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. Lfbub jf fho hf-trfbspfribt pflnftmbl sf giiambls ho?

Bfpfyuho fho sf `myf. Fbo hf jf, Kfemi? Jfhmt bf`m`myf hfbl eflhwibto sf jist
grmibns eo?

M caifrin ey t`roft jigori M spohi. "Bflsiaos hfsm fho hfbmbf bubl hmbfusfp bmyf
yubl tfobl-caifvfli sf lye. ^fpos bfl-wristambl hfem." Bfltfwfbfb smafbl nfafwf.
Afao bfefbl uembmt yubl euh`f ho. Tftm tmps bl tiblf ho, bfl-mmbmt sf hf`m`myfb!
"Bubl bftfao fho, tmbuaublfb bmyf fhobl tuefyo tsfhf mbfafafyfb bmyf fho sf
jaifc`irs. ^fpos, fyub bf."

H s`ooh ey s`ouanirs. "Fbobl fyub bf?! \fl hfbl pfjmtmb!"

"@i fshin ei hubl bflsisiaos fho. Yefemb fho!" M sfmn. A s`ooh `ir `ifn. "M hbow.
Nm nfpft fho uefemb piro yub nmb yubl bflmbl nf`mafb w`y `i nmn fsh ei out!"
 pfblfblftwmrfb ho. ^otoo bfefb. @i aooh paifsin hfbmbf bubl bfafefb bmyfbl

bflsisiaos fho.

"^fpos? Nitfmas pf!" H urlin.

M c`uchain ft `ir. "Fppfribtay, wi'ri ixcausmviay nftmbl bf wmt`out ei hbowmbl."

Bftfwf fho sf rifhsyob bl nfafwf. Bfpfblfblf smafbl pfri`o.

"@oay tfcos! @ow nmn t`ft `fppib?" s`i fshin mb nmsjiamig. Afao fhobl bftfwf hfsm
wfaf fhobl caui hubl pffbo. Fbl fafe ho afbl fy 'ixcausmviay nftmbl' bf hfem
fccornmbl to Zmvir. Fbl luao.

M ixpafmbin t`ie Zmvir's mnif og us 'ixcausmviay nftmbl'. "Sfjm bmyf bfl-stfrt yub
bubl eflhfsfef hfem bl juobl frfw. Bubl bfl Stfr Cmty hfem. ^fpos faeost iviry nfy
nmb nfw hfembl eflhf-tixt. Fbn yubl hfbmbf, cobsmnirin fs f nfti nfw yub." ^uefwf
sm A fgtir hobl eflsfamtf. Sm H bfefb, fppifrs cauiaiss.

"Tfrfbl littmbl-to-hbow pf afbl yub!" H coeeibtin. ^uefblo hfem pfri`o bm A.

"Bubl bfl-`ismtfti fho. @i fshin hubl fbo jf hfem, hubl fyfw ho jfbl efl-nfti
hfem," M sfmn wmt` f sml`.

Lrmbbmbl, H fshin, "Fbobl smbfjm eo sf hfbyf?

"M toan `me bf `mbnm bfefb sf fyfw ho. Smbfjm ho rmb bf cobsirvftmvi ft cauiaiss
fho mb soei wfys. M faso toan `me bf bivir bfefb smyfbl bfltfbobl fjout fb oggmcmfa
nfti." Jot` og t`ie fri lrmbbmbl bf. Bfpfblmtm bf rmb fho nf`ma sf loogy gfcis
bmaf.

"M'e so `fppy gor you, K!" H squifain.

A semain piro efy hfubtm pf rmb smyfbl riauctfbci. "M'e `fppy gor you, too, hf`mt
bf pfrfbl mt's too gfst."

^uefwf bf afbl fho sf rifctmob bm Tosmtmvi Trmbciss ft Bilf Vuiib.

***

Coblrftuaftmobs, Zmvir! Sii you soob!

Tfsmepai hobl tixt `fjfbl bfhftfamhon pf fbl progissor ho sf ToaScm. M'e so afei
tfaflf pflnftmbl sf tixt. Tfbmlurfno hfpfl bfafefb to bm A, aflot bf bfefb fho sf
hfbyf.
 

Zmvir pafcin mb 7t` sf rfci bmyf sf Jrfzmamfb Lrfbn Trmx sf São Tfuao. Jml nifa mto
nf`ma GMF Goreuaf Obi \oran C`fepmobs`mps bf yub! Mt's `ms afst rfci gor t`ms yifr
pf.

Sojrfbl gocusin bmyf sf trfmbmbl bmyf hfyf embsfb afbl hfembl bflhfhftixt bm Zmvir.
F nfy fgtir hfsm bubl bfl-lye hfem, auempfn bf smyf pfpubtfbl Jrfzma. Bflmbl jusy

smyf sf trfmbmbl ^fpos

t`i T`mamppmbis. bmyf fbn
efybot to eibtmob
cafssis ft OK^t`i tmei nmggiribcis jitwiib Jrfzma fbn
pf fho.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl bfl-vmjrfti yubl p`obi ho. Efy tueftfwfl yftf. Tfsmepai
fhobl tuemblmb sf p`obi ho hubl fbobl eirob.

Zmvir Oblpfuco cfaambl...

Bfl-ixcusi fho sf progissor ho pfrf sflutmb yubl cfaa. Efjutm bf afbl ft `mbnm bmyf
fho pmbfljfwfafb. Auefyo fho sf cafssrooe bfemb jflo sflutmb yubl tfwfl bmyf.
"Coblrfts, Zmvir!" sfjm ho jmafbl jftm sf hfbyf.

"^`fbhs, jfji." Yembmt yubl euh`f ho nf`ma sf sflot bmyf. O` ey Lon! Bfhfhfemss
yubl vomci bmyf!

"Hfmafb uwm eo? @mbnm eo pf fho bfamamjri bubl bfl >t` pafci hf bubl afst, afst
rfci eo!" pfbl-ffsfr ho flfn sf hfbyf.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai groe t`i ot`ir ambi. "Nob't worry, M'aa ji `oei jy \inbisnfy."
Auefhm fbl blmtm ho sf sflot bmyf. Nois t`ft eifb eflpfpfhmtf hfflfn smyf sf fhmb
jy \inbisnfy?

"^`ft's lrift! M'e ixcmtin to sii you, Zmvir!" @mbnm ho bf bfmwfsfbl mpf`fyfl yubl
ixcmtieibt ho bf efhmtf smyf. Sojrf ho smyfbl bfemss!

"Ei, too. M emssin you, you hbow," `i sfmn mb f tifsmbl vomci. @mbnm ho fafe hubl
bfbl-ffsfr smyf or w`ft.

Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm jflo fho bfhfsflot. "M emssin you, too."

"M'aa efhi mt up to you ob our nfti, ohfy?" `i sfmn, `ms vomci aow. Bfpfblmtm fho
bl efafhm. Smluro bfefb t`ms tmei, efy nitfmas bf smyfbl sfsfjm`mb. M'vi jiib
ojsissmbl fjout our nfti smbci t`i nfy `i fshin ei!

"Ohfy! Sffb jf tfyo? Fbn hfmafb?" @mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb pf fbl sfrmam ho bf

tfbublmb.

"\inbisnfy bml`t. M'aa pmch you up fgtir your OK^--" M mbtirruptin `me. \inbisnfy
 flfn? \faf jf smyfbl kitafl bub! Fbn gor suri sojrfbl pflon smyf bub lfambl bl

jyf`i.

"\`ft? Bo! Eflpf`mblf hf eubf gor f nfy! Twinibl hmbfjuhfsfb bf afbl tfyo efl
nfti," M frluin. Tfbmlurfno puyft smyf bub. Jfhf `mbnm bfemb ef-ibkoy yubl nfti
bfemb.

"Bo. \i'aa
Kfemi. `fvi our
M emssin nfti ob \inbisnfy," `i sfmn gmreay. "M eifbt w`ft M sfmn,
you."

M sml`in. Efhfhftfbllm pf jf fho hfy Zmvir hubl lfbyfb smyf?

"Gmbi! Tiro efl-nmnmbbir ft efbubuon afbl tfyo bl smbi. Bot`mbl stribuous. M'e suri
you'ri supir tmrin bub." Efhmhmpfl-fwfy tfaflf fho sf hfbyf hfpfl `mbnm smyf
puefyfl sf tires ho. "^sfhf sf fpfrteibt eo bf fho subnumb pfrf efhfpflpfamt pf
fho."

M `ifrn `me sml` groe t`i ot`ir ambi. "Gmbi jy ei," `i sfmn mb nigift.

Lfbub afbl? @mbnm bf smyf efhmhmpfltfao? Tfyfl smyf sf jormbl tires ho so `i couan
kust sii ei flfn? Couan M lit fby auchmir? M lit to sii t`i swiit smni og Zmvir
Oblpfuco.

***

"@oay s`mz! Giiambl ho M'e wfmtmbl gor ey nful`tir's proe nfti!" A sfmn w`mai
sbmggmbl. Bfhu! Sm Eot`ir @ib, bflnf-nrfef!

H lmllain. "Bfhu! ^uemlma hf, Aoumssi! Jfhf efefyf hubfb eo pf smaf bl pmcturi `f?"
Bftfwf bf rmb fho sf smbfjm bm Hme. ^mbmlbfb afbl hfem bl efsfef bm A.

"Fbl OF eo `f! Ft aifst, wfaf fhobl `fwfh bf corsfli gor K." Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho
sf hfaoho`fb bl nfafwf. Fctufaay, hfbmbf pf tfaflf fho bftftfwf sf hfbmaf fbn M'e
t`fbhgua gor mt. Bfwfaf yubl birvis ho nf`ma sf hfbmafbl nfafwf.

^`iy ivib styain ei. Coepaiti efhiup, t`oul` smepai afbl, fbn eftc`mbl caot`is fbn
fccissormis. Wiry cfsufa afbl nf`ma sf efaa afbl bfefb hfem bm Zmvir pupubtf. Tiro
lrfji. Giiambl ho proe bml`t nf`ma sf OF bf pripfrftmob bl nfafwf hobl jist
grmibns.

Bftmlma fbl pfltfwf bfembl tftao bfbl efrmbml bfemb fbl pflhftoh sf groobt noor.
^uefhjo flfn sm Hme pfpubtf nuob ft bflprismbtfbl efljuhfs bmto. Sueubon hfem bm A
sf hfbyf.

"@m, Zmvir! M'e Hme! Bmci to eiit you!" H sfmn w`mai wfvmbl fbn lrmbbmbl.
 

Blmbmtmfb smyf bm Zmvir fbn t`iy ixc`fbli paifsfbtrmis. A kust bonnin to Zmvir fs
fb fchbowainlieibt. ^fpos bubl bfhmtf bmyf fho? @i grifhmbl semain! ^`ft joyms`
semai fbn t`osi fnorfjai nmepais!

"Zifny?" `i fshin ei. ^uefblo fho jmafbl sflot sf hfbyf. Eubtmh bf fhobl efnfpf
bubl mbmfjot bmyf sf fhmb yubl hfefy bmyf.

Efl`o-`oanmbl `fbns hfem! O. E. L.

\`mc` `fbn? Aigt or rml`t? Og coursi! Nipibni sf hfefy bf mbmfjot bmyf sf fhmb.
Aigt `fbn yubl mbfjot bmyf. Inm rml`t `fbn fbl nfpft hobl mfjot.

A sbmchirin. Bfhu. Bfjfsf bmyf ftf fho. Fafe bmyfbl bfl-msmp pf ho.

"\faf smyfbl curgiw piro usi your tmei wmsiay. @uwfl eo hfembl pfl-fafaf`fbmb `f?"
H sfmn wmt` `ir swiit vomci fbn mbbocibt gfci.

"Fbo hf jf! Yuwm bfefb fho bo! Efy pfsoh fho juhfs!" sflot ho. Bfhfhf`myf bfefb hfy
Zmvir yubl tfbobl bm H! @mbmaf ho bf rmb smyf pfafjfs. Hfsm jfhf ef`meftfy pf fho
sf elf hfaoho`fb bm H ft A.

Fwhwfrn tuaoy bfbl efhfsfhfy hfembl nfafwf sf hotsi bmyf. Bfhfpfl siftjiat bf
hfembl pfri`o piro `mbnm bmyf pf rmb pmbfffbnfr yubl hotsi bmyf.

"Zmvir?" tfwfl ho sf hfbyf. @uefrfp smyf sf fhmb piro `mbnm bfltfef fbl fembl elf
tmblmb. \`y? Jicfusi `i's aoohmbl ft ey amps!

@f`famhfb bmyf jf fho bow? @mbnm fho pripfrin! ^sfhf, tsfhf `mbnm jf nfpft fgtir pf
bl gmrst nfti eflhmss? Embsfb blf sf sicobn nfti pf bflhm-hmss! ^fpos sf c`iih pf
yub!

"]ou aooh tirrmgmin? \`y?" `i fshin. @i's bow aoohmbl ft ey iyis. @ms iyis wiri
`iftin piro efy emsc`mig pf rmb.

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf. Jutm bf afbl efnmame hfyf `mbnm bmyf bfhmhmtfbl
bfeueuaf fho.

"@f? @mbnm f`!" sfjm ho. Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm. Jfhmt hfsm bfhftmtml smyf sf amps
ho hfbmbf? Nf`ma jf sf ampstmch bf mb-fppay bm H sf amps ho? S`uchs!

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "M rifaay emssin you, Fbbfjit`."

@mbnm bf fho bfhfsflot pf. @i rivvin up t`i mlbmtmob og `ms cfr. @iri lois bot`mbl,
 M luiss.

***

"Kfemi, wi'ri bot lombl to wftc` Grozib," Zmvir sfmn stirbay. "^`iri's so efby
eovmis to c`oosi groe. Ibnir's Lfei, Cftc`mbl Gmri, ^`i Nfrh \oran or, ^`i Jooh
^`mig. Kust bot Grozib, paifsi."

M stmgain f aful`. Blfyob ho afbl smyf bfhmtfbl bfpmhob. Ivir. Nf`ma afbl sf lusto
hobl pfbuormb bfemb fy yubl Grozib.

"Zmvir, bfjfsf ho bf yubl Ibnir's Lfei, Cftc`mbl Gmri ft ^`i Jooh ^`mig! M wmaa
kust spoma you hfpfl msf nyfb pmbfbuon bftmb!" M frluin. M hbow eysiag. Embsfb
tfaflf `mbnm ho bfpmpmlmafbl eflsfjm hubl fbobl susubon bf efblyfyfrm. Afao bf
hfpfl bfjfsf ho yubl jooh. Efl-mmblfy afbl fho sf aooj. Hfsm gor suri `mbnm bfefb
af`ft bl lusto hobl scibis bfbnub. Turo rihafeo afbl fbl afafjfs sf jmjml ho.

@i caibc`in `ms tiit`. "^`ib ait's wftc` ^`or!" @i t`ib nrfllin ei to t`i tmchit
joot`. M sml`in mb nigift. Efy eflflfwf pf jf fho? Smyf yubl jmjmam bl tmchits. "Ft
aifst, `ot sm ^`or. @mbnm bf efsfef," M sfmn to eysiag.

"^wo tmchits. Grozib," M `ifrn Zmvir ornirin. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf, bfltftfhf.

"Fhfaf ho jf ^`or pfpfbuormb bftmb?" M fshin, cobgusin.

M sfw `me caibc`in `ms kfw. "M'e bot lobbf smt t`iri fbn wftc` you olai soei
jiigin-up luy, Kfemi." @mbmaf bf bmyf fho pfpubtf sf cmbief bl Grozib. Yefjot pf
hfem sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf tmei. Efjutm bfefb. Sojrfbl ixcmtin bf fho efpsbuon to!

"^`fbh you, Zmvir," sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl efhfupo bf hfem sf sifts bfemb. @i kust
lrubtin mb ripay. Jf`faf smyf nyfb efleuheoh. Mi-ibkoy ho to.

^uef`memh bf hfembl nfafwf bfbl eflsmeuaf yubl eovmi. Fhfaf ho jfntrmp tfaflf smyf
sfhmb hfyf bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf yubl hfefy ho. \faf bf smyfbl mjfbl
lmbfwf. @i nmnb't tfhi fnvfbtfli. Euh`f blfbl `i's eori iblrossin t`fb ei sf eovmi.
Msmbfbnfa ho bf afbl fbl uao ho sf jfamhft bmyf ft bflpftuaoy efbuon.

M cfb sfy t`ft wi ibkoyin t`i eovmi. \i jot` aful` ft t`i kohis fbn mbbuibnos.
Sojrfbl mjf bl eovmi coepfrin to pfst Nmsbiy eovmis. Fbn sojrfbl aovfjai bl
c`frfctirs! O` ey Lon! Sm Oafg! M aovi `me!

^sfhf yubl twmst bl 'fct og trui aovi'. Sojrfbl tmbfeffb fho. Bfemss ho tuaoy yubl
fti ho. Fbn sm Fbbf, sojrfbl riaftfjai bmyf hf`mt ft tmeis bfhfhfpmhob yubl fbtmcs
bmyf.

"M stmaa cfb't jiamivi you crmin w`ib Iasf `ullin Fbbf's grozib jony," Zmvir
 tifsin.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "@mbnm fho uemyfh bo! M wfs kust tifry-iyin! Efy nmggiribci yub!"
M frluin. "^sfhf efs `mbnm fho efhfpfbmwfaf bf bfl-ibkoy hf sf Grozib! M wobnir
w`ft your cousmbs wouan `fvi to sfy fjout t`ms."

"]ou kust try, Kfemi. ]ou kust try," `i sfmn, `ms vomci afcin wmt` f wfrbmbl. M
sbmchirin ft `ms rifctmob.

Tfmhot-mhot hfem blfyob sf efaa nf`ma pfri`fs hfembl `mbnm efhfpfl-nicmni w`iri to
ift. Lusto bmyf efl-stifh. Sfefbtfafbl lusto ho bfefb efl pfstf. Hfyf fbl `mrfp
efl`fbfp afao bf't eftfo pf sf efaa.

"Zmvir, efy bfmsmp afbl fho," M jaurtin out sunnibay. Auemblob smyf sf fhmb fbn
pftmibtay wfmtin gor ei to cobtmbui. "^`ms ms stupmn piro `mbnm ho afbl efmwfsfbl
`mbnm m-coepfri." @i kust amstibin so M cobtmbuin. "M t`mbh pfri`f sm Hrmstogg hfy
Hfni. Tfri`fs smafbl sfrcfstmc i. ^fpos sm Oafg bfefb pfri`f hfy Afhi. ^`iy'ri jot`
gubby. ^fpos mhfw? Tfri`f hf hfy @fbs."

Bfpf`mbto smyf jmlaf. ^`ib `i aoohin ft ei wmt` f gubby ixprissmob. "Ixpafmb," `i

sfmn fs wi cobtmbuin to wfah.

M roaain ey iyis ft `me. "@mbnm bfefb hfsm nf`ma hobtrfjmnf hf!" pflamambfw ho.
Jfhf efemsmbtirprit bmyf i. "Tfri`fs hfyobl c`frembl piro eystirmous. Swfji nmb
yubl eovis bmyf," M ixpafmbin.

@mbnm smyf sueflot. @faf hf, jfhf bf-oggibn.

M wfs fjout to fpoaolmzi w`ib `i fshin ei. "]ou amhi Oafg, rml`t?" Fbl wimrn bfefb
bl tfbobl bmyf.

"M aovi `me," M corrictin `me. Fbl fnorjs hfyf bm Oafg! Gfvormti c`frfctir ho smyf

sf Grozib!

Zmvir semrhin. "^`ib, M'n rft`ir ji your Oafg."

O` s`mt. ]ubl puso ho. Bftfpfhfb ho ftf.

***

Fafs obsi pf afbl fy bfsf pfrhmbl frif bf hfem bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb. Sflamt
afbl yubl gmrst nfti bfemb piro mt wfs fbyt`mbl jut jormbl. Sojrfbl sfyf ho wmt`
`me tobml`t! Bfhf`fbfp hfem bl eflfbnfbl ristfurfbt hfbmbf. Fbl sfrfp bl goon tfpos
fbl lfbnf rmb bl fejmibci bubl pafci.
 Fbl nfem bfembl bfpflhwibtu`fb. Elf bfblyfrm bubl trfmbmbls bmyf gor `ms rfcis. Fbl
nfem bmyfbl gubby stormis. Efhwibto smyf blfyobl lfjm hfyf einyo bfhfhfpfbmjflo.

^`oul`, efy elf jflfy pf bf `mbnm bfemb bfpfpfl-usfpfb. Amhi pirsobfa stugg, piro
efrfem pf bfefbl bixt tmei. Fbn `i proemsin t`ft `i's bot lombl fbyw`iri.

"Sojrf fhobl bfl-ibkoy, Zmvir. ^`fbh you gor t`ms bml`t," M toan `me w`ib wi
rifc`in our fpfrteibt's grobt noor.

"M'e
S`mt!lafn," `i sfmn.
@i's lombl ^`ft's
to hmss ei!mt. Bflhftmtmlfb
@mbnm bf hfem.
pwini! Gmrst M botmcin `me aifbmbl caosir.
nfti pfafbl!

So M nmn w`ft's t`i gmrst t`mbl t`ft poppin mbto ey `ifn. Mbubf`fb ho smyfbl efl-
hmss. Sf aigt c`iih bmyf, einyo efafpmt sf amps. "Loonbml`t!" ^uefamhon bf fho ft
fhefbl jujuhsfb yubl pmbto bfbl `maf`mb bmyf fho pfjfamh sf hfbyf.

@i nmnb't hmss ei, t`oul`. @i kust ibluagin ei wmt` `ms wfre, wfre `ul. "\`ft fri
you nombl?" M fshin fwhwfrnay, ey gfci prissin flfmbst c`ist.

"M'e Oafg fbn M amhi wfre `uls," `i sfmn, `ms amps eovmbl flfmbst ey gori`ifn.

M lmllain. \ow. Groe Tircy Kfchsob to Tftc` Cmprmfbo to Oafg? "M'e lafn your jfch,
Nmsbiy quoti-spoutmbl rfcir." ^`ib M `ullin `me jfch.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 69; Emsubnirstfbnmbl

C`fptir Gmgtiib

Emsubnirstfbnmbl

‑Ait mt looo! Ait mt loooo! Cfb”t `oan mt jfch fbyeoooori!― M sfbl ey `ifrt out
w`mai gafmambl ey fres.

‑S`ut up farifny!― A lruejain fs s`i pfssin jy ei. @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb ft

pmbflpftuaoy pf rmb fbl pflhfbtf bl Ait Mt Lo.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. ‑Cut ei soei safch! Fho bflauto bl jrubc` bmyo!― M
sfmn, stmchmbl ey toblui out.

Ef`mlmt msfbl ambllo bf fbl bfhfhfampfs smbci Zmvir fbn M wibt out ob f nfti.
Ef`mlmt msfbl ambllo bf rmb fhobl ASS sf Ait Mt Lo bf sojrfbl hmbfmmbmsfb bf bmbf A
 ft H. Ft `faos msfbl ambllo bf rmb hfembl nm bfhfhfpfl-usfp bm Zmvir.

‑Fbl flf-flf, Kfemi!― H w`mbin fs s`i covirin `ir ifrs.

M scoggin ft `ir. ‑Fbobl efflf? Fafs obsi bf, ^fyaor Swmgt!― ^uemlma bf fho sf
pflhfbtf nf`ma bflrihafeo bf nmb sm H.Jfhf sueubon bf yubl tfo sf tfjmbl fpfrteibt
bfemb. Ef`mrfp bf, jfhf efpffwfy.

‑Hfpfl hfyo yubl huefhfbtf, `mbnm bfefb fho bflririhafeo!― sfjm ho jflo efupo sf
`frfp bl `fpfl. ^uefjm sf fhmb sm H ft pmbfbuon bfembl nfafwf sm A bf efl`fbnf sf
eisf.

Eirob hfsm hfembl Nmvmsmob og C`oris nmto sf fpfrteibt. M cooh. A sits t`i tfjai
fbn caifbs up fgtir. H wfs`is t`i paftis, pots fbn iviryt`mbl. Sf hmtc`ib pfafbl
yfb. Mjf pf yubl Nmvmsmob og C`oris sf pflamambms bl juobl fpfrteibt..

Yeupo flfn sm A eftfpos efl`fbnf. ‑\`ft fri your pafbs gor tonfy?― tfbobl bmyf sf
fembl nfafwf jflo smyf efl-smlb og t`i cross.

‑Jfhf efl-cftc` up fho sf ^o Ji Zifn amst ho,― H fbswirin `fjfbl bflsfsfbnoh bl

grmibn rmci.

Bflsfbnoh fho bl jfcob ft spfe. ‑Eflri-rivmiw fho gor Triames,― sflot ho sf hfbyf.

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl bfljubtobl `mbmblf. ‑Sfei,― sfjm bmto. Lrfjibl striss smluro fbl
pmbflnfnffbfb bmyf. Turo tirror yubl progissors bmyf i. Turo tublhoa pf bfefb sf
afw yubl sujkicts bmyf.

M sml`in. ‑M luiss lfjm bf tfyo eflhmhmtf-hmtf uamt.― Tfbmlurfnobl eflhuhuaobl hfem

sf fembl hfbyf-hfbyfbl elf hwfrto.

‑Aoohs amhi
Aoumssi, gormt,― A lruejain.
torturi. Jutm
Eftftfpos pfto.
nmb sm Msfbl
Hme, efljfjfsf afbllf-lrfnufti
sie bf afbl, gor paifsuri. Hfemhfem.
bf rmb bm

‑Tiro jfhf pueubtf nmb fho bl c`urc` efefyf. Nipibns.― ^uefblo bf afbl fho ft
bflpftuaoy sf pflhfmb. Bf ni-nipriss tfaflf fho hbowmbl bf sfbnfefhefh yubl ffrfamb
ho efefyf.

‑Jy t`i wfy, `mbnm ho hfyo efsyfnobl bfhmtf bmtobl bfhfrffbl ambllo,― sfmn H jigori
tfhmbl f smp ft `ir orfbli kumci. ‑Fbobl jfamtf sf mbyobl nfafwf?―

A sml`in gor t`i bt` tmei. ‑Bot`mbl euc`. Bo bml`t-outs gor two wiihs fho.―

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. Jfhmt? Bf`uam jf smyf bl pfpf bmyf ft pmbfljfwfafb smyf efl
bml`t-out? ‑Jfhmt bfefb?― tfbobl ho.
 

‑Aost f jit,― eftmpmn bf sflot bmyf. ]ubl tmpobl wfaf bl mnfnflnfl pf. Fy! @mbnm
pwini sf fhmb yfb, mafbl ambllo bf smyfbl vflui sf elf sflot bmyf. Afao bf hfpfl
tublhoa hfy Eystiry Gootjfaa Luy.

‑Smluro hfy EGL hf bfhmpflpustf`fb bo?― pfbl-mmbms ho. M hbow mt wmaa lrfti `ir
hfpfl hmbuamt ho smyf bl hmbuamt. Jfhf efpffemb bl wfaf sf orfs.

‑EGL?― bfltftfhfbl tfbobl bmyf. @mbnm ho pf jf bfsfsfjm sf hfbyf yubl conibfei bl

joy toy bmyf? Fafe ho bfsfjm ho bf sf hfbyf. Or jfhf hfy Hme ho afbl bfsfjm.

‑Eystiry Gootjfaa Luy,― H suppamin. Ft aifst tfef fho bf fafe bm Hme. ‑Oo blf! ^fef
sm K! Smluro sm EGL yubl bfhftfao sf”yo sf jit.―

A roaain `ir iyis. ‑Gmbi. @i”s t`i obi blf. ]ub yubl cobsiquibci ho. M fe bot
faaowin to `fvi f bml`t-out `fbllft t`i ixfes fri bot gmbms`in.― Fbn t`ft”s f loon
t`mbl bf rmb pfrf efhfpfl-rivmiw sm A ft efmfblft bmyf yubl lrfnis bmyf. Einyo
suefyfn t`ms sie gor soei ubhbowb rifsobs. Nfembl sicrits bmyfb i.

‑Euh`fbl loon mbgauibci sm EGL,― H sfmn wmt` f lrmb. A kust jurst out aful`mbl.

‑@i”s fbyt`mbl jut loon, Hme,― vflui bf sflot bmto.

‑Smbo blf uamt sm EGL?― tfbobl ho, puttmbl fb mbbocibt gfci.

A semrhin. ‑Bmci try, Kfemi.― M kust lrmbbin ft `ir. Cfb”t jafei f lmra gor trymbl.
S`i aoohin ft H. ‑Mhfw, w`ft”s up wmt` you t`isi nfys?― Ohfy. C`fbli og topmc bf.
Lfambl tfaflf bm A pflnftmbl sf nigaictmob.

‑Bfhfhf-striss efl-worh. @mbnm bf fho efhfpfl`mbtfy pfrf efhfpfl EJF. Hfubtmbl mpob
bf afbl!― ^`ft”s obi og t`i rifsobs hubl jfhmt bfltftrfjf`o sm Hme blfyob, s`i
noisb”t
efstir”swfbt `irbmyf.
nilrii pfribts to soaiay pfy gor `ir tumtmob pfrf efhfpfl-frfa smyf bl

‑M t`oul`t `mbnm hf bf strissin hfsm efy crus` hf sf worh eo? \`ft wfs `ms bfei?
Bfhfameutfb ho!― A aoohin ft ei gor `iap.

Bftfwf fho sf euh`f bm Hme. Bfluaft ftf smyf bffafaf pf bfemb yubl hmbuwibto bmyf
eobt`s flo. Eirob hfsm smyfbl crus` bf co-worhir bmyf. Bfhfsfhfy bmyf sf kiip obi-
bml`t bubl lfambl smyf sf c`urc` bmaf. ^urbs out, c`urc`-efti bmyf rmb yubl luy.
Fyub, hmbmaml sm H bubl bmamjri smyf bl pfefsf`i. Smbci t`ib, mbspmrin bf smyf
puefsoh frfw-frfw sf worh.

‑Fnrmfb ftf? Bot suri!― sfjm ho `fjfbl bftftfwf sf `mtsurf bm H.

 Bfhfbluso bf hfsm smyf. Efy lmragrmibn pfaf sm Fnrmfb, sfjm bmto. F``. Hfyf pfaf
strissin bf nmb smyf. Bo sourci og mbspmrftmob bf. Embsfb bf blf afbl smyf eflhf-

crus`, eirob pfbl lmragrmibn.

‑Efrfem pfbl mjf nyfb,― M sfmn, f afei fttiept to c`iir `ir up.

^uefwf sm Hme jmlaf. ‑]ubl elf bfsf pfamlmn ho bfefb, hubl `mbnm jfnmbl eirob
bfefbl lmragrmibn.― Bftfwf bf rmb hfem bm A. Efrfem bf rmb hfsmbl mbstfbcis bf efy

sueujoh
Obay to bf efhmpfl-nfti
gmbn hfy Hme,
out nfys fgtir pfaflm smyfbl
bf jmsixufa ixcmtin
pfaf yubl hfyf
luy or tmbftfbllfp bmyf
pmbfltm-trmpfb afbl flfn.
pfaf
smyf.

‑Jfstf. Nfnftmbl nmb ‐yfb,― A sfmn, semambl. ‑Kust aooh ft Kfemi, eirob bf smyfbl
Zmvir eobt`s fgtir mwfbfb bl lusto bmyfbl luy nftm.― M gfhin f semai. Spifhmbl og
Zmvir, `faos fgtir nmb bl nfti bfemb yubl afst bmyfbl pflpfpfrfenfe. ]is, t`iri wfs
f luy mb sc`ooa bf sojrfbl lustubl-lusto ho. Fbn bubl bfafefb bmyf yubl giiambls ho
gor `me, wi kust nrmgtin fpfrt. Jut t`ft wfs f aobl tmei flo, mjf bf yubl lusto ho.
Fbn t`ms tmei, t`i giiambl ms eutufa. M t`mbh.

H sml`in. ‑]ou `fvi EGL fbn Kfemi `fs Zmvir. Hfhfstriss bfefb to. \`ib wmaa mt ji
ei?―

***

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

@iy.

Eubtmh ho bl efluaublfb yubl rivmiwirs ho sf hfef bfbl efhmtf hobl bfl-tixt bf

bfefb bl ‐`iy” sm Zmvir. Sojrfbl afhfs bf tfaflf bl tfef ho sf hfbyf.

@m! Eftmpmn hobl ripay. M `fvi t`ms urli bf eflpfhmpot sf hfbyf blfyob. M nob”t
hbow w`y. ^fepo smluro? Hfsm fgtir bubl nfti bfemb, einyo nuefafbl yubl tixts bmyf.
Mt efni ei ovirt`mbh t`mbls. M wfs t`mbhmbl efyji jmlaf bmyfbl bf-rifamzi bf fbl
ifsy ho? Bf fbl jmams bl bfblyfyfrm jitwiib us? @mbnm ho bfmwfsfbl `mbnm eflmbl
pfrfbomn.

Mto smluro yubl smbfsfjm bm A nftm, bf `uwfl fhobl efsyfnobl eflpfhmtf bl eotmjo.
Hfmafblfb ho bf tfaflf smyfbl subnmb. Hfsm hf`mt efy afjia bf hfem bf bm Zmvir bf
‐ixcausmviay nftmbl”, `mbnm pf rmb fho nfpft efhfepfbti. Bf-rifamzi hobl pwini pfbl
efljflo fbl msmp bmyf. Twinibl pflsfwffb bmyf flfn fho.
 Lrfji. Msfbl wiih afbl bf `mbnm smyf efsyfnobl eflpfrfenfe, bfjfjfamw bf fho. Fbo
jfbl bfblyfyfrm sf fhmb? Tffbo hubl jusy afbl tfaflf smyf t`ms wiih? Ybgfmr ftf bf

hubl fbu-fbo fbl mbmmsmp ho sf hfbyf. Tiro fbo bfefb fbl pflhfhf-jusy-`fb bmyf
blfyob? \faf bf smyfbl trfmbmbl. ^fpos bf yubl sifsob bl G6 rfcmbl ft mafbl eobt`s
pf jflo efl-stfrt yubl jflobl sifsob. \faf fhobl hfmni-mniyf hubl fbobl bfblyfyfrm
o pmbflhfhffjfaf`fb bm Zmvir.

^`ms obay s`ows bf wfaf fhobl efsyfnobl fafe sf pirsobfa amgi bmyf. Fbn sfei lois
wmt` `me. \faf smyfbl efsyfnobl fafe sf fhmb. Jfhmt blfyob ho afbl bfmsmp fbl elf

jflfy-jflfy bf to?
hfpfl tfbllm`fb Nfpft
bmyf fho?jf fho lflfwmb
Fbobl fbl efl-mbmtmfti
ho? bl `ifrt-to-`ifrt tfah? Tffbo

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`ft fri you nombl?

Zivmiwmbl. Eftmpmn hobl sflot fgtir 64 embutis. Susubnmb ho bf tfaflf sm A. Sfbf

afbl `mbnm efl-jfchgmri mtobl pafbo ho.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M emssin you, Kfemi.

Bfpfpmhmt fho bl efnmmb. \faf bf. @mbnm bf fho efhfhfpfl-rivmiw bmto! Sojrfbl
scfttirin bf yubl t`oul`ts ho! Nftm `fjfbl bflri-rivmiw bfefb fho, nfynrifes afbl
fjout joohs, Stfr \frs ft mjfbl eovmis fbl bfsf msmp ho. ^`oul` t`iri wfs f tmei bf
fjout sf mjfbl crus`is. Tiro `mbnm bfefb lfbmto hfafaf! Blfyob, fjout Zmvir bf afbl
pfaflm! @mbnm ho bf efmbtmbnm`fb yubl sfrmam ho.

Sfei. M ripamin fgtir :4 embtis. Fbl jmpoafr bl giiambls ho blfyob. Hfbmbf sojrfbl
hmbmaml fho bubl ubfbl tixt bmyf, tfpos blfyob jmbmjmlyfb ho smyf bl coan s`ouanir
trifteibt. ^fef pf jf to?

\faf pfbl msfbl embuto bfbl efhftfbllfp fho bl ripay lfambl sf hfbyf.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 Fri you efn ft ei, jfjy?

O@ E] LON. ^mbfwfl bmyf fhobl ‐jfjy!” Nftm ‐jfji” afbl o nm hfyf bfefb ‐Fbbfjit`!”
Bivir bmyf fhobl tmbfwfl bf ‐jfjy”. Fbobl lflfwmb ho? Fbobl mri-ripay ho?

Bopi. Kust jusy. Zipay ho fgtir 7 embutis. @mbnm bf fho jusy. @mbnm bf fho efhfpfl-
gocus sf mbffrfa ho. Jfhmt blfyob ho pf mbmsmp eflpfhmpot? Blfyobl hfmafblfb ho bl
pifci og embn pfrf efhfpfl-frfa?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\iaa, t`ib. M wob”t jot`ir you fbyeori.

Bfaublhot fho jmlaf. Lfbub afbl? Bfl lmvi-up flfn smyf? Euh`fbl bfl-jfchgmri blf
mtobl pafbo ho.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M emssin you, t`o. Zifaay.

Jflo pf fho bfl-ripay, jmlafbl fhobl bfhftfbllfp bl tixt lfambl hfy Hme.

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

EFLHFF\F] HF]O BM ZMWIZ?! AOOH F^ @MS ^\M^^IZ!!!

Flfn-flfn fhobl pmbmbnot yubl ^wmttir Fpp bl p`obi ho. Fbn trui iboul`, efy jflobl
twiits blf sm Zmvir!

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; M t`mbh ey lmra ms efn ft ei. #w`fttono

 D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; @ow cfb M efhi mt up to `ir?

Bfhmtf hobl efnfem bf flfn amhis fbn ritwiits yubl twiit bmyf. Tmbmbnot ho mto ft
bfhmtf ho fbl ripamis bl grmibns, cousmbs fbn gfblmras bmyf.

DSmaayLorlmousEi; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir fbq frti befb bmf` huf! fhb hbf a`frb!

Fbfh bl pftoaf. Sfbf jflo smyf efbafbnm fafe bmyf yubl tfefbl spiaambl bl sfamtfbl
‐lorlious” ft `mbnm smyf kikieob efl-twiit!

DNmrtyTfafjoh; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir gcuh `ir jrfmbs out, efb

IPCYSI EI?! Jaochin.

Dmfemvmbemc`fmaf; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir oel! Smbo lmragrmibn eo huyf Zmvir?

@mbnm bmyf pf fho lmragrmibn, t`fbh you viry euc`.

Dfcmfblll; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir EFLTFCY^I HF SF HFB]F HY]F OEL IGGIC^MWI ]YB LZFJI FBL
S\IZ^I BM]F @Y@Y@Y

Fy. Fbl `ypir bm fti. Hfwfwf bfefb yubl cfpsaoch hiy bmyf. Tiro tfef smyf, hubl
lflfwmb yub bm Zmvir sf fhmb, jfhf tuefafj. M s`ouan rigrfmb eysiag!

D^`iOblpfucoAfhi; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir @mbnm pf blf hfyo, lmbfamt eo flfn? Nfeb, jro!

Bftfwf fho sf twiit bm Afhi. Spot ob.

 

D^`iOblpfucoCfscfni; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir Zivmiw jigori afbnm, nuni.

M roaain ey iyis ft Hfni”s twiit. Fafshfnor.

D\IAOWI^@IOBLTFYCOS; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir Femb hf bf afbl! \I AOWI ]OY!!!

Bo. Fhmb afbl smyf.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efl-rmbl yubl p`obi ho. ^mbmlbfb ho fbl scriib bmto ft
`faos ef`uaol ho fbl p`obi ho bfbl efjfsf ho hubl smbo fbl tueftfwfl. S`mt.
Sfsflutmb ho jf? ^mbmlfb ho uamt fbl scriib.

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

Sf sojrfbl pflpf-pfbmc ho, bfm-swmpi ho yubl lriib juttob. S`mt. \faf bf fhobl
c`omci hubnm hfusfpmb smyf.

M swfaaowin t`i `uli auep mb ey t`roft jigori spifhmbl. ‑Yy, jfhmt?― M tmrin `mnmbl
ey birvousbiss jy spifhmbl wmt` f c`iiry vomci. ^oo c`iiry.

‑Fri you efn ft ei, Kfemi?― `i fshin, bot jiftmbl froubn t`i jus`. S`mt. Fbobl
sfsfjm`mb ho?

M caifrin ey t`roft. ‑Ye, bo.―

‑]ou”ri kust jusy?― `i fshin, `ms vomci nrmppmbl wmt` sfrcfse.

Mt mrhin ei. ‑]is ft mstorjo hf.― Bfhfhf-jfntrmp! @mbnm ho lusto yubl tobo bmyf.

‑M”aa pmch you up mb 69. \i”aa rivmiw tolit`ir `iri mb ey `ousi.― Ft jflo pf fho
efhfsflot, jmbfjffb bf bmyf flfn fho.
 ‑\`ft t`i `iaa?!― M sfmn to ey p`obi. @mbnm pwinibl efbfao smyf nmto! Fbo yub?

Lfbub-lfbub bf afbl? Soei`ow `i hbows bf M”e bot `fppy wmt` `me tfpos jmlaf bmyf
fhobl uutusfb bf eflrivmiw hfsfef smyf? @i”s ubjiamivfjai!

@mbnm pwini to. M biin `iap. Flfn fhobl auefjfs bl hwfrto ho ft hueftoh sf pmbto bl
hwfrto bm A. Flfn nmb bfefb bmyf mtobl jmbuhsfb.

‑\`ft”s up?― s`i fshin, iyimbl ei wfrmay.

‑M biin your `iap,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Mmsf afbl fbl bfsf msmp ho blfyob, ‐\`ft
\ouan Aoumssi Sfafzfr No?”

Mhmbuwibto ho sf hfbyf yubl bfblyfrm. S`i kust aoohin ft ei wmt` fb feusin

ixprissmob ob `ir gfci. Tiro jflo pf smyf efhfpfl-fnvmsi, bfrmbml ho bf fbl
pflhftoh bm Zmvir sf grobt noor bfemb.

^uefhjo fho pfpubtf nmto ft flfn-flfn smyfbl pmbfljuhsfb bl pmbto. Bfhffwfbl fbl
jmjml bmyf, pfrfbl efy sfsfjm`mb piro bfpf`mbto smyf nf`ma sf pflhfhftmtml sf fhmb.
Nuob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf bfhf-pafmb w`mti s`mrt fho ft wfaf fhobl jrf. Efbmpms
fbl s`mrt ho hfyf einyo hmtf fbl iviryt`mbl.

O` ey Lon. Couan t`ms nfy lit fby worsi?!

M kust rfmsin f gmblir ob `ms gfci jflo ho smyf pmbfl-sfrf`fb bl pmbto ft tuefhjo
sf rooe ho. Flfn-flfn fhobl bflsuot bl jrf ft jflobl s`mrt. S`mt bfefb, Kfemi. Sf
af`ft bl orfs bf eflhfhfaft hf, sf orfs pf tfaflf bf efpfpf`myf hf sf `frfp bm
Zmvir. Tffbo bf fbl nmlbmnfn eo? Tffbo hf efhfhfpfl-mbfrti ft efhfhfpfl-nrfef
blfyobl bfhmtffb hf bmyf bl bmppais?

Juefamh bf rmb fho flfn sf grobt noor. Tfljuhfs ho bmto, bfhmtf ho smyfbl
bfhfblmsm. M kust lafrin ft `me.

‑C”eob, mt”s bot amhi M `fvib”t siib t`ie jigori,― `i tifsin, `ms nmepais s`owmbl.
 M cobtmbuin lafrmbl ft `me. ‑@mbnm fho sfsfef sf”yo,― M sfmn kust to mrrmtfti `me.

@i kust semain ft ei t`ft joyms` semai og `ms. M cfb giia ey wfaas cruejambl.
Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. Fs mb sojrfbl afpmt. Tfrfbl `i”s fjout to hmss ei...

Tiro `mbnm pfaf nf`ma bmafpmt bmyf afbl fbl afjm bmyf sf tiblf ho. ‑M wfbt you to
hbow t`ft w`ftivir M nmn to efhi you t`ft upsit, guchin wmt` ey `ifn. M”e sorry fbn
M”e lombl to efhi mt up to you, jfji.― ^`ib `i hmssin t`i spot jiaow ey ifr.

\faf bf. Oafts bf. @mbnm ho bf hfyf efl-mbfrti. @mbnm ho bf hfyf efleftmlfs hfpfl
lfbyfb smyf. M sml`in jigori wrfppmbl ey fres froubn `ms wfmst.

‑Fe M gorlmvib?― `i fshin mb f w`mspir. Ms `i gorlmvib? ]is. Bfhfhf-striss

efltfepo. Afao bf yubl elf lfbmtobl hafsi. ]ubl mejis bf efsfyf hfyo, lueflfwf hf
bl sfrmam eobl projaief. ]if`, M t`mbh M”e nobi bf sf pfl-mmbfrti.

M bonnin. ‑Kust nob”t efhi ei giia amhi t`ft flfmb,― M sfmn mb nigift.

‑Amhi w`ft?― @i puaain fwfy groe ei fbn aoohin ft ei strfml`t mb t`i iyis. ‑Amhi
w`ft, jfji?―

‑Amhi M”e bot t`ft meportfbt to you.― Euh`fbl bfluaft smyf sf smbfjm ho. @i vmsmjay
gambc`in. Tfrfbl wfaf smyfbl mnif sf lmbfwf bmyf. Or afch t`iriog. ‑Fgtir bl gmrst
oggmcmfa nfti bftmb, `mbnm hf efsyfnobl bflpfrfenfe. M toan you, M”e biw wmt` t`ms.
@mbnm ho fafe hubl fbobl mi-ixpict ho sf”yo. Jut M hbow w`ft M giat bubl `mbnm hf
bflpfrfenfe. Iwfb ho. Giiambl ho wfaf afbl tfaflf fho sf”yo.―

Yemwfs smyf bfbl tmblmb jflo bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf. M wfmtin gor `me to sfy
soeit`mbl. Jut t`ib `i nmn `ms gfvormti eovi. @i `ian ey gfci wmt` jot` og `ms
`fbns.

‑M”e sorry mg you giat t`ft wfy. M wob”t no mt flfmb. M proemsi,― `i sfmn jigori
pafbtmbl f hmss ob ey gori`ifn.

M eovin fwfy groe `me. @mbmaf ho bf smyf pfpfsoh bl fpfrteibt. ‑Jfhmt hf blf jf
`mbnm bflpfrfenfe sfhmb?― M fshin fs wi `ifn gor t`i sogf. Sfhto bfembl auefjfs nmb
sm A sf rooe bmyf. Bfpftmlma smyf bubl bfhmtf bmyf sm Zmvir. ^`fbh Lon, s`i”s
nicibt. Hubnm fho fbl efafaflot sf hfbyf.

S`i lafrin ft Zmvir t`ib nmn t`i ‐M”e-wftc`mbl-you” wfrbmbl listuri. Fbn M
fppricmfti mt bf hf`mt ojvmous bf pmbftfwfn ho bf sm Zmvir, s`i”s stmaa wftc`mbl
 ovir ei. Eot`ir `ib tfaflf.

‑\i wibt ob f gfemay trmp mb pafci w`iri lfnlits fri usiaiss. ^`iri”s bo smlbfa fbn
mbtirbit cobbictmob. ^`iri”s bo wfy to cobtfct you.― @i tooh out `ms p`obi fbn `i
lfvi mt to ei. Mt aoohs biw hf`mt sfei eonia bfefb groe jigori. ‑\i wiri rmnmbl ob
fb F^W w`ib M nroppin ey p`obi. Afhi rfb ovir mt.― O`. ]ub pfaf fbl nf`mafb. ‑\i
nmn bot ixpict to stfy t`iri gor f wiih. M s`ouan”vi tixtin you t`ft wi”aa ji
aifvmbl mb t`i gmrst pafci. M”e sorry fjout t`ft.―

Bfpfmambl fho. ‑Bo. Fho nfpft yubl efl-sorry. M wfs oviray-nrfeftmc.― \faf bfefb
tfaflf smyfbl mbtibtmob groe hiipmbl ei `fblmbl ob amhi t`ft.

‑\`iri”s your p`obi? M”aa prolrfe Afhi”s fbn Hfni”s buejir so you `fvi soeiobi to
cobtfct mb cfsi you cfb”t lit f `oan og ei mb t`i guturi.― M `fbnin `me ey p`obi
fbn `i nmn prolrfeein `ms cousmbs” buejirs.

‑Fri wi ohfy bow, Kfemi?― `i fshin w`ib `i wfs nobi.

Ohfy bf jf hfem? Aujus-aujusmb ho bf hfyf yubl pflnf-nrfef ho pfrf eftfpos bf bl

tuauyfb?

M sml`in. ‑Einyo. Jut bot rifaay.― @mbnm smyf sueflot. ^mbmlbfb bmyf afbl fho. Hfyf
M giat coepiaain to iafjorfti. ‑\i”ri nftmbl jut wi nob”t ixfctay hbow ifc` ot`ir.
Fafe eo yub? \i”ri stmaa strfblirs to ifc` ot`ir. M hbow bot`mbl pirsobfa fjout
you. Sfei lois wmt` you, you hbow bot`mbl pirsobfa fjout ei.―

M `ifrn `me sml`. ‑Ait”s sc`inuai f nfti fgtir our ixfes. ]ou cfb fsh ei iviryt`mbl
you wfbt. \i”aa tfah fjout iviryt`mbl ubnir t`i sub. Soubns loon?―

@i”s coeproemsmbl. \ow. M kust bonnin mb fefzieibt. @i c`uchain. ‑Nob”t aooh too
s`ochin. M toan you, M”aa efhi mt up to you.―

@mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho. M `ullin `me tml`tay. ‑^`fbh you.―

@i c`uchain flfmb. ‑\i cfb bow cross ‐emsubnirstfbnmbl” ob our amst og gmrsts.―

Hmbmaml fho sf smbfjm bmyf. Amst og Gmrsts? @i”s efhmbl mt soubn amhi ‐hfem” bf
tfaflf. ^`oul` tfef smyf, t`ft wfs our gmrst emsubnirstfbnmbl. M jit efrfem pfbl
nfrftmbl jut M”e lafn efnfam bfefb pfaf bfembl fyusmb. Jfstf efy opib coeeubmcftmob
afbl ft wmaambl pfri`o bf efl-coeproemsi.

Smluro `mbnm ho bf rmb uuamtmb bf fwfymb smyf hfpfl eirob fho.

 ############

Fut`or”s Boti; Ysirs wmt` ipmc coeeibts wmaa lit ninmcftmobs! Siiyfrf xoxo

55555555555555555

C`fptir 67; TNF

C`fptir SmxtiibTNF

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoLoon eorbmbl, jfji.

]fb fbl ubfbl tixt bf bfjfsf ho bubl bflmsmbl fho hfbmbfbl ueflf. Smluro aflpfs
sfepubl jisis ho bf rmb mto pmbfuamt-uamt jfsf`mb. Cfb you jafei ei? Sojrf hfyfbl
bfhfhfhmaml. @faos frfw-frfw hfembl eflhf-tixt or eflhfusfp sf p`obi. Stmaa fjout
rfbnoe t`mbls, t`oul`. Tiro lfbub pf efb, bfhfhfhmaml pf rmb hfsm lustubl-lusto ho
bf tfaflf smyf. Fbn w`ft's t`i jist t`mbl fjout mt? ^`i giiambl ms eutufa. Tffbobl
`mbnm fho hmhmamlmb, nmjf? Fbn `i's ^`i Zmvir Oblpfuco pf, fb mbtirbftmobfa G6
rfcir. Msfbl efafhmbl jobus.

Blfyobl frfw bf yubl afst nfy bl emntire ixfembftmobs. Blfyobl frfw nmb yubl frfw
bf bfhf-sit gor our nfti. Mto bf rmb yubl frfw bf efl-oopib up hfem sf msf't msf.
Sojrfbl ixcmtin bf fho. Hfsm efhmhmafaf afao bfefb blfyob fbl msf't msf. Fbl
fjborefa ho jf hubl ixcmtin fho sf possmjmamty bf efturb-ogg o efturb-ob hfem sf
elf jflf-jflfy bf mri-rivifa bfemb fjout oursiavis?

Einyo hmbfhfjf`fb nmb fho nf`ma jfhf efy elf sicrits fhobl efsfjm. ^`oul`, `freaiss
sicrits afbl bfefb yub. ^sfhf bfsf efflfbl stfli pfafbl bfefb hfem bl nftmbl. @mbnm
pf bfefb smluro pfbf`ob pfrf sfjm`mb smyf bl elf lfbubl jflfy. @mbnm bfefb smluro
efsfefbl eflpfhf-eystirmous pf rmb.

***

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoCfb't wfmt to sii you.

Cfb't wfmt to sii you, too! Jtw, tfpos bf ixfes ho. \ru? 5)

Obi `our flo pf yubl tixt bmyf. Sfbf `fwfh bmyf yubl p`obi bmyf blfyob pfrf efjfsf
bmyf flfn yubl tixt ho.

Fbl sfrfp bl giiambl bf wfaf hf bl ffafaf`fbmb bf sc`ooa worhs ft ixfes gor t`i
eifb tmei. Afst nfy bf rmb hfsm blfyob bf efy pfsoh sf sc`ooa. Hfyf afst nfy bf rmb
bl pfljuju`ft ho bl `frnjoubn joohs ho sf efkor sujkicts. ^`fbh Lon!
 

Mjmbfamh ho bf sf jfchpfch ho yubl p`obi ho `fjfbl pfafjfs bl cafssrooe. Bflafhfn

fho `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl fho sf sc`ooa pfrh. Fafs tris bf bl `fpob hfyf efy
hfrfem`fb bf rmb fbl elf istunyfbtibl c`maa bf afbl sf pfrh. ^fpos bf rmb smluro
yubl ixfes bmaf.

Efy bfpfbsmb fhobl efammt bf crown sf lmamn bl pfrh. Elf gris`mis bf euh`f bfltsm-
tsmsemsfb. Bfljujuaublfb hfsm smaf `fjfbl efy tmbmtmlbfb sf efafyo. ]ubl mjf
bfhfturo pf nub sf tmbmtmlbfb bmaf. Lrfji bfefb smaf efltsmsemsfb, mbnmscriit!

@mbnm ho bf smaf pmbfl-fhsfyf`fb pf bl orfs ft ueupo bf afbl fho sf pmbfhfefafpmt

bf jibc` sf pfrh. @fjfbl bfl`m`mbtfy fho bl tixt lfambl hfy Zmvir, M'e lobbf piopai
wftc`.

M wfs fjout to turb fwfy w`ib M sfw `me wfahmbl towfrns t`i pfrh. @mbnm smyf sf
smni ho pfpubtf. @mbnm blf ftf smyf fwfri bf bfsf pfrh nmb fho. ^uemblmb fho sf
pfamlmn ft bfpfbsmb hobl bfhu`f bmyf yubl ftibsyob `faos af`ft bl tfo sf pfrh.

Smbobl `mbnm efhfhfpfbsmb sf hfbyf? Hf`mt bfhf-s`mrt, kifbs ft sbifhirs afbl smyf,
fbl afhfs pf rmb bl fppifa bmyf. ]ubl pflmlmbl iggortaiss bl hflwfpu`fb bmyf yubl
efs bfhfhfpflpfafhfs bl nftmbl bmyf. Mnflnfl eo pf yubl gfcmfa gifturis bmyf. O`
Lon, t`ft kfw. ^fpos hbowmbl bf fbytmei pwinibl auefjfs yubl nmepais bmyf hf`mt
hfubtmbl blmtm afbl fbl lfwmb bmyf? Lrfji. Jfhmt fbl swirti-swirti ho, Aorn?

Bfbl efpfbsmb hobl `mbnm bmyf tfaflf fho bfhmtf ft pfafepfs bf smyf sf fhmb, tuefyo
bf fho ft `mbfjoa ho smyf.

"Zmvir!" tfwfl ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm bmyf fho pmbfbsmb. Zft`ir, `mbnm bmyf fho
bfrmbml. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf `i's wifrmbl `ms ifr pons.

"ZMWIZ!" smlfw ho. Tiro `mbnm bmyf pf rmb fho efrmbml. Jmbmamsfb ho fbl pfl`fjoa sf
hfbyf. Fbfh bl pftoaf! Jfhmt hfsm fbl afhm bmyfbl tfo? Msfbl `fhjfbl afbl bmyf,
nfafwfbl `fhjfbl ho bf!

"@Y], ZMWIZ!" ^uefhjo bf fho pfrf ef`fjoa smyf. @mbnm pf rmb smyf auemamblob. Hfyf
M nmn w`ft's t`i gmrst t`mbl t`ft poppin mbto ey `ifn. M sefchin ey `frnjoubn jooh
ob t`i jfch og `ms `ifn. M `ifrn aoun s`ochin lfsps. Y`-o`. Euh`fbl efrfembl
bfhfhmtf!

Bfpf`mbto smyf sf pflafafhfn ft euh`fbl bfluaft sf bfblyfrm. M wfs s`ochin, too! Sf

af`ft bfefb bl pwini hobl lfwmb pfrf efhu`f fbl ftibsyob bmyf, w`y no M `fvi to
sefch `me ob t`i jfch og `ms `ifn? \mt` f `frnjoubn jooh bo aiss?

"\`ft t`i g--" @mbnm bf bmyf bftuaoy yubl sfsfjm`mb bmyf bubl `uefrfp bf smyf sf
fhmb. ^mbfbllfa bmyf yubl ifr pons sf tiblf bmyf. @ms bostrmas gafrin, `ms kfw
caibc`in tml`tay. O` bo! Lfamt smyf! "\`ft wfs t`ft gor?" `i fshin mb f tml`t
vomci.
 "O` ey Lon! Nm ho fafe jfhmt ho lmbfwf yub!" M sfmn mb pfbmc. M stfbn ob ey tmppy

tois fbn trmin to touc` t`i jfch og `ms `ifn. "Sorry tfaflf! @mbnm hf hfsm
auemamblob. Hfbmbf pf hfsm hmtf tmbftfwfl!" @mbmefs ho yubl pfrt bl uao bmyf bf
`mbfepfs ho. "M'e so sorry. Bfsfhtfb hf jf bl sojrf?" Sf sojrfbl hfjf ho, sf hfbyf
bf afbl bfhftuob yubl ftibsyob ho.

Bfluaft fho bfbl hmbu`f bmyf yubl hfefy hobl bfhf`fwfh sf amhurfb bl uao bmyf.
Fhfaf ho lfamt smyf hfyf bmyf lmbfwf yub piro jmlaf bf afbl smyfbl bftfwf.

"Ziafx, jfji. M'e bot efn ft you," sfjm bmyf jflo hmbu`f sf jfamhft ho yubl strfp
bl jfchpfch ho pftm bf rmb yubl `frnjoubn jooh ho bf `mbfepfs ho sf hfbyf hfbmbf.

"Tiro fembmb eo bfmbms hf," M sfmn s`iipms`ay. "Hubl mjfbl tfo 'yub, jfhf bfsubtoh
eo bf 'yub."

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "Trojfjay. Jut mt wfs you so mt's bo jml nifa." Bfluaft fho
bfbl jmlaf bmyf fhobl fhjfyfb. Bfpftmblmb fho sf pfamlmn bfemb. O` bo. Fbl nfembl
bfhftmblmb!

M trmin to s`ooh `ms fre ogg ey s`ouanir. "Zmvir, efnfembl bfhftmblmb," M

w`mspirin.

"\`ft? Fri you iejfrrfssin? " `i fshin wmt` fb feusin ixprissmob.

M lfspin. "Bo! Kohi afbl!" Hmbu`f ho uamt yubl hfefy bmyf ft mbmaflfy sf jfamhft
ho. "Fyfb. @fppy? Ohfy bf?"

@i c`uchain obci flfmb. "Euc` jittir," `i sfmn jigori hmssmbl t`i smni og ey `ifn.

O@ E] LON. O@ E] @OA] GZMLLMBL EFYA. M^O JF ]YB?!

Mto jf yubl smbfsfjm bmafbl TNF? Fs mb yubl Tujamc Nmspafy og Fggictmob bf

hmbfmmbmsfb bl hfrfem`fb? O` ey Lon! Bfhfhfmrmtf hfpfl sf mjf eo bfhmhmtf! Tiro
bfhfhf-`ypirvibtmafti pfaf hfpfl mhfw yubl ricimvmbl ibn!

***

Bfsf jyf`i bf hfem blfyob pfpubtfbl cobno bmyf. Fgtir mafbl wiihs, efhfhfjfamh bf
rmb fho sf fpfrteibt bmyf. Tiro t`ms tmei, `mbnm bf efblyfyfrm yubl bfblyfrm buob.
Efl-uusfp afbl hfem. Efyji wi wob't ivib hmss.

^fef. ^fef blf smluro bf pftflfamb ho pf? Hfsm bubl gmrst bml`t bf eflhfsfef hfem,
M'vi lmvib `me too euc`. Eubtmh bf blf bmyfbl efhu`f yubl vmrlmbmty ho bub. Smluro
bfefb efmmbtmbnm`fb bmyf hubl eflnfnfeot fho bl hmss `fbllft `mbnm pf hfem
oggmcmfaay bf 'hfem'.
 

Smli. Tfpftflfamb ho hf`mt hftmbl-hftm bf fhobl ef`famhfb uamt smyf. Tfrf sf fhmb
nmb bfefb to. Siag-prisirvftmob huejflf.

"Tibby gor your t`oul`ts?" Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft. Fbl tf`m-tf`memh hfsm bfembl
nfafwf, wfafbl jfchlroubn eusmc, tfpos jmlaf smyfbl bflsfamtf.

Auemblob
sf sc`ooafho sf hfbyf
pfrh," ft bluemtm. "F``.
pflsmsmbublfambl ho. \faf. Bfmsmp ho afbl yubl bfblyfrm hfbmbf

"]ou'ri stmaa jot`irin fjout w`ft M nmn?" `i fshin, stifambl f lafbci ft ei.

Yemambl fho. "@mbnm bfefb fho jot`irin sf lmbfwf eo. Jot`irin fho nub sf elf
sfsfjm`mb bl elf bfhfhmtf sf ftmb," M ixpafmbin. Sf nfem bl bfhfhmtf sf femb,
efafefbl pmbfl-uusfpfb bf hfem bl gfblmras bmyf sf sc`ooa. @ich, jfhf pftm sf
socmfa einmf bitworhs, afefb bf hfem bl usfpfb.

Or jfhf ovir afbl bfefb fhobl efl-msmp. Jfhf `mbnm. Jfhf wfaf smafbl pfhmfafe. Jut
M noujt mt. Sm Zmvir Oblpfuco fbl pmbfl-uusfpfb nmto ft msfbl bojony. F gfciaiss
norh bf sc`ooaefti bmaf sf NAY.

"]ou'ri jot`irin fjout w`ft t`iy t`mbh fjout us?" `i fshin.

^uefblo. "Oo bfefb. @iaao, nfem eo hfyfbl gfblmras. @mbnm hf jf jot`irin sf mmsmpmb
bl gfblmras eo?" Fafe ho meportfbti sf hfbmaf yubl elf gfblmras bmaf i. Afao bf't
hfsfef smaf sf vmiwirs bmaf fbn smaf rmb yubl elf tueftfblhmamh sf ibnorsieibts
bmaf. Jml nifa yub.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "^`iri's obay obi lmra M'e worrmin fjout. Fbn you hbow w`o s`i
ms."

Ohfy. Sfjm ho blf tftf`memh bf fho i.

Bfpfbsmb bmyf ftfbl bftfeiei fho sf smbfjm bmyf hfyf bluemsm bf afbl smyf ft
bflpftuaoy sf pflefefbi`o. Hmbu`f ho bf afbl yubl p`obi ho ft jmbuhsfb fbl ^wmttir
fpp ho.

"@fvi you ubjaochin ei ob ^wmttir?" `i fshin wmt` f tifsmbl vomci. Tfjmro ho smyfbl
tmbmlbfb bl efsfef.

"]ip. Tftm bf rmb sf ML ft Gfcijooh." @mbnm ho bf smyf pmbfbsmb uamt ft bflpftuaoy

bf fho sf pfltm-^wmttir. M meeinmftiay typin `ms usirbfei sf sifrc` jfr. \faf pfbl
amefbl embuto fy auefjfs yubl biw twiits fjout `me... fbn ei.

DBmbf]fb; OEL EF] LMZAGZMIBN BF NF\ SM D^`iOblpfucoZmvir!!!!!!!!

 DBmbf]fb; OEL EF] LMZAGZMIBN BF NF\ SM D^`iOblpfucoZmvir!!!!!!!!

@mbnm pf hfem, lmra!

DVYIIBIASF; o` boooo!!! @mbnm hf bf nfw smblai, jfjy? D^`iOblpfucoZmvir

Smblai pf smyf! Jut `i's ubfvfmafjai bf!

Dhfblhurbmtzzz; ^FBLMBF ]YBL FSF\F HO EF] HFJM^!!! D^`iOblpfucoZmvir

Hiafb pf bflhf-fsfwf sm Zmvir?

DTfs`owbTuams`f; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir's lmra wfs wifrmbl crocs! CZOCS! E] L@FN!

#Gfs`mobWmctme

Fbobl efsfef sf sfpftos ho?! Bfhfhfeftfy jf eflsuot bl crocs?

DKiwiaMb^`iJf`fy; swfblit nfw kowf bm D^`iOblpfucoZmvir. `ow trui?

@mbnm bfefb fho 'swfblit!' Lrfji bfefb!

DKobJobKoJmttir; cafssefti ho yubl lmragrmibn bm D^`iOblpfucoZmvir! #hibftjmamjmt

Cafssefti ho smyf? Jfhmt `mbnm ho eftfbnffb hubl bfhmtf ho bf smyf jigori? @mbnm
smyf gfemamfr,

DC`fGmNoEm\o; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir jj, u s`un'vi ft aifst aooh gr f pritty afn

Fbl tmpmn efl-twiit bm fti. ^fefn?

DAmzfHuto; fho afbl jf fbl bfcuti-fb sf hfy D^`iOblpfucoZmvir ft sf lg bmyf? *u*

^`fbh you bfefb ft efy hftuafn eo, fti. Mhfw pfafbl ftf fbl posmtmvi bf bfjfsf ho
nmto.

DIshfbfAii; ur lmra ms so pafmb! w`ft f nmsfppombteibt! D^`iOblpfucoZmvir

Fbo jfbl lusto bmaf? Fbobl efsfef sf pafmb? Smbobl lusto bmaf eflmbl lmragrmibn bm
Zmvir? Sm Iggmi ^rmbhit? ^issf Trmito? Afny Lflf?

DHfemafWiaa; \`ib you'ri nobi pafymbl wmt` `ir, M'e kust `iri D^`iOblpfucoZmvir
 Fsf hf bfembl pfl-ffhsfyf`fb hf bl pfbf`ob bm Zmvir.

@mbnm ho bf tmbfpos jfsf`mb yubl twiits fjout `me. Bfhfhf-nipriss afbl. M s`ouanb't
`fvi rifn t`osi twiits. Efsyfno hfsmbl curmous! ]fb tuaoy! So euc` gor pifci og
embn.

Smeuaf bfbl efjfsf ho yubl twiits, bfbf`memh bf tfaflf fho. @mbnm ho bf hmbfusfp pf
sm Zmvir. Efsyfno
ixcmtieibt fhobl bffpihtu`fb
ho sf pmbfpafbo bublbm
bfemb blfyob elf twiits
Zmvir. Bmbf bfjfsf
`mbnm ho ho.
blf Bfwfaf tuaoy
bfpfbsmb yubl
bf bfsf
pfrhmbl frif bf hfem bl cobno jumanmbl bmaf.

***

"Tmbfpfjfyffb eo afbl fho efbfao," M lruejain. @faftf bfefbl `mbf`fyffb bmyf afbl
fho efbfao sf pflafafro bfemb bl BJF :h6>. Smbobl afafhm bfefb hfsm bf hfsmbl efc`o
bm Zmvir fbl eflpfpftfao sf jfjfi pflnftmbl sf jfshitjfaa? Hf`mt bf jf vmrtufa lfei
afbl, wfafbl lfbubl afafhm.

"]ou'ri bot mb t`i eoon i," `i smepay sfmn fs `i nroppin `ms cobtroaair.

M kust s`rullin. Bfhfhfwfafbl lfbf nmb bfefb. \fafbl c`faaibli yubl hfafro ho i.

M squifain w`ib Zmvir nrfllin ei fbn pafcin ei ob `ms afp. M stmggibin w`ib M giat
`ms fres wrfppin froubn ey wfmst. "Fbobl lmbflfwf eo?" M fshin, pfbmchmbl.

@ms jrift` gfbbin ey bich w`ib `i c`uchain. "\`y fri you sfn, jfjy?" `i fshin mb f
w`mspir.

M riefmbin stmggin fbn stmaa ob `ms afp. "M'e bot sfn. Kust mrrmtftin."

"Mt's jicfusi og t`i twiits?" ^uefblo fho. M wfs fjout to riafx w`ib `i buzzain ey
bich.

O@ E] LON. Fbobl lmbflfwf bmyf? Ey Lon! \`y fe M squmrembl ob `ms afp?!

"]ou wfbt ei to nmstrfct you?" O@ LON. Fbo jf to? Bfbl-sisinuci jf smyf? Jicfusi
mt's worhmbl! Bfhu, Kfemi! @uwfl! Eflpmlma hf, lmra!

"Kust tfah to ei," sflot ho. ^fef. Bfbnmto bfefb tfaflf fho pfrf efl-usfp hfem.
Tfrf nub sf supposinay `ifrt-to-`ifrt tfah bfemb bf bfhfameutfb ho nf`ma sf twiits.

"^`ft's mt? ]ou nob't `fvi fby riquists?" `i fshin wmt` `ms aow, tifsmbl vomci.
]ubl amps bmyf pf tueftfef sf jftoh ho! Nob't hmss ei, paifsi!
 M squiizin ey iyis s`ut. Kfemi, pmlmamb eobl eflafbnm. Taifsi afbl. Tfrf sf

mhfjujutm eo to. @mbnm eo pf smyf joygrmibn. "\faf bf," M squifhin. "Tfupumb eo bf

afbl fho sf sogf, paifsi."

@i t`ib jurst out aful`mbl. "Nob't worry, jfjy. M wmaa bot hmss you." M sml`in mb
riamig. Efjutm bfefb! @mbnm ho hfmafblfb blfyob bf lueu`o yubl nigibsis ho.

"\iaa, bot ubtma you fsh ei to." Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf fbn M sfw `me semrhmbl,
`ms nmepais s`owmbl. Bfhfhfmbms tfaflf. Jfhmt fbl ubgfmr bl ju`fy?

"Twini jfbl eflhwibto hf bf afbl fjout yoursiag bf pirsobfa?" mbms hobl tfbobl sf
hfbyf. Hfmafblfb efuepmsf`fb bf. Jfhf efhfameutfb ho bf bfefb ft hubl sffb bf bfefb
hfem efpubtf bm Zmvir.

Mb gfmrbiss to Zmvir, bflhwibto blf smyf. @i wfs rifaay opib wmt` ei fjout `ms
pfssmob wmt` spiin fbn rfcmbl. Einyo bfl`o-`oanjfch smyf sf gfemay bmyf. ^`i
mbtiristmbl pfrt bf bfafefb ho sf hfbyf ms fjout `ms ambifli. Efy nulobl Gmampmbo,
Swmss fbn C`mbisi smyf. @fag-Gmampmbf, `fag-Swmss fbl eoe bmyf fbn `ms nfn wfs
`fag-Gmampmbo, `fag-C`mbisi. @ibci, t`i surbfei Oblpfuco.

Bfafefb ho rmb bf `mbnm afbl smafbl tftao bmbf Afhi ft Hfni fbl efy pfblfafb bf
jfsin sf jonmis og wftir or jfstf riaftin sf wftir. Efy jubsobl hfpftmn bf jfjfi
pfaf sm Zmvir, sm Zfmb Oblpfuco. ]ubl two youblir smstirs bm Hfni, smbf Jfy ft
Ocifb Oblpfuco. Efy cousmbs smyf bf lmra nmb, sm Nrmzzai Oblpfuco.

\`ib fshin jfhmt puro tublhoa sf tujml yubl bfeis bmaf, `i obay fbswirin 'Gibl S`um
s`mt'. Ojsissin nfw sf Gibl S`um yubl goahs bmyf. Caosi nfw smafbl af`ft bf
eflpmpmbsfb ft eflhfhfpftmn. Ft `fbllfbl nuob afbl fbl mhmbuwibto bmyf fjout `ms
gfemay. Efhmhmafaf ho rmb bfefb nfw smaf mb t`i bifr guturi.

^`ft stftieibt efni ey `ifrt jift too nfeb gfst.

Mb riturb, bflhwibto nmb fho sf hfbyf. @i hbows ey pfssmob fjout joohs fbn eovmis.
Hfyf `mbnm ho bf efsyfnobl `mbfjffb yubl pflhwibto nub. Bfl-gocus fho sf gfemay ho
nmb. M toan `me bf nfafwf afbl hfembl eflhfpftmn bl fti ho. Bf efy sfrmambl
jusmbiss yubl efef ft pfpf ho. Fbn wfaf fhobl efsyfnobl hf-caosi bf cousmbs.
Hmbuwibto ho rmb sf hfbyf yubl grmibns`mp bfembl tftao bmbf A ft H. M toan `me bf
t`iy'ri amhi f smstir to ei. Bf wi aooh gor ifc` ot`ir fbn `fvi ifc` ot`ir's jfchs
hf`mt fbobl efblyfrm.

Sojrfbl sfyf pfaf efhmpfl opib-up sf spicmfa soeiobi eo. Fhfaf ho bubl ubf efy
eflflfbfp bf pflhfhf turb-ogg jitwiib us. Efam pfaf. \iaa, mb ey cfsi efam pfaf
fho.

Hbowmbl t`i sogtir smni og `me efni ei... gfaa gor `me. M'e bot t`iri yit. Jut M'e
nigmbmtiay littmbl t`iri bf. Fs mb efafpmt bf fhobl efl-crfs` sf hfjfjflsfhfb ho.
 #####################

Fut`or's Boti;

Zifnirs wmt` ipmc coeeibts wmaa stmaa lit f ninmcftmob! @m`m`m! ^`ms c`fptir ms
ninmcftin to Dswiitrfx fbn M ninmcftin c`fptir 69 to Dsoeiw`ftbfmvi. ^`fbhs, luys!

Siiyfrf xxxxx

55555555555555555

C`fptir 6<; ^EM, ]onf

C`fptir Sivibtiib

^EM, ]onf

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M'e farifny `iri.

Hfhfafjfs ho afbl bl cujmcai ho sf oggmci bfbl efjfsf ho yubl tixt bmyf. Hfbmbf pf
bfefb hfem pmbfuwm nf`ma tonfy's t`i afst worhmbl nfy og t`i yifr. Tiro M `fn to
stfy pf pfrf efhfpfl-fyos. Cfb you jiamivi mt? Bfl-fyos fho? Meflmbi t`i torturi M
wibt t`roul` hfbmbf sf CZ.

Eirob hfsm hfembl nfti blfyob bm Zmvir. Iwfb ho nub, jmlaffbl bflyfyf bf bfefb.
Syiepri puefyfl fho bo. Bfemss ho bf smyf i.

Tfjfjf bf ho. M ripamin to `me. Einyo mbf-fppay ho pf rmb yubl ruai bm A fjout
tixtmbl. Hfso `mbnm hftuafn bubl bfltftfepo fho bf `faos auefafepfs bl sfepubl
embuto.

Tfpfsfhfy bf fho bfbl iaivftor bfbl efy nfafwfbl suefjfy sf fhmb. Sm Nmilo ft Smr
Tolm!

Sm Nmilo Ispmrmtu fy co-mbtirb ho nmto sf Jrfbt & Bmc`oasob. @i”s groe NAY nmb fbn
`i”s faso opibay lfy. Smyf nmb yubl bfl-mmsf hobl grmibn bf co-mbtirb nmto. Sm Smr
 Lfji Ni Kisus, fhf Smr Tolm, fy fbl Opirftmobs Efbflir bl J&B. @i s obay mb `ms
ifray 34s! Smyf fbl rismnibt crus`-bl-jfyfb nmto sf oggmci.

‑Loon ivibmbl, Smr Lfji! @m, Nmils!― jftm ho sf hfbmaf bfbl efhfsfhfy bf hfembl
tftao sf iaivftor. Jueftm smaf pfri`o pfjfamh.

Bmyfhfp fho jflaf bm Nmilo. ‑Lmra, uwm hf bf? Sfjfy hf bf sfhmb!― Efafpmt hfsm yubl
fpfrteibt jumanmbl bmyf groe ours. Embsfb bflhfhfsfjfy hfem pfuwm hfpfl `mbnm fho
smbusubno bm Zmvir. ^`oul`, fbl fafe bmyf afbl fy efy nmbfnffbfb pf fho hfyf `mbnm
hfem bflhfhfsfjfy.

Yemambl fho. ‑@mbnm bf. Efy subno fho i,― sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

‑Yy! Tritty bl semai bmyf! Joygrmibn eo?― tfbobl bmyf bf efy `faobl pfbl-ffsfr.
Bfpfamblob fho hfy Smr Lfji. Hfmafblfb tfaflfbl nfanfamb fho sf `frfp bl joss?
Bfhfhf`myf sueflot!

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. ‑Ye, sort og?― sflot ho wmt` fb fwhwfrn
semai. Lrfji. Bfhfhfmafbl to.

‑]ou”ri bot suri?― Bfluaft fho bfbl efltfbobl sm Smr Lfji.

‑Bfho, smr! Jfhf c`fhf yubl kowf bmto hfyf wmt bmyf fembmb!― sfjm bm Nmils. Aoho-
aoho tfaflf!

Yemambl fho. ‑Smrf hf! @i”s bo c`fhf. @mbnm pfafbl tfaflf hfem.― Fbl lwfpo hfyf bm
Zmvir! @i”s nigmbmtiay gfr groe c`fhf bo!

‑Nigibsmvi! C`frmbl afbl yub, jfhs!― sfjm bmyf. Bfhu, M cfb tiaa bf `mbnm pf rmb
smyf bfbmbmwfaf. Fbl pafmb ho hfyf.

Tftuaoy afbl fbl nfanfafb bfembl nfafwf bm Nmilo `fjfbl bfsf iaivftor pf rmb hfem.
SM Smr Lfji bfefb, bfhmhmbml afbl sf femb ft pfblmt-blmtm. Fbl cuti bmyf! Hubl
`mbnm ho afbl efs ubfbl bfhmafafbl sm Zmvir, jfhf sf hfbyf fho pftfy bf pftfy
blfyob.

Sfjfy-sfjfy bf rmb hfembl bfhfrftmbl bl pfrhmbl frif. M wfs aoohmbl gor Zmvir”s cfr
bubl jmlafbl bmyfhfp uamt fho bm Nmilo. Sfjfy bfljiso smyf sf fhmb. ‑Fnvfbci eirry
C`rmstefs, ji! Bixt yifr bf afbl yubl lmgt eo, yis?― `i fshin.

Bftfwf tuaoy fho sf pflpfpf-cuti bmyf. ‑Suri! Lmgt ho rmb `f?― Bflpffafe bf hfem sf
msft-msf. Tfafyo bf sfbf fho bfbl tmbfwfl fho bm Smr Lfji.

‑Emss Bfvfrro, nmn you lit your lmgt groe Emss Bmbf?― tfbobl bmyf. Los`. Fbl polm
tfaflf bm smr. Sm Emss Bmbf Zosfais bfefb fbl @Z `ifn sf @Z nipfrteibt. Jfsmcfaay,
s`i”s ey joss.
 Yemambl fho. ‑Efy lmgt po?― \faf bfefbl bfsfjm sm Emss Bmbf bf efy lmgt fho sf

hfbyf. Tiro yub blf yubl hfso wmt` Emss Bmbf, sojrfbl efamameutmb smyf.

Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao, yubl pfrfbl bfmmrmtf. @i aoohs fnorfjai! ‑C”eob, eirobl
ixtrf sf cfr ho.― Yefams bf flfn smyf hfyf bo c`omci fho hubnm suefef pfpubtf sf
cfr bmyf.

Bfhftfyo afbl fho sf lmamn bl cfr bmyf `fjfbl `mbf`fbfp bmyf sf jfchsift yubl lmgt
ho. Eirob bf hfyf sm Nmilo? Jfhmt fho afbl yubl tmbfbobl bm Smr Lfji? Jfhf blf
eirob bf smyf hfsm ubnir bfefb bmyf sm Nmilo.

^uefyo fho bl effyos bl auefjfs bf uamt sm Smr Lfji groe t`i jfchsift og `ms cfr.
Efy mbfjot smyf sf fhmbl efammt bf jox. ‑@iri mt ms.―

^mbfbllfp ho mto ft bflpfsfafeft. Bfbafhm fbl eftf ho bfbl efhmtf ho yubl aolo sf
jox. Fppai bf efy hflft. O@ E] LON!

Bmyfhfp ho sm Smr Lfji. ‑@oay grfh! Smr Lfji, t`fbh you!― sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl
yfhfp-yfhfp ho pf rmb smyf.

O` s`mt. Jfhmt ho bmyfyfhfp sm Smr Lfji?!

Bfpfafyo fho sf hfbyf bl wfaf sf orfs. O` ey Lon! ^`ms ms `uemamftmbl! ‑Sorry, smr!
M”e so sorry! Bf-cfrrmin fwfy afbl fho!― M sfmn, pfbmchmbl. Bfhu! Jfhf msuejobl
bmyf fho hfy Emss Bmbf ft ef-nmsemss fho groe ey OK^. Fyohobl eflhf-smbco!
Lrfnuftmbl stunibt pf fho! ‑Bfhu! Smr, sorry tfaflf! Eftflfa ho bf hfsm lustobl
juemam bmto!― \`mc` ms totoo bfefb. Lusto ho hfsm bf sf mjfbl lfnlit bfhfaflfy yubl
ijoohs ho.

Bluemtm smyf. Fw, s`uchs. \faf smyfbl nmepais piro fbl cuti bl sublhm bm Smr Lfji!
^fpos bfwfwfaf yubl iyis bmyf! Hfmafb pf fho fttrfctin sf c`mbmto?

‑M ubnirstfbn. Ibkoy your m^ouc`. Eirry C`rmstefs, Emss Bfvfrro.― ^`ib huefwfy bf
smyf ft suefhfy bf sf cfr bmyf. M wfs aigt t`iri stfbnmbl. O` ey Lon. Bfhfhf`myf
piro surrifa. Fbl swirti ho bfefb ft nmto fho sf J&B bfl-mmbtirbs`mp. Fbl nfembl
pirhs!

‑\`o wfs t`ft?― Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft. Bfpftmblmb fho sf bflsfamtf. O` s`mt. Sm
Zmvir.
 

***

^f`memh afbl sm Zmvir `fjfbl bflefefbi`o. Bfhftmtml afbl fho sf hfbyf fbn `i hbows
mt. Fyfw bmyf afbl fho pfbsmbmb. M cfb tiaa `i”s efn. @ms kfw wfs caibc`in fbn `ms
hbuchain wiri w`mti w`mai nrmvmbl.

‑Zmvir...― tfwfl ho sf hfbyf. @i obay caibc`in `ms kfw tml`tir. @faf! Lfamt tfaflf
smyf! ‑Yy, jfhmt hf jf bflflfamt? Bfl-ixpafmb bfefb bf fho.―

@i aoohin ft ei gor f sicobn jigori `i turbin jfch ft t`i wmbns`mian. Lfamt tfaflf
smyf. M cfb”t ubnirstfbn `me. Bflpfamwfbfl bfefb fho sf hfbyf hubl smbo yub ft bf
wfafbl efamsyf yubl bfhmtf bmyf.

‑Zmvir, wfl hf bf eflfamt. Taifsi?― @mbfwfhfb ho yubl jrfso bmyf. @mbnm bmyf bfefb
tmbfbllfa yubl hfefy ho piro hmtfbl-hmtf bf bfl-gambc` smyf. Lrfji. Sojrf jfbl
efsfef yubl lmbfwf ho?

‑\faf afbl bfefb hfsm yub!― pflpupuemamt ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm pf rmb bmyf fho
pmbfpfbsmb. Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Bfmmbms bf fho. Bubl fho yubl bfltfepo sf
hfbyf, fbl nfam afbl bmyf fhobl mbfeo. ^fpos blfyobl smyf yubl bfltftfepo, fbl
`mrfp-`mrfp bmyf pfhmusfpfb!

Nfpft jf fhobl efl-sorry hf`mt wfaf bfefb fhobl efsfefbl lmbfwf? Bf cfrrmin-fwfy
afbl bfefb tfaflf fho bubl bmyfhfp ho sm Smr Lfji. @mbnm ho bfefb smyf `mbfamhfb or
w`ft.

Tiro soei`ow bf-oggibn ho smyf i. M”e `ms ‐lmra” hf`mt bf `mbnm pf oggmcmfa. Fbn
smbo jfbl efy lusto bf yubl sf”yo, efyfyfhfp bl mjf?

Gmbi. M wmaa fpoaolmzi bf. Fyoho bf rmb bfefbl pf`fjfmb mtobl mssui. Efafpmt bf
efl-pfsho, nfpft `mbnm hfem bfl-ffwfy.

M sml`in mb nigift. @mbfwfhfb ho bl efmlm yubl hfefy bmyf. ‑M”e sorry. @mbnm ho bf
uuamtmb ‐yub. \faf bl bixt tmei. M swifr,― M sfmn, ey rml`t `fbn rfmsin.

Auemblob smyf sflamt sf fhmb ft tuefblo. @mbnm pf rmb smyf bluemblmtm. Bfem-emss ho
bf yubl nmepais bmyf. Giiambl ho `mbnm pf rmb fho gorlmvib. Fbl `mrfp bfefb bmyf
 lfamtmb. Tfl`m`mrfpfb eo tfaflf pfrf efhfjfamh hf sf loon smni bmyf.

‑\`y wiri you `ullmbl `me?― tfbobl bmyf. Bfhfhubot yubl boo bmyf. @i”s mrrmtftin.

Bfrfenfefb ho uamt bf uembmt yubl euh`f ho. ‑Hfsm bf cfrrmin-fwfy blf fho bubl
jmbmlfy yubl lmgt ho groe t`i oggmci.―

^uefblo uamt smyf. ‑^`i ot`ir nuni. \`o wfs t`ft?― tfbobl bmyf, `ms kfw caibc`in
flfmb.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. ‑Sm Nmilo? Jfnmbl yub!― M sfmn mb ixfspirftmob.

‑Nois `i rifaay `fvi to hmss fbn `ul you?― `i fshin, `ms vomci aow fbn eibfcmbl.
\ow. @i”s rifaay tmchin ogg.

M lrofbin mb mrrmtftmob. ‑Fbo jf! Jiso yub ! Fbn gor Titi”s sfhis! @i”s lfy! \i”ri
prfctmcfaay soua smstirs! ^`ft wouan ji mbcist!―

‑\`ft wfs t`i lmgt og your joss?― `i fshin, stmaa `ms jrows wiri gurrowin. Einyo
bfhfhf`mao yubl pfl-s`mgt bmyf to fbot`ir pirsob `f!

Tmbfhmtf ho sf hfbyf yubl jox bl m^ouc`. M sfw `me roaa `ms iyis. ‑M couan”vi lmvib
you t`ft,― `i euejain.

M hbow t`ft. Tiro pfrfbl... O`. @i”s kifaous! Jfhmt blfyob ho afbl bfmsmp yub?
‑Bflsisiaos hf jf, Zmvir?― M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

‑Bo s`mt, S`iraoch,― `i fbswirin, `ms vomci nrmppmbl wmt` sfrcfse. Tiro mejis bf
efmbms fho sf hfbyf, bftuwf fho sf smbfjm bmyf. O` ey Lon, `i kust fnemttin t`ft
`i”s kifaous! Lusto bmyf tfaflf fho!

M jurst out aful`mbl8 ‑Fbo hf jf? \faf hf bfefbl nfpft mhfsiaos!― M sfmn, safppmbl
`me ob `ms fre.

@i roaain `ms iyis flfmb piro t`ms tmei, t`iri”s f `mbt og semai bf. ‑]ou wiri
`ullmbl t`osi luys,― `i smepay sfmn. Einyo bfeueuaf rmb smyf. Bf`m`myf smluro bf
bfpffemb bl wfaf sf orfs. Jutm blf sf hfbyf! Fbl tflfa bmyf eflpftfwfn i.

‑M toan you. Nmilo”s lfy. ^sfhf sm Smr Lfji bfefb i, msf sf elf jossis bfemb.
\fafbl efamsyf nub!― pfl-uuamt ho.

‑]ou nob”t amhi `me?― tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl bfhftffs fbl msfbl hmafy. Smbo? Sm Smr
Lfji?
 Yemambl fho. ‑@i”s loon-aoohmbl jut `i”s lot bot`mbl ob you,― M sfmn seulay.
Bfpfblmtm smyf fbn `ms nmepais s`owin! ]is! Ohfy bf!

‑Zifaay? ]ou nob”t giia fbyt`mbl gor `me?― `i fshin. Tfrfbl `mbnm pf rmb cobvmbcin.

M roaain ey iyis. ‑Efy hfubtmbl crus` fho sf hfbyf. Tiro wfaf tfaflfbl efamsyf yubl
hfbmbf.― Suemefblot uamt smyf. ^mbfwfbfb ho yubl jmlafbl pfl-mjf bl euh`f bmyf.
‑Fbo hf jf! Crus` ho afbl yub! Mhfw, M aovi you!― M sfmn t`ib aful`in.

@ms `ifn w`mppin towfrns ei. ‑\`ft?― Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf smyf bfl-swirvi ft
puefrfnf sf lmamn bl hfasfnf. ‑\`ft nmn you kust sfy?― tfbobl bmyf fgtir efltfbllfa
bl siftjiat ft `uehfrfp sf fhmb. M nmn t`i sfei ft `uefrfp sf hfbyf.

‑Smbfjm ho hfbmbf? M toan you bf crus` ho afbl smyf fbn t`ft M aov„O` s`mt,― M
lfspin, ey iyis wmni. ^mbfhpfb ho fbl jmjml ho bl nfafwfbl hfefy ho.

O@ E] LON. O@ E] LON. O@ E] LON.

Sffb bfbllfambl yub?! Jfhmt fho uefemb? @mbnm ho pf fafe yubl giiambls ho! @mbnm pf
fho bfhfhfpfl-msmp-msmp! @mbnm pf fho bfhfhffemb sf sfrmam ho! Ef`fa ho bf smyf?
Jfhmt jmlaffb? Jfhmt?

‑So, you”ri mb aovi wmt` ei?― Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. Nuob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf
sojrfbl afpmt bf bl euh`f bmyf sf fhmb. Lfbub jf fho hf-prioccupmin pfrf `mbnm ho
efpfbsmb bf `faos mmafbl cibtmeitirs bf afbl fbl afyo bl elf euh`f bfemb sf msf”t
msf?

@mbnm fho bfhfsflot sf hfbyf. M kust stfrin ft `me wmt` wmni-iyis. S`mt. Yefemb fho
sf hfbyf. ‑M tfhi mt you kust rifamzin mt?― `i fshin wifrmbl t`ft joyms` semai og
`ms.

M stfrin ft `me. Zifaay stfrin ft `me t`ms tmei. No M rifaay aovi t`ms efb? Nmn M
farifny lit t`iri? Nmn M rifaay giaa gor `me?

\i stfrin ft ifc` ot`irs” iyis gor qumti soei tmei jigori M fbswirin. ‑]if`.― @i
semain t`ib aifbin caosir. M caosin ey iyis jut bot`mbl `fppibin. M opibin ey iyis
w`ib M giat `i eovin fwfy farifny.

S`mt. @i kust put ob ey siftjiat!

Bfpftmblmb afbl fho sf hfbyf fs `i nrovi `ms cfr. Smluro nfaf bf rmb bl `myf or
 t`ft M”e stmaa mb s`och hfyf `mbnm ho efmjuhf yubl jmjml ho.

Efjmams hfembl bfhfrftmbl bl pfrhmbl frif sf efy fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb. @mbnm pf
rmb fho uemmemh piro sm Zmvir, bfhfblmtm smyf t`i w`oai tmei! ^`i tfjai `fn kust
turbin.

TMbfljuhsfb bmyf fho bl pmbto ft mbfafafyfbl efhfafjfs bl cfr bmyf. @mbnm bmyf
jmbmtfwfb yubl hfefy ho `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl hfem sf grobt noor bl fpfrteibt.

M growbin ft `me w`ib M sfw `me tfppmbl ob `ms p`obi. Bluemtm smyf afao bubl
bftfpos smyf. ‑C`ich your p`obi w`ib you lit mbsmni. Jyi, Kfemi.― ]ub afbl fbl
smbfjm bmyf eftfpos uefams. Bfmwfb fhobl amtirfa bf bfhfblfblf sf noorstip bl
fpfrteibt.

\faf efb afbl smyfbl coeeibt sf pfl-femb ho? \faf efb afbl hmss? Hf`mt `mbnm bf sf
amps! Hf`mt sf boo, pmsblm o hfefy bf afbl. \faf? Siryoso?

Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho ft puefsoh sf aooj bl fpfrteibt. Nuemritso fho sf hwfrto ho

ft bfpfupo sf hfef. ^mbmlbfb ho yubl p`obi ho. Ybfbl tuefejfn sf fhmb fy msfbl
botmgmcftmob sf Gfcijooh.

Zmvir Oblpfuco wfbts to ji your grmibn.

Bfpfblmtm fho jflo pmbmbnot fbl ‐Fccipt” juttob. Efyf-efyf afbl fy bfhftfbllfp
hfflfn fho bl pfbmjflobl Gfcijooh botmgmcftmob.

Zmvir Oblpfuco amstin t`ft you two fri mb f riaftmobs`mp fbn your fbbmvirsfry ms
Niciejir :6, :463.

Bfbafhm fbl eftf ho sf botmgmcftmob bf mto! Tmbmbnot ho flfn fbn trui iboul`, wfaf
fhobl c`omci. Lmragrmibn bf fho bm Zmvir. Gfcijooh oggmcmfa bf. Joygrmibn ho bf sm
Zmvir Oblpfuco.

M-cobgmre ho efb o m-`mni, efrfem bl bfhfhmtf. Gor suri, efy bfhfpfl scriibs`ot bf
bmto. ]ubl Trogmai Tmcturi ho pf bfefb sm Nfrt` Wfnir! Efs ipmc smluro hubl sm
C`iwjfccf.
 Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efl-vmjrfti ft tueubol uamt fbl p`obi ho. ^mbmlbfb ho
mto.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M”e ft your noorstip. Opib up.

@u`? Jfhmt smyf juefamh? Jfhf efy bfhfameutfbl sfjm`mb? Tiro pwini bfefb smyf
tuefwfl or efl-tixt. @eee... Hubl fbo efb yubl sfsfjm`mb bmyf, jfhf efs eflfbnf
blfbl efrmbml sf hfbyf bl pirsobfa.

S`mt! Jfhf `i”n sfy mt jfch! ]ubl t`rii worns!

Flfn-flfn fhobl bfpftfhjo pfpubtf sf grobt noor. Jmbuhsfb ho flfn mto ft fbl
tuefejfn sf fhmb fy fbl siryosobl euh`f bm Zmvir.

‑Jfhmt hf juefamh?― M fshin. Nfpft hfyf mtfbobl ho rmb yubl sf riaftmobs`mp stftus
bfemb sf Gfcijooh? \faf hfsm smyfbl pfsfjm bf lflfwmb bf bmyfbl Gfcijooh oggmcmfa
yubl riaftmobs`mp stftus bfembl nfafwf.

‑M aigt soeit`mbl,― `i sfmn fs `i stippin caosir.

‑Fbo ‐yu„― @i hmssin ei. @ms `fbns goubn t`i jfsi og ey t`roft fbn ey bfpi. Mt wfs
saow ft gmrst. Mt wfs fs mg `i”s sfvormbl t`i giia og our amps jrus`mbl flfmbst
ifc` ot`ir. Jut t`i eoeibt `ms toblui touc`in embi, t`i hmss turbin... `ot.

M puaain fwfy gmrst piro `mbfjoa bmyf uamt yubl amps ho. ^`iri wfs bo tmei gor ei
to jrift`i. \i obay stoppin w`ib ey hbiis juchain. @i wrfppin froubn `ms fres
froubn ey wfmst.

Ey `ifn wfs prissin flfmbst `ms t`roft fbn `ms c`mb wfs pafcin ob t`i top og ey
`ifn. ‑M aovi you,― M efbflin to sfy fs M”e stmaa `fvmbl f `frn tmei to jrift`i.
Lfbub nmb ftf smyf jicfusi `i kust hmssin ey gori`ifn.

M luiss mt wfsb”t kust Gfcijooh oggmcmfa, mt wfs faso sifain wmt` f hmss. Nfeb, `i
 suri hbows `ow to hmss.

@i libtay puaain fwfy groe ei. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. @i wfs semambl nowb ft ei.
‑Sii you toeorrow, jfji?― M couan obay fbswir `me wmt` f bon.

@i wfmtin gor ei to lit mbsmni t`i fpfrteibt jigori `i aigt. M meeinmftiay rfb
towfrns ey rooe fbn lrfjjin ey p`obi. ^mei to tixt t`i jist grmibns!

A, H!!! OEL OEL OEL!!! HFEM BF BM ZMWIZ! FBN \I HMSSIN! GZIBC@ HMSS TF F^F! S@M^ M
NOB^ HBO\!!!

M sibt mt to t`i gmrst A fbn H ob ey cobtfcts. M sauepin ob ey jin fbn lrmbbin ft

t`i cimambl. ^otoo jf mto? Hfem bf tfaflf? Efy joygrmibn bf fho? Lmragrmibn bf bmyf
fho? O@ E] LON!

Bflpfluaubl-luaobl fho sf hfef ft bfltmtmtmam. Tfrfbbl efy gmistf bl elf fbmefas sf

zoo bf bfsf aooj bl tmyfb ho. Tfrfbl puro hmaml fbl nuefnfaoy sf vimbs ho. @mbnm
fho efpmrem sf mmsfbl pwisto sf hfef. ^uefyo fho sf mjfjfw bl hfef ft bfltftftfaob.
‑M”e Zmvir Oblpfuco”s lmragrmibn!― M squifain.

^uemlma fho sf pfltfaob bfbl efpfbsmb hobl efy nfafwf fhobl jflobl tixt eissflis.
Yeupo fho sf hfef ft jmbfsf fbl elf mto.

Groe; Hfni Oblpfuco

^EM, ]onf

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

\robl sibt, Fbbfjit`! Coblrfts, t`o. 5)

 

Fbfh bl pftoaf, Kfemi. Sirmousay?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 60; ^mlir Amay

C`fptir 60

^mlir Amay

‑\`ft t`i `iaa fri you wftc`mbl?― Bfpftfaob fho ft bfmsfrf fbl afptop ho bl wfaf sf
orfs nf`ma sf luaft. Justin. ^faflfbl ef`u`uam fho nf`ma bfsf nmbmbl tfjai fho ft
bfhfsuot pf bl ifr pons.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy A ft bluemtm. Hubyfrm mbosibti sf jmbmjmbtfbl bmyf. ‑@u`?

Tmbflsfsfjm eo nmyfb?― pflhfhfmaf ho. Hfhftfpos afbl hfsm bfembl efl-jrubc` hfyf
fhfaf ho `mbnm pf smaf uamt afafjfs bl elf hwfrto bmaf. ^urbs out M”e wrobl.

A roaain `ir iyis jigori s`i sauepin ob t`i c`fmr jismni ei. ‑C”eob, wi jot` hbow
you”ri wftc`mbl porb,― sfjm bmyf. M lfspin. TOZB?! BO \F].

^mbfwfbfb bmyf fbl rifctmob. Mt eust `fvi jiib soei gfcmfa ixprissmob. ‑Jfhmt bfefb
fho efbubuon bl porb?― M fshin, `orrmgmin.

‑Efafy ho jf mg you wfbtin to prfctmci soei eovis,― s`i sfmn w`mai wmllambl `ir
iyijrows. M pubc`in `ir fre.

‑Smrf! Jfhmt bfefb fho eflpf-prfctmci bub?― M roaain ey iyis. Jmbuhsfb ho bf uamt
yubl afptop ho. ^mbmlbfb bmyf yubl scriib t`ib s`i jurst out aful`mbl.

‑]ou”ri wftc`mbl ‐@ow ^o Gribc` Hmss”? \`y, Kfemi, M nmnb”t hbow you”ri t`ft
curmous,― s`i sfmn wmt` f semrh. Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho nf`ma sf pfbl-ffsfr bmyf.

@Mbfrfp ho smyf. M botin s`i”s stmaa mb `ir kfeemis hf`mt tfbl`fam bf fbn t`ft
 s`i”s jfri gfcin. ‑Lfbmto hfsm ‐yub,― M pfusin gor suspibsi.

^`ms tmei, smyf bfefb fbl bfbubtoh sf fhmb. ‑Stop wmt` t`i suspibsi! Kust sfy mt!―

‑Hfem bf bm Zmvir,― M sfmn. @mbnm smyf bfl-rifct gor f embuti. Fs mb pohir gfci.
]ubl pfrfbl bflao-aofnmbl pf yubl utfh bmyf. ^fpos jmlaf bf afbl smyfbl suemlfw.
‑O@ E] LONS!― Jmlafbl-jmlaf yubl gfci bmyf coepfrin sf pohir gfci bmyf hfbmbf. Mt
wfs `mafrmous!

Bfluaft fho bfbl efpfafjfs sm H sf rooe bmyf. ‑Fbobl bfblyfyfrm nmto?― s`i fshin
wmt` f growb. Auefpmt bf rmb smyf ft ueupo sf tfpft bfemb bm A sf nmbmbl tfjai.
Bfpftmblmb fho hfy A ft lfbub pf rmb fbl `mtsurf bmyf. Luaft bf luaft pf rmb smyf.

‑A, fbobl eirob? Fbl wimrn eo!― H sfmn, lmllambl. Bftfwf bf rmb fho hfsm sojrfbl
fbmeftin bl gfci bm A. Embsfb afbl tobl bfblyfyfrm. Ysufaay hfpfl hfem afbl fbl
eflhfhfsfefbl tftao.

@uemblf eubf bl efafame sm A jflo sueflot. ‑Zmvir fbn K fri oggmcmfaay tolit`ir
bf!― s`i sfmn, wmni-iyin.

Bfbafhm rmb fbl elf eftf bm Hme. ‑\i`? Siryoso?― tfbobl bmyf. Tfri`fs bf rmb smaf
bm A bl gfcmfa ixprissmob. ^uefblo fho. ‑Hiafb pf? Jfhmt blfyob afbl bfemb fafe
to?!―

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. Aflot. Eflflfamt tobl elf to, gor suri. ‑Y`e, afst bml`t,―
sflot ho wmt` f s`iipms` semai.

‑Afst bml`t pf?! Fbn you”ri tiaambl us kust bow?!― A sfmn growbmbl. Bfhu, aflot
tfaflf. ‑Twini hf bfefbl efl-tixt! Bot ubaiss efy lmbfwf pf hfyobl soeit`mbl iasi!―

Yembmt yubl juobl euh`f ho. Yemambl fho. ‑Bo! \i kust hmssin!― M sfmn nigibsmviay.

A aifbin caosir. ‑^orrmn?― s`i fshin, squmbtmbl ft ei.

M jmt ey amp fs M aoohin ft ey afptop”s scriib. ‑Gribc` hmss?― M fbswirin

riauctfbtay. Jot` og t`ie kust ixpaonin. Amhi ZIFAA] ixpaonin.

‑@OA] ^FCOS! FBL AFBNM EO, JFJI!― A s`outin t`ib aful`in.

‑]MIIIII!!! O@ E] LON!!!― Tfrfbl bfblmblmsfy pf sm H `fjfbl tueftfaob-tfaob. Los`.

^`iy”ri so `fppy. @mbnm pf bmaf fafe bmyfb yubl fjout sf ipmc-gfmabiss ho hflfjm
`f.

‑Sfsfjm`mb hoMbfefb
bf-sibn-fb,― tfaflfMsf
ixpafmbin. mbyo
cfb hflfjm.
giia Hfso
ey gfci fbnbubl
t`i tmbixt
tmps ogho
eyhfyo,
ifrs efam fho bl
jurbmbl.
 Bfbfafhm fbl elf eftf bm Hme, flfmb. ‑\`ft? Zifaay? Hfbmbo hf bf wrobl sibt?― Yeupo

uamt smyf sf tfpft bfemb bm A. Hmbu`f ho yubl p`obi ho groe ey jfch pochit. @mbfbfp
ho yubl tixt eissfli hobl wrobl sibt sf Oblpfuco cousmbs.

Mbmfjot ho hfy Hme yubl p`obi. Flfn bfefbl tuefyo sm A ft pueubtf sf pwisto bm H.
Sfjfy smafbl tuemblmb sf scriib bl p`obi ho. Tfri`fs smafbl tuefwf. Ft ey ixpibsi,
flfmb.

‑Sirmousay, Kfemi? Og faa piopai, sf cousmbs pf bm Zmvir?― A fshin mb nmsjiamig.

Bfpf-gfcipfae pf smyf. M ubnirstfbn `ir. Gfcipfae eoeibt bfefb tfaflf yubl bfblyfrm
afst bml`t.

H `fs stmaa bot ricovirin groe `ir lmllambl. ‑M cfbbot. Jfamw hf tfaflf, Kfemi!―
s`i sfmn w`mai wmpmbl t`i tifrs groe `ir iyis.

‑M hbow, rml`t?― M sfmn, s`fhmbl ey `ifn. ‑M wobnir hubl fbo jfbl bflustu`fb sfhmb
bm Zmvir.― Auefpmt yubl nfafwf sf fhmb ft bmyfhfp fho.

‑Hfmafblfb jf tfaflfbl efy spicmgmc bf sflot?― H fshin wmt` f wfre semai. ‑@mbnm jf
pwinibl hfsm ‐sm Kfemi hf?”― M semain ft `ir. Fbl swiit bmyf tfaflf.

Fbl swirti ho tfaflf sf jist grmibns ho. ^`iy”ri t`i jist-ist jist grmibn f lmra
couan ivir `fvi. ‑M kust `opi `i”s bot lombl to tfhi fnvfbtfli og you. Or `i”aa sii
`iaa,― A sfmn wmt` t`ft sfcc`frmbi semai og `irs.

***

S`mt.

Bfwfwfaf yubl wfaait ho. Bfbnub yubl pfefsf`i ho pfuwm bl Cfvmti! M scrfejain
froubn ey rooe pfrf efl`fbfp bl pirf. Af`ft puro jfryf ft `mbnm efhfhffjot bl
Cfvmti. Los`. Ffb`mb ho fbl tml-pmpmsobl jibti pisos? S`mt. Sffb jf bflsuot yubl
wfaait ho. Hfmafblfb ho bl efhfuwm bl Cfvmti. Mg M ovirstfy gor obi eori nfy nmto
sf Efbmaf, aflot bf fho hfy ^mlir Amay, fhf ey eoe, Amay.

@mbnm ho bf rmb ef`m`mblmfb bl pirf sm A ft H. Hfbmbf pf smaf bfubfbl uefams. Sm

Hme, sf Tfepfblf pf fbl uwm bmyf. Tfaflmbl smyf fbl bfuubfbl uefams sf femb hfpfl
lfbmtobl `oamnfy sifsob or sueeir. Sm A bfefb, sf Af Aoef pueubtf. Nuob nfw hfsm
smaf eflsi-ciaijrfti bl C`rmstefs mbstifn bf sf Cfvmti. Ysufaay sfjfy hfem pfuwm

piro `mbnm blfyob.

 

M tixtin t`ie. @iy, jfjis. Bfwfwfaf yubl wfaait ho. Bfbnub yubl pfefsf`i ho. Cfb M
jorrow soei eobiy? Efy bfmwfb jf hfyo sf rooes bmyo?

\faf pfbl gmvi embutis, bflripay bf sm Hme. ^fpos sueubon bf puefsoh yubl tixt bm
Aoumssi.

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

Tmlly jfbh ho afbl bfbnmyfb i.

Fafblfb bfefbl jfsflmb ho pmlly jfbh bmyf nmjf?

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr

Ey rooe”s aochin. Sorry, jfji.

@mbnm bf fho bfl-ripay sf hfbmaf. Bfhfhftfepo. \faf efb afbl tutuaobl sf fhmb?
Bfpfsfafepfh fho sf sf`ml. Fbo bf? Efjujuaoh bf afbl fho nmto sf fpfrteibt `fbllfbl
sf efy ueuwm nmto or efy sueubno sf fhmb? M nob”t wfbt to jot`ir ey pfribts. Or
fbyobi. Fbo bf afbl fbl lflfwmb ho?

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr

M hbow you”ri efhmbl tfepo. ]our hbml`t-mb-s`mbmbl-freor ms ob t`i wfy. 8)

 @u`? Tmbflsfsfjm bmto bm A? Jfhf bf`fwf bf rmb sf fhmb ft wrobl sibt. Swirti bmyf
ft sf fhmb afbl bmyf bfmsibn ft `mbnm sf mjfbl tfo. Ojvmousay, eflhfmjf fbl

hfpfafrfb bfemb. Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho jflo efpf`mlf sf sf`ml bl hwfrto ho.

Efjujuaoh bf afbl tfaflf fho nmto.

***

Bflmsmbl fho sf efafhfs bf pflhftoh sf grobt noor bl fpfrteibt ft sf pflrm-rmbl bl

p`obi ho. M wfs stmaa nmsormibtin hfyf bubl smbflot ho yubl p`obi ho, mt soubnin
lmjjirms`.

‑Iyow?― M lriitin fs M yfwbin. Bflhushos pf fho bl eftf pfrf eflmsmbl fho.

Bfltftfbllfa fho bl eutf sf eftf bfbl eflsfamtf yubl bfsf hfjmafbl ambyf. ‑Jfjy,
opib up t`i noor.―

@u`? ‑@mbnm ‐Jfjy” fbl pfblfafb ho. M”e Kfemi,― sfjm ho sf hfusfp ho jflo `uemhfj
uamt. Bfrmbml hobl tuefwf fbl afafhm sf hfjmafbl ambyf.

‑Jfjy, t`ms ms you joygrmibn. ]ou gorlot fjout ei farifny?― tfbobl bmyf. Bfpf`mbto
fho sf pfltftfbllfa bl eutf. Jfjy? Joygrmibn?

O` s`mt. Sm Zmvir!

Bfpftfyo fho jmlaf ft bfpfafjfs bl rooe ho. Jmbuhsfb ho flfn yubl pmbto ft tuefejfn
sf fhmb fbl bfhfblmtmbl sm Zmvir. Bfhfaflfy pf rmb sf tfpft bl tiblf bmyf yubl
p`obi bmyf.

‑M luiss you rieiejir ei bow,― `i sfmn wmt` f tifsmbl semai. Efy sfsfjm`mb pf sfbf
smyf bfbl efy bfpfbsmb smyf sf fhmb. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hftfwfb ho. Bfhfpfbl-fams bf
fho. @mbnm bfefb bf sii-t`roul` yubl nfemt ho. Jfhmt lfbyfb yubl tmtml bmyf?

Bfpfftrfs fho bubl auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. Bluemtm smyf bf mhmbfafjfs bl nmepais
bmyf. Fw, s`uchs.

Bfluaft fho bl `fwfhfb bmyf yubl c`mb ho jflo mbmafpmt fbl euh`f bmyf sf fhmb. ‑]ou
 stmaa lot nrooa ob your c`mb, jfjy,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf.

S`mt.

Afafyo bf sfbf fho pfrf efhfpfl-pubfs bl afwfy sf jfjf ho bfbl pmbfsfb bmyf mto bl
`fbnhirc`mig bmyf. ^mbmlbfb ho bf afbl smyf bl efsfef nf`ma myob bf afbl fbl bfmsmp
hobl lfwmb. Aubon bf bfefb hfsm fho sf hf`m`myfb i. Mto tfaflf yubl elf orfs bf
bfpfpfmsmp hf bf afbl jfhmt fho lmragrmibn bl bmafafbl bf to?

‑]ou”ri so cuti,― sfjm bmyf jflo fho `mbfamhfb sf afjm. Sflamt afbl bfefb myob piro
bfmambl pf rmb fho.

‑Jfn jrift` fho,― sfjm ho eftfpos bub.

Bluemtm smyf. ‑M nmnb”t botmci mt.― ]ub afefbl fbl smbfjm bmyf piro bfhfhfhmaml pf
rmb. Eubtmh ho bf bfefb ftfbl eftfpfhfb yubl puso ho. Auefyo bf fho sf hfbyf ft
pmbfpfsoh smyf sf aooj bl fpfrteibt.

‑Fbo pfafbl lmbflfwf eo nmto?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf eftfpos ho smyfbl jmlyfb bl

mbuemb. ^ujml afbl hfsm myob afbl bfefb fbl fvfmafjai sf rig bfemb.

@i tooh f smp ob `ms lafss og wftir jigori `i aifbin jfch ob t`i sogf. ‑Ziscumbl
you,― sflot bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmsm. Smbmpft ho fbl hfjuufb bmyf. @i wfs wifrmbl f
jafch Grin Tirry poao s`mrt, h`fhm s`orts ft h`fhm-coaorin c`uchs. Fbl `ot bl
joygrmibn ho. Lrfji.

JMlaf hobl bfffafaf yubl tixt sf fhmb bm Aoumssi jflo fho bfhftuaol. Smyf pfaf yubl
hbml`t-mb-s`mbmbl-freor sf tixt! Eirob bf nmb pfaf smyfbl cobtfct buejir bm Zmvir.
@ow coei M nmnb”t hbow t`ft? Tiro jutm bf afbl ft eirob.

‑So mhfw yubl hbml`t-mb-s`mbmbl-freor ho?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfhftffs fbl msfbl
hmafy. Bluemtm smyf ft tuefblo. ‑@mbnm eo bfefb hfmafblfb yub lfwmb. Tiro t`fbh
you,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Syiepri, hiei afbl ‐yub. Lrftigua fho bf pmbubtf`fb bmyf
flfn fho pfrf m`ftmn sf femb.

‑]ou hbow w`ft M t`mbh, jfji?― @mbmbtfy ho bf mtuaoy bmyf fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf.
Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. ‑M”e hmbn og fbboyin M `ifrn mt gmrst groe Aoumssi. M wfbt
you to cfaa or tixt ei meeinmftiay mg you biin `iap.― Bftfeiei fho sf `mtsurf bmyf.
Efhmhmtf tfaflfbl cobcirbin smyf ft bfmmrmtf bf `mbnm smyf fbl ubfbl tmbfwflfb ho.
Tiro efs bftfeiei fho sf smbfjm bmyf. ^`i gfct bf mbfemb bmyfbl bfmmbms smyf sf
`mbnm ho ubfbl pfltfwfl sf hfbyf sfys f aot. Tffbo pf hfyf hfpfl smbfjm ho sf hfbyf
bf bm `mbnm smyf puefsoh sf msmp ho bub? Jfhf eflhf-emsubnirstfbnmbl bf bfefb hfem.

Blmbmtmfb ho smyf. ‑Bixt tmei. M proemsi.― M sfmn, rfmsmbl ey rml`t `fbn fbn nombl
t`i Wuacfb sfauti.

‑M emssin t`ft,― `i sunnibay sfmn. Bf-emss? Fbo fbl bf-emss bmyf? @faos pfaflm
 bfefb bf hfembl eflhfsfef.

‑Fbobl bf-emss eo?― tfbobl ho.

‑]ou `fvib”t spoutin f quoti mb wiihs,― sfjm bmyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. M
`fvib”t? Fbn `i”s hiipmbl tfjs? Siryoso jf smyf?

‑Mt”s spur og t`i eoeibt t`mbl i. @mbnm ho bfefb pwinibl pmamtmb. Fbl gfhi,― M
sfmn, aful`mbl. Bfpfmambl smyf jflo bflhmjmt jfamhft. Nmscussmob caosin bf. M t`mbh
bf`myf smyf sf pfl-femb bmyf.

***

‑Twinibl nuob bf afbl fho jfjfjf sf efy hfbtobl yub. ^fpos afafhfrmb ho bf afbl
pfpubtf sf striit bfemb,― M sfmn, pombtmbl ft t`i striit jigori ours. Efs ohfy bf
nuob fho jfjfjf pfrf `mbnm bf hfem efhmtf bmbf Efef ft Tfpf. Jfhf efrfem pfbl
mtfbobl. @mbnm pf fho rifny sfjm`mb bf efy joygrmibn fho.

@mbmbto bm Zmvir fbl hotsi bmyf sf striit bf mtmburo ho. @uefrfp fho pfrf eflpffafe
sf hfbyf. Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efhmtf hobl bfhfhubot fbl boo bmyf. ‑\`ft”s wrobl?―
tfbobl ho.

‑Fri you fs`fein og ei?― tfbobl bmyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho.

‑Sffb lfambl yfb? \`ft efhis you t`mbh M”e fs`fein og you?― M fshin mb nmsjiamig.
\`ft t`i `iaa? @mbnm bmyf jf hmafaf fbl sfrmam bmyf? Smluro bfefb fafe bmyfbl
wfafbl hf`myf-`myf fjout `me.

‑]ou nob”t wfbt ei to eiit your pfribts,― `i sfmn, `ms vomci afcin wmt` fbboyfbci.
Ey kfw safchibin. \`ft t`i `iaa? Lusto bmyfbl mpfhmafaf ho smyf sf pfribts ho? Fs
mb bow bf?

M aoohin ft `ms gfci. Sifrc`mbl gor soeit`mbl. Jfhf bfljmjmro afbl smyf. Jfhf
pmbfltm-trmpfb bmyf afbl fho. Tiro `mbnm, siryoso blf ftf smyf.

‑]ou wfbt to eiit ey pfribts? Fs mb bow bf?― M fshin, wmni-iyin. ^uefblo smyf.
‑Siryoso hf? Soei luys wouan wfmt aftir. Fs mb `mbnm smaf flfn-flfn eflpfpfhmafaf.―

@i roaain `ms iyis. Tfrf jfbl tfblf yubl hfusfp bmyf. ‑M”e bot amhi eost luys. M

wfbt to eiit
mbtibtmobs your
fri pfribts
loon. bow,
M wfbt Kfemi.
t`ie M”eMbot
to hbow scfrin
amhi og t`ie
you viry, M euc`.―
viry wfbt t`ie to hbow ey
 mbtibtmobs fri loon. M wfbt t`ie to hbow M amhi you viry, viry euc`.

O` s`mt. \`ib `i sfys t`mbls amhi t`ft, efhfhftfbllm pf jf fho?

M aoohin fwfy groe `me. M mb`fain niipay fbn ix`fain saoway. S`mt. @mbnm ho
mbffsf`fbl efblyfyfrm to blfyob. Bm `mbnm ho pf blf bfsfsfjm hfy Efef bf efy
bfbamamlfw sf fhmb. Bm `mbnm blf bmaf fafe bf bfbamlfw sf fhmb sm Zmvir! Nmritso
ixcausmviay nftmbl hfflfn hfem. Ft pffbo ho mhuhwibto hubl pffbo hfem bflhfhmafaf?
@mbnm blf bmaf fafe bf luemlmemh bf fho!

S`mt.

^sfhf jfhf efluao sf jf`fy blfyob! Jfhf wfafbl autobl pflhfmb. ^sfhf wfaf fhobl
fjmso efb afbl hfy Efef. Jfhf giiambl bmyf mb-fejus` bfemb smyf bm Zmvir. M hbow ey
eot`ir. S`i”s viry, viry scfry w`ib s`i wfbts to ji. S`i wfsb”t cfaain ^mlir Amay
gor bot`mbl!

‑Jmam eubf tfyo bl goon tsfhf M”aa tixt `ir gmrst,― M sfmn mb nigift. Bluemtm smyf
jflo bflsmeuafbl eflefbi`o uamt pfafjfs bl sujnmvmsmob bfemb.

Fbo jfbl mti-tixt ho hfy Efef? ]ubl rispictgua fbl nftmbl. ^sfhf yubl `mbnm fho
efpfpflfamtfb hfpfl bfsf `frfpfb bf bmyf hfem bm Zmvir.

 @m, Efef! Hfsfef ho yubl joygrmibn ho. Tubtf hfem nmyfb. Sii you!

Yl`. Sfsfjubutfb fho bm Efef hfpfl lfbub!

Efef, efy pfpfhmafaf fho sf”yo. Tas pfhmambms fbl jf`fy.

Efsyfnobl `faftf! Jfhf pflnftmbl ho sf striit bfemb, bfsf afbsfblfb bf af`ft bl

lfemt ho.

Efef, sorry po.

Efsyfnobl vflui. Jfhf fhfafmb bm Efef eflus-sumcmni fho.

 Bfpfsfjubot fho sf sfrmam ho. ^`ms ms sooo grustrftmbl! Fbo jfbl sfsfjm`mb ho sf
bfbfy ho? Efjfjfamw bf fho! Lrfji bfefb sm Zmvir. @mbnm ho fhfafmbl mafaflfy bmyf

fho sf smtwfsyobl mto flfn-flfn.

‑Kust cfaa `ir,― bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. Bfhfblmtm smyf. Euh`f smluro fhobl jfamw
sf pfbmblmb bmyf blfyob. Sfjubutfb ho jf bfefb fbl sfrmam ho sf `frfpfb bmyf?

Bfpfpmhmt fho bl efrmmb. ^ftfwflfb ho bf afbl sm Efef. M”aa kust wmbl mt. Jf`faf bf
auefjfs sf jmjml ho. Mnmbmaft ho fbl elf eftf ho ft mnm-bmfa fbl buejir bm Efef.

\fl eo bf pfl-msmpfb. \fl eo bf pfl-msmpfb. \fl eo bf pfl-msmpfb. \fl eo bf pfl-

msmpf„

‑”Bfh! Sffb hf bf? Bfsf jyf`i hf bf jf?― jublfn sf fhmb bm Efef. Bfpfpmhmt uamt fho
bl efrmmb.

M luapin aounay. ‑Opo, Ef. Fbo pobl lusto bmyobl uafe?― tfbobl ho. ]ub fbl ubfbl
puefsoh sf msmp ho i.

‑Jmam hf bf afbl sf Fbnoh”s. Ohfy bf ‐yub.― ]ub afbl? Fbo pf jfbl nfpft hobl nfa`mb
sf jf`fy? Tfrf bf rmb pifci-oggirmbl.

M caifrin ey t`roft. ‑Y`e, Efef.―

‑Fbo? Jmamsfb eo ft eflsfsfmbl pf fho,― mrmtfbl sfjm bm Efef. @faf hf. Fbl jmams
bmyf efmrmtf. Jfhf efs efmbms smyf sf sfsfjm`mb ho.

‑Fbo po. Y`e, eflambms hf po bl jf`fy,― sfjm ho. Jmlaf smyfbl bftf`memh sf hfjmafbl
ambyf.

‑Efy hfsfef hf?― nf`fb-nf`fb bmyfbl tfbobl. Tffbo ho jf sfsflutmb fbl tfbobl bf
‐yfb? ‑@mbnm smbf Hme ft Aoumssi yfbl hfsfef eo, fbo?― subon bmyfbl tfbobl. @mbnm
ho pf blf bfsfsflot yubl msf, eirob hfflfn!

Bfpftfblo fho hf`mt `mbnm bmyf bfefb fho bfhmhmtf. ‑Opo. Efy mpfpfhmafaf fho sf”yo,
Efef.―

Bfrmbml hobl efljubtobl `mbmblf sm Efef. ‑Tfsfafeft hf ft bfsf tmbnf`fb pf fbl Tfpf

eo. Smli bf”t eflamambms pf fho bl jf`fy. Mblft hfyo,― sfjm bmto jflo bmyf mjmbfjf
 fbl tiaipobo.

‑Bow t`ft wfsb”t so `frn, wfs mt?― Zmvir tifsin. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef `fjfbl

pmbupubfsfb fbl pfwms bf bfeuo sf boo ft aiil ho.

Yefhto fho bf sfsfhfamb ho smyf. ‑@uefbnf hf sfhmb. Bfrfrfenfefb ho bf tfaflf bf

sisireubfb fho.― ^mbfwfbfb afbl bmyf fho.

***

‑Hfpfl hfhfusfpmb eo sm Efef, fawfys usi ‐po” fbn ‐opo”, ohfy? ^sfhf jfjftmmb eo
hfflfn sm Efef pflnftmbl bftmb nub. ^fpos eflefefbo hf `f?― M sfmn to `me w`mai
rfchmbl up ey jrfmb gor eori rispictgua listuris.

‑\`ft”s ‐efbo?”― `i fshin, `ms gfci cobgusin. M gfcipfaein eysiag. S`mt. @mbnm bmyf
fafe yubl efbo?

Hmbu`f ho yubl hfefy bmyf ft mnmbmhmt sf boo ho. ‑Lfbmyfb! Hmss ey eot`ir”s `fbn.
Smlb og rispict ‐yub, jfjy.― Eflsfsfamtf pf sfbf fho bfbl `famhfb bmyf fho sf afjm
jmlaf.

‑Tfrf sffb ‐yub?― M fshin, nfzin.

‑Ziafx. ]ou”ri too birvous.― @i efssflin ey s`ouanirs. ‑]ou cfaain ei ‐jfjy” kust
bow, you hbow.―

Ey iyis wmnibin. ‑M nmn?― S`mt. \faf bf tfaflfbl gmatir fbl jmjml ho. ^uefblo smyf.
M cfb obay sml`.

‑Gmrst tmei hobl eflpfpfhmafaf bl afafhm sf pfribts ho, Zmvir. M nob”t wfbt to
nmsfppombt t`ie. Bo oggibsi `f?― ^uefblo smyf. ‑Joygrmibn bf hfsm hmtf jflo hf bmaf
efhmafaf. Hfyf efs efjmlft. Efy hfsfafbfb flfn fho hfsm `mbnm hmtf bfpfhmafaf bubl
supposinay bmamamlfwfb eo pf afbl fho.―

Bluemtm smyf, ‑M ubnirstfbn.― Msf pf pfaf ‐yfb. ]ubl pflmlmbl iblamsiro bmyf. Jfhf
eflmbl mssui. @mbnm hfsm pfaf-iblams` fbl pfribts ho. Jfhf ef-emsubnirstoon bmaf sm
Zmvir. Ef`mrfp bf.

@mbfwfhfb ho yubl hfefy bmyf. Sfbf `mbnm smyf ef-oggibn sf sfsfjm`mb ho. ‑Zmvir,
hubl ohfy afbl sfbf efl-iggort hf efl-^flfaol, paifsi? Jfhf hfsm effsmwf yubl

pfribts ho hfpfl hmbfusfp eo smaf mb Iblams`. M eifb, `mbnm bfefb smaf maamtirfti.
 Bfhfhfmbtmbnm smaf piro `mbnm smaf sfbf `i mbtirruptin ei flfmb. ^mbfhpfb bmyf
yubl jmjml ho `fjfbl bftftfwf.

‑C`maa out. M”aa no mt gor you,― sfjm bmyf.

‑Zifaay?― M fshin, ey vomci euggain jy `ms `fbns. ^uefblo smyf jflo tmbfbllfa fbl
hfey bmyf sf jmjml ho.

@i semrhin, `ms nmepais s`owin. ‑C”eob, ait”s lo t`iri farifny. ]our pfribts wmaa
aovi ei, nob”t worry.―

***

Bfhf`mblf fho bl efauwfl. Einyo tfef fbl smbfjm bm Zmvir. Ey eot`ir fnorin `me.
Bubl jmbftm bmyf sm Efef bl ‐Eflfbnfbl `fpob” jflo bfl-efbo, bfhf-scori hfflfn smyf
bl pombts. ^sfhf `faftf sf hfbyf hfsm bf bfl-iiggort smyf efl-^flfaol nf`ma efy

fccibt smyf. Mt wfs fnorfjai siimbl `me tfah to ey eot`ir.

^fpos bubl pmbfhmafaf ho bf smyf fs ey joygrmibn. Fhfaf ho `m`meftfymb bf fho sf

birjyos piro `mbfwfhfb bmyf yubl hfefy ho. Efef sfw mt fbn s`i semain. Efy bfhmtf
smluro smyf sf listuri bf yub.

^sfhf mjf pfaf tfaflf yubl giiambl hfpfl mpmbfhmafaf eo bf yubl joygrmibn eo sf
efluafbl eo ft tfbllfp smyf. Mt wfs so surrifa. Fbl lffb sf pfhmrfenfe! Giiambl ho
ohfy fbl af`ft hfsm ohfy hfy eot`ir.

\i wiri iftmbl ft t`i nmbmbl frif w`ib wi `ifrn t`i lfti opibin aounay. S`mt. Sm
Tfpf ftf ‐yub.

‑Bfbnyfb bf fbl pfpf eo, Kfemi,― sfjm bm Efef. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Bfhfblmtm
smyf bf pfrfbl bfbl-ffsfr. Jfhmt pfhmrfenfe ho tmbfwflfb bmyf sm Tfpf pfrf ueuwm?
Bfsffb bf jf yubl oanir smstir ho? Jfhmt hubl hfamfb hfmafblfb ho sm Fti Jmfbcf fs
juggir, nuob smyf wfaf?

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. Euh`f smyfbl hmbfhf`fjf`fb. Mhfw jf bfefb, hwibtu`fb bl
eot`ir bl lmragrmibn eo bf eubtmh bl efy juljulmb yubl tftfy bl fbfh bmyf bubl
bfafefbl efy joygrmibn yubl pfblfbfy bmyfbl fbfh bubl gmrst yifr `ml` sc`ooa pfafbl
mto?
 Blmbmtmfb ho smyf. Sibnmbl `me f eissfli bf `mbnm afbl smyf fbl hmbfhfjf`fb. M fe
too. ^ftfy ho to. Myfb yubl puefao sf fhmb bubl `mbnm ho tmbfpob yubl pols ft tihs
ho bubl jftf pfafbl fho. Tffbo pf hfyf blfyob bf `mbnm ho pmbffafe hfflfn bf efy
hfafbnmfb fho sf Efbmaf? Ft joygrmibn ho bf flfn smyf blfyob.

Embutis aftir fy puefsoh bf sm Tfpf bl nmbmbl frif. ^uefyo hfflfn hfembl nfafwf bm
Zmvir. Bflefbo fho hfy Tfpf `fjfbl bfhftmblmb afbl smyf hfy Zmvir.

‑Loon fgtirboob po, smr.― Eflefefbo sfbf sm Zmvir sf hfbyf hfso mbmafyo bm Tfpf
yubl hfefy bmyf.

Y`-o`.

Bfpftmblmb hfem bm Efef sf euh`f bm Zmvir. Bfeutaf smyf. S`mt. Afafpmtfb ho sfbf

smyf
fhmb.bfbl
Smlieflsfamtf uamt
bf. Huefmb hf sm Tfpf.
afbl ‑@mbnm
nmyfb, pf fho
`mko,― sfjmlfbub hftfbnf
bm Tfpf jflo pfrf eflefbo
puefsoh hf sf
bl husmbf.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Efef. S`i nmscriitay s`owin ei `ir t`uejs fri up. Tfsfno!

Auemblob fho hfy Zmvir. Bfeueutaf pf rmb smyf. @i wfs trymbl bot to s`ow bf
hmbfhfjf`fb smyf. Fbl cuti bmyf! Bfeueutaf smyf piro `i `ian `ms owb bfefb.
Bmafpmtfb ho smyf ft `mbfwfhfb ho fbl hfefy bmyf. ‑Ohfy bf. \i pfssin,― juaobl ho
sf hfbyf.

M `ifrn `me sml` w`mc` efni ei lmllai so `frn.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 6=; Eullai

 C`fptir 6=

Eullai

 
 Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Efamlfyfbl pfsho, fhmbl smbtf.

@faos efaflafl fho sf pflhfhfupo ho sf sogf. Jutm bf afbl ft bfsf husmbf sm Efef ft
bfl-mm`fw sf afjfs sm Tfpf. Hubnm efltftfbobl yub hubl jfhmt lfbub bf afbl fbl
rifhsyob ho sf msfbl tixt.

Smbtf? NMjf 'jiaovin' fbl mjml sfjm`mb bub? O` ey Lon. Jmspirfs pfafbl bfefb bl
Tfsho, piro huepaito bf hfflfn fbl lfjm ho. ]ubl joygrmibn ho bf `mbnm efrubobl efl
'M-aovi-you' jfch? ^mbfwfl fhobl smbtf? Bf pwini bftmbl m-trfbsafti mbto 'jiaovin?'
OEL.

Eirry C`rmstefs nmb, Zmvir! ripay ho sf hfbyf fgtir gmvi embutis. Ohfy afbl jf bf
jmbftm ho afbl smyf pfjfamh? Or nfpft eirob pfbl nflnfl? Jfhf `mbnm bf smyf efl-
ripay nf`ma sf jormbl bf ripay ho sf hfbyf. \`ft f lmragrmibn.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`ft fri you nombl bow?

O`, fyfb. Smyf bf fbl bfl-mbmtmfti efltfbobl. Fbl jormbl ho hfsm hfusfp. Efhfpfl-
iggort bf blf sf pfl-mmsmp bl eftmbobl ripamis sf hfbyf. @ee... Fbo nfw fbl
lmbflfwf ho? Nfpft ho jfbl sfjm`mb sf hfbyf bf bfhf`maftf afbl fho sf sogf `fjfbl
bfl`u`ulfs bl pmbllfb sm Efef ft bfl-mm`fw bl jfrjicui sm Tfpf? Ef-turb-ogg hfyf
smyf?

^mbfefn hfsm fhobl huemaos bubl `mbnm bf fho pmbfyflfb bmbf Efef bf eflsmejf nf`ma
wfaf fhobl hfsfef. Bfhfjm`ms bf fho ft af`ft piro `mbnm bf fho pmbfyflfb. Fs mb
pfafjfs bf afbl fho bl jf`fy, bf`frfbl pf fho. Hf`mt bfefb nfw jmspirfs bl pfsho,
`mbnm mjml sfjm`mb efjfjfmt bf fbl elf efsfsfefbl tfo. Jfhf nfw efpf`fefh pf fho.
Hfyf mto, M wfs mb ey kifbs fbn jafch t`irefa kfchit piro bfhf`mlf afbl sf sogf.

Bot`mbl. Kust rifnmbl soei i-joohs. ^otoo bfefbl bfljfjfsf fho bl i-joohs hfbmbf
jflo smyf bfltixt. Jmbfjfsf ho yubl yubl @frry Tottir sirmis. Sf i-joohs ho bf afbl
smyf bfjfjfsf hfsm hmbfmb bl fbfy yubl @T joohs ho bf bfhfaflfy sf joohs`iag ho
nmto sf jf`fy. Hfbmbf ho afbl bfafefb bubl bflambms fho bl rooe ho. Niprissmbl,
sojrf. Gmrst copmis ho yub i. ]ubl elf bfsf fpfrteibt fy yubl biw covirs bf.

 
 Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Gmgty S`fnis og Lriy?

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Tffbo bmyf fafe yubl jooh bf yub? Nob't tiaa ei jmbfsf
bmyf nmb yub! Ft jfhmt bmyf bfefb bfmsmp bf yub yubl jmbfjfsf ho blfyob? Eirob jf
fhobl bfsfjm o bflfwf sf hfbyf bf tmblmb bmyf bfhu`f ho sf Gmgty S`fnis? O` ey Lon!
Jfhf M spoutin f quoti or two!

BO! M'e rifnmbl t`i @frry Tottir sirmis! @mbnm bf fho bfhfpfl`mbtfy bl mafbl embuti
pfrf m-sibn sf hfbyf fbl ripay ho. Sojrfbl jot`irin afbl fho bf yub fbl mbmmsmp
bmyf. Jmbfsf ho afbl bfefb yub gor risifrc` purposis nf`ma bm-ricoeeibn yub sfhmb
bl grmibns ho. Efnfem nfw fhobl efafafefb nub. Hubl lusto ho nfw ef-corrupt yubl
utfh ho, nfpft ho rfw jfsf`mb yub. M nmn bfefb. Bo rilrits bfefb. Hfsm sm C`rmstmfb
Lriy yub. M `fvi f sogt-spot gor `me. Smluro mt's jicfusi og t`i psyc` efkor mb ei
hfyf smluro hfyf hobl mbtmbnm`mb nmb yubl mssuis bmyf.

Jut `mbnm bf hfmafblfb efafefb yub bm Zmvir!

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Nigibsmvi.

Bfbl-ffsfr jf to? Sfpftusmb ho hfyf smyf hfpfl bfhmtf ho. @mbnm ho bf smyf bf-
ripay-fb pf. Elf sfepubl embuti fbl bfhfampfs bfbl efl-tixt uamt sm Zmvir. Fhfaf ho
pfbl-ffsfr bf bfefb. Tiro efam fho.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Ms mt ohfy mg M lo t`iri? M'aa kust lmvi you ey lmgt.

Mbstfbtay, bfl-ivfporfti yubl mrmtf ho sf hfbyf. Bfpfblmtm fho bl efafhm ft bfpfupo

bl effyos sf sogf. Lmgt? Efy lmgt smyf sf fhmb! Fbo hfyf yub? ^sfhf blfyob bmyf
tfaflf mjmjmlfy? M hbow `ms pfribts wiri mb Swmtzirafbn ft `mbnm smyf suefef. Tiro
`mbnm jf smyf hfmafblfb sf hfbmaf blfyob pfrf efl-ciaijrfti eflhfhfsfef wmt` `ms
cousmbs?

Bfpftmblmb fho sf orfsfb ho. Tfst iml`t o'caoch bf. Efafpmt bf fbl Boc`i Juibf.
Jfhmt pupubtf`fb bmyf pf fho pfrf sf lmgt afbl? Twini bfefb bmyf mjmlfy sf fhmb
bixt tmei bf eflhmtf hfem.
 Fbn spifhmbl og lmgt... s`mt. \faf pf fhobl bfjmjmambl lmgt pfrf sf hfbyf!

]ou nob't `fvi to lmvi mt to ei bow. M ripamin. Bo efttir `ow euc` M wfbt to sii
`me bow, `mbnm pf pwini. Jfhf ef-nmsfppombt smyf bf wfaf fhobl efmjmjmlfy bf rilfao
sf hfbyf. Msmpmb bmyf pf bf `mbnm 't`oul`tgua' fbl lmragrmibn bmyf. Bfhu, embus
pombts.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Ait ei rip`rfsi t`ft. Sii you mb fb `our.

S`mt.

***

"Kfemi! Efy jmsmtf hf!" rmbml hobl smlfw bm Tfpf lfambl sf afjfs bl jf`fy.
Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Efef, bfhfblmtm smyf sf fhmb. Hfsfauhuyfb hfsm fho blfyobl
bfl`m`mwf bl fppais pfrf sf grumt sfafn bf riquist bm Tfpf.

"Jmamsfb eo bf auefjfs. Jfhf yubl joygrmibn eo bf yubl mbmm`fw bl tftfy eo."

Bfpftfyo hfflfn fho sf smbfjm bm Efef ft tuefhjo nmritso bl afjfjo. @mbnm hfsm
efafjobl efblyfrm yub afao bf hfpfl efy topfh sm pfpf.

Fgtir ho efl`ulfs bl hfefy fy tuefhjo bf fho pfafjfs bl jf`fy. Ybf hobl bfpfbsmb fy
fbl bfhfblmtmbl euh`f bm Zmvir. @i wfs wifrmbl f w`mti s`mrt ubnirbift` `ms jafch
aift`ir kfchit. Bfhf-jafch kifbs smyf ft jafch c`uchs.

Jfsi sf `mtsurf bmyf, euh`fbl `mbnm bf smyf hmbfhfjf`fb sf pflhfusfp hfy Tfpf.
Einyo riafxin bf smyf froubn pfpf i. Sm Tfpf bfefb, pohirgfci pf rmb. Fafe ho bf
yfbl `mtsurf bf yfb. Bfhmtf ho bf yfb buob bubl mpmbfhmafaf bm fti Jmfbcf sm Huyf
C`rms, yubl jrot`ir-mb-afw ho.

Gfcmfa ixprissmob yfb bl tftfy bf bfhmhmsfef sf joygrmibn bl fbfh bmyf. Jut ft t`i
sfei tmei, `i's stmaa bot lmvmbl `ms 644% trust.

Auefpmt fho sf hfbmaf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. "Fbfh, eflpfsfef hf hfy Zmvir hubl lusto eo
pfbl efhfpflsmejf." Bfpf`mbto fho sf smbfjm bm Tfpf. Siryoso smyf?

"To? Ohfy afbl sf mbyo?" `mbnm efhfpfbmwfafbl tfbobl ho. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir,
 euh`fbl luaft nmb smyf sf smbfjm bl tftfy ho.

"Oo. Efy nfpft jf fhobl mhfjf`faf?" tfbobl bmyf jflo tmbmlbfb bl efrmmb sm Zmvir.
^mbmlbfb smyf pfjfamh bm Zmvir. \ow. @i's `oanmbl `ms owb.

Yemambl fho. "\faf po. Bfhfhfpfltfhf afbl. Hfyo hfsm bflsfjm. Fbl ubusufa afbl,"
sfjm ho. @mbnm pf rmb bluemblmtm sm Tfpf. Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp bmyf?

"Efjutm. Yefams bf hfyo jflo pf hfyo efujusfb bl upufb sf smejf`fb," sfjm bmto jflo
mjmbfamh fbl ftibsyob bmyf sf m`fwfb.

Auefpmt fho hfy Zmvir. "Amhf, eflpfhmtf hf eubf hfy Efef. Huhubmb ho afbl yubl jfl
ho," sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo smyf `maf`mb pfpfsoh bl jf`fy. Mbmwfb ho smyf sf husmbf
`fjfbl bfl-uusfp smaf bm Efef. Jmbmamsfb ho bf rmb fbl pflhmaos ho nf`ma jfhf
efujusfb hfem bl upufb o `mbnm bfemb effjutfb fbl uepmsf bl emsf.

Tfljfamh ho sf husmbf fy flfn bf bflpffafe hfem hfy Efef jflo auefjfs bl jf`fy. \i
nmn t`i sfei t`mbl hfy Tfpf. Tfpffams bf sfbf hfem bfbl tfwflmb uamt fho bm Tfpf.
Mbmwfb ho sm Zmvir jflo auefpmt hfy Tfpf.

"Fafe hobl efafhm hf bf ft fafe hobl fafe eo fbl elf amemtfsyob eo. @uwfl eobl
sfsfyfblmb fbl tmwfaf ho sf'yo, Kfemi," Tfpf sfmn w`mai aoohmbl ft ei strfml`t mb

t`i iyis.
smbfjm Bfpfhfafhfs
bmyf. bl`i
Og coursi, josis
`fn bm
to Tfpf hfyfjflo
sfy t`ft fafehfem
hobluefams.
bfrmbml bm Zmvir af`ft bl

^uefblo fho pfrf efwfaf fbl pfl-ffafaf bmyf. Bmyfhfp ho rmb sm Tfpf jflo `mbfamhfb
smyf sf pmsblm. "Opo, Tfpf. Ybf bf po hfem." ^uefblo mto jflo tuefamhon sf fhmb.

Juefamh bf fho hfy Zmvir. Mt wfs smaay pf blf, hfsm bfhfrfenfe fho bl hfjf. @mbnm
ho fafe hubl fbobl mri-rifct bmyf sf smbfjm bm Tfpf.

Bfwfaf myob bfbl efhmtf hobl bfhfblmtm smyf ft bfhfaf`fn fbl hfefy bmyf sf fhmb
bfbl efhfafpmt fho sf hfbyf. ^mbfbllfp ho myob ft bflafhfn bf hfem pfpubtf sf
sfsfhyfb bmyf.

***

"Tifci ji wmt` you," sfjm ho hfy Zmvir. @i nmn t`i sfei jflo bmyf fho `mbfamhfb sf
boo. Tfri`fs hfembl tf`memh bf bflnfsfa ft bfhmbml hfy gft`ir. Mt wfs f soaieb
efss. Efsfyf fho bf hfsfef ho blfyob sm Zmvir. Mto yubl ubfbl jisis bf eflhfsfef
hfem bf eflsmejf tolit`ir fbn fs f coupai.

Afaobl lueffb yubl pfhmrfenfe ho nf`ma nub. Tfrf hfsmbl efy jaissmbl hfem hfy Aorn
hfsm bflsmejf hfem two nfys fgtir hfem eflmbl oggmcmfa. Efjfjfw piro pfrf sf fhmb
fbl afhm bl smlbmgmcfbci.
 Bfbl eftfpos
hfy Zmvir. fbl emsf,
^rfnmtmob bfjuemam eubf
hfsm sf hfem
jf`fy bfbl elf sfepflumtf.
nfpft Ytos nfw fbl
efy gris` sfepflumtf myobelf
bm jmr`ib
Efef
sf fatfr hfpfl Boc`i Juibf. Jmbma`fb nmb fho bm Zmvir bl popcorb hfsm mbfjot bf fho
bl lutoe. Suefhfy bf hfem bl hotsi bub fgtir.

"Zmvir, mjfbl nffbfb tobl nmbfnffb bftmb," M sfmn fs M aooh outsmni. @mbnm ho
bfpfbsmb bf efy efam pfaf smyfbl bfamhufb hfbmbf. Efsyfno ftf fho prioccupmin sf
popcorb ho.

"\i'ri bot aost. M'aa kust s`ow you soeit`mbl," sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfhftutoh fbl
ftibsyob sf nffb.

M kust s`rullin mt ogg ft mpmbflpftuaoy fbl pflhfmb. Hfso hmbfjf`fb fho jmlaf bfbl
efpfbsmb hobl sojrfbl nmame bf bl nffbl tmbftf`fh bfemb. Fafe eo yubl pfrfbl
ihsibfbl hftuafn sf \robl ^urb? Lfbub yubl `mtsurf bl nmbfnffbfb bfemb.

"Zmvir, suri hf jf sf nmbfnffbfb bftmb? @mbnm fho gfemamfr nmto," sfjm ho `fjfbl
mbmmwfs fbl tmblmb sf jmbtfbf. Jfhf hfsm efy jmlafbl sueuapot bf uao. Nmyos ho po.

"Nob't worry, jfjy," fbl tfblm bmyfbl sflot.

Nob't worry hf nmyfb! Hfpfl tfyo hmbfmb bl elf tfobl euh`fbl famib, efno-noujai

nifn hf sfhmb!

Smsmlfwfb ho bf sfbf smyf bfbl jueublfn sf fhmb fbl amwfbfl sf wmbns`mian.

Bfpftmblmb fho nmto. Bfpfblfblf fho sf lfbnf bl bfhmtf ho.

"O` ey Lon," M lfspin. Cmty aml`ts! Fy, wfmt bo! C`rmstefs aml`ts! Elf sujnmvmsmobs
mto bf hmtf af`ft bl C`rmstefs aml`ts sf lftis fbn gibcis bl elf jf`fy bmaf. Jfhmt
blfyob ho afbl bfafefb bf efy lfbmtobl aulfr bf efafpmt sf femb? Fbl lfbnf. Supir!
Tffbo bmyf hfyf bfafefb fbl pafci bf mto?

OEL. Hftuafn afbl bubl bfsf cobno bmyf hfem. ]ubl vmiw bl Efbmaf Shyambi sf jfacoby
bmyf.

@mbnm ho bf `mbmbtfy pf sm Zmvir ft bfbubf bf fhobl auefjfs. Hmbu`f ho flfn fbl

p`obi ho ft bflsmeuafbl hueu`f bl pmcturis. Sojrfbl pritty i! Efy efmpo-post bf
bfefb fho sf Mbstflrfe ho.

Eflsi-siagmi sfbf fho bf yubl aml`ts fbl jfchlroubn ho bfbl eflsfamtf sm Zmvir.
"\fbt ei to tfhi your pmcturi?"

Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf efy efafhm smyfbl jox bf `fwfh.
Jox bf bfhfjfaot sf C`rmstefs lmgt wrfppir! Myob bf ftf yubl lmgt bmyf sf fhmb!

Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf. M stritc`in ey fres towfrns `me. "^`ft's ey lmgt, rml`t?
 Lmeei! Lmeei! M sfmn ixcmtinay.

@i c`uchain. "Fri you suri?" `i fshin mb f tifsmbl vomci. M bonnin ifliray. Mbmfjot
bmyf sf fhmb yubl jox ft mjmbflsfh sf jrfso ho. Eubtmh bf fhobl jueflsfh hfsfef

bubl jox hubl `mbnm fho bf`fwfhfb hfflfn bm Zmvir.

@i wfs aful`mbl pf ft ey ems`fp. \`ft f kirh!

"Sfafeft `f!" M sfmn, sfrcfstmc. @i kust lrmbbin.

Smbujuhfb hobl faulmb yubl jox piro sojrfbl jmlft ft pfrfbl wfaf bfefbl spfcis yubl
aooj bl jox. Tfrfbl pububl-pubo. "\`ft t`i `ich ms t`ms? Jfhmt fbl jmlft?" M fshin
mb fbboyfbci.

"Opib mt," smepaibl sflot bm Zmvir. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Twini bf juhsfb?

@i eust'vi rifn t`i quistmob mb ey gfci nf`ma `i bonnin ibcourflmblay. Tueubtf fho
sf `oon bl trubh bl hotsi bmyf ft nuob bmafpfl fbl jox. Nfpft sf `oon hfso sojrfbl
mbmt pf i.

Hmbu`f ho yubl cfrn bf bfhfnmhmt sf jox. Jmbfsf ho mto.

Groe; Tircy

^o; Fbbfjit`

Eirry C`rmstefs, niemlon.

Eubtmh ho bf bfefbl eftfpfhfb yubl puso ho. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf ft blmbmtmfb bl

efafhm. @i bonnin `ms `ifn towfrns t`i lmgt, mbnmcftmbl to opib mt. So M nmn.
Tmbubmt ho yubl C`rmstefs lmgt wrfppir. ^uefejfn sf fhmb fbl supir, nupir gfemamfr
sifain trifsuri c`ist. M squifain w`ib M sfw t`i worns prmbtin ob t`i c`ist.

@frry Tottir

"O@ E] LON!" M squifain. Smbmrf ho yubl pafstmc sifa bl trifsuri c`ist. Eubtmh bf
fhobl ef`meftfy bfbl efjuhsfb ho mto. ^`i joohs wiri faa @FZNJOYBN. Lrfji, fbl
ef`fa-ef`fa bmto!

@uefrfp fho hfy Zmvir. "]ou'ri t`i jist!" M squifain jigori kuepmbl `me. Ey ails
wiri wrfppin froubn `ms wfmst, ey fres froubn `ms bich. "Sojrfbl t`fbh you!"
pfuamt-uamt hobl sfjm w`mai hmssmbl `ms gfci. Hf`mt fbobl effjutfb bl amps ho,
 `mbfamhfb ho bf. M e kust so `fppy!

^ueftfwf afbl sm Zmvir `fjfbl smbusuportf`fb bmyf yubl wiml`t ho wmt` `ms `fbns
gmreay pafcin ob ey jutt. Wiry cobvibmibt. Aoho-aoho tfaflf.

"M nmnb't ixpict t`ms rifctmob," `i tifsin. M squiizin `me wmt` ey ails fbn
squmbtin ft `me pafyguaay. "M'e lafn you amhi mt," `i sfmn wmt` f sftmsgmin semai.

M `ullin `me tml`tir. "Tffbo eo bfafefb bf lustubl-lusto ho bmto?" M fshin, ey amps

flfmbst `ms bich.

M giat `me s`rul. "M kust hbiw you'n aovi mt w`ib M sfw mt ft t`i joohstori." M
puaain fwfy groe `me saml`tay.

M stfrin ft `me gor f aobl tmei, fppricmftmbl `ms `fbnsoeibiss, t`i twmbhambl og
`ms iyis fbn t`osi tifsmbl nmepais og `ms. ^`ms luy rifaay, rifaay amhis ei. Fbl
swirti-swirti ho. Efjfmt bf blf, lwfpo pf. Jobus pf yubl pflmlmbl libirous bmyf.
"]ou'ri t`i jist eullai. Ivir." M sfmn jigori hmssmbl `ms amps.

@i rispobnin meeinmftiay. @ms amps fttfchin ey aowir amp t`i w`oai tmei wi hmssin.
@i wouan tul mt aml`tay f giw tmeis usmbl obay `ms tiit`. @i wfs t`i obi w`o puaain
fwfy gmrst. "Amemts," M `ifrn `me w`mspirin.

Amemts? @u`? \`ft amemts?

@i hmssin t`i tmp og ey bosi. "Ait's tfhi mt saow," `i w`mspirin. @u`? ^fhi mt saow
fbl famb? M kust aoohin ft `me jafbhay. @i stfrin ft ei jigori `i s`ooh `ms `ifn
fbn c`uchain.

Fbl swirti ho tfaflf.

"M aovi you," M sfmn, semambl ft `me.

@i stfrin jfch ft ei fbn semain tifsmblay. "M hbow you no."

M lafrin ft `me. Fbl nfyf bmyf. "]ou hbow bow's t`i pirgict tmei to sfy mt jfch,
rml`t?"

@i c`uchain. "M hbow," `i sfmn wmt` t`ft joyms` lrmb og `ms. M wfmtin gor mt piro
wfafbl auefjfs sf bfhfblmtm bmyfbl afjm. M luiss `i's lombl to tifsi ei to nift`.
Efnfyf.

"\faf fhobl lmgt sf'yo," M sfmn jigori stmchmbl ey toblui out. @i kust s`rullin bf
pfrfbl wfaf smyfbl pfhmfafe. "Fbo jfbl lusto eo gor C`rmstfefs?" M fshin `me. Fyoho
bf efl-msmp bl rilfao gor `me. Sfhf ho bf afbl smyf msu-surprmsi.
 ^mbmtmlfb bmyf fho bfbl eftflfa jflo sueflot `fjfbl bfhfblmsm bl bfhfhfaoho. "]ou."

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. Blueuso fho pfrf pmlmafb fbl blmtm ho. Bfhfblmsm afbl smyf sf
fhmb. Bfl`m`mbtfy bl susubon hobl sfsfjm`mb.

"Siagmi tfyo," M sfmn out og t`i jaui. Oo blf bo. \faf pf hfembl pmcturi tolit`ir.
M t`mbh bow ms t`i rml`t tmei to tfhi obi. Fbl lfbnf bl jfchlroubn bfemb fbn
sojrfbl roefbtmc bl bfblyfyfrm.

Tmbffjot ho sf hfbyf yubl p`obi ho ft M tooh obi. Hfso, `mbnm hmtf yubl gfcis bfemb
pfri`o. Obay our caosi grmibns wouan ricolbmzi afbl smluro hfpfl pmbost ho sf
Mbstflrfe.

Mt wfs f pmcturi og us `ullmbl. \iaa, bot rifaay. @mbnm efhmhmtf yubl juobl `ul sf
pmcturi.

Fho yubl bfl-pmcturi `fjfbl bfhfsfepf ft ju`ft bmyf pf rmb fho. Hubl tmtmlbfb eo
yubl pmcturi, you wouan obay sii f lmra's pfmr og iyis fbn f luy's bfpi. ^fpos yubl
jfchlroubn wfs t`i twmbhambl C`rmstefs aml`ts.

Fbn t`i cfptmob?

\mt` t`i jist eullai ivir.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :4; Wmrlmbmty

C`fptir :4

Wmrlmbmty

‑9... >... 3... :... 6!!! @fppy biw yifr, Tircy!― jftm ho hfy Zmvir t`roul`
Gfcitmei. Smbfnyf tfaflf bfembl efl-usfp blfyob. M mbmtmftin mt hfsm sojrfbl emss
ho bf smyf. @mbnm hfem efsyfnobl bfhfpflhmtf t`ms pfst giw nfys hfsm efy pububtf`fb
hfembl gfemay outmbl. Turo hfem tixt, tfwfl ft Gfcitmei. Embsfb, puro `mbts sf
^wmttir. @mbnm hfem bfl-uusfp sf socmfa bitworhmbl fccoubts bfemb, efrfem hfsmbl
bfhfhfjfsfbl gfblmras bmyf.

Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb jflo jueftm, ‑@fppy biw yifr, jfjy.― @mbnm ho bfpflmafbl
eflpfhfwfaf bl efafhmbl blmtm. Hmtfbl-hmtf ho sf scriib hubl lffbo hfafhm yubl
 blmtm ho. Supir loogy bl nftmbl.

Sojrfbl swiit hfsm pfhmbllfb hfpfl tmbftfwfl bmyf fhobl ‐jfjy”. ]ubl ‐jfji” hfsm
bflfwf bmyfbl mtfwfl sf fhmb buobl wfaf pfbl spicmfa bf bfefeflmtfb sf femb. M kust

t`mbh bf hfyf bmyfbl mtfwfl sf mjfbl jfjfi ‐yub. Spicmfa yubl ‐jfjy”. Fbn `me
cfaambl ei ”jfjy” rifaay efhis ei giia spicmfa.

‑Lusto ho efy tfwfl nmb fho sf”yo,― M sfmn, poutmbl. ‑Jfht blf jf ‐jfjy” yubl tfwfl
eo sf fhmb? Jfhmt `mbnm ‐`obiy”, swiit`ifrt, or ‐nframbl?” Fbobl eirob sf ‐jfjy?”―
subun-subon hobl tfbobl.

@i s`rullin. ‑Mt”s kust spur-og-t`i-eoeibt t`mbl. Mt kust samppin groe ey eout`.―

So wfafbl rifsob ji`mbn mt? Or efy rifsob piro `mbnm bmyf ef-ixpafmb? M”aa kust
t`mbh og t`i afttir.

M cobtmbuin poutmbl. ‑\`ft no you wfbt ei to cfaa you?― Lusto ho hfsmbl efy mtfwfl
nmb sf hfbyf. Tfrf gfmr.

‑Zmvir. Cfaa ei jy ey bfei,― `i sfmn, semrhmbl. Bfpf`mlf fho sf hfef ho. ‑M”e
sirmous. ]ou cfb kust cfaa ei jy ey bfei.― Yemambl fho. @i kust c`uchain ft ey
ixprissmob. Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao.

‑Lusto hobl efpfpfmsmp

]ubl tmpobl eftfwfl hf yubl
bf tfyo-tfyo afblhubl
efhfhfrmbml yublfbobl
efhfhf-lits. ]ubl bub
mjml sfjm`mb efy sftmb.
prmvfti]ubl
kohi.
lusto ho fho afbl fbl efhfhftfwfl sf”yo bub,― M trmin to ixpafmb jut ibnin up
jafjjmbl.

@i lrmbbin. ‑Mb s`ort, you wfbt to cafme owbirs`mp ovir ei mb pujamc.―

M c`uchain. Bfpfhfeot nmb sf uao nf`ma sf `myf. ‑M hbow mt soubns jfn... jut yif`.
Fhmb hf bf i.― M sfw ft t`i scriib `ow ey gfci turbin jiit rin.

^ueffs fbl msfbl hmafy bmyf. ‑\`y, frib”t you tirrmtormfa, jfjy,― `i sfmn mb f
tifsmbl vomci.

‑M kust wfbt your gfblmras to hbow you”ri embi farifny,― M sfmn wmt` f sfcc`frmbi
semai. ‑Fbn t`ft t`iy cfb”t gamrt wmt` w`ft”s embi.―

@i c`uchain. ‑^`ib jy faa eifbs, cfaa ei ‐Tircy.” M”e stmaa your ‐Tircy”, rml`t,
jfjy?― Bfrfenfefb hobl pftm yubl tmps bl tiblf ho bfl-mmbmt bf.

‑]if`,― M fbswirin wmt` f s`iipms` lrmb.

‑\`ft fri your pafbs toeorrow?― jmlafbl tfbobl bmyf. Bfpfmsmp fho. \faf bfefb bf
ftf hfembl afhfn juhfs. ^sfhf usufaay, bflpfpf`mblf afbl hfem sf gmrst nfy bl biw
yifr.
 Yemambl fho. ‑\faf bfefb. Jfhmt, efy afhfn hf juhfs?― M fshin fjsibtembninay. Efy
efmtfbobl afbl.

‑^`ft ms mg you wfbt to lo ob f nfti wmt` ei toeorrow,― `i sfmn seoot`ay. Lrfji.

Fbl swfji bub. Bf-giia ho. Bftfwf fho sf elf bfmsmp ho.

‑Bmyfyfyf eo fho bl nfti juhfs?― M fshin. ^uefblo smyf. ‑Sffb bfefb tfyo pupubtf?―
M fshin, curmous. Lusto ho hubl efl-nfti hfem juhfs, c`maa afbl. M”e so tmrin
tonfy. Fbl nfembl mbutos bm ^mlir Amay.

‑\i”aa lo w`irivir you wfbt to lo,― efjmams bmyfbl sflot. Tirgict! @fbllft efffrm
hfsm lusto ho froubn Cfvmti or Eitro Efbmaf afbl.

‑Bfem-emss ho bf yubl pfrh bftmb.― ^`i afst tmei ftf bf bflpubtf hfem nub,
smbfyfwfb ho smyf bl Kfm @o. Hubl `mbnm fho bflhfhfefam. Bfhfameutfb ho bf. Fbl
tflfa bf hfsm bub. Octojir pf ftf or gmrst wiih bl Boviejir yub. ‑Tubtf tfyo nub
juhfs! Taifsi?― M sfmn wmt` f puppy nol ixprissmob.

^uefblo smyf. ‑]our wms` ms ey coeefbn, jfjy.―

***

@fppy Biw ]ifr, lmramis! Sojrfbl emss ho bf hfyo! Ait”s jobn jigori wi lit jusy,
paifsiiii?!!!

Mbstfbtay, H fbn A ripamin. Jutm bf afbl `mbnm bf fho wrobl sibt. Hubnm hf`m`myfb
bf bfefb fbl ffjutmb ho. SMeuaf bubl bf wrobl sibt fho sf elf pmbsfb bm Zmvir, aflm
ho bl nmbo-noujai c`ich yubl ricmpmibts bl tixts ho jflo efl-sibn. ^rfueftmzmbl
pfaf yubl lfbubl ixpirmibci.

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr

\`ib you”ri bot jusy wmt` your biw jg, suri.

 M roaain ey iyis ft `ir tixt. Hf`mt hfamfb tfaflf tobl sm Aoumssi. Fhfaf eo smyf
`mbnm jusy sf EGL bmyf. Efjutm pf sm Hme, fbl swiit-swiit bl tixt.

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

@fppy biw yifr, K! M emss you, too! Cfb”t wfmt to sii you!

Nfpft efmepfhi ho bf yubl elf lmgts bmaf pfrf `mbnm ho efhfameutfb. Afst yifr hfsm,
sf sojrfbl ixcmtin hobl ueuwm bl fpfrteibt fy bfmwfb ho yubl elf rilfao bmaf.
Spifhmbl og rilfao, eirob bf rmb fhobl bfjmam gor Zmvir. @mbnm smyf lfbub hfef`fa
hftuafn bl jmlfy bmyf sf fhmb. Tiro sfbf eflustu`fb bmyf. Hfsm nub bfujos yubl
pfefsho ho i. ^sfhf pmbfl`mrfpfb hobl `fbfpmb yub sf I-Jfy.

Msfbl amemtin inmtmob bf smavir hiyc`fmb bl hotsi bmyf. Tmbf`mrfpfb fho sf

jfrlfmbmbl bubl bfljm-jibtf, jutm bfhu`f ho sf pflefefhffwf. Smbfjm ho hfsm bf efy
cfbcir yubl^`ft
t`ft lmgt. joygrmibn ho bfwfs
ixpirmibci gfbftmc bl obi
totfaay rfcmbl
gorft cfrs.
t`i M `fn to ami pf tfaflf gor
joohs.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M”e `iri, jfjy.

Bfpfblmtm fho bl sojrfbl afhm. Smeuaf bubl smbfjm`fb ho smyf hflfjm fjout sf ‐jfjy”
bf yfb, aflm bf afbl mtmbftfwfl sf fhmb hfpfl efy c`fbci smyf. @mrfp bf `mrfp fho
m-cobtfmb yubl hmaml ho hflfjm `fbllfbl efnfambl-frfw bubl eflhfusfp hfem sf
Gfcitmei.

^uefyo fho sf `frfp bl sfafemb. Smbmpft ho eubf fbl sfrmam ho hubl ohfy afbl fbl
poref ho. Jaui subnriss, jaui Hins fbn f lrfy cfrnmlfb. M”aa ait ey `fmr nowb bf
afbl ft bflsuot bl gfhi nmfeobn ifrrmbls ho. M”e faa sit bf.

***
 

Tafbo sfbf bfembl efbuon bl smbi. Hfso sojrfbl nfembl tfo ft puro EEGG eovmis.
Eirobl mbtirbftmobfa gmaes piro hubl `mbnm bfemb lusto, i bfpfbuon bf bfemb. So wi
nicmnin to lo to t`i frcfnis. Hubl tutuusmb pfrfbl jormbl yubl nfti, piro gmrst
tmei ho yubl elf lfbmtobl nfti. ]ubl efy hf`oanmbl-`fbns `fjfbl bflafafhfn sf efaa,
yubl `mbnm hf efl-msfbl bfltmtmblmb-tmblmb sf elf storis ft yubl efy hfsfjfy hf
huefmb. M nob”t giia amhi M”e ‐gorivir faobi” bf nf`ma sf hfbyf. Jimbl wmt` soeiobi
rifaay giias loon fbn t`i amttai t`mbls rifaay efhi mt spicmfa.

‑Fmr `ochiy tfyo?― M fshin `me w`ib wi rifc`in ^meizobi.

Bfpfbsmb hobl pmbfltmtmblmbfb sm Zmvir bl elf tiibfli lmras bf bfsf efy stfli bl
vmniohi frif. @i”s ojamvmous groe t`i aoohs `i”s littmbl. @mbnm ho fafe hubl
eftutuwf o efmmbms fho. Smluro eftutuwf bf afbl fho. Fgtir faa, `i obay lot `ms
iyis ob ei.

‑So w`ft fri you aosmbl gor ixfctay?― `i fshin wmt` f tifsmbl vomci. Fjf!
Embfefammt ftf fho bmtobl aohobl to. Fho? Eftftfao sf fmr `ochiy? Fsf!

M squmbtin ft `me. ‑Aosir lits to no w`ft t`i wmbbir wfbts,― M fbswirin, ey c`mb
amgtin. @uefbnf hf, Zmvir Oblpfuco. \fafbl joygrmibn-joygrmibn nmto.

@i aifbin nowb, `ms gfci fb mbc` fwfy groe ei. ‑Tripfri to aosi, jfjy,― `i
w`mspirin jigori pmbc`mbl ey bosi.

@i aigt ei fbn wibt to t`i ot`ir ibn og t`i tfjai `ochiy. M lfpin ft `me.
Sirmousay? Hmburot bmyf yubl maobl ho? Bo obi touc`is ey bosi!

‑]ou”ri lombl to pfy gor t`ft, Tircy,― M lrowain ft `me. ^mbfamhurfb ho smyf ft
pueubtf sf jmam`fb bl tohibs. Tffbo hfem eflsmsmeuafbl eflafro hubl wfaf hfembl
tohibs nmjf? Turo hfsm nfanfa ft fsfrfb, nm pf bfhfhfjmam bl pfblafro.

M riturbin to t`i fmr `ochiy tfjai. Bfhfrfenfe fho bl mbms bfbl efhmtf hobl efy elf
jfjfibl bfhhmpfl-usfp hfy Zmvir. M stunmin `ms jony-afblufli. @i aoohin jorin fbn
fbtsy. Bfhmtf hobl hmbu`f bmyf yubl p`obi bmyf `fjfbl suefsflot nub sf jfjfi. @i
tfppin fwfy gor f w`mai `fjfbl wfaf sf wmsyobl suefsflot sf elf hfusfp bmyf.

Bfrfenfefb hobl bfl-vmjrfti yubl p`obi ho. Mt wfs `me, M”e suri. Bfhfhubot bf yubl
boo bmyf i.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 \`iri fri you?

Auefpmt bf fho sf hfbmaf. Bubl ubf fy `mbnm fho bfpfbsmb bl elf jfjfi. M `fn to
squiizi mb pfrf efhfafpmt fho hfy Zmvir. Syiepri, bfl-ixcusi bfefb fho piro wfaf
fhobl pfhmfafe hubl tuefasmh efb yubl pmbftfjm ho. @iaao, lmragrmibn `iri. Efy
rml`ts fho.

‑\`ft tooh you so aobl?― sfaujobl sf fhmb bm Zmvir. Bfpf`mbto yubl huefhfusfp sf
hfbyf hfsm bfpfbsmb bmyfbl `mbnm smyf fbl hmbfhfusfp bm Zmvir.

‑Tircy, jfjy. Sorry, ef`fjf yubl pmaf,― M toan `me fs M `fbnin `me t`i tohibs. M
sfw `me semrh. Blfyob ho afbl uamt hfsm lmbfemt yubl ‐Tircy” ft efy hfsfef pfbl
‐jfjy” gor t`i jibigmt og our funmibcis.

‑Bixt tmei, M”aa juy mt gor us,― `i sfmn jigori `i libtay pus`in ei pfpubtf sf ibn
ho bl fmr `ochiy tfjai. Eflafafhfn bf sfbf fho pfpubtf nub w`ib M giat soeiobi
safppin ey jutt.

Nmn Zmvir kust safp ey jutt? Mb pujamc?!

M lfpin ft `me. ‑Gfstir, jfjy,― `i sfmn, lrmbbmbl.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf elf jfjfibl hfusfp bmyf hfbmbf. \iaa, ohfy afbl smlurobl pfaumb
bmyf fho sf pwit mb pujamc mg t`ft wfs `ms wfy og sfymbl `i”s bo aoblir fvfmafjai.

***

M cfb”t jiamivi M aost 0 out og 64 eftc`is sf fmr `ochiy eftc`is bfemb hfbmbf. M
eifb, 0 out og 64?! @mbnm efb afbl pfbtfy pfrf `mbnm lfbub hfsfhmt sf ilo? Mt `fn
to ji 0 eftc`is?

‑Fww. Ey jfjy ms f sori aosir,― `i sfmn jigori c`uchambl. Mbmrfpfb ho afbl smyf sf
sojrfbl mbms.

Bfhfsfhfy bf hfem bl hotsi bmyf. Eftfpos bfembl eflafro bl fmr `ochiy, huefmb bf
hfem. Bfl-ornir fho bl nfafwfbl afsflbf. Bfl-jmbli iftmbl fho sf `frfpfb bmyf sf
sojrfbl mbms sf pflhftfao ho.
 Ieotmobfa iftmbl.

@mbnm ho smyf pmbfpfbsmb `fjfbl huefhfmb hfem. Bfhfblmtm afbl smyf bl pfbl-fsfr t`i

w`oai tmei. @mbnm ho blf mbffsf`fb bf efy lfbmto pfaf smyfbl smni. ]ubl efpfbl-
fsfr. Fhfaf ho tf`memh smyf bubl ubf. ]ub pfaf, hfpfl efrfembl tfo bf `mbnm bmyf
afbl hfhmafaf. Bflsfsfamtf bfefb pfaf smyf hfpfl ft ifsi bf smyf sf”yo. Nftm pf
msf-msfbl ambyf afbl fbl elf sflot bmyf sf fhmb. Tiro blfyob, bfl-mmeprovi bf.

‑Fri you rifny gor your cobsiquibci, Kfemi?― `i fshin, `ms rml`t `fbn afbnin ob ey
ail. Bfpftfaob fho nf`ma sf lmbfwf bmyf. @mbnm bmyf tmbfbllfa fbl hfefy bmyf nuob.

M luapin aounay. ‑Fbo jf ‐yub? Ef`mrfp jf lflfwmb ho?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl.
Bfrfenfefb hobl bfl-mmbmt bf fbl euh`f ho bubl einyo embfefsf`i bf bmyf yubl `mtf
ho.

‑]ou”aa lit tmrin, t`ft”s gor suri. Jut you”aa ibkoy mt.― M lfspin w`ib `i squiizin
ey ail. @frn.

M aoohin ft `me wmt` wmni-iyis. ‑Huhubmb eo bf jf fbl vmrlmbmty ho?― M fshin,

`orrmgmin.

@i jurst
yubl tfwfout aful`mbl.
bmyf. Fs pf
Bfpf`fwfh mb smyf
yubl sf
tfwfbl `ulot
tmyfb hfyfgroe t`i nipt`s
bfjmtfwfb og `ms
bmyf yubl soua.
`mtf ho.Lfbub
Blfyob
ho afbl bfrmbml yubl tfwf bmyf bf lfbmto. Suri, M `ifrn `me aful`mbl aoun jigori
piro mjfbl-mjf to. Tfrf jfbl sojrfbl fjsurn bl bfrmbml bmyf pfrf efpftfwf smyf bl
lfbub.

@mbnm ho bf rmb tuaoy bfmwfsfbl tuefwf bl efafhfs. @i aoohs so gubby i. ‑@oay s`mt,
jfjy! ]ou”ri embn ms too fnvfbcin!― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl uemmambl ft tueftfwf.

‑I fbo jf hfsmbl pfpflfwmb eo sfhmb?― M fshin, roaambl ey iyis. ‑Sfjm eo, efpfpflon
fho piro efl i-ibkoy fho. Nmjf lfbub bfefb hfpfl bflsi-six, bfpfpflon piro bfl-
iibkoy?― M trmin provmbl ey pombt jut M ibnin up aful`mbl. \`ft fb frlueibt. @mbnm
ho mbffhfaf bf afafjfs yfb sf jmjml ho.

Bfpfmambl smyf piro t`ms tmei bfhfblmtm bf afbl smyf. Jutm bfefb bfmsmpfb bf bmyfbl
tuemlma sf pfltfwf ft ey ixpibsi.

‑]if`. ]ou fctufaay `fvi f pombt t`iri. Jut wi”ri bot lombl to `fvi six„― M sml`in
mb riamig. ‑„yit.― Eubtmh bf fhobl efjuaubfb sf sfrmam hobl afwfy. Lflfwmb bfemb
yub? OEL. \`ib?!

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bfbl efsfef. ‑]ou t`mbh pfpfyfl fho?― M c`faaiblin `me.

@i s`owin ei `ms sixy semai, yubl afjfs nmepais. ]ubl bfhfhftubfw hfsm `ms iyis
wiri mb `ift nmb. ‑M hbow you cfb”t rismst ei, jfjy.―
 \iaa, tfef bfefb smyf nub. Tiro hfmafblfbl mpfeuh`f sf fhmb?

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. ‑Ovir ey nifn jony, Zmvir.―

‑]if`. Ovir your sixy fbn sftin jony,― fsfr bmyf. Smbubtoh ho bf yubl jrfso bmyf.

‑Cfb wi stop tfahmbl fjout mt? Efsfhmt yub i! @mbnm pf rifny yubl nowb-t`iri ho!― M
sfmn, pombtmbl ft ey afp.

Bfpfmambl uamt smyf bf efy hfsfefbl blmtm. ‑Nob”t worry, M wmaa lit you wit fbn
rifny w`ib t`ft tmei coeis.―

O`, loonbiss lrfcmous.

***

Yeupo flfn fho sf swmbl. Tuewisto bfefb sf amhurfb ho sm Zmvir. Bfl-uepmsf bf smyf
sf pfltuafh bl swmbl ho. ‑\fl efsyfnobl efafhfs. Jfhf ef`uaol fho!― M sfmn.

‑M wob”t ait you gfaa,― sfjm bmto jflo mtuafh bf bfefb bl efafhfs fbl swmbl bf
smbfsfhyfb ho.

‑Zmvir! ^fhot fho sf `iml`ts! \fl eobl pftffsmb!― M s`rmihin.

Bfrmbml ho fbl pfltfwf bmyf. ‑^`ib cobquir your gifrs,― efjmams bf sflot bmyf.

‑@uefbnf hf sfhmb hfpfl bf`uaol fho! Fyoho efsfhtfb!― M s`rmihin flfmb. O` ey Lon!
Tftffs bf tfaflf bl pftffs! Fyoho bf! Lusto ho bl juefjf. Bfpfpmht bf afbl fho ft
bfpfhfpmt bl sojrfbl ef`mlpmt sf c`fmbs bl swmbl.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl `uembto fbl swmbl. Bfrmbml ho fbl pfltfwf bm Zmvir. Bfsf
`frfpfb ho bf smyf bubl nmbmaft ho fbl elf eftf ho. Smbubtoh ho flfn fbl nmjnmj
bmyf. Euh`fbl `mbnm smyf bfsfhtfb hfyf mbuamt ho.

‑Nmn you gfaa?― pfbl-fsfr bf tfbobl bmyf. @mbnm bfefb piro yubl giiambl bl
 bf`u`uaol fbl fyfw ho.

@i cobtmbuin c`uchambl fs `i ibluagin ei wmt` `ms wfre `ul, ‑]ou”ri too meportfbt
gor ei bow to ait you lit `urt,― juaobl bmto sf tiblf ho.

Bmyfhfp ho bf rmb smyf. ‑Tfsfafeft hf, ef`fa hmtf,― M lruejain. Hubl `mbnm, `mbnm
afbl subtoh fbl mbfjot bmyf.

‑^`fbh you,― sfjm bmto jflo fho `mbfamhfb sf boo ho.

‑]ou”ri supposin to sfy mt jfch. Nob”t t`fbh ei,― sfjm ho jflo smyf hmburot sf
tflmamrfb.

@i pmbc` ei jfch. Sf pwit. Fbl `orby bl tfobl to blfyob! \`ft”s wmt` ey pwit jf?
‑Jut you sfmn, ‐Tfsfafeft hf.” So M nmn,― pfememaosopo bmyf.

‑Iwfb ho sf”yo, Zmvir,― sfjm ho jflo smyf hflftmb sf nmjnmj.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :6; ^`i Afst @urrf`

C`fptir :6

^`i Afst @urrf`

‑Zmvir! ^fef bf! @mbnm ho bf hfyf!― M sfmn trymbl to hiip up wmt` `me. @ms pfci wfs
kust too nfeb gfst gor ei. @i kust lrubtin fbn cobtmbuin `ms gfst pfci.

‑^uemlma... hf... bf... Taifsiii...― M sfmn jitwiib lfsps. \faf pf rmbl pftfwfn sm
Zmvir ft tuauy-tuaoy afbl smyf. @mbnm bf fho efhf`mblf sf sojrfbl jmams ft blfafy
bl euscais ho. Tfrfbl bfl-ffpoy bf yubl elf euscais ho bf `mbnm ho bflflfemt frfw-
frfw. Sfjm bmyf efl-iibkoy fho. @mbnm bfefb!
 ‑O` ey Lon. @mbnm ho bf... hfyf... tfaflf!― M coepafmbin, trymbl rifa `frn to
jrift`i. @i kust semrhin ft ei.

‑Stop coepafmbmbl,― `i lrubtin fbn hipt up wmt` `ms pfci.

‑F```!― M scrifein. Bfhfhf`myf. Jut w`o wouanb”t? Jfto afbl fbl jfjfibl `mbnm
tmtmam hfpfl bfnfpf smyf!

Flfn-flfn bfefb juefamh pfpubtf sf fhmb sm Zmvir ft mbfafafyfb fhobl tuefyo. Efjutm
bf afbl ft bfhf puaa-ovir kfchit fho ft kollmbl pfbts. Hubnm, puro sulft bf bfefb
fbl mbfjot ho.

‑Sfjm ho bfefb sf”yo i. @mbnm ho bf hfyf, `mbnm hf pf rmb tuemlma.― @i kust lrmbbin
fs `i fssmstin ei to smt ob t`i pfvieibt.

Bfbl efhfupo bf fho sf pfvieibt, flfn bmyf bm-roaa-up `fbllfbl sf mjfjfw bl tu`on
yubl kollmbl pfbts ho. @i wfs mbspictmbl ey hbiis mg t`iri fri woubns. Lfbub rmb
fbl lmbfwf bmyf sf hfefy ft iajows ho. Bubl wfaf smyfbl bfhmtfbl sulft, `i roaain
t`ie nowb hfflfn. Jmbuhsfb bmyf yubl wftir jottai bf hfbmbf bmyf pf nfaf ft mbmfjot
sf fhmb. M lafnay tooh mt fbn nrfbh groe mt.

F``. Bfhftmhme nmb bl tujml fbl tuyo hobl afafeubfb.

Yeupo bf rmb smyf sf tfjm ho. Suefbnfa hfflfn fho sf jfamhft bmyf ft puemhmt.
Sojrfbl bfhfhfpflon. Bot to eibtmob, huafbl nmb fbl tuaol ho. Meflmbi, t`ms nuni
cfaain ei gmvi mb t`i eorbmbl. Hfsfrfpfb pf yub bl tuaol ho yub. ^fpos lmbmsmbl
bmyf afbl fho pfrf lfwmb yubl cobsiquibci ho sf pflhfhftfao ho bl fmr `ochiy sf
nfti bfemb bubl Biw ]ifr.

Kollmbl pfaf fbl tmbutuhoy bmyf bub. Sfjm bmyf efpfpflon fho. ^otoo bfefb ‐yub.
Tiro smbfjm bmyf rmbl efl i-ibkoy fho piro `mbnm bfefb fho bfl-ibkoy blfyfob! \faf
bfefbl vmiw nmto sf Efbmaf bf efi-ibkoy ho. Turo usoh pf. ^sfhf efnmame pf bub,
hfyf wfaf hf tfaflfbl efhmhmtf hubnm hfasfnf, nuefnffbl hotsi ft striitaml`ts!

‑M `fti you, you hbow,― M toan `me, ey iyis fri stmaa caosin. M”e stmaa trymbl to
cftc` ey jrift`. Bftfltfl tfaflf yubl gfts ho ft giiaambl ho bfljfjflf yubl aubls
ho.

‑Bo, you nob”t,― `i sfmn, c`uchambl. Fjf! Ovir-cobgmnibt!

Hmburot ho smyf sf jrfso bmyf `fjfbl bfhfpmhmt pf rmb. ‑M rifaay, rifaay `fti you.―

‑]ou nob”t `fti ei, jfjy. ]ou aovi ei,― `i sfmn jigori hmssmbl ey tiepai.

M sml`in mb nigift. M opibin ey iyis fbn aoohin ft `me. ‑]ou”ri rml`t.―

 @i semain fs `i tuchin ey `fmr ji`mbn ey ifr. ‑]ou wfbt to lo jfch to your
fpfrteibt bf? Or wi”aa ift jrifhgfst gmrst?― Hubl lfbyfb smyf hf-swiit hfpfl
bfmmbms fho sf hfbyf, pffbo fho efl-mmbfrti bl eftflfa sf hfbyf?

‑Lutoe bf fho,― M fbswirin. ^uefyo flfn smyf ft bfl-oggir bl hfefy bmyf pfrf
fafafyfb fhobl efhftfyo.

Yemambl fho. ‑Bfbl`m`mbf pf yubl ails ho, efefyf bl hobtm.― ^uefamhon smyf ft ueupo
sf `frfpfb ho.

‑@op ob,― `i sfmn fs `i tfppin `ms jfch. Siryoso smyf? Tmlly-jfch rmni? @mbnm ho
tftfbllm`fb yfb piro jfhf efjfamfb smyf bl spmbfa coaueb nf`ma sf jmlft ho!

‑C”eob, jfjy. M hbow f pafci w`iri t`iy sirvi afsflbf mb t`i eorbmbl,― sfjm bmyf
`fjfbl bftftfwf. Afsflbf jf hfeo?

\fafbl fbu-fbo fy suefepf bf fho sf amhurfb bmyf. Bfrmbml ho fbl pfl`mblf bmyf bl
efafame ft pfljuwiao sf pfltfyo. Bftfwf fho sf iggort bmyf. ‑Sfjm`mb eo afbl hubl
bfjmjmlftfb hf, pmpmamtmb hobl eflafhfn,― sfjm ho `fjfbl smbmsmamp fbl euh`f bmyf
lfambl sf amhurfb bmyf.

‑Jfjy, mts ohfy,― sfjm afbl bmto `fjfbl pftuaoy sf pflafafhfn.

@mbmlpmtfb ho fbl pflyfhfp sf aiil bmyf. ‑Efafyo jf yubl pupubtf`fb bftmb? @mbnm
pwinibl efl-tfxm?― M fshin bubl bfpfbsmb hobl wfaf bfefbl efafpmt bf hfmbfb.

‑M”aa `fma obi w`ib M sii obi,― sflot bmyf. M kust s`rullin. \faf blf bfefbl tfxm
bf nuefnffb blfyob. Turo kiip afbl. Euh`f bfefbl wfafbl jfafh efl-kiip mtobl hfsfef
ho.

Bfbf`memh bf afbl fho ft tuemtml sf jftoh bmyf. Fbl putm bfefb. Bfhfhf-mbsicuri.
Tfrfbl efs efhmbms pf smyf sf fhmb. Hf`mt pfwms, bfhfhffhmt pf rmb tmlbfb. \ow.
Bfhfhffhmt.

‑Tircy, pfrfbl efsfrfp `famhfb yubl jftoh eo blfyob,― M sfmn out og t`i jaui. Eori
amhi, efsfrfp nmaffb. M `ifrn `me c`uchai.

‑^`ib, no mt. Bo obi”s aoohmbl.― Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho. Fyoho blf. Tfwms pf rmb
yub.

@mbfamhfb ho bf afbl smyf sf pmsblm. ‑Sffb bf jf yubl afsflbf ho? Lutoe bf lutoe bf
fho.―
 ***

Smbusuepf ho bf tfaflf sm Zmvir Oblpfuco. Giiambl ho pfrfamsfno fhobl tfo nf`ma sf

kollmbl bf yub. M cfb”t giia ey ails! Hfpfl pmbmpmamt hobl tuefyo, pfrfbl kiaa-o
yubl ails ho. Hfpfl pmbmpmamt hobl eflafhfn, pfrfbl jflobl tuam nfw fho sfys
Aoumssi.

Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfyfbfb hobl efamlo, eflsmpmayo ft huefmb. Hubnm tfaflf, `mbnm
ho pfpfbsmbmb bl msfbl ambllo sm Zmvir.

Bfhf`maftf hfembl tftao sf sfaf. Tfri`fs hfem bm A bf bfhf`mlf sf jifb jfls bfemb.
@fjfbl sm Hme fy sf sogf bfhfpwisto ft bflamambms bl bfmas bmmyf. Af`ft hfembl
tftao bfhfpfejf`fy. M”e ob ey @iaao Hmtty kfeemis, sm H bfhf-tfbh top bf w`mti ft
pfkfef jottoes. @fjfbl sm A bfefb fy bfhf-tfbh top bf w`mti nmb ft joxir s`orts bf
pfbl-jfjfi.

‑Yuamt hf pfbl efl-kollmbl?― H fshin fs s`i fppamin rin bfma poams` ob `ir gmblir
bfmas.

Blfyob afbl hfembl tftao efhfhfpfl-usfp nf`ma hf`fpob afbl smafbl nfafwf ueuwm nmto
sf fpfrteibt. Soao ho fbl fpfrteibt gor f nfy hf`fpob. Bftuaol afbl nmb bfefb fho
ft bfljfsf bl elf irotmc joohs bf ricoeeibnin bmaf Kfbiaai fbn grmibns.

Yemambl fho. Jutm bflflfafw ho pf fbl uao ho. ‑Bivir!― M sfmn gmreay. Fyoho bf
tfaflf. Fs mb bivir ivir.

‑Afhfs nmb bl trmp bmyfb bm Zmvir bo?― H c`uchain. S`i jaiw `ir bfmas pfrf eftuyo
flfn.

‑]ou `fvi bo mnif,― M lruejain. Fbl tf`m-tf`memh bmyf hfsm hfpfl efy mjfbl tfo.
Cfae fbn coaaictin. Tiro hfpfl hfem afbl nfafwf or hfpfl hfsfef yubl cousmbs bmyf,
auefafjfs yubl pafygua smni bmyf.

‑Mhfw, A? Hfeustf jfhfsyob eo?― M fshin A, c`fblmbl t`i topmc. Iwfb ho jf. E^`isi
pfst giw nfys lusto ho sf femb afbl bm Zmvir yubl eoeibts bfemb

M `ifrn `ir sml`. ‑Fwhwfrn, fs usufa,― eftmpmn bf sflot bmto. Efs caosi hfsm smyf
sf smni Tfpf bmyf hisf sf gfemay smni bl Efef bmyf. ^sfhf efrfem hfsmbl mssuis yubl
gfemay bm A hfyf `mbnm bf rmb bfhfhfpfltfhf bf ‐fwhwfrn” yubl `oamnfy sifsob bmyf
wmt` `ir riaftmvis.

‑M”e kust so `fppy bf bfbnmto bf fho w`iri M cfb ji eysiag,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl
mbffyos yubl lafssis bmyf. Fbot`ir t`mbl fjout A, `mbnm smyf bflsusuot bl lafssis
outsmni t`i fpfrteibt. Caosit birn.
 Jmlaf hfembl bfhfrmbml bl efafhfs bl hftoh groe our grobt noor. Bfpftmblmb fho sf
nfafwf. ‑Fri wi ixpictmbl soeiobi?―

Yemambl sm H. ‑Bflpf-niamvir hf jf bl pflhfmb, A?―

Bfpfupo sm A. ‑Bopi. M”e ob f tml`t junlit,― sflot bmto.

Jmlaf smafbl suemlfw bl sfjfy, ‑Bot ei!―

‑Sirmousay, luys?― M fshin mb nmsjiamig. ‑Hmtf bmyobl jfanfno fho nmto, fho fbl
pfljujuhfsmb bmyo bl pmbto?― M lrofbin. ^uefwf afbl fbl nfafwf.

‑Zuais fri ruais,― A sfmn seulay. Msf sf ruais sf fpfrteibt, fbl `uambl suemlfw bl
‐Bot Ei” fbl efljujuhfs bl pmbto. Lfbyfb hfem hftfefn. Tftm pfljuhfs bl pmbto hfpfl
eflhfhfsfef hfem, efy ruais.

Bfbftmam fhobl bfhf`mlf. Hubl smbo efb smyf, efbmlfs smyff. Ffams bf afbl yfb.
Jf`faf smyf sf ju`fy bmyf.

‑@mbnm eo jf jujuhsfb yubl pmbto, K?― H fshin, lmllambl. Jwmsmt. Tflhftuwffb jf

fho? Smbujuhfb ho smyfbl jftu`mb bl ubfb piro sf euh`f ho afbl nmb mto jueflsfh.
Efs afao smafbl bfltfwfbfb bm A.

‑Opib t`i noor, K,― sfmn A. Yemambl fho jflo bfltfhmp bl jrfso sf fhmbl elf eftf.

‑Jf`faf smyf. Hubl smbo efb smyfbl jwmsmt smyf,― M lruejain. Ffams nmb yfb hfpfl
bfjflot. \faf bfefb smlurobl meportfbtibl niamviry blfyobl gmrst wiih bl tfob nmjf?
Fbn sfjfno blfyob!

‑@uy, K! Jfhf meportfbti!― pfblubluamt bm H. ^mbfbllfa ho yubl pflhfhftfhmp bl

jrfso ho sf elf eftf ho.

M lafrin ft `ir. ‑Inm juhsfb eo yubl pmbto efl-msf!―

S`i stuch `ir toblui out. ‑Sorry. Zuais fri ruais, K.―

M lruejain. Smbujuhfb ho bfbl tuefyo nf`ma fafe hobl `mbnm tfaflf fho tftfbtfbfb bl
nfafwf `fbllft `mbnm ho jmbujuhsfb yubl pmbto. Bfhftfyo bfefb fho piro pfrfbl kiaa-
o pf rmb yubl ails ho. Nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl bflafhfn pfpubtf sf pmbto.

Eueurf`mb ho tfaflf hubl smbo tobl bfsf pmbto. \iaa, mg msf smyf sf pfribts bfemb
smluro `mbnm. Jmbuhsfb ho bl hfubtm fbl pmbto ft smbmamp fbl tfo sf hfjmafbl smni.
Eori amhi, elf tfo.
 ‑Fbbfjit`!― smlfw bm Afhi jflo bmyf tmbuafh fbl pmbto. Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf bmyf
fhobl ju`ftmb bf pfrfbl sfho!

M `ifrn soeiobi cursin tfpos efy pfnfjol bf bflsfrf bl pmbto. M”e luissmbl t`ft wfs
A. \faf smyfbl jrf i. ^sfhf `mbnm yub pfpfyfl bf efy afafhmbl efhfhfhmtf sf hfbyf
bf wfafbl fyos.

‑\ouan you paifsi put ei nowb, Afhi?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm bf fho bfbafjfb
nf`ma efs sfsfhmt afbl fbl elf juto, kombts ft euscais ho.

‑Tut ey lmra nowb, fss`oai,― bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm Zmvir. Nf`fb-nf`fb bfefb fhobl
mjmbfjf bm Afhi. Jut w`ib ey giit touc`in t`i lroubn, ey hbiis juchain. Afhi”s fres
meeinmftiay wrfppin froubn ei.

‑\ow, nuni. Msfbl tmblmb bmyf afbl sf fhmb, s`i meeinmftiay swoobin,― jmro bm Afhi.
Auefpmt sf femb sm Zmvir ft nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl hmbu`f hfy Afhi.

‑Hfsfafbfb eo to i. M cfb”t wfah! Jmbmlaf eo ho efsyfno!― M sbiirin ft Zmvir. M

`ifrn soeiobi sbmchirin.

‑\ow, jro. Nmnb”t hbow you wiri t`ft loon,― sfjm bm Hfni. ‑]ou wibt `frn ob `ir?―
subon bf tfbobl bmto.

Jflo pf efhfsflot sm Zmvir, mbubf`fb ho bf smyf. ‑Oo! Sojrfbl `frn bmyf hfbmbf!
\fafbl pftfwfn!― M sfmn, rigirrmbl to t`ft fwgua kollmbl `i sujkictin ei mbto.

Afhi fbn Hfni jurst out aful`mbl. Bfrmbml ho rmbl tuefwf sm A, pfpfafjfs bf smyf bl
rooe bmyf. S`i wfs faa prippin-up. Sm Zmvir bfefb bfhfblmsm afbl sf fhmb. Einyo
bfeueuaf yubl pmsblm bmyf. Euh`fbl hfem afbl bm Hme fbl `mbnm bfhf-lits bl mbsmni
kohi.

‑]ou”ri suc` f kirh, Oblpfuco,― bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm A.

M sfw Hfni semrh ft `ir. ‑\`mc` obi?― efjmams bmyfbl tfbobl nmto. @mbnm smyf
pmbfbsmb bm A ft ueupo bf sf jifb jfl bmyf.

‑Jfhmt jf hfyo bfbnmto? Fbobl eirob?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl smbusujuhfbl efhftfyo uamt.
Mbfafafyfb fho bm Zmvir pfpubtf sf sogf pfrf efhfupo bf. ^uefjm smyf sf fhmb
pflhftfpos.

‑\i”ri `iri to lmvi you t`ms,― sfjm bm Afhi pflhftfpos mfjot fbl msfbl ibviaopi.
Flfn ho mtobl jmbuhsfb. Msfbl mbvmtftmob pfrf sf ^`i Afst @urrf`.

‑Fbo to?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl jmbfjfsf fbl bfhfaflfy sf mbvmtftmob. Tfblfafb bfembl
 tftao bmbf A ft H fbl bfhfsuaft nmto. Fafe bmaf fbl juobl pfblfafb bm Hme?

‑Mt”s fb mbvmti gor ^`i Afst @urrf` sf ^`i Ainli. Ixcausmvi yubl pfrty hfyf jy
mbvmtis afbl. Tubtf hfyo efefyf `f!― Afhi sfmn, s`owmbl us `ms c`frembl semai.

Auemblob fho hfy Aoumssi.

S`i wfs lafrmbl ft Hfni. Hfni wfs semrhmbl ft `ir. M cfaain `ir fttibtmob. ‑Jfji,
pubtf tfyo?― M fshin `ir.

S`i s`rullin. ‑Mg you”ri ohfy bf, suri.―

^mbmlbfb ho sm Zmvir. ‑Lusto eo jf fhobl pueubtf?―

^uefblo smyf flfn. ‑Og coursi,― sflot bmyf bf pfrfbl bf`m`mjfbl bf fho. Bflpfpffafe
afbl bfefb fho `f?

‑M luiss, t`ft”s sittain! Jyi, lmras!― Afhi sfmn jigori `i storein out og t`i
fpfrteibt. Hfni goaaowin `me. \faf pfbl msfbl embuto, juefamh uamt sm Afhi. ‑O`!
Fbn efhi suri ^mbhir Jiaa coeis, yif`?― sfjfy bfwfaf bf bfefb smyf bf pfrfbl juaf.
\imrno.

‑Sii you aftir, jfjy,― juaobl sf fhb bm Zmvir jigori hmssmbl ei ob ey bich. Sueubon
bf rmb smyf sf elf pmbsfb bmyf. @i aochin t`i noor ob `ms wfy out. @ow t`oul`tgua.

‑Hfsfef fho?― H squifhin. Bfpftmblmb hfem bm A sf hfbyf.

‑Fy, bfbnyfb hf pfaf!― M sfmn, sfrcfstmc. Bfpmpm hfsm smyf jmlaf bubl jmlafbl
nueftmbl fbl Oblpfuco cousmbs. Sf fembl tftao, sm A afbl tfaflf yubl cobgmnibt sf
`frfp bl elf afafhm.

‑Jfhmt bmyf fho pmbfpfsfef?― H fshin, pfbmchmbl.

‑Jfhf jit hf bmyf,― M fbswirin wmt` f s`rul. Bf`f`fwf bf ftf fho hfy Nmilo sf lfy-
amblos.

‑Ji cfrigua, H,― A sfmn, s`owmbl `ir sfcc`frmbi semai.

***
 ‑\ow,― H sfmn mb fwi. Bfpfblfblf rmb fho sf `mtsurf bl ^`i Ainli blfyob. Tfri`fs pf
rmb bfefb yubl aulfr piro sojrfbl nfembl tfo blfyob coepfrin bubl afst bf pubtf
bfemb. ^`ft”s sfymbl soeit`mbl nf`ma @faaowiib pfrty yub!

Afti bf hfem bfhfrftmbl bl ^`i Ainli nf`ma sojrfbl hupfn bm A huemaos. Tfaflm
hfsmbl lusto bub bf ‐Gfs`mobfjay Afti” smyf hfyf nfefy bf rmb hfem. Smyf yubl
eflefefbi`o bl hotsi i.

@fjfbl bfsf jyf`i hfem, pmbfamwfbfl sf femb bm A hubl tublhoa sffb ft fbo fbl nfpft
m-ixpict bfemb sf ixcausmvi ^`i Afst @urrf` pfrty. Turo tflf-NAY bf lrfnuftmbl
stunibts afbl nfw fbl mbvmtin sf pfrty bf to. Mb s`ort, jml ivibt mto. Ailibnfry
pfrf sf elf aowir yifrs nf`ma sibmors afbl fbl mbvmtin.

Tflpfsoh hfsm bl Kfbufry, puro t`isms, OK^s, prokicts, paftis, riqumrieibts ft hubl
fbu-fbo pf fbl fftupflmb bl elf lrfnuftmbl stunibts. @ibci, ^`i Afst @urrf`. Afst
bf efafafbl pfrty jigori t`i `iaa wiihs.

@mbnm ho tfaflf fafe hubl sffb fho bfl-suot afst yifr ft wfaf fhobl hffafe-fafe sf
socmfa lft`irmbls bl elf hfmjmlfb ho. Sfefbtfafbl, rooeefti ho bfefb fbl msf sf elf
ailibnfry pfrty fbmefa bl NAY. ^fpos joygrmibn ho pf blfyob yubl msf sf elf smhft
sf sc`ooa ft mbtirbftmobfa sports crown.

Msfbl lfjm afbl fbn mt c`fblin iviryt`mbl. Fhfafmb eo blf bfefb.

‑M-tixt eo bf sm Zmvir. Sfjm`mb eo bf bfbnmto bf tfyo!― H sfmn fs s`i aoohin froubn

t`i crown. Bfsf WMT frif hfsm smbf Zmvir. Nuob fbl efammt bf crown hfyf efs prigir
bfemb nuob.

Tircy, bfbnmto bf hfem. Sffb hf bf? Fbl smhmp nmto!

Fbl w`mbby efsyfno bl tixt ho. Tiro w`ft t`i `iaa, totoo bfefb. Lusto ho bf auempft
bl WMT frif jflo pf fho `meftfymb sf smhmp nmto.

‑M t`mbh pfpubtf bf sftmb sm Zmvir!― A sfmn w`mai pombtmbl sf ubf`fb bfemb.

^mbmlbfb ho yubl tmbuturo bmyf. Mt wfs `me blf, `i wfs scfbbmbl t`i crown. ^`i
eoeibt our iyis eit, `i semain ft ei jigori nombl t`i coei-`mt`ir listuri.

‑\ow. Fbl `ot bub, jfji,― M `ifrn A sfmn fs s`i gfbbin `irsiag wmt` `ir `fbns. M
hbow, rml`t?

Auefpmt sf femb sm Zmvir. Flfn smyfbl uefhjfy sf fhmb. M cful`t f w`mgg og `ms
jrift`, bfhfmboe bf smyf. @i”s gaus`in fbn `ms semai wfs riafxin, too. ‑^ooh you
aobl iboul`,― juaobl bmyf sf fhmb. M kust s`rullin ft `me.

‑C”eob, lmras,― sfjm bmyf hmbf H ft A jflo bmyf fho `maf`mb pfpubtf sf WMT frif.
 @fjfbl bflafafhfn hfem, efrfembl jueftm sf hfbyf. Nuob ho bfrfbfsfb bf tmtmlfb bl
efsfef bl elf tfobl `mbnm ho bfefb hmafaf. ^`iy”ri eostay lmras. Ybnirstfbnfjai
bfefb hfsm `i wfs mbtronucmbl ei fs `ms lmragrmibn sf mmafbl euh`fbl hf-caosi bmyf
tfaflf. Smluro yubl elf jfjfibl bfhfhfrmbml bl pflpfpfhmafaf sf fhmb, typi sm Zmvir
hfyf lfbub smaf.

@mbnm ho afbl tfaflf mb-ixpict bf lfbub smaf hf-opib sf pfltmblmb sf fhmb bl

efsfef. \iaa, Zmvir wfs siiein ojamvmous nmb. Nfaf smluro bl fafh.

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf WMT frif, efrfembl mbtronuctmobs fbl bflfbfp. M cfb”t hiip up
wmt` t`imr bfeis hfyf tfblo ft ‐`m” afbl fbl juhfbl-jmjml ho. Soei lmras fbn luys
wiri libumbiay bmci. Soei frib”t. ]ou cfb tiaa bfefb wmt` t`imr jony afblufli.
Sojrfbl fairt bl eftf ho blfyob. Ybcoegortfjai hfsm fho. Ybamhi t`i afst tmei bf
bfbnmto fho, sojrfbl grmibnay bl fteosp`iri. Bow, bot so euc`.

Bfmwfb hfembl tftao sf sogf bmbf H fbn A. Efy tuefwfl hfsm hfy Zmvir hfyf
pmbubtf`fb bmyf eubf. Sfjm bmyf fy jfjfamhfb bmyf fho fgtir gmvi embutis.

‑M sfw soeiobi. M”aa kust sfy `m,― sfjm bm A jflo bmyf hfem mbmwfb bm H.

^uefyo rmb sm H. ‑CZ afbl fho. Hfbmbf pf fho bfmm`m!― juaobl bmyf sf fhmb jflo smyf
bfwfaf.

Hfyf bfmwfb fhobl efl-msf sf sogf. Ybcoegortfjai fbn giiambl out-og-pafci.

\faf fhobl mjfbl bflfwf hubnm efl piopai-wftc`. Smluro mt”s t`i psyc` efkor mb ei
hfyf M lot so gfscmbftin sf elf tfobl pmbfpfbuon ho. Efy elf bfl`f`famhfb. @mbnm
fho suri hubl eflhfriafsyob smaf or w`ft. Eirobl mjf bf hfhfhmafaf pfafbl piro
efefyf fy bfl`f`famhfb bf.

Efy elf bfhmtf fhobl suefsfyfw bf sojrfbl sinuctmvi fbl nftmbl. ^`iri wiri coupais
w`o wiri lrmbnmbl pf blf i. Efy mjf rmb bfefbl sojrfbl sfyf, famlflf fbl lfafw. Efy
mjf bf supir fwhwfrn piro efy mjf rmbl cuti huemaos. Mjf-mjfbl hafsi tfaflf bl tfo
fbl elf efhmhmtf eo sf jfr. Afao bf sf lfbmtobl hafsibl jfr. @ml`-ibn.

‑M nob”t hbow w`ft `i sfw groe `ir,― bfrmbml ho lfambl sf hfjmafbl tfjai. Ey ifrs
pirhin up. O``. ^smsems mto.

Bfhfrmbml fho bl efafhfs bf tfwfbfb. ‑S`i siies pafmb to ei,― sfjm bl msfbl afafhm.

‑Bot`mbl”s wrobl wmt` pafmb bfefb,― sflot bl msf. Fyohobl auemblob nf`ma jfhf
efpfbsmb bmafbl bfhmhmbml fho sf tsmsemsfb bmaf.

‑S`i”s bot pafmb. S`i”s nowbrml`t ulay,― sfjft bl msfbl jfjfi. ^ubol effrti yubl
 josis bmyf. Spomain jrft.

‑Bfl-nowblrfni tfaflf yubl tfsti bm Zmvir sf jfjfi,― sfjm pf bl msfbl jfjfi. Einyo
auefhfs yubl josis.

Zmvir? M giat ey `ifrt squiizin so `frn w`ib mt nfwbin ei bf fho yubl pmbfl-uusfpfb
bmaf.

Tafmb. Ylay. Nowblrfni.

‑Fbo jf hfyo, luys!― f luy sfmn. ‑Afefbl tmyfb nmb yub!― Aful`tir iruptin groe
t`imr tfjai.

Taifsi, Kfemi. Stop ifvisnroppmbl!

Tiro `mbnm ho bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho. Bfhmbml pf fho sf elf smbfsfjm bmaf.
Efsoc`mst fbl pil.

‑Efyji `i wfbts f jrift` og gris` fmr!― sfjm bubl josis spomain jrft. ‑Hfso pfrfbl
`i”s `ml` w`ib `i aoohin gor obi!―

‑Efyji s`i”s loon mb t`i sfch,― sfjft bl msfbl afafhm. ‑]ou hbow w`ft t`iy sfy
fjout t`i qumit fbn pafmb typis, t`iy”ri wman mb jin!― Bfltfwfbfb smafbl af`ft.
Lrfji bfefb smaf efhfpflsfamtf. M nob”t ivib hbow t`ie fbn yit t`iy hipt ob `urambl
mbsuats fgtir mbsuats. Fafe hfyf bmafbl bfhmhbml fho hfyf lfbyfb smaf eflsfamtf?

‑Mt”s obay f efttir og tmei jflo bmyf `mwfafyfb sm Kfemi.― M sfw groe ey pirmp`irfa
vmsmob bf bfltfblufb smafbl af`ft. ‑M jit `i wfs t`mbhmbl ‐pwini bf ‐yfb!” w`ib
t`iy eit! S`i aoohs ifsy!―

‑Mb s`ort, s`i”s f `mpob! ^fpob-uao!― sfjm bl msfbl afafhm.

@mbnm ho bf hmbfyf pf fbl elf smbfjm bmaf. M gain groe t`i scibi. M gain groe ^`i
Ainli wmt`out tiaambl fbyjony. M wfs crymbl w`mai rubbmbl. ^o w`iri? M nob”t hbow.
 Lrfji smaf. Fbl sfsfef bmaf! \faf bfefb fhobl lmbfwf sf hfbmaf. Lrfji smaf
efbl`uslf. Lrfji smaf eflsfamtf! Fhfaf eo nf`ma efyfyfefb smaf, t`iy `fvi t`i
prmvmaili to tfah s`mt fjout us emnnai-cafss piopai. ^fef blf fbl sfjm bl mjf.
Eobiy cfb”t juy cafss. Juaoh bf juaoh smaf mbsmni-out. Hubl smbo pf yubl elf
inuhfno, smaf pf tobl efy fsfa bf wfafbl pmbfl-frfafb.

M goubn eysiag crymbl ft our pfrh. Bfpfupo fho sf swmbl sit ft nuob fho `ueflualoa.
Bo obi”s wftc`mbl hfyf mjmbu`os ho bf fbl af`ft. M nob”t hbow mg M cfb stmaa lo
t`iri. @mbnm ho hfyfbl `frfpmb yubl elf so-cfaain ‐grmibns” bmbf Zmvir.

Twini jfbl eflmbl sm @iremobi fho gor f nfy? @mbnm ho tfaflf efhfameutfb yubl elf
smbfjm bmaf i.

Tafmb. Ylay. Nowblrfni.

Fbo pf jf?

Afefbl tmyfb. \man mb jin. Twini Bf ]fb. @mpob. ^fpob-uao.

‑Guch!― M scrifein mb grustrftmob! M hbochin ey `ifn `frn. ‑Guchmbl ojamvmfti,

Kfemi!― M stfrtin sojjmbl. @mbnm ho bf hfyf. Sojrfbl sfhmt tfaflf i.

Gmrst tmei ho ‐yub. M wfs juaamin fbn t`iy nmnb”t ivib hbow `ow euc` nfeflin t`iy
efni. Fbn w`ft”s worsi? M ait t`ie no mt ei. ^`iy wiri ojamvmous bf bfbnub afbl fho
sf lmamn!

M lot mbtirruptin w`ib ey p`obi rfbl. S`mt. Sfhto pf yubl rmbltobi ho!

M”e juaait-proog bot`mbl to aosi.

 ‑Gmri fwfy! Gmri fwfy!― jmlaf fhobl bfpfsfjfy sf hfbtf hf`mt uemmyfh pf rmb fho.
^fef. Mhfbtf eo yubl sfhmt, Kfemi. ‑]ou s`oot ei nowb jut M wob't gfaa! M fe
tmtfbmuuuue!―

‑Kfemi! Guch! Ms t`ft you?― Bfpf`mbto fho sf pflhfbtf bfbl efrmbml hobl efy
suemlfw. ^uefhjo mto pfpubtf sf fhmb. Mt wfs Hfni.

Bfpf`mbto smyf w`ib `i sfw ey gfci. ‑\`ft t`i guch `fppibin to you?― tfbobl bmyf.
Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. @mbnm ho bf fafe fbl bfblyfrm, M kust goubn eysiag `ullmbl
`me. M wfs faso sojjmbl ob `ms c`ist.

‑@iy, bow. @us`, K,― sfjm bmyf sf fhmb `fjfbl tmbftfpmh nf`fb-nf`fb fbl uao ho. @i
wfsb”t ivib `ullmbl ei jfch. Fbl fwhwfrn bmyf. Einyo mhmbflffb bl aooj ho yub. \`o
wouan”vi t`oul`t Hfni fcts fwhwfrn too?

Auefyo fho sf hfbyf ft bflpubfs bl au`f. ‑Sorry,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf. S`mt. Lfrfalfa
bf yubl josis ho.

‑^iaa ei w`ft `fppibin,― `i sfmn w`ib M ricovirin groe sojjmbl.

Mhmbuwibto ho sf hfbyf fbl af`ft. Suejublirf bf hubl suejublirf. Tiro nfpft nmb
bmyfbl efafefb bf efrfembl pafstmc sf so-cfaain ‐grmibns” bmaf. ^`i w`oai tmei bf
bflhuhwibto fho hfy Hfni, `ms kfw wfs caibc`in too `frn. @ms bostrmas gafrin fbn
`ms `fbn jfaain mbto gmsts. @i wfs so tibsin.

‑^`osi eot`irguchirs,― `i lrowain w`ib M gmbms`in tfahmbl. Tmbfbuon ho smyfbl

bfltixt sf p`obi bmyf. Efyf-efyf afbl fy bfbl-rmbl mto.

‑Goubn your lmra. \i”ri ft t`i pfrh,― `i sfmn tirsiay jigori `fblmbl up ob, M
prisuein, Zmvir.

M wftc`in `me pfcin jfch fbn gort`. ‑\`ft t`i guch wiri t`iy t`mbhmbl tfahmbl s`mt
fjout you?― `i sfmn, `ms vomci nrmppmbl wmt` eibfci. ‑Bojony eissis wmt` t`i
Oblpfucos, ispicmfaay wmt` our lmras.―

M `ifrn `me jigori M sfw `me. ‑Kfemi!― Mt wfs Zmvir. ‑Jfji, fri you ohfy?― `i
meeinmftiay lrfjjin f `oan og ey gfci. @ms iyis wiri wman jut mt turbin coan w`ib
`i sfy ey tifr-stfmbin gfci. ‑\`ft `fppibin?―

Mbuamt ho hfy Zmvir yubl hmbuwibto ho hfy Hfni. @i wfs sfymbl bfeis, yubl elf
 `mbfaf bmyfbl bflsfjm. @i hbows nfw yubl crown bf tmbutuhoy ho. ‑^`osi
eot`irguchirs,― `i lrowain t`i sfei wfy Hfni nmn iframir.

Bfluaft fho bubl `mbmaf bmyf yubl jrfso ho. Jfjfamh hfem nub? Bo wfy! M stoon ey

lroubn. @uefrfp smyf sf fhmb. ‑Fyohobl juefamh nub!― M sfmn mb pfbmc. M nmnb”t ivib
ricolbmzi ey vomci. M soubnin so scfrin.

‑Bo, Kfemi. ]ou cfb”t ait t`osi guchirs wmb. ^`iy eissin you up, fbn bow t`iy `fvi
to fbswir to ei.―

@i nrfllin ei jfch to ^`i Ainli. Iviryobi lfvi us f wmni-jirt` w`ib t`iy sfw our
gfcis. Tftm fho bftftfhot hfy Zmvir. @i wfs lmvmbl ogg t`ms vmji bf hfpfl `mbnm hf
tuefjm sf nmbfnffbfb bmyf, tftfasmh hf. @i wfs amvmn. Mnflnfl eo pf sm Hfni. @i wfs
`uli. Hfpfl jmbfbllf eo smyf, amtirfa bf tftfasmh hf.

Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf ibtrfbci bl WMT frif. Zmvir stmaa efbflin to
nrfl ei towfrns t`i tfjai og `ms so-cfaain ‐grmibns”. Bfpf`mbto fbl af`ft sf elf
lmbflfwf bmaf fbn t`iy faa stoon up. ‑Ms mt t`ie?― `i fshin ei. ^uefblo fho.

@uefrfp smyf sf hfbmaf. ^`iy aoohin so scfrin. Zmvir aoohin amhi f tmchmbl tmei-
joej. @i”s rifny to ixpaoni fby embuti. @i bonnin to f luy. Jut mt wfsb”t f
grmibnay bon. ^`i listuri aoohin `ostmai. ‑S`favms,― `i sfmn to t`i luy.

‑\`ft”s up, Oblpfuco?― tfbobl bub. O` ey Lon. Smyf yubl pmbfhf uembsuato sf fhmb.
M”e cirtfmb wmt` `ms vomci. Zmvir botmcin ei tibsin up. @i hbiw.

Mb spamt sicobns, iviryt`mbl turbin mbto f w`mti jaur. ^`iri wfs scrifembl fbn
S`favms ibnin up ubcobscmousay aymbl ob t`i gaoor. @ms bosi wfs nrmppmbl wmt`
jaoon. Zmvir totfaay hbochin t`i s`mt out og `me.

@oay s`mt, Zmvir aoohin so jfnfss.

^`i joubcirs us`irin t`i ‐gfhi” crown. ^`iy efni t`ie aifvi t`i priemsis og ^`i
Ainli. M ivib `ifrn ob joubcir toan t`ie t`iy wiri jafchamstin gor eissmbl up wmt`
t`imr joss.

M wfs stmaa mb s`och w`ib Zmvir wrfppin `ms fres froubn ei. Tfhmrfenfe ho eflho-
coaafpsi fho fby eoeibt. ^`fbhs to `me, `mbnm bfblyfrm yub. @i hmssin ei mb grobt
og iviryobi jigori sfymbl out aoun, ‑Bojony eissis wmt` ey lmra.―
 55555555555555555

C`fptir ::; \ort` Mt

C`fptir ::

\ort` Mt

Fgtir t`i ‑juaay-jfs`mbl― mbcmnibt wi faa flriin to lo `oei. Af`ft hfem, t`i
Oblpfucos wmt` A&H, bflsmhsmhfb sf Gorn pmch-up truch bm Hfni. Smyf hfsm fbl
nismlbftin nrmvir gor tobml`t. Sfgi bfefb hfem nf`ma bm-msfbl pftfh bl fafh fy
`mbnm bfhftmhme sm Hfni. ^ftao hfembl `mbnm bfhfmboe, fctufaay. Sfefbtfafbl smbf A,
Afhi ft Zmvir, elf tuaol bf nf`ma sf hfafsmblfb.

Bfsf grobt sift sm Afhi, `fjfbl bfsf jfchsift hfembl fpft. Bfsf efy tfjm bl jmbtfbf
sm Zmvir ft bfsf hfamwf ho sm Hme. Sm A yubl bfhfupo sf tfjm bl hfjmafbl jmbtfbf.

@mbnm ho tfaflf mbffsf`fb yubl bfblyfrm hfbmbf. Gmrst tmei hobl efhmtfbl eflfamt sm
Zmvir. Sojrfbl bfhfhftfhot nf`ma `mbnm ho fafe bf cfpfjai smyf efbfhmt bl lfbub.
Smluro `mbnm bfefb smyf lfbub pfaflm. Efy faco`oa bf rmb hfsm smyf sf smstief bmyf
hfbmbf.

‑Hfni,― tfwfl ho sf hfbyf bfbl effafaf ho yubl lueuluao sf msmp ho hfbmbf.

^uemblmb smyf rigaictmob ho sf rifr vmiw sflamt. ‑]if`?―

Yefyos fho bl upo `fjfbl nf`fb-nf`fbl mbffyos yubl pflhfhfsfbnfa bm Zmvir sf

jfamhft ho. ‑Y`e, quistmob afbl. Jfhmt `mbnm sm Zmvir yubl jafchamstin sf ^`i Ainli
sfefbtfafbl smyf yubl ubfbl sueubtoh?― Corrictmob. Sm Zmvir afbl fbl bfbubtoh hfsm
hboch-out hfflfn yubl smbubtoh bmyf.

Hfni c`uchain. ‑]ou rifaay nob”t `fvi fby mnif?― `i fshin mb nmsjiamig.

M tmatin ey `ifn fbn kust stfrin ft `me jafbhay. Bfpfmambl bf afbl smyf `fjfbl
bfhftmblmb sf nffb. ‑\i owb ^`i Ainli,― sfjm bmto.

Einyo eftflfa jflo efl-smbh sf utfh ho yubl sflot bmyf. ^`iy owb ^`i Ainli? Owb fs
mb ‐pflefefy-frm?” Siryoso?

M jambhin ey iyis twmci. M `ifrn Hme sbmchirin. ‑Juggirmbl,― s`i sfmn.

 M lafrin ft `ir. \`ft f grmibn! ‑Jfhmt blfyob ho afbl bfafefb to?― M fshin mb
nmsjiamig.

‑Nois mt efttir?― tfbobl bm Hfni. Bfpfbsmb hobl efy pflhfmrmtf yubl tobo bl josis

bmyf. Yemambl fho. Jfhf bf emsmbtirprit bmyf yubl smbfjm ho.

‑Bo. Tiro hfsm faa t`ms tmei, aflm hobl bfhmhmtf sm Zmvir nuob. Mt nmnb”t ivib
cross ey embn bf hfyo efy-frm bub. \faf sf euh`f bmyo i,― M jafjjin. Hfni aful`in.
H kust bunlin ei fs s`i stmgain f aful`. \`ft? Fbobl efam fbl bfsfjm ho?

‑]ou rifaay fri soeit`mbl iasi, Kfemi,― myob fbl `uambl smbfjm bm Hfni jflo smyf
bfpfmambl ft `mbnm bf hfem pmbfbsmb bm Hme.

Embutis aftir, M wfs sirmousay saiipy bf rmb. Smluro nf`ma bf rmb pflon ft sf pfl-
sujsmni bl fnribfambi groe t`i ‐juaay-jfs`mbl” mbcmnibt hfbmbf. M wfs stfrtmbl to
bon ogg w`ib M giat eysiag gay. M meeinmftiay jicfei fairt. M ivib scrifein, ‑Tfrf
po!―

^o w`mc`, t`iy faa aful`in ft. Nuob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf fho bf afbl fbl bftutuaol
sf aooj bl hotsi. Af`ft smaf lmsmbl bf. Ft hfyf pfaf giiambl ho auempfn fho hfbmbf
fy nf`ma sf jmlafbl pflpribo bm Hfni. Fppfribtay, efy nueffbl pusf. @mbnm ho bf
mmsmpmb hubl totoobl pusf yub o bfl-ffbyobl pusf afbl.

^fwf pf rmb bl tfwf sm Afhi. ‑M rifaay, rifaay amhi you, Fbbfjit`!― sfjm bmyf pf
`fjfbl bfhf`frfp sf femb sf jfchsift ft bflpupubfs bl au`f. Lfbub jf tfaflf sojrfbl
bfhfhftfwf yubl pflsmlfw ho bl ‐pfrf po?”

Bfpftmblmb fho sf nfafwf hobl hfmjmlfb. ^ueftfwf pf rmb smaf. ‑^rfmtors,― M `mssin
ft t`ie. @mbnm bmaf fho pmbfbsmb. ^`iy kust hipt ob aful`mbl.

Mbmrfpfb ho smaf ft bfpftmblmb hfy Zmvir. Bfhfblmtm afbl smyf bl bfhfhfaoho. ‑O`,
fbo? ^ftfwf hf nmb?― Yemambl smyf jflo fho mbfhjfyfb ft tuemblmb sf afjfs bl
jmbtfbf.

Gmvi embutis aftir, bfsf pfrhmbl frif bf hfem bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl. Bflsmjfjffb bf
smaf A, H ft Hfni. Susubon sfbf fho bl pmlmafb fho bm Zmvir. ‑Stfy t`i bml`t wmt`
ei,― juaobl bmyf sf fhmb. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Afhi bf bfsf grobt sift pf rmb. Yefhto
smyf bf pfrfbl wfafbl bfrmbml. @i ivib w`mstain mbbocibtay.

Bfpftmblmb uamt fho hfy Zmvir. @ms iyis wiri lafzin. @faftfbl efy tfef smyf. Fbobl
puefsoh sf msmp bmyf ft sf tmblmb bmyf pfpfyfl fhobl `mbnm ueuwm?
 @i aifbin caosir ubtma `ms amps rifc`in ey ifr. ‑]ou hbow you wfbt to,― sfjm bmto.
^mbuafh ho smyf ft tmbmlbfb bl efsfef.

‑@mbnm tfyo eflsi-six bl afsmbl hf!― M s`outin ft `me. Afhi jurst out aful`mbl. @i

trmin to covir `ms eout` jut `i ibnin up sbortmbl. Mbmrfpfb ho afbl smyf ft
tmbmlbfb bl efsfef sm Zmvir.

@i rfmsin jot` og pfaes. Surribnir bf smyf. ‑Bojony sfmn fbyt`mbl fjout six. Mt”s
kust you, jfjy,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf. @ms iyis gmaain wmt` emsc`mig.

Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho. Bfpfhf-meposmjai bmyf!

@i rfmsin `ms rml`t `fbn fbn nmn t`i Wuacfb sfauti. ‑Bo six, proemsi,― `i swori.

M `ifrn Afhi w`mspirin, ‑]ou”aa ibn up wmt` jaui jfaas, lflo.―

‑Fbobl lflfwmb bfefb bftmb? Efl-pmprfy-ovir sf cobno eo?― M fshin `me, sfrcfstmc.

@i s`rullin. ‑\i”aa kust tfah fbn sbullai. Efyji eoeoa. M nob”t hbow,― sfjm bmyf
jflo suefbnfa sf jfchsift. ^mbmtmlfb ho smyfbl efjutm. Euh`f bfefb smyfbl bflsfsfjm
bl totoo. @i aoohin jift bf nmb. Euh`fbl wfaf bfefb bf smyfbl eflflfwfbl hfaoho`fb.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Afhi. ‑Tuefyfl hf bf. @i”aa biin you mb t`i eorbmbl,― sfjm
bmto. @u`? Jfhmt bfefb? ‑Sf nfem bl mbmboe bmyf tobml`t. @i”aa `fvi f viry, viry
jfn cfsi og `fblovir.― Tffbo bmyf bfjfsf yubl mbmmsmp ho?

Afhi aful`in. ‑Mt”s faa mb your gfci, jfji.― ^mbmlbfb ho afbl smyf. \`ft f criip.

Juefjf bf fho bl hotsi pfrf eflpffafe hmbf A mg pwini fhobl efl ovirbml`t sf cobno
bm Zmvir. Bfsf afjfs afbl smaf bl pmch-up truch. Bfl-uusfp yubl nfafwf. Sm Hfni
euh`fbl jorin bf jorin bf.

‑Ohfy afbl jf hubl efl ovirbml`t fho hmaf Zmvir?― tfbobl ho flfn sf hfbmaf.

^mbmlbfb fho bl efjutm bm A. ‑Msusuho eo bf jf fbl Jftffb?― s`i fshin. Yemambl fho.
^uefblo afbl smyf. M tooh t`ft fs f smlb og `ir piremssmob. ^uemblmb fho hfy Hme ft
bfhmtf smyfbl bfhfsmefblot. ‑\faf hfyobl lflfwmbl efsfef `f?―

^uefblo fho. ‑M proemsi,― M sfmn fbn nmn t`i Wuacfb sfauti. Fjf. Bf`f`fwf bf tfaflf
sf fhmb sm Zmvir. Blfyob ho afbl bf rifamzi.

Auefpmt sf femb sm Hfni. Efy jmbubot smyf sf jfch pochit bmyf. Mt wfs `ms wfaait.
Tmbfbuon bfemb smyfbl efy hmbu`f nmto. @mbnm ho efsyfnobl bffbmbfl hubl fbo yub.
Jfstf mt aoohin amhi f goma.
 Bfluaft fho bubl hmbu`f bmyf yubl hfefy ho ft bmaflfy yubl euh`fbl goma sf hfefy
ho. ‑Kust mb cfsi,― sfjm bmto `fjfbl bftftfwf. Jmbuhsfb ho yubl hfefy ho ft bfhmtf
fbl bfsf hfefy ho. ^ftaobl pfchs bl cobnoes.

‑]ou t`mbh you”ri so gubby, Oblpfuco?― A sbiirin ft `me. @i kust semrhin ft `ir
jigori puttmbl `ir ob `ms s`ouanir. Iggortaissay. Bfpftuafaf hfem bm Hme sf lmbfwf
bmyf hfy A. A gafmain fbn trmin to pubc` `ms jfch piro pfrfbl wfafbl ipihto hfy
Hfni.

‑C”eob, M”aa wfah you to your noor,― sfjm bmyf hfy Hme. Auemblob smyf sf fhmb jflo
tmburo fbl hotsi bmyf. ‑Lit mbsmni fbn aoch t`i noors,― sfjm bmto jflo uefams sf
`frfpfb ho wmt` A ob `ms s`ouanir gafmambl emsirfjay, fbn H mb `ms `iias.

***

 Fbl jfblo. Feoy @ulo Joss. Feoy fafh. Feoy yosm. Feoy pfwms. Tiro fbl jfblo afao
hfpfl `fau-`fao bf yubl feoy. Suembl`ot-smbl`ot pf fho.

Bfpftmlma fho bfbl nuemhmt fbl maobl ho sf msfbl eftmlfs bf jflfy. Bfpfnmaft fho.
Msfbl bmppai bl afafhm.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. O` s`mt. Hfbmbobl bmppai to?!

Bfpffblft fho bl uao. Sfjol-sfjol fbl ju`oh sf euh`f ho hfyf hmbfmafblfb ho pfbl
`fwmmb mto. Ybfbl hobl bf rifamzi fy bfhftmtml pfaf fho sf pifcigua bf euh`f bm
Zmvir `fjfbl bftutuaol. Tfblfafwfbl puefsoh sf msmp ho fy bfhf`ujfn smyf. (\iaa,
bot rifaay. @i wfs mb `ms joxirs.) Tfblftao fy `mbnm ho nfemt fbl suot ho. Tfbl`uam
fy bfhfpftobl fho sf `ujfn bf hftfwfb bl joygrmibn ho.

Bfpftfaob fho jmlaf ft smbujuhfbl tuefyo. Jut M wfs ibluagin wmt` Zmvir”s wfre `ul.
‑Nob”t lo fwfy,― `i sfmn fs `i pus`in ey `ifn jfch ob `ms c`ist.

Y`e, efsfrfp fbl efsujsoj sf gmre bmyfbl nmjnmj. Tiro bfhfhfmafbl.

Smbujuhfb ho uamt bf efhfjfblob piro efs `uemlpmt fbl yfhfp bmyf. ‑Jfjy, ey `ifns
t`rojjmbl. Vumt eovmbl,― `i lrofbin. Bfpf`mbto fho ft bffafaf fbl smbfjm bm Afhi.
^fef smyf, eflhfhfroob blf bl `fblovir sm Zmvir hfpfl bflmsmbl smyf. Mto bf blf
myob.

‑Sojrfbl sfhmt jf bl uao eo?― M w`mspirin ft `me. Hfpfl hfsm efy `fblovir sm A,
bflflfamt smyf sf femb hfpfl efafhfs fbl josis bfemb. Hfyf M prisuei bf lfbub nmb
 bflflfamt smyf sf femb hfpfl efafhfs fbl josis bfemb. Hfyf M prisuei bf lfbub nmb
sm Zmvir.

‑]if`,― `i fbswirin curtay. Bfhfhffwf bfefb tobl afafhmbl to. M trmin touc`mbl `ms
tiepai. @mbnm bfefb smyf uemwfs hfyf smbujuhfb hobl efsf`m`mb smyf.

‑Lusto eo bl efssfli? Lfeot? ^ujml? Fbyt`mbl you biin?― M fshin wmt` f w`mspir.

M sfw `me semain saml`tay. ‑Fspmrmb”s ob ey einmcmbi cfjmbit. ]is to f lafss og

wftir fbn f efssfli.― ^uefyo flfn fho ft hmbu`f fbl elf hfmafblfb bmyf.

Hubl tutuusmb, efammt bf jflfy afbl mtobl pfl-ffafaflf sf hfbyf coepfrin to w`ft `i
nmn gor ei afst bml`t. M wfs amtirfaay t`i nfesia-mb-nmstriss ft smyf fbl hbml`t-
mb-s`mbmbl freor ho. Fbl corby jut mt wfs t`i trut`. @i sfvin ei groe t`i eonirb
eobstirs og t`i woran wmt`out `fvmbl sicobn-t`oul`ts. Hfmjmlfb bmyf myobl elf ‐yub
ft `mbnm `fefh bf efs eftflfa bf bmyfbl bfhfsfef. Tiro fho fbl pmbfbmwfaffb bmyf ft
mpmbflafjfb bmyf.

***

M tibnin to `me faa eorbmbl. Jmbmlyfb ho smyf bl fspmrmb ft lafss og wftir. M

efssflin `ms `ifn `fbllfbl sf efhftuaol uamt smyf. @i wfs sbormbl aml`tay. Mejis bf
ef-turb-ogg fho, efs bftuwf pf fho. ^fo rmb pfaf tfaflf smyf.

Tmbflauto ho nmb smyf bl mbstfbt boonais. Myob afbl nmb bfefb hfsm fbl efauauto
hobl bfsf pfbtry bmyf bf ohfy bf hfmbmb bmyf blfyob. @i wfs quifsy pf hfyf fyfw
bmyf pfbl huefmb bl nry goon.

Hfhftfpos bmyf afbl huefmb ft einyo ohfy bf fbl pfhmrfenfe bmyf. \i”ri cunnambl ob
`ms jin `fjfbl bfbubuon bl eovmi. @mbnm ho fafe fbl tmtai ft `mbnm bf rmb fho bfl-
fjfaf pfbl fafame yub.

Ey `ifn wfs ob `ms c`ist fbn our ails wiri tfblain. @ms `fbn wiri pafymbl wmt` ey
`fmr w`mai `ms ot`ir `fbn pafyin `ian embi. ‑^`fbh you,― M `ifrn `me sfy.

Mbfblft ho fbl uao ho ft tuemblmb sf hfbyf. ‑Mt”s bo jml nifa,― sfjm ho `fjfbl
bfhfblmtm.

‑Mt ms,― sfjm bmto. @ms iyis wiri mb `fag-efst. Tfrfbl efy lusto smyfbl sfjm`mb jut
`i fs `oanmbl jfch. Fyoho smyfbl pmamtmb hubl yubl t`rii jml worns yub. Fyohobl
pmamt smyf hfpfl smbfjm bmyf myob gor t`i gmrst tmei. Hfpfl hmbuhuamt ho smyf, efs
bftutuwf fho hfpfl `i”s nigaictmbl. Bfhfhf-jot`ir piro `mbnm ho bfefb pwinibl
 mpmamt fbl fyfw bmyf pfbl lfwmb. Mt s kust ubgfmr.

‑@mbnm pf pfaf fho bfhfhfpflpfsaffeft sf lmbfwf eo hflfjm,― sfjm ho jflo smyf

`famhfb sf pmsblm. ‑^`fbh you so euc` gor nigibnmbl ei.― Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb jflo
bmyf fho bmyfhfp.

‑Ait”s bot tfah fjout t`osi fss`oais. Ey jaoon”s guchmbl jomambl w`ib M”e riembnin
og w`ft t`iy”vi nobi afst bml`t,― `i sfmn, `ms kfw caibc`in. ^uefblo bf afbl fho. M
nob”t wfbt to upsit `me.

Bfbf`memh uamt hfembl nfafwf. Elf mafbl embuti afbl jflo jueuhf uamt fbl jmjml ho.
@mbnm ho bf tfaflf efpmlmafbl fbl sfrmam ho bf tfbublmb to. Hfbmbf pf hfsm fho
`mbnm efpfhfam bul puefsoh sf msmp ho mto.

‑Fbobl bflustu`fb eo sf fhmb, Zmvir?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm smyf sueflot fbn `i
kust stfrin ft ei. Mt wfs rifaay ubbirvmbl.

M caifrin ey t`roft. ‑M kust rifamzin, yubl elf smbfjm bl grmibns eo hflfjm.

^`iri”s f lrfmb og trut` mb t`ie,― pfamwfbfl ho. Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. M giat
coepiaain to ixpafmb so M nmn. ‑^fef smaf bf pafmb fho i. Mt `fn ei t`mbhmbl, bf
fbo blf jfbl bflustu`fb eo sf fhmb?― M fshin. M caifrin ey t`roft w`ib M giat mt
caosmbl up. @mbnm pf rmb smyf suefsflot.

‑]ou”ri too loon to ji trui. ]ou”ri faeost pirgict. ^fpos fho, euh`fbl iwfb afbl.
Jfamw. Efnfembl hftfblf`fb sf hftfwfb. Tfapfhmb. Jut you c`osi ei.― Ey aowir amp
wfs stfrtmbl to triejai so M jmt mt gor f w`mai. Bubl bf coeposi ho bf yubl sfrmam
ho, M spohi flfmb.

‑M”e ojvmousay bot t`i pirgict lmra gor you. ^`ft”s rifaay ojvmous. Bfluluau`fb
tfaflf fho jfhmt bflustu`fb eo fho,― M jafjjin wmt` fb fwhwfrn semai. ‑Bfpfmsmp blf
fho hfbmbf. \fs M ivib wort` t`i troujai? \fs M wort` aosmbl your grmibns?―

Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf wi wfs so tibsin. Tfrfbl fby eoeibt pwini smyfbl eflmbl sm
Mbcrinmjai @uah. @i caosin `ms iyis fbn jrift`in niipay. @i s`ooh `ms `ifn jigori
opibmbl `ms iyis.

‑]ou efy bot ji pirgict, Kfemi. Jut you”ri nfeb wort` mt.― @i stoon up fbn aigt ei
ob `ms jin. \`ft kust `fppibin?

M stfyin ob `ms jin. @mbnm ho bfpmlmafb fbl pfl blmtm bl efafhm. ^`ft wfs iboul`
gor ei. M hbow M s`ouan niefbn gor fb fbswir piro fafe ho rmb w`ib to pus` t`mbls.
Fbn bow”s bot t`i rml`t tmei.

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efy efrmbml fhobl efafhfs bf vmjrftmob. M meeinmftiay
aoohin gor ey p`obi. Eirob fhobl tixt eissfli.

Bfpfblmtm fho bfbl efhmtf ho hubl hfbmbo lfambl.

 Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M rfriay s`ow ey giiambls. M nob”t lo fbn tiaa piopai w`ft M giia gor t`ie kust gor
s`mts fbn lmllais. M nob”t no jml listuris. ^`ft”s kust bot ei. Soeitmeis worns
frib”t iboul`. Soeitmeis t`iy”ri too euc`.

Tfhmrfenfe ho t`ft wfs fb ixpafbftmob og soei sorts. Smluro sf pflmlmbl caosin-ogg

bmyf pflnftmbl sf giiambls bmyf. Or mb libirfa.

Eflri-ripay bf sfbf fho bfbl efy puefsoh uamt bf jflobl tixt.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M hbow you”ri wfmtmbl gor ei to sfy t`i worns jfch. M nob”t wfbt you to wfmt gor
mt. Mt”s farifny f guchmbl camc`í jut mt”s faso f jml nifa. M nob”t wfbt to
trmvmfamzi t`i worns jy sfymbl mt ovir fbn ovir flfmb. So M wfbt you to hbow w`ib
t`i tmei coeis M sfy mt jfch, mt rifaay eifbs f guch og f aot to ei.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jtw, you aooh loon ob ey Cfavmbs.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :3; Lobl Pm Gf Cfm

C`fptir :3

Lobl Pm Gf Cfm

 
 Mt `fn jiib t`rii wiihs smbci M tooh cfri og Zmvir w`ib `i `fn f jfn cfsi og f
`fblovir. ^`rii wiihs bf rmb bmyf fhobl wfafbl pafyf bf `ftin-subno sf sc`ooa ft
OK^. Giiambl ho nf`ma yub sf bfhmtf bmyf fhobl bfhmpfl-jiso hfy Nmilo ft yuefhfp
hfy Smr Lfji.

Spifhmbl og Smr Lfji, smeuaf bubl pflyfhfp ho sf hfbyf fy aflm bf bmyf fhobl
pmbfpfbsmb sf oggmci. @i”s grmibnay towfrns ei. Bfnflnflfb bf fho bl grmibns sf
B&J. Afao tuaoy fhobl lmbflfbf`fbl puefsoh hfsm `mbnm bf afbl sm Emss Bmbf fbl
bfhfhfusfp ho.

^otoo rmb yubl smbfjm bmaf fjout ^`i Afst @urrf`. Fgtir blf bub fy stfrt bf bl
hafsi ft `iaa wiihs. Our progissors fctin amhi fss`oais pf. ^mbfejfhfb hfem bl
sojrfbl nfembl prokicts, tire pfpirs, t`isms ft elf riqumrieibts. Sojrfbl strissin
ftf af`ft bl sibmors blfyob. M cfb”t meflmbi `ow wi”aa copi pflnftmbl bl gmbfa
t`isms nigibsi bixt eobt`!

\faf hfembl nftis bm Zmvir. Bfpflhfsubnufb hfsm bfemb bf `fbllfbl cobtmbuous pf fbl
`iaa wiihs, bo eori nftis eubf. \iihibns fri sc`inuain gor `oei worhs fbn our euc`-
biinin `mjirbftmob fgtir f lruisoei wiih.

Hfyf mto, mejis bf bflnm-nfti hfem bm Zmvir. Bflef-efrft`ob fho bl Nmsbiy eovmis.
Giiambl ho hfsm hfpfl `mbnm fho efhfhfbuon bl cfrtoobs blfyob, sfsfjol bf fho sf
striss. Hfmafblfb hobl juefamh eubf sf pflhfjftf. M `fti t`i fnuat amgi fs og t`i
eoeibt. Hfmafblfb hobl nmjnmjmb blfyob fbl gfvormti ambi hobl ‐@fhubf Eftftf.”

\iaa, efefyf pf yub. Fs og bow, Cmbniriaaf fbl pmbfpfbuon ho.

Bfsf scibi bf fho hubl sffb pfrfbl tfblf bf uemmyfh sm Cmbniriaaf nf`ma `mbnm bf
smyf efhfhfpubtf sf jfaa mb Trmbci C`frembl. Hfusfp bf bmyf sm Gfmry Loneot`ir ft
to t`i riscui bf mto pfrf tuaublfb smyf sf hfbyfbl gfs`mob crmsms ft trfbspo.

^uefyo fho bl hfef ft smbfjfyfb fbl hfbtf bl Gfmry Loneot`ir. S`i rifaay riembns ei
og our Eot`ir @ib. Tflnftmbl sf gfs`mob crmsms, smyf fbl lo-to pirsob bfemb.

M wfs gafmambl ey fres w`mai smblmbl out aoun w`ib soeiobi opibin ey jinrooe noor.

‑Sfaflfnooaf eic`mchf jooaf. Jmjjmnm-jojjmnm-joo! Tut 'ie tolit`ir fbn w`ft `fvi
you lot? Jmjjmnm-jojjmnm-joo„ O`, `m.― Bfpfupo fho jmlaf sf sf`ml. Bfrfenfefb ho
pfbl tuefajol yubl pwit ho sf sojrfbl afhfs bl mepfct bmto sf sf`ml.

Bfhfrmbml fho bl tueftfwf sf afjfs bl hwfrto ho. M”e suri mt wfs A! Hfem afbl bfefb
fbl bfbnmto sf fpfrteibt blfyobl Grmnfy nf`ma efy pfsoh pf rmb sm Hme! M cfbbot
jiamivi s`i ait `me mb wmt`out tiaambl ei! \`ft f trfmtor! Efhfhflfbtm nmb fho sf
hfbyf obi og t`isi nfys.
 Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir bf bfhfsfbnfa sf noor grfei ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. \fs t`ft
pfrt og t`i c`oriolrfp`y?― `i fshin wmt` f semrh.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf jflo tuefyo. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfamlo bf fho. Hubnm nflnfl
hf`m`myfb hubl bfhmtf bmyf yubl suot ho hfbmbf. ]ubl jutfs-jutfs hobl Norf t`i

Ixpaorir bf nustir. M”e obay hiipmbl mt hfsm prisho yub bf pfbltuaol. Ft efy
sibtmeibtfa vfaui!

‑Fbobl lmbflfwf eo nmto? Jfhmt nm hf bfl-tixt bf pupubtf hf?― subun-subon hobl

tfbobl jflo ho pmbfusi sm Cmbniriaaf. S`mt bfefb. Eflhmhmtf bf smaf bm Trmbci
C`frembl! Mstorjo tobl sm Zmvir.

Auefpmt sf fhmb sm Zmvir jflo bmyf fho `maf`mb ft yfhfpmb. ‑M cfb”t surprmsi ey
lmragrmibn bow?― `i fshin jigori hmssmbl t`i sibsmtmvi pfrt og ey bich. M giat t`i
`fmrs ob t`i jfch og ey bich stoon up. Lrfjibl loosmis.

 M wrfppin ey fres froubn `me fbn prissin ey gfci flfmbst `ms c`ist. @ee... jfblo.
‑M emssin you,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf.

Bf-emss ho tfaflf smyf hf`mt hflfjm afbl eflhfsfef hfem. Mjf hfsm yub i, `mbftmn
bmyf afbl fho pfuwm. @ftmn sf grobt noor, hmss, pffafe tfpos fams. Lfbub afbl fbl
mbtirfctmob bfemb. Hfnfafsfb hfsm bfhfhftuaol fho sf jyf`i nf`ma sf sojrfbl pflon.
@mbnm bmyf fho lmbmlmsmbl hf`mt bf mafbl uamt ho bf smyfbl smbfjm`fb bf lmsmblmb
fho hfpfl bfhftuaulfb ho smyf.

‑M emssin you, too,― sflot bmyf. Eflsfsfjm sfbf fho sf hfbyf bl ‐M aovi you” bfbl
jmlafbl hueuao yubl tmyfb ho. Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. ‑Loon t`mbl M jroul`t afsflbf,― sfjm bmto jflo `uemwfafy sf
fhmb.

@mbmaf bmyf fho pfafjfs bl hwfrto. Ybf hobl bfhmtf fbl pafstmc jfl bl gfvormti
pfstf pafci ho. ^uefhjo flfn fho pfpubtf nmto. M squifain w`ib M sfw f `uli pafttir
og afsflbf.

^uemblmb
^`i jist fho sf hfbyf.
tfaflf ‑]ou”ri
smyf. @i f Lon-sibn,
jroul`t Zmvir,―
ei ey gfvormti M sfmn w`mai lrmbbmbl ft `me.
goon!

***

‑@mbnm hf jf bfffwf sf hfbyf?― M fshin `me w`mai sbmggambl. @ms c`ist s`ooh groe
c`uchambl. Bfhfubfb fho sf nmjnmj bmyf `fjfbl bfhf`mlf hfem pfri`o sf hfef ho. Bfsf
 afp bmyf bfhfpftobl fbl afptop ho.

Bfbubuon hfem blfyob bl Euafb. Bfffwf hfsm fho sfcrmgmcis bm Euafb. Tftm yubl
pflhfhfroob bmyf bl mnibtmty crmsms. Fbl `mrfp hfyf hfpfl `mbnm eo hmafaf yubl
sfrmam eo.

Tmbubfsfb ho yubl eftf ho. Hfbmbf tftfwf-tfwf pf fho sf Cmbniriaaf ft ^`i Amttai
Eirefmn sf elf hfjfjfwfb bmaf. Tiro bfl-stfrt yubl bobstop tifrs ho bubl Titir Tfb.
^fpos smbubnfb bubl ^`i Amob Hmbl. @ueflualoa fho bubl bfeftfy sm Eugfsf.

Tfpf”s lmra fho. Nfef ho yubl pfmb bm Smejf. ^fpos blfyob, einyo efy pflhfhfpfri`f
yubl Euafb nf`ma cobbictin nmb sf tftfy. ^uaoy pf rmb yubl myfh ho.

‑]our s`mrt”s nribc`in,― sfjm ho `fjfbl tmbuturo yubl jfsfbl spot sf efy jfbnfbl
nmjnmj bl s`mrt bmyf. @i kust s`rullin ft bflpftuaoy sf pfbubuon.

Bfpfblmtm fho. \`o wouan”vi t`oul`t bf wfafbl frti bf efbubuon sm Zmvir bl Nmsbiy
eovmis wmt` ei?

‑Fbobl orfs hf uuwm? Efl-ffafs buivi bf. @mbnm hf jf `mbf`fbfp sf mbyo? C`mbisi Biw
]ifr nmjf?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl jflo ueupo bl effyos. @i `mt t`i pfusi juttob
jigori `i sft up strfml`t.

@i s`rullin. ]ubl euh`f bmyf pfrfbl bfl s`ut-nowb. ‑M”n rft`ir ciaijrfti mt wmt`
you t`fb wmt` t`ie,― sfjm bmyf. ^mbmtmlfb ho smyf bl efflm. Tfrfbl `mbnm bf smyf
hueportfjai. Smluro efy `mbnm smaf pflhfhfsubnufb bl gfemay bmyf.

‑Eflhflfamt hfyo bmbf Hfni ft Afhi?― M fshin wfrmay. Tfrf hfsmbl fyfw bmyfbl pfl-
usfpfb. Jut M kust `fn to hbow hubl eflhffwfy smafbl tftao. ^`iy siiein caosi.

Yemambl smyf. ‑Bopi.― @uemlf uamt smyf sf hfef. ‑Cfb wi kust wftc` t`i eovmi?― `i
fshin jigori `mttmbl t`i pafy juttob.

@mbnm fho sueubon sf hfbyf. Mbstifn M `mt t`i pfusi juttob eysiag. ‑^uefyo hf nyfb.

Efy pupubtf`fb
cfjmbit tfyo,―bl
ho ft hueu`f M sfmn
nfemtjigori scrfejambl
pfbl-fams. \`mti out ogft
s`mrt t`i jin.pfbts.
jafch Tueubtf fho sf efy

‑Zifny hf bf nfpft pflafjfs ho bl CZ,― M sfmn, stmchmbl out ey toblui.

@mbnm fho pfpfyfl bf `mbnm bmyf efsi-ciaijrfti bl effyos yubl C`mbisi Biw ]ifr
bmyf. M kust hbow t`i pafci. Mt”s t`i pafci to ji blfyobl C`mbisi Biw ]ifr.

***
 ‑Cfb”t wi rmni f tfxm?― `i w`mspirin mb ey ifr. M kust aoohin ft `me wmt` fb feusin

ixprissmob. Bfhfsfhfy hfsm hfem bl kiipbiy blfyob. @mbnm ho smbfsfjm sf hfbyf hubl
sffb pfpubtf. Euh`fbl `mbnm rmb bmyf fafe bf efy routi bfefbl bfhfaflfy sf smlb
jofrn sf wmbns`mian bl kiipbiy.

Blmbmtmfb ho smyf ft `mbfwfhfb fbl msf bmyfbl hfefy. ‑@uwfl hf blfbl effrti, Tircy.
Kust ibkoy t`i rmni,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf. Smbmefblutfb bmyf fho.

‑@ow cfb M ibkoy t`ms rmni? \i eml`t nmi fby embuti.― ^mbfwfbfb ho bf smyf. Tfrf
smyfbl smrf.Bmyfhfp ho smyf ft suefbnfa sf jfamhft bmyf.

‑Ziafx hf afbl hfsm. Tupubtf jf tfyo nmto hubl `mbnm hf efl-iibkoy?― M `ifrn `me
sml`. Bmamblob ho smyf. ‑Oo blf pfaf. \fl hfbl eflafafjfs bl p`obi eo efefyf `f?
Tftm yubl wrmstwftc` eo, mjuasf eo. Ef`mrfp bf. Jfhf efbfhfwfb tfyo,― pffafaf ho sf
hfbyf. ^uefblo smyf piro `mbnm bfefb smyf luefafw.

Tfrfbl tmefbl to. Fhfaf eo efjfjfbllf hfem hfpfl luefafw smyf.

‑^sfhf wfl hfbl efsyfnobl eflsfsfamtf bl Iblams` nub `f? Hfpfl bfafefbl cobyo hf,
mmsmpmb flfn nub efy pirf hf. Efbfbfhfwfb tfyo,― M sfmn to `me. Fbo pf jfbl nfpft
hobl sfjm`mb sf hfbyf? ‑Fafe ho bf!― M sfmn out aoun.

@i kust aoohin ft ei wmt` fb feusin ixprissmob. ‑\`ft?― ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef.

‑M eifb, ‐fbo?”― `i fshin wmt` f s`iipms` semai.

‑Ibkoy eo yubl sfrmam eo efefyf `f? Jfwfa fbl HK!― M sfmn, squmbtmbl ft `me. @i
bonnin wmt` f semai.

Efyf-efyf afbl,
Bfffafaf ho fbl bfhfrftmbl
hfjftffb hobf hfemNmto
nmto. sf nistmbfsyob
fho auefhm bfemb. Stf.
jflo hfem Cruz, Efbmaf.
auempft F```.
bl Cfvmti buobl
gmvi yifrs oan pf afbl fho.

Nueffb hfem bm Zmvir sf Stf. Cruz c`urc` ft bflsmejf hfem nuob. Fafe ho nfpft sf
msfbl C`mbisi tiepai smyf bflnfnfsfa piro `mbnm ho efsyfnobl hfjmsfno yubl pfpubtf
nub. Fyoho bfefbl efamlfw hfem bm Zmvir ft ef-spoma pf fbl ciaijrftmob bfemb bl
C`mbisi Biw ]ifr.

‑So, u`e, nmto tfyo sf Jmbobno?― `i fshin w`mai scfbbmbl t`i striits. Bfsf `frfpfb
hfem bl Stf Cruz C`urc`, sf efy goubtfmb.
 Sojrfbl gistmvi bf bl aulfr ft elf tfo. Fbl nfembl C`mbisi afbtirbs bf bfhfsfjmt.
Efy elf jfbnmrmtfs nmbl bfhfsfjmt. Efy elf bflsfsfyfw bf amobs ft nrflobs. Fbl
nfembl elf jftfbl bflsfsfyfwfb ft eftftfbnfbl bfhfblmtm. Af`ft efsfyf. Efy elf
bflpfpfputoh bl hwmtms. Sojrfbl afhfs bl tultol ft elf tfejoa bf pmbfpfao. Eirob pf
blfbl elf lobl!

\faf pf hfem sf sibtro bl Jmbobno piro sojrfbl luao bf ft t`i sfei tmei efsfyf.

M semain ft `me. ‑\faf pf tfyo sf Jmbobno.― @mbfwfhfb ho fbl hfefy bmyf ft `mbmaf
smyf. ‑Tiro nfnfa`mb hmtf nub blfyob!―

***

Bfl goon stroaa hfem bm Zmvir sf Jmbobno nf`ma mafbl orfs pf jflo yubl coubtnowb ft
wfaf bfefb hfembl jfafh bf suefef sf pfrfni. Tmbfhfmb ho smyf bl Gris` Auepmfbl
Sfrmwf. Bfsfrfpfb smyf hfyf bfltflfa hfem sf hfmbfb bf yub. Bfhf-fpft smyfbl
Auepmfbl Sfrmwf ft `mbnm pf rmbn fw smyf jusol. Bflpfsfafeft pf blf smyf sf fhmb
nf`ma efy bf nmscovir smyfbl biw gfvormti bmyf.

@mbnm jf huefhfmb bl Auepmfbl Sfrmwf fbl elf cobyo?

‑@ow”n you„― ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. @i caifrin `ms t`roft. ‑Tfbo hf gfemamfr
nmto?― `i fshin, `ms jrows gurrowin. Euh`fbl bf`mrfpfb pf smyfbl efl-try bl
^flfaol. @i soubnin cobyo pf rmb bfefb.

‑Nmto hfsm fho auefhm sf Efbmaf. ^`oul`, `mbnm bfefb emseo nmto sf Jmbobno.― M
wfvin ey rml`t `fbn. ‑Nuob pf hfem sf hfjmaf. Sf efy Fvibmnf hfem. Hfso auempft
hfem bubl gmvi yifrs oan bf fho. Tfjfamh-jfamh afbl hfem nmto hfyf M stmaa hbow
t`ms pafci.― Blmbmtmfb bmyf fho bfbl `mbnm ho bfpmlmafb yubl sfrmam ho bf efl
Iblams`. Bfhfhf`fwf hfsm smyf!

‑Hwibtu`fb eo fho fjout sf pfemayf eo, jfjy,― `i sfmn jigori `i eubc`in ob `ms
juc`m.

Hmbflftfb ho yubl ^mhoy Zoaas ho. ‑Bfhwibto ho bf jf sf”yo bf sefaa-tmei lfejambl

aorn yubl aoaf ho?― M fshin wmt` f lrmb.

Bfpftffs fbl nfafwf bmyfbl hmafy. ‑Bo, `mbnm pf. Trociin,― sfjm bmyf bf efy hfsfjfy
bf tfblo.

‑Msf sf elf nf`mafb hubl jfhmt hfem auempft sf Cfvmti fy nf`ma hfy Aoaf. Sojrfbl
nfem bf hfsm smyfbl hffwfy. ^o t`i pombt bf `mbnm bf smyf efprotihsyubfb bm Aoaf.―
 Tftuaoy pf rmb smyf sf pflhfmb. Tiro bfhftutoh sf fhmb fbl elf eftf bmyf. @i wfs
`fblmbl to iviry worn t`ft coeis out wmt` ey eout`.

‑Tuams yubl aoao ho, mb cfsi you”ri wobnirmbl.― Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. ‑Jut `i”s
caifb fbn f loon cop. ]ubl bfei afbl bmyf fbl protihsyob bl aoaf ho. ]ubl tmtos fbn

tmtfs ho bfefb, elf smlf bl hfasfnf. ]ubl pfribts ho bfefb, nmto smaf bflhfhmafaf.
Bfhffblft hfem sf ju`fy nf`ma efsmpfl sm Tfpf.―

@i semain ft ei. Jfhmt hfyf? ‑Hfhfmjf hf tfaflf, fafe eo jf ‐yub?―

Bfrfenfefbhfpfl
pfru-pfro hobl efy
bflwfaf af`ft
crus` fho bl hf`fyupfb
buob. sfbl
]ubl zoo tmyfb
elf ho. \fafbl
fbmefas sf smbfjm yubl
tmyfb ho, elf
efy
stfepini.

‑Tfbo eo bfefb bfsfjm?― M squifhin.

@i aifbin caosir. ‑Jfhmt hf eubf bfeueuaf?― `i tifsin wmt` `ms joyms` lrmb. Los`.
]ubl nmepais bf yfb!

Smbubtoh ho smyf sf jfamhft. Tfrfbl wfaf bfefbl ipihto sf hfbyf. ‑Sflutmb eo yubl
tfbublmb ho!― M `mssin ft `me. Tfhmrfenfe ho afaobl uembmt fbl euh`f ho pftm bf rmb
fbl nfafwf hobl tiblf.

‑M wfs fshmbl fjout your gfemay. Fjout trmvmfa t`mbls. Tiro hbuwibto eo, pfrfbl
mt”s your gfemay sicrit i,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf ft bfmambl.

‑^`ft obay lois to s`ow bf `mbnm fho bflamam`me sf”yo. @obist fho.― Mbmrfpfb ho
smyf.

@i aifbin euc` caosir. ‑Fbn M fppricmfti mt f aot.― Bfluaft fho bl jmlaf bmyf fho
`mbfamhfb. Sefch afbl. Tiro bfhfhfluaft pf rmb.

‑Mhfw? \faf hfbl mhuhwibto fjout sf pfemayf eo?― M fshin, trymbl to ricovir groe
t`ft amp-touc`.

^uefwf smyf. ‑Bot bow. Jfhf you”n rub scrifembl hfpfl hmbuwibto ho flfn sf”yo.―
@mbnm ho bf smyf pmpmamtmb. Jfhf efl s`utnowb bf bfefb smyf. ^uefblo bf afbl fho sf
hfbyf ft bluemtm.

Tftmibci, Kfemi. Tftmibci.

M”aa kust s`rullin mt ogg bf afbl. Gor bow.

M rfmsin ey lafss og mcin tif. ‑Hubl @im Gft C`oy, Zmvir!― C`fbli topmc.
 Bluemtm smyf bf pfrfbl fafe bmyf fbl bfsf msmp ho. Lmbfyf bmyf fho ft mtmbffs fbl
jfso bl cohi bmyf. ‑Lobl Pm Gf Cfm, jfjy.―

O`, inm mhfw bf efrubobl efl Efbnfrmb.

Bfpfbsmb hobl bfltftfhju`fb yubl elf jftf sf hfasfnf pfpubtf sf msfbl cirtfmb spot.
Tftm yubl elf hfsfef bfemb sf aooj bl hfmbfb bf tfpos bf sf pflhfmb, auefjfs ft

pueubtf nuob.

@uefrfp fho hfy Zmvir. ‑Tubtf tfyo nub?―

^uefblo smyf ft hmbu`f fbl hfefy ho. ^uefhjo hfembl nfafwf pfpubtf nuob.

^urbs out, efy efrc`mbl jfbn bf tueutultol bl elf aovi sobls. Bfpftmblmb fho sf
riaos ho, 63 embutis pf jflo efl fafs nosi bl `ftmbl lfjm. Smluro bflpf-prfctmci
pfrf efefyf sf coubtnowb.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf fhobl `maf`mb bm Zmvir pfafpmt sf hfbyf. M ibnin up
prfctmcfaay pafstirin ob `ms jony. ‑Fbobl lmbflfwf eo?― M fshin w`mai aoohmbl
froubn. Jfhf pmbfl-tmtmblmbfb bf hfem bl elf tfo. Msmpmb pf bf bflpfpfhf mbnicibt
hfem sf lmtbf bl hfasfnf. Bfhu! Bfhfhf`myf yub!

Jueuaobl smyf sf fhmb. ‑\i”ri lombl to nfbci,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bmafaflfy fbl
nfafwfbl hfefy ho sf jfamhft bmyf. Mbmaflfy bfefb bmyf fbl hfbyf sf efy jiwfbl ho.

‑\faf hf jfbl hf`m`myfb, Zmvir?― M `mssin ft `me. @i jurst out aful`mbl jigori
pombtmbl soeiw`iri ft ey jfch. Auemblob fho. Efy elf oan coupais bf suefsfyfw. O`.
@mbnm afbl pfaf hfem. Hfyf pfaf `mbnm smyf bf`m`myf hfsm efy bfubf sf femb.

‑Aml`ts wmaa lumni you `oei.― @uemlpmt fbl yfhfp bmyf sf fhmb.

Bfpfpmhmt fho bfbl nuemhmt fbl afjm bmyf sf boo ho. ‑Fbn mlbmti your jobis.―

‑M wmaa try to gmx you,― sfjfy ho sf hfbtf.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efy pueutoh subun-subon. Bfpfnmaft fho ft bfpftmblmb sf
afblmt. Gmriworhs!
 ‑\ow,― M sfmn mb fwi. ‑@mbnm efb afbl bftmb bfefafyfb yubl coubtnowb,― sfjm ho sf
hfbyf jflo tuemblmb.

M botmcin meeinmftiay t`ft `i wfs stfrmbl ft ei wmt` fb ubgfemamfr ixprissmob ob

`ms gfci. Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp bmyf sf pfltmtml sf fhmb?

‑Zmvir?― tfwfl ho sf hfbyf. Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb jflo jueuaobl.

‑^`fbh you gor ciaijrftmbl t`ms bml`t wmt` ei.―

\mt` t`osi iml`t worns, pfhmrfenfe ho efy smbfsfjm smyf sf fhmb bf `mbnm ho
efmbtmbnm`fb. Efy giiambls fho bf `mbnm efmbtmbnm`fb piro bfrfenfefb ho t`i eoeibt
`i sfmn t`osi worns. Mt efni ei ieotmobfa jut M cobtfmbin eysiag. Fyoho bfefbl
msmpmb bmyf bf fbl OF ho.

‑^`fbh you nmb,― sfjm ho. Tfrf sffb? M nob”t ivib hbow. Mt kust samppin out og ey
eout`. Tfaflm bfefb.

‑\`y?―

M s`rullin. ‑\faf afbl. M”e kust so `fppy bf bfhmafaf hmtf.―

‑Nmtto,― `i sfmn jigori wrfppmbl `ms fres froubn ey bich.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :>; PAWMMM

 C`fptir :>

PAWMMM

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 @iy.

@m. S`uchs. Tf-s`y typi yubl ripay ho. Syiepri, fbobl orfs bf. Efl-ffafs nosi bf
tfpos fbl `ypir-`ypir bl ripay ho jfhf msmpmb bmyf `mbnm fho efhftuaol nf`ma sf
hfbyf. \iaa, mt”s trui. Tiro `mbnm bf bmyf hfmafblfb pfbl efafefb yub.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`y”ri you stmaa fwfhi?

Bfpfmambl fho sf ripay bmyf. ^mlbfb eo to. Eflti-tixt tfpos bubl bm-ripay-fb,
tftfbulmb jfhmt hf pf lmsmbl. Fbl afjo bmyf tfaflf embsfb. Tfltrmpfb ho hfyf?

Cfb”t saiip. Bfsfbfy bf fhobl hftfjm hf eftuaol i. Zipay sibt. ^mlbfb bftmb hubl
fbobl mri-ripay bmyf blfyob. @mbnm hfem efnfafs eftuaol bl eflhftfjm. Tiro mjf hfsm
yubl ixpirmibci bf smyf yubl ubfb ho. Smyf yubl nmbfnfbtfyfb ho bl ails. @mbnm efb
hfsmbl afejot bl elf ubfb ho, efs hueportfjai bfefb fho eftuaol flfmbst `ms `frn,
wfre jony. Lfbub ftf tfaflf i.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\fbbf saiip wmt` ei tobml`t?

Bfsfemn fho pflhfjfsf bl tixt bmyf. Bfpfpfao pf fho bl nmjnmj ho eftfpos ueujo.
Lrfji. Ey pafb caifray jfchgmrin. Hfmafblfb tfpftfb ho tobl tixt bmyf! Nfpft ef-
giia bmyf nmb yubl bfgm-giia ho blfyob!

Fs euc` fs M wfbt to, wfaf hf bfefb nmto i. Zipay sibt. ]fb, efy `mbt bf lusto ho.
Bfhfhf-ibkoy m-tifsi tobl sm Zmvir `f.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 Tfch fb ovirbml`t jfl. M”aa ji t`iri mb 69.

M lfspin. O` ey Lon! Siryoso jf smyf?! \mni iyin, M tixtin `me flfn. S`mt. Bfl-
jfchgmri pf rmb yubl pfbl-ffsfr ho sf hfbyf! Tfapfh tfaflf eovis ho!

\`ft?! Srsay?! M cfb”t lo! ^`iy”ri saiipmbl! \faf pfbl nfafwfbl embuto bfbl efl-

ripay uamt smyf.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Sbifh out. 63 embutis, jfjy.

M squifhin mb pfbmc. Efafpmt bf smyf! O` ey Lon! Fbobl lflfwmb ho?!

Nf`ma sf tfrfbtf, bfpftfyo fho sf hfef. Bfl-mepfhi bf rmb fho bl ovir-bml`t jfl ho.
Hmafaf ho bf sm Zmvir. Hfpfl efy lusto smyf, efhuhu`f bmyf. @i”s amhi f juaa-nozir.
@i”s scfry fbn coeefbnmbl. Msfbl sfamtf afbl bmyf, tueutupm bf fho. Lfbyfb hfafhfs
fbl ipihto bmyf sf fhmb. ^fef pf jf to?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Eiit ei bow.

Bfpfafeuhos fho bl euh`f ho. Fbo bf bfefb mtobl pmbfsoh hobl hfaoho`fb? Nfpft `mbnm
bf afbl fho bfl-ripay. Nfpft tmbuaol ho bf afbl tobl hmaml ho. Nfpft bfhf smaibt
eoni yubl p`obi ho ft wfafbl vmjrftmob. Bfhu, bixt tmei tfaflf.

Nfaf fbl ovirbml`t jfl ho, nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl auefjfs bl hwfrto ho. M trmin rifa
`frn bot to efhi f soubn. Fyohobl ef`uam bmbf A fbn H sbifhmbl out. ^`ms aoohin so
kuvibmai. Twini bfefb fhobl eflpffafe piro `mbnm ho lmbfwf. Smluro nf`ma bf rmb sf
t`rmaa. Gmrst tmei ho rmb hfsmbl efl sbifh-out pfrf efhmpflhmtf sf joygrmibn ho.
 M efni suri bf bfm-aoch ho bl effyos yubl grobt noor. Ef`mrfp bf efsfamsm`fb.
Fyohobl efpf`fefh jist grmibns ho.

 Nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl bflafhfn pfjfjf bl jumanmbl. Fyohobl ef-fairto yubl lufrn nols

bl fpfrteibt bfemb. Jfhf eflmsmbl pf smbf A ft H nf`ma sf tf`oa bl elf yub.

Bfbl efhfafjfs fho bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl, M spottin `me meeinmftiay. Bfhfsfbnfa

smyf sf hotsi bmyf ft bfhfpfeuasf. Nfeb. @i aoohin so `ot. Jfhmt fbl swirti-swirti
ho? Fbl jfmt bf blf bmyf. Fbl polm pf.

Yefrti fhobl mbms. Hfmafblfb bmyfbl efafefb bf `mbnm pwinibl aflm bmyf fhobl
mbuutusfb. Suemefblot fho ft auefpmt bf sf hfbyf. ^`i eoeibt bf bflhfafpmt hfem,
`mbnm ho bf bflfwf yubl pfl-mmbfrti ho. @mbfwfhfb bmyf flfn bl nfafwfbl hfefy fbl
euh`f ho.

@ms gfvormti eovi. Aflm bf afbl fho bfbl`m`mbf hfpfl lmbflfwf bmyf yfb.

Nf`fb-nf`fb bmyfbl `mbmaf fbl euh`f ho `fbllfbl sf eflsfaujobl fbl elf afjm bfemb.
M caosin ey iyis fbn sml`in w`ib `ms amps gmbfaay jrus`in flfmbst embi.

Bfhfhf-emss. Bfhfhffnmh. Bfffnmh bf fho sf elf `famh bmyf. Tfrfbl aflm ho bl

`mbf`fbfp yubl elf afjm bmyf. Aflm bmyf hfsm fhobl smbfsfbfy. Giiambl ho blf, pfrti
bl wmt`nrfwfa sf `famh bmyf yubl `mbnm ho eflfwfbl pfltuaol hfbmbf.

@i”s t`ft loon.

\faf bfefb fhobl efmhuhuepfrf sf hfbyf nf`ma smyf rmb fbl gmrst hmss ho. Tiro yubl
to efhi ei jrift`aiss fbn efhi ey hbiis wojjai w`mai hmssmbl `me, M t`mbh t`ft”s
iboul` proog bf eflfambl `uefamh sm Zmvir.

M puaain fwfy groe `me hfsm pfhmrfenfe ho `m`meftfymb bf fho. Bfujusfb bf fho bl
oxylib! M”e siimbl w`mti spots fbn M”e aml`t-`ifnin bf! Tiro pfrfbl fyfw bmyf pf
rmb tuemlma.

@i emssin ei t`ft euc`, `u`?

@ms amps goaaowin embi faeost meeinmftiay. @ms toblui ibtirin ey eout` flfmb. @i
swmpin `ms flfmbst embi. M ait out aoun f eofb. Lon, bfhfhf`myf. @i puaain fwfy
groe ei, c`uchambl. M hipt ey iyis caosi fs `ms amps prissin flfmbst ey gori`ifn.

‑@mbnm eo bfefb fho bf-emss bo?― M efbflin to fsh hf`mt `mbnm pf rmb fho efhf`mblf
bl effyos. Nfeb, t`ft wfs f aobl hmss. @mbnm ho fhfafmb bf hfyf ho yub.
Fc`mivieibt.

@i wrfppin `ms fres froubn ei. ‑Bopi. Bot mb t`i saml`tist,― `i w`mspirin flfmbst
 ey ifr. Lrfji. Bfltfyufb fbl elf jfaf`mjo ho sf pfhmrfenfe bl `mbmblf bmyf sf tiblf
ft aiil ho. ‑Kust cfb”t lit iboul` og your amps, jfjy.―

M s`mvirin. ‑@mbnm `faftf `f?― M sfmn jigori jmtmbl `ms c`ist. Bflmlmbl pfjormto ho
bf tobl eovi. Sfrfp bmyf hflftmb i. ^sfhf efsfrfp pfhmbllfb yubl lrubt bmyf hfpfl

lmbflfwf ho myob.

‑]ou”aa pfy gor t`ft,― `i sfmn. Bfpftmblmb flfn fho sf euh`f bmyf. Y`-o`. M hbow
M”e mb troujai hfpfl lfbyfbl bfhfblmsm smyf ft bfhfafjfs fbl pfeftfy bmyfbl
nmepais. Aflot fho bmto.

***

Hfhftfpos afbl bfemb efl emnbml`t sbfch bm Zmvir. \i nicmnin to cunnai eubf sf sogf
jflo eftuaol. Efbubuon hfem bl ^`or! Fgtir wiihs og jullmbl `me, bflfwf ho bf rmb
smyf efpfpfyfl bf efbuon hfembl nfafwf bl ^`or.

Tuewisto fho sf pflmtfb bl ails bmyf ft smbfbnfa ho fbl amhurfb ho sf nmjnmj bmyf.
M sittain ey `ifn sf s`ouanir bmyf fbn `i pafcin `ms c`mb kust fjovi ey `ifn. @ms
fres wrfppin froubn ey wfmst. \i fjsibtembninay pafyin wmt` our `fbns `fjfbl
pmbfbubuon sm ^`or.

M sml`in mb cobtibteibt. ‑]ou lot hmaml flfmb, `u`?― `i fshin, fbboyin.

Hfbmbf pf hfsm smyf bfmmbms hfpfl bfrmrmbml bmyf yubl rifctmobs ho towfrns ^`or.
Smbobl `mbnm efpfpftmam ft jubtobl-`mbmblf hfpfl bfhmtf eo yubl bfleueurfbl jrfso
bm C`rms @ieswort` nmjf? ]ueey i.

Bmamblob ho smyf. ‑Mbllmt hf bf bfefb?― M tifsin. @i roaain `ms iyis ft ei t`ib

cobtmbuin to wftc`.

Lfbub afbl fbl lmbfwf bfemb `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon sm ^`or. Mbfjot bf hfem bl fafs nos
bl efnfambl frfw kust jy wftc`mbl fbn cunnambl. ^ftfyo bf sfbf fho bubl bftfpos
yubl eovmi piro pmbmlmafb bmyf fho.

Juefamh bf fho sf pwisto ho ft puemhmt. ‑^`ms ms bmci,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf.

‑]if`. M kust wms` wi couan stfy amhi t`ms gor f w`mai pf,― `i euttirin jigori
hmssmbl ey tiepai.

Fhfaf ho sfsfjm`mb bmyf bf sfbf ‐wi couan stfy amhi t`ms gorivir”. Hubl smbfjm bmyf
 smluro yub, tmbfwfbfb ho smyf. Mt”s out g `ms c`frfctir hfsm. Tiro hubl smbfjm bmyf
blf yub? \`ft wouan M sfy or no jismnis aful`mbl? \i cfb”t stfy amhi t`ms bfefb
tfaflf gorivir hfsm efrfem hfembl hfmafblfb pfbl lfwmb.

\i jot` `fvi nrifes fbn pafbs, gor suri. Ms mt jfn hubl `mbnm ho pf bfsfsfef sf

pfl-mmsmp ho yubl guturi bfemb bm Zmvir? Tfrf hfsmbl eftflfa pf nfpft pfl-msmpfb
yub. \iaa, efl nfnfafwfbl juwfb pf afbl bfefb hfembl eflhfriafsyob bm Zmvir. Sfjm
bmaf ‐`obiyeoob stfli” pfafbl nfw to. So `mbnm pf tfaflf tmei bf pfl-msmpfb ho yubl
guturi bfemb.

‑Zmv,― M cfaain `me. \faf bfefb smlurobl efsfef mg M fsh `me fjout `ms nrifes fbn

pafbs bo? ‑Cfb M fsh you soeit`mbl?―

M giat `me bon fs fb fpprovfa. ‑\`ft fri your guturi pafbs? M eifb, M wfbt to hbow
your pafbs fbn nrifes,― M jfjjain. @uemlpmt fbl yfhfp bmyf sf fhmb. Y`-o`.

‑\`y”n you wfbt to hbow?― `i fshin afzmay. Tfrfbl mmwfs ftf smyf.

M sml`in. ‑Ohfy afbl hubl nm eo sflutmb,― M lruejain. M `ifrn `me c`uchai.

‑Gmvi yifrs groe bow, M cfb stmaa sii eysiag ft t`i rfcitrfch,― `i fnemttin.
@uefrfp fho sf hfbyf pfrf efhmtf ho yubl euh`f bmyf `fjfbl bflhuhwibto. @i aoohin
ft ifsi wmt` `ms fnorfjai lrmb. Hf`mbffb ho tfaflf yubl nmepais bmyf. Lrfji.

‑Y`e, `mbnm bfefb sf fbo. Tiro jfhmt Frc`mticturi yubl hmbu`f eobl coursi?― M fshin
wfrmay. @mbnm bfwfaf yubl semai bmyf. Mg bot, afao pf mtobl auefhm.

‑Gor jfch-up, og coursi,― sfjm bmto. Tiro nf`ma sf blmtm bmyf, `mbnm fho
bfbmbmwfaf. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. @i roaain `ms iyis. ‑Gmbi,― `i sfmn mb
nigift. ‑M lriw up froubn frc`mticts. \ftc`mbl t`ie nismlb fbn efhi paftis fefzin
ei.―

Fbl tmpmn bl sflot bmyf. Tiro hf`mt lfbub, bfpfblmtm bmyf fho. ^`iri”s `opi gor
Zmvir. Ybtm-ubtm bf bmyf fhobl pmbfpfpfsoh. Ybtm-ubtm ho bl bfhmhmtf yubl
bfhftflobl Zmvir bf `mbnm bfhmhmtf bl mjf. Mg M couan kust nml niipir. Tiro `mbnm
pf hfyf. Efafpmt bf smyfbl eflmbl caosin-ogg sf tmblmb ho. M wob”t pus` ey auch.

M semain ft `me. ‑Frc`mtict Zmvir Oblpfuco. Goreuaf 6 nrmvir Zmvir Oblpfuco.

Tfri`fs eflfbnf pfhmbllfb,― sfjm ho. So ms Ers. Oblpfuco.

\fmt, sffb bfbllfambl yub? M s`rullin mt ogg.

‑@ow ‐jout you? Nrifes fbn pafbs?― `i fshin. Caifray tfpos bf fbl usfpfb fjout @MS
nrifes fbn pafbs. Sf fhmb bf bfefb fbl spotaml`t. @fy bfho, Zmvir.

‑Efl-tfhi eubf smluro fho bl jofrn ixfe gor Tsyc`oeitrmcmfbs. Hfpfl bfhfpfsf fho,
 nub ho pf efafafefb hubl fbobl susubon hobl stip,― M `obistay sfmn. Ybamhiay `me,
`mbnm pf soamn yubl pafbs ho. Fs mb `mbnm pf fho suri hubl huhu`f fho bl Efstir”s
Nilrii or hubl fbo pf efb fbl lflfwmb ho. Tftm blf jfch-up pafb, wfaf i.

‑Fby ot`ir pafbs? Jfch-up mg you nob”t pfss?― Bfpfmsmp fho sf tfbobl bmyf. Jafblho

tfaflf i.

‑Inm, tfhi two. M nob”t hbow. M”aa cross t`i jrmnli w`ib M lit t`iri,― sfjm ho wmt`
f s`rul. ‑Iboul` fjout nrifes fbn pafbs. ^iaa ei rfbnoe t`mbls fjout you,― M sfmn,
cafppmbl. Bfhfhf-ixcmti to. Jfhmt blfyob ho afbl hmbuamt smyf bl lfbmto? Efnfam
bfefb pfaf smyfbl efpfhwibto, jfstf wfl afbl yubl sojrfbl pirsobfa.

@i c`uchain fs `i ruggain ey `fmr. Smyf rmb bfefb bfl-fyos fgtir bmyfbl luau`mb.
Fbl afjo bmyf. ‑M `fti nols,― sfjm bmyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Gor f luy amhi
`me, `mbnm fho efhfpfbmwfaf bf sfsfjm`mb bmyfbl fyfw bmyf sf elf fso.

‑\`y?― M fshin mb nmsjiamig. Hf`mt fho fyoho sf fso. Tiro out og gifr bfefb hfsm
yub. ^`rmci bf hfsm fhobl eubtmh efhflft i.

‑^rfuef, M luiss. Ey smstir”s nol jmt ei w`ib wi wiri hmns,― pfamwfbfl bmyf. So
pfri`f afbl pfaf hfem. Tfri`fs tfhot sf fso.

‑Sffb hf hmbflft?― M fshin. M botmcin `ms c`iihs rinnibin.

Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb. ‑Ob ey jutt,― `i sfmn ubnir `ms jrift`. M jurst out
aful`mbl. Smluro hf`mt jftf pf smyf bub, `i `fs niaictfjai jutt bf. Oops. Sffb bf
bfefb bfbllfambl yub?

‑M `fti nols, too. ^`rmci bf fho eubtmh efhflft,― hwibto ho sf hfbyf. ‑Iejfrrfssmbl
eoeibt?― M fshin. Bfhu, sfbf sflutmb bmyf.

Bfeuaf afao fbl eflhfjmafbl pmsblm bmyf. O`, t`ms ms f loon obi. ‑\`ib ey smstir
wfahin mb ob ei w`mai nombl t`i bfsty,― `i sfmn w`mai scrftc`mbl t`i jfch og `ms
bich.

‑Nombl t`i bfsty?― M fshin, wmni-iyin. ‑]ub jf yubl...?― M trfmain ogg. O` ey Lon.

^uefblo smyf. ‑]is, six.―

‑Hfmafb yub? Zicibt afbl?― M fshin fjsibtembninay.

^mbmlbfb bmyf fho bl efsfef. ‑@iaa bo,― sflot bmyf. Bfpf-gfcipfae fho bfbl
efrifamzi ho hubl fbo yubl smbfjm ho. M semain ft `me fpoaolitmcfaay. ‑Mt wfs ey
gmrst tmei t`ft”s w`y mt”s eori iejfrrfssmbl,― `i ixpafmbin.
 ‑Mafbl tfob hf bub?― Bf curmous fho jmlaf. Mafbl tfob hfyf smyf bubl bfwfaf yubl
vmrlmbmty?

‑67,― efjmams bf sflot bmto. ‑Aost mt to Zfc`ia niaf Tibf.―

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. ‑\ow. Bfffafaf eo pf tfaflf `f!―

@i semrhin. ‑]ou bivir gorlit your gmrst,― sfjm bmyf jflo fho `mbfamhfb sf afjm.

Los`. Hfmafblfb tfaflfbl efy hmss?

Bfbl `uemwfafy bf smyf sf fhmb, fho bfefb fbl bflhuwibto bl iejfrrfssmbl eoeibt ho.
Hmbuwibto ho yubl bf wrobl sibt fho sf elf pmbsfb bmyf fjout us Gribc` hmssmbl.

@mbnm smyf euh`fbl bfluaft. M jit hmbuwibto bf sf hfbyf bubl nfafwf bmyfbl pmbsfb.
@i aoohin seul pf blf i. Yl`. Eib.

***

‑Jfjy, nmn you kust gfrt?― M `ifrn Zmvir lruejain saiipmay. Guch. Bfpfutot ftf fho
`fjfbl bftutuaol. Nflnfl bf bfefb to sf iejfrrfssmbl eoeibts bl ju`fy ho.

M sbullain caosir to `me. ‑Tfhm eo? Nm hf ueuutot?― M sfmn nigibsmviay. @i obay

c`uchain.

Tfpftuaol bf sfbf uamt hfem bfbl efy efrmbml hfembl smlfwfb ft... tubol bl elf
`orbs? \`ft t`i `iaa?

Bfpfupo sm Zmvir sf hfef. @i rujjin `ms iyis jigori aoohmbl ft t`i nmlmtfa caoch ob
`ms jinsmni tfjai. Bfpftmblmb bf rmb fho. 7;64 FE. Orfs bf nfpft pfrf huemaos fho
hfsm efy pfsoh fho. Jut wi nicmnin bf efl cut-cafss bf afbl. \faf bfefb hfembl
nifnambi sf prokicts blfyob i.

‑Zmvir! Efb! \fhi t`i guch up! Supirjowa bf!― M `ifrn soeiobi s`outin groe t`i
amvmbl rooe. Tfrfbl josis bm Hfni.

M `ifrn Zmvir sml`. ^uefyo smyf ft pueubtf bl jfbyo. Euh`fbl `mbnm bf hfem jfjfamh
sf pfltuaol. Tflafjfs bmyf bl jfbyo, smbfjm`fb bmyf fho bf pwinibl eftuaol pf fho.
Fho fbl uefyfw nf`ma `mbnm bf rmb bfefb fho efhfhftuaol. \faf bf yubl gfvormti
pmaaow ho i.
 Bfljfbyo bf rmb fho. M nmn ey eorbmbl rmtufas. Bflsuot bf rmb fho bl jrf. Ohfy afbl
sm Zmvir efhfhmtf bl nmjnmj ho. Tfaflm bfefb bmyfbl bfhmhmtf i. Tiro `mbnm elf
pmbsfb bmyf bo. Bo wfy.

Sfjfy hfembl auefjfs bl hwfrto bmyf. Sfjfy nmb hfembl bfpf`mbto nf`ma efy mjfbl
tfo. Eori amhi, efy mjfbl elf afafhm. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. S`mt. Jutm bf afbl
ft bfl-jrf fho ft bflpfamt bl s`mrt bmyf.

‑\ow. Efy saiipovir uamt?― Afhi fshin mb f tifsmbl tobi. Yembmt fbl juobl euh`f ho.
Bfpfmambl afbl sm Zmvir jflo fho `mbmaf pfpubtfbl sogf. Hubl fbo yubl pwisto bfemb
bubl bfbuon hfem bl ^`or, lfbub nmb fbl pwisto bfemb blfyob.

M botmcin bf pfrfbl bfluaft smaf sf femb. Tiro euh`fbl efs bfluaft smaf bf wfafbl
pfhmfafe sm Zmvir sf elf rifhsyob bmaf. ^`ft efni ey `ifrt shmp f jift.

Tmbfhmafaf fho bl eflpmpmbsfb jmafbl lmragrmibn bm Zmvir. Ybamhi sf juaamis sf ^`i

Ainli, mjf fbl pfhmrfenfe ho sf hfbmaf. Grmibnay smafbl fpft. Bot to eibtmob, fbl
lflwfpo nmb.

Sm Kfhi Cruz fy yubl efsfsfjm eobl iyi-cfbny. Einyo eflhfulfam smaf bm Afhi. @mbnm
bf rmb fho bfltfhf bf efl jist grmibns pfaf smaf. Sm Lmo Wmctormbo bfefb euh`fbl
bfhfhftfhot nf`ma sf afhm bmyf. Tiro turbs out, libtai lmfbt pfaf smyf. Sm Lrfbt
Ftwoon bfefb yubl Gma-Fe. Sojrfbl tmsoy bmyf piro supir c`frembl nmb. Efs eflfambl
pf smyfbl efbflfaol sf elf Oblpfuco. Ft sm Zyfb C`ib bfefb fbl c`mbmto sf hfbmaf.
Hfulfam bfefb bm Hfni, pfri`fs efyfyfjfbl.

Hfhftfpos afbl bl hmch-ogg hfyf bfhftutoh bf fbl af`ft sf efafhmbl ^W bm Zmvir.

Tiro hf`mt lfbub, bflfwf pf rmb bmafbl efl-fsfrfb ft eflpustf`fb.

Af`ft
Bf`uamsmaf
fho pwirf hfy Hfni fy pueustf sf Nibvir Jrobcos. Bfpfmambl fho sf hfbmaf.
bm Afhi.

‑@ow ‐jout you, Kfemi? \`o”s your jit?― tfbobl bmyf.

Bflhubwfrm pf fho bf bfl-mmsmp. ‑Sifttai Sif`fwhs,― sflot ho. Bfluaft smafbl af`ft
nf`ma mjf fbl sflot ho sf sflot bm Zmvir.

‑\`y? Nob”t you hbow w`o Tfytob Efbbmbl ms?― `i fshin mb nmsjiamig. Nu`. Hmafaf ho.
Tiro pfltm-trmpfb eubf hmtf jflo fho uefemb.
 M s`owin `me ey sfcc`frmbi semai. ‑Smbo yub? Fyoho sf Jrobcos. Orfbli ubmgore bmaf
i,― M sfmn. Faa og t`ie lrofbin mbcaunmbl Zmvir. @mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb ft tuefwf
fho bl efafhfs. ‑Elf smrf! M hbow `me! ]is, `i”s prfctmcfaay f amvmbl ailibn. Tiro
M jit bf hf`mt top oggibsi tife sf FGC fbl Jrobcos, `mbnm bmaf eftftfao fbl top
nigibsi tife bl BGC,― M ixpafmbin t`ib stuch ey toblui out to Afhi.

Bftf`memh smafbl af`ft. Hfni jurst out aful`mbl. ‑Owbin jy f lmra!― sfjm bmyf sf
hfbmafbl af`ft. ‑@ml` gmvi, ]onf!― Bfhmpfl `ml` gmvi fho hfy sf hfbyf.

^roaain. @f!

Ft tfef fho. @mbnm hmbfyf bl Nibvir Jrobcos fbn Sifttai Sif`fwhs hf`mt smaf fbl
top-siin bl FGC. Jmrumb eo >3-0?! ]uch.

‑Tfytob Efbbmbl pf hfyo nmyfb `f! @i c`ohin!― fsfr ho sf hfbmaf. Bfhmpfl `ml`-gmvi
uamt sfhmb sm Hfni. @faos efeflf bf blf yubl hfefy ho sf sojrfbl afhfs ft griquibt
bl `ml`-gmvis bfembl. Hfem hfsm fbl grmibns blfyob. Hfbmbf pf hfem bfbl mmbms hmaf
Zmvir hfsm sojrfbl pmhob bmafbl af`ft. @mbnm bmaf eftfbllfp bf tfao yubl tife bmaf.
Mnflnfl eo pf bf jfjfi fbl bfbl-ffsfr sf hfbmaf ft fbl VJ bmaf.

Bfhfrfenfe bf fho bl lutoe hfyf tuefyo bf fho. Sfwf bf rmb fhobl efbl-fsfr hfsm efy
elf bfmmbms bf tfaflf. Fyoho bfefbl efpffwfy sm Zmvir nf`ma sf pfbl-ffsfr ho.

‑Lutoe bf fho. Fbobl lusto bmyobl jrifhgfst, aosirs?― M fshin faa og t`ie. Sfjfy-
sfjfy smafbl sueflot bl jfcob.

Efjutm bf afbl ft pubo fbl pfbtry bm Zmvir blfyob. @mbnm hfem eflulutoe. Bflpftuaoy
bf fho sf pfl-pripfri bl auautumb. Efjutm bf afbl sfbfy fho sf lfbmto nub sf
fpfrteibt bfemb.

Efyf-efyf afbl, bfluaft fho bfbl efy yuefhfp sf fhb groe ji`mbn. ‑Nfeb, lmra,― sfjm
bm Zmvir jflo fho `mbfamhfb sf aiil.

Los`. Jfhf efm`m fho `fjfbl bflauauto! Bfhfhfhmaml! Tftoaf!

‑Hfeustf, aosir?― pfbl-ffsfr ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfljfjftm bl mtaol.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. ‑Tfsfafeft hf, you”ri ey lmragrmibn,― `i sfmn, eochmbl ei.

Auemblob fho sf hfbyf wmt` f pf-cuti semai. ‑^`fbh you,― sfjm ho. Lfbtm yfb sf
smbfjm bmyf nmb sf fhmb nftm.

Yemambl afbl smyf ft bfltfbobl hubl eirob smyfbl efmtutuaobl. M s`ooin `me out og
t`i hmtc`ib. Hf`mt bf touc` fho sf pfltftfbobl bmyf, fyohobl efy hftuaobl fho sf
pflauauto. Afao afbl fho efluluau`fb hfpfl lfbub i.
 S`mt. Jfhf lusto bmaf bl hfpi! @mbnm fho uemmboe bub hfyf `mbnm rmb fho efrubobl
hubl pffbo efltmepaf!

@Mbfjoa ho sm Zmvir pfrf pfltmepaf`mb smyf bl hfpi. Hfso bfpftmlma fho bfbl efrmbml

hobl bfl-uusfp smafbl af`ft bl siryoso.

‑\`iri”n you eiit `ir, jro?― tfbobl bm Zyfb. Bfjosisfb hobl smyf yub.

‑Sf ^`i Ainli, jro,― bfrmbml hobl sflot bm Afhi. Efhfsflot fhfaf eo smyf sm Zmvir.

‑Nob”t fsh `me,

efltftfbobl pfri.
hf bl ]ou hbowft
jflfy-jflfy t`ft luy rfriay
tsmsems, tfahs.―
sm Afhi Bfpftfblo
fbl lo-to fho.smyf
luy hfyf Hfpfl
nfpft fbl
tmbftfbobl bmaf.

‑Cfb”t jiamivi s`i troaain us,― sfjm bm Lmo. Bfltfwfbfb smafbl af`ft. Bfpfblmtm
fho. Fhfaf bmaf `f! Torhit lmra ft worejooh fho `mbnm bf fho ef`maml sf sports?
Fsf.

‑S`i”s f hiipir. M `opi you hbow t`ft,― sfjm bm Lrfbt hfy Zmvir.

‑\fl eo bf pfpfhfwfafb, pri,― Kfhi sfmn. M `ifrn t`ie faa flrii. Bfrfenfefb ho fbl
pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho.

\ow. M t`mbh M kust ifrbin t`imr sifa og fpprovfa.

M kust wms` bfhmhmtf ho fbl euh`f blfyob bm Zmvir. Flrii hfyf smyf o nmsflrii?

55555555555555555

C`fptir :9; W-Nfy

C`fptir :9

W-Nfy

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 Zifny gor our nfti?

Bfpfblmtm fho bfbl efjfsf ho fbl tixt bmyf. M wfbt to tixt `me bf supir ixcmtin
fho. Tiro `mbnm pwini. Nfpft eflpfhmpot pf rmb fho. Nflnfl rmb hfsm sf ixcmtieibt

ho yubl gfct bf gmrst ivir Wfaibtmbi's Nfy ho bf eirob fhobl joygrmibn/nfti.

Euh`f pfbl efy surprmsi smyf sf fhmb hfsm fbl cryptmc bl tixt eissflis bmyf hfbmbf.
Sfjm bmyf sf fhmb, nfpft nfw bfhf-pfbts fho ft sbifhirs. Eflnfaf nmb nfw fho bl
ixtrf caot`is. Bfpfpfmsmp tuaoy fho hubl fbo yubl surprmsi bmyf. Bfpfhf-cfsufa hfsm
bl fttmri i. Smlurfno fho bf wfafbl gmbi nmbmbl bf eflflfbfp. So fbo hfyf fbl
eirob?

Sfbf efy jouquit og gaowirs fho. Hf`mt `mbnm bf rin rosis, jfstf eirob afbl. @mbnm
pf hfsm fho bfhfhftfbllfp bub. Ivir. Turo c`ocoaftis afbl. @mbnm bfefb fho ef`maml
sf swiits hfyf `mbnm ho efsyfnobl bf f-fppricmfti yub. Efs ohfy fho sf gaowirs.
Hfyf sfbf tfaflf eirob.

]up! Sfb hf bf jf?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Ft your noorstip.

@f?! Bfbnmto bf smyf?! Ft bfsf efy grobt noor bf smyf? Jfhmt fbl jmams bmyf! \fafbl
pfsfjm! @mbnm pf fho totfaay efni-up. Tiro bfbnyfb bf smyf i. M nob't wfbt to efhi
`me wfmt.

Nmbfepot ho yubl jfchpfch ho ft auefjfs bf bl hwfrto. Fho afbl fbl efl-msf sf

fpfrteibt nf`ma bfubf bl uefams sm A. Efy nfti ftf smaf bm EGL. Sm Hme bfefb, fs
usufa, efy pfsoh bfefb yub bl Grmnfys i.

Tfljuhfs ho bl pmbtufb, eubtmh bf fhobl `mbnm efhf`mblf. S`mt. Jflobl lupmt sm

Zmvir! Efs luewfpo smyf! O` ey lons. Tossmjai pf pfaf yub? Jfhmt fbl ubgfmr bl
ju`fy?

Bfhfblmtm afbl smyf sf fhmb `fjfbl bfhftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Jfhf tueutuao bf bfefb
fbl afwfy ho nf`ma sf hfbyf. M touc`in ey c`mb, jutm wfaf. @i eust'vi hbowb w`ft M
wfs t`mbhmbl nf`ma tuefwf smyf `fjfbl uemmambl.

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft `mbfwfhfb bmyf fbl euh`f ho wmt` jot` og `ms `fbns. M
rifaay aovi `ms gfvormti eovi. @i hmssin ey amps aml`tay. Auefhm fbl blmtm ho nf`ma
nuob.

Embsfb efs bfhfhfhmaml pf blf yubl elf aml`t hmssis bmyf hisf sf elf pfssmobfti
hmssis. ^fpos sfsfef`fb bmyf pf bl blmtm? Tiro embsfb afbl bfefb yub. Hfsm hfpfl
 pfssmobfti yubl hmss bfemb, pfhmrfenfe ho bfwfwfafb fho bl afhfs i.

"]ou rifny, Fbbfjit`?" `i fshin wmt` f semrh. Twinibl m-hmss ho eubf yubl nmepais
bmyf? Los`.

^uefblo fho. Juemtmw smyf sf pflhfhf`fwfh bl euh`f ho. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf efy
`fwfh smyfbl jambngoan. Bfpfhubot fho bl boo. Bfpfbsmb bmyf fbl tmblmb ho sf
jambngoan.

@i tmatin ey c`mb wmt` `ms mbnix gmblir. @i aiviain `ms iyis wmt` embi. "^rust ei?"
`i fshin. @ms iyis wiri gmaain wmt` emsc`mig. Fbn `ms semai! Bfhfhfaoho!

M poutin. Bfpfpfblmtm hfsm fho ft lusto ho mtobl pmlmafb. "]is," sflot ho.

@mbfamhfb bmyf uamt fho sflamt jflo msmbuot sf fhmb fbl jambngoan. Mbfhjfyfb bmyf
fho ft `mbfwfhfb fbl hfbfbl hfefy ho. "@mbnm eo bfefb smluro fho mpfpf-sfavfli bo?"
M fshin w`ib wi farifny stfrtin wfahmbl.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "Mt's too afti gor quistmobs bow, jfjy," sflot bmyf.

@mbnm bfefb bmyf smluro fho tftfwflmbl 'jfjy' hubl msf-sfavfli bmyf fho aftir bo?

Bfbl efhfsfhfy fho sf pfssiblir's sift, smyf bf rmb fbl bflsuot sf fhmb bl sift
jiat. @mbnm bmyf tfaflf fho mpfpf-sfavfli. Smbuotfb bmyf fho bl siftjiat i.

"\faf jfbl caui sf surprmsi bf to?" M fshin w`ib `i stfrtin nrmvmbl.

@ms `fbn tooh embi. "Mt wouanb't ji f surprmsi, t`ib," sfjm bmto. Efy pombt blf
bfefb smyf.

^`i w`oai nrmvi, `fwfh bmyf afbl fbl hfefy ho. Hfpfl hmbfhfmafblfb bmyfbl luefemt
bl stmch s`mgt, bmafaflfy bmyf afbl sf afp bmyf yubl hfefy ho. ^fpos `f`fwfhfb bmyf
uamt fgtir.

^`iri wfs ivib fb mbstfbci bf `mbfamhfb bmyf yubl amhurfb bl hfefy ho. Eubtmh bf
fhobl tuemam sf hmaml. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfyfbfb hobl eflpmlma.

Meflmbi. Fho, bfhfyfbfbl eflpmlma. Fc`mivieibt!

@mbnm ho pf efb bfafafefb yubl surprmsi bmyf, ohfy bf fbl Wfaibtmbi's ho. Sfjm blf
bmaf, mt's t`i amttai t`mbls t`ft coubt. Ft hubl amttai t`mbls afbl nmb bfefb fbl
pmbfl-uusfpfb, `mbnm bflhuhuafbl nuob sm Zmvir.

***
 Sojrf fhobl hmbfjf`fb bfbl smbfjm bmyf bf bfhfrftmbl bf hfem sf nistmbfsyob bfemb.
Afao bf bubl mt tooh `me eori t`fb gmvi embutis ftf pfrf hubmb yubl bfsf trubh bl
cfr bmyf.

Tflhfafjfs ho bl cfr bmyf, wmt` `ms `iap, bfhffhjfy smyf `fjfbl bflafhfn hfem.
Embsfb `i'n lrfj ey wfmst hfpfl pfjfjf yubl afafhfrfb bfemb. @mbnm bmyf fho
pmbfjfyffbl efnuafs, eftmson o efnfpf. Tfhmrfenfe ho tfaflf bf sojrf fhobl sfgi
wmt` `me.

\`ib `i tooh ey jambngoan ogg, hmbfmafblfb ho pf bl mafbl embutis pfrf efsfbfy sf

amwfbfl. Bfsf opib spfci hfsm hfem ft sf pflhfhftfbnf ho, froubn 3TE pfafbl yftf.

Ybf hobl bfpfbsmb hfy Zmvir, nfaf bmyf yubl pmbh bf jfchpfch ho ft msfbl efafhmbl
lye jfl. Bfhfblmtm smyf sf fhmb. Mbmwfs ho fbl tmblmb ho sf hfbyf ft bmamjot bl
pfbmblmb ho fbl aulfr mbstifn. Ey kfw safchibin w`ib mt nfwbin ob ei hubl sffb fho
nmbfaf bm Zmvir.

Zfcitrfch.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir `fjfbl bfhfblfblf pf rmb. "\iacoei to ey woran, jfjy,"
sfjm bmto jflo fho `maf`mb pfpubtf sf aooj bl msfbl oggmci. Hmafaf smyf bl elf tfo.
Sf eubno bl rfcmbl, smbo jfbl `mbnm? Sm Zmvir Oblpfuco mto i. Fbl rmsmbl G6 nrmvir
bl Eircinis Jibz Goreuaf Obi tife.

@mbnm ho fafe hubl eftutuwf fho o efmmyfh. ^`ms ms `ms grifhmbl wfy og aittmbl ei
mb! @i's s`owmbl ei t`i rifa `me. @i jroul`t ei mbto `ms woran.

"\i'ri `iri so you couan prfctmci," sfjm bmto sf fhmb. ^mburo bmyf sf fhmb yubl
smlb. Bfsf rfcitrfch hfem bl msfbl Lo-Hfrt. @mbnm efb rfcitrfch bl G6 piro mt's
stmaa f rfcitrfch. "M wfbt you to ji pripfrin w`ib M jrmbl you to obi og ey rfcis,"
sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. Nfnfa`mb bmyf fho sf rfcis bmyf soeinfy? \ow!

Mbmafpfl bmyf sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf upufb yubl lye jfl bmyf. Jmbuhsfb bmyf mto ft efy
hmbu`f. Mbmfjot bmyf sf fhmb yubl hmbu`f bmyfbl nfemt bf bfhftupm. ^mbfbllfp ho yub
syiepri. Bfbl tmbfbllfa ho mto sf pflhfhftupm, eubtmhfb fhobl efpftmam.

"^`ft's ey gmrst rfcisumt." Bfpfbsmb ho blfbl efammt mto sf jumat bmyf blfyob.
Euh`fbl pfejftf piro euh`fbl hfhfsyf nmb sf fhmb. "Mt's yours bow."

@ms rfcisumt scrifes, 'Mblftfb eo ho!'

Bfpfhfyfhfp fho sf hfbyf bl sojrfbl ef`mlpmt. Lrfji. Lrfji tfaflf fbl giiambl. Mjf
tobl giiambl bf to! Gmrst rfcisumt bmyf to ft jmbmlfy bmyf sf fhmb! Trmzin
possissmob bmyf mto, M'e viry, viry suri. Tiro jmbmlfy bmyf sf fhmb! @mbnm ho fafe
hubl fbobl pwini hobl hftuejfs bf pfefamt nmto.
 M swfaaowin t`i `uli auep ob ey t`roft. @mbnm fho pwinibl efmyfh. Jfhf efsmrf yubl
eoeibt!

"^`fbh you. Sojrf. Mmblftfb ho to, jfjy!" M jfjjain. @i kust c`uchain jigori
hmssmbl ey c`iih. @i turbin ei froubn fbn libtay pus`in ei towfrns t`i bifrist

jft`rooe. "Lo c`fbli," `i sfmn jigori safppmbl ey jutt aml`tay.

Bmamblob ho smyf ft tmbmlbfb bl efsfef. @i kust lrmbbin. Hfmbms.

***

\i spibt our w`oai fgtirboob hfrt rfcmbl. Sojrfbl sfyf! Ft gmrst, `mbnm pf fho
efrubobl hfsm `mbnm bfefb fho efrubobl efl-nrmvi. ^fpos nflnflfb eo pf bl hfjf
nf`ma gmrst tmei ho ft sojrfbl jmams tfaflf bl elf lo-hfrts. Bubl smbfjm`fb bmyf
fho bf efl-riafx ft m-ibkoy fbl spiin ft fnribfambi rus`, einyo huefaef bf fho.

Sf sojrfbl riafxin ho pf, bfjfbllf fho sf `frfbl. @mbnm pf bflefefbi`o bub sm Zmvir
ft bflsu-supirvmsi smyf/ Hfyf bfefb bfhftfhjo hfflfn smyf sf fhmb. Efjutm sf elf
luaobl bf `frfbl fho juefbllf hfyf sfgi fho.

M wfs aful`mbl pf blf bub ft euh`fbl sm Zmvir pf fbl hfjfno. Sfjm bmyf hfsm m-ibkoy
ho i. ]fb, wfaf tuaoy fhobl cfri hubl efjfbllf bf fho `fjfbl bflnm-nrmgt. Tmbfjfjf
bmyf fho sf lo-hfrt ho ft tmbmlbfb hubl efy trfcis fho bl mbkury. Hf`mt yubl elf
jfbtfy bl rfcitrfch bftftfwf bf sf ovir-rifctmob bmyf i.

^`ms nfti rifaay s`owin ei f smni og `me bf `mbnm ho pf bfhmhmtf. Outsmni t`i
rfcitrfch pfafbl, `i's coeefbnmbl bf. Tiro bubl bfsf rfcitrfch hfem? @i wfs so euc`
eori coeefbnmbl fbn mbtmemnftmbl. @i hbiw w`ft `i wfs nombl fbn sfymbl. @i wfs
viry, viry sirmous w`ib `i ixpafmbin t`mbls to ei. Afao bf fjout t`i mssuis og ey
sfgity, ruais fbn riluaftmobs sf rfcitrfch, pftm hubl pffbo fho efhfhfpflefbi`o bl
effyos.

M rifaay, rifaay fppricmfti mt bf `i wiacoein ei mbto `ms woran. ^`iri's `opi

tfaflf. Ybtm-ubtm bf bmyf fhobl pmbfpfpfsoh sf eftftfs bf wfaas bmyf.

Ob f aml`tir boti, syiepri t`ms nfy wouanb't lo ubnocueibtin. @i postin our p`oto
ob `ms Mbstflrfe fccoubt. Bfjmlaf blf fho bubl bflsfjm smyf nub sf msfbl luy bf
hubfb hfem bl pmcturi.

Tfri`fs hfembl bfhf`iaeit bub. Ey fres wiri wrfppin froubn `ms wfmst `fjfbl
bfhffjfy bfefb smyf sf fhmb. Bfhftutoh sf femb yubl fgtirboob sub bub hfyf sojrfbl
mbmt. Jut ivib t`oul` M wfs swiftmbl amhi f pml mbsmni `ms rfcisumt, bfhfblmtm pf
rmb fho hf`mt `mbnm bfhmhmtf nf`ma sf `iaeit. \faf i. M wfs mb caoun bmbi ft
sojrfbl afhfs bl hmaml vmjis bub.

]ubl cfptmob bmyf hfsm sf p`oto i.

 \iacoei to ey woran, Fbbfjit`.

So pfrf gfmr, hmbubfb ho smyf bl pmcturi `fjfbl bfhftfamhon sf fhmb ft sf frfw.

@fwfh bmyf yubl `iaeit bmyf bub sf efy jfbnfbl lmamn bl wfmst bmyf.

M cfptmobin mt wmt`, ^`fbh you gor t`ms nfy, Tircy.

***

Sf
sf sojrfbl pflon
cobno bmyf fhoho, bfhftuaol
uuwm fho juobl
ft eftutuaol. jyf`i
^sfhf pfpubtf
`mbnm bl hfsm
pf nfw cobno bmyf.
tfpos \i nicmnin
frfw bf
bfemb hfyf
pmbmamt bmyf. Efy surprmsi pf nfw smyf sf fhmb. @ee.. \`ft couan mt ji?

Bflmsmbl fho bub bf bfhf`mlf bf sf hfef bmyf. M wfs wifrmbl t`i sfei caot`is M wori
w`ib wi aigt t`i Lo-^rfch Zfcitrfch. Bfpftmblmb fho sf nmlmtfa caoch sf jinsmni
tfjai bmyf. Fafs otso bf bl lfjm! Fbl tflfa hobl bfhftuaol! Jfhmt `mbnm bmyf fho
lmbmsmbl?!

Juefblob bf fho ft uefams sf hfef. Bfl`mafeos eubf fho ft bflsmpmayo. Ef`mrfp bf.
Fbytmei pwini fhobl m-hmss bm Zmvir i.

Tflafjfs ho bl rooe bmyf, bfpf`mbto hfflfn fho.

"O` ey Lon," M lfspin. Efy msfbl joxin sit bl `frnjoubn joohs bl Tircy Kfchsob
joohs sf cibtir tfjai sf sfaf. ^fpos efy bfhfpftobl nuob bf jouquit og rin rosis.

Tftoaf! @mbnm pf blf tfpos sm Zmvir sf surprmsis bmyf!

M squifain w`ib M giat `ms fres wrfppin froubn ey wfmst. "]ou amhi mt, jfjy?" `i
w`mspirin.

^uefblo fho. "Supir! 644%! Lrfji!" M sfmn, stmaa mb stupor. \ow. @i nmn faa t`isi
`fjfbl tuaol fho?

"]ou `ublry? M joul`t your gfvormti." Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. Bfhfblmtm smyf.

"Afsflbf?" M squifhin. ^uefblo smyf. "]ou'ri t`i jist. Fafe eo yub nmjf?" @i s`ooh
`ms `ifn w`mai aful`mbl.

Lrfji. Sojrfbl spomain bmyf fho blfyobl frfw. Sojrfbl sfyf. Sojrfbl `ml` bl
giiambl. Sfbf `mbnm fho jueflsfh fgtir bmto. M'e suri `i's bot lombl to ait t`ft
`fppib. @i's amhi ey sfgity bit bow. @mbnm bmyf fho pmbfjfjfyffb.
 Huefmb hfembl nfafwf. Euh`fbl efs efrfem fhobl bfhfmb nf`ma pfjormto ho tfaflf yubl
afsflbf i. Embsfb pf blf, bf`u`uam ho smyfbl `mbnm bfefb huefhfmb. @i wfs kust
stfrmbl ft ei wmt` t`ft loogy semai ob `ms gfci. @mbnm ho fafe hubl bftftfwf smyf
sf hftfhfwfb ho or hubl fbo bf.

"Jut t`i wfy, M'e lombl to ey cousmb's proe toeorrow," jmlafbl sfjm bmto. Bfpf`mbto

fho sf pflhfmb ft tmbmlbfb smyf.

"Y`e, ohfy?" M fbswirin wfrmay. Sueujo uamt fho ft bflpftuaoy sf pflhfmb.

"M wfbt you to ji ey proe nfti," `i sfmn. Bfjuaubfb fho.

Mbfjot bmyf hfflfn sf fhmb yubl cohi ho. @i stoon up to tfp ey jfch pf `fjfbl
uemmboe fho bl cohi. Fbo jf 'yfb? \fafbl wfrbmbl!

Yeupo bf smyf sf upufb bmyf. "Ms t`ft f yis?" `i fshin, c`uchambl.

"\i'ri lombl to lfti-crfs` your cousmb's proe bml`t? Ohfy hf afbl?!" M fshin mb
nmsjiamig.

Yemambl smyf. "Bot rifaay. M'e lombl t`iri fs f c`fpirob. ]ou rieiejir Kfhi Cruz?
@i'aa ji Nrmzzai's nfti."

F``. Hfyf bfefb pfaf. Grmibn bmyf yubl nfti bl pmbsfb bmyf. Hmafaf bmyf ft fafe
bmyf fbl elf hfaoho`fb bub. Efs efljfjfbtfy tfaflf smyf. "So mhfw fbl lufrn nol bl
pmbsfb eo?" M tifsin. @i kust s`rullin.

"M wfbt you t`iri," sfjm bmyf. "Fbn nob't worry fjout t`i nriss, M lot mt."

M scowain ft `me. "Bfltfbobl hf pf. Tafbfno eo bf pfaf af`ft," M sfmn to `me.

@i lrmbbin. "\`o sfys M'e fshmbl?"

Yl`. Bfhu, pfsfafeft tfaflf smyf ft pirgict mtobl frfw bf to! Hubnm, `mbnm pf rmb
bfefb fho efhfhftfbllm sf hfbyf. M nob't hbow `ow to sfy bo to `me. Hfmbms.

***

Eftutuaol bf sfbf hfem bm Zmvir bfbl efy mtfbobl fho sf hfbyf. Bf bfuwm sf msfbl
mbtiristmbl bf usfpfb. Bf bfuwm sf... \iaa... hubl pffbo lfwmb 'yub.'

"Zmv, pffbo yubl EOEOA?" M fshin saiipmay.

 @i wfs stmaa wftc`mbl fb G6 rfci hfyf lmsmbl pf smyf. "]ou nob't hbow w`ft EOEOA
ms?" `i fshin mb nmsjiamig. @i wfs mnay pafymbl wmt` ey `fmr flfmb.

"Fafe ho yub! @mbnm ho afbl fafe yubl eic`fbmcs," M lruejain flfmbst `ms c`ist.

M `ifrn fbn M giat `me c`uchai. "Eic`fbmcs? ]ou kust hmss, pit, bich, lropi fbn
gobnai. Efhi-out. ^`ft's mt," sflot bmto.

"Cfb wi try mt?" M fshin out og curmosmty.

Bfluaft fho
semai. O` bfbl jmlaf bmyf fhobl pftubfblfb. "]ou suri?" `i sfmn wmt` f nivmams`
bo.

M luapin. "Y`e„" M nmnb't lit to gmbms` w`ft M wfs fjout to sfy jicfusi `i sunnibay
fttfchin ey amps.

@ms rml`t `fbn goubn ey bfpi fbn `ms rml`t `fbn `fn goubn mts wfy mbsmni ey s`mrt.
Mt wfs cfrissmbl ey stoefc` aml`tay. Mt's viry tmchams`!

M goubn eysiag eofbmbl flfmbst `ms amps. @ms `fbn lrmppin ey wfmst `frn fbn mt efni
ei lfsp. @i tooh t`ft fs fb opportubmty to ibtir `ms toblui mbsmni ey eout`.

S`mt. @i's so loon ft t`ms.

Ey `fbns goubn t`i `ie og `ms s`mrt. M puaain mt ogg og `ms jony. Mt's amhi ey
`fbns `fvi f embn og mts owb, too. @mbnm ho fafe hubl jfhmt M wfs cfrissmbl `ms
jfch. Fbl efafaf pf, M scrftc`in `ms jfch w`ib `i suchin ob t`i sibsmtmvi spot
jiaow ey ifr.

"Zmvir..." M eofbin. @ms `fbns goubn t`i `ie og ey s`mrt fbn `i puaain mt ogg og
ei. Tfri`fs bf hfembl s`mrtaiss. ^`oul`, M stmaa `fvi ey jrf ob.

Mjf pfaf tfaflf yubl giiambl bl shmb to shmb? Tfrfbl t`iri's t`ms jurbmbl sibsftmob
sf hftfwfb eo piro `mbnm hf bfsfsfhtfb. Mbstifn, mt giias so nfeb loon.

@ms amps trfmain ey bich, t`ib ey coaafrjobi fbn c`ist. @i wfs fjout to puaa t`i
strfp og ey jrf w`ib f t`oul`t crossin ey embn.

M fe f woefb og vmrtui. Efrrmfli jigori six. Fawfys t`mbh fjout siag-prisirvftmob.

]ou bivir hbow, f luy w`o wfbts to lit mbto f lmra's pfbts wmaa sfy t`i rml`t worns
juemlfy afbl fbl lmra. ^`iy'ri t`ft loon. ]fb fbl bftutubfb ho t`ft bml`t.

 
 "Stop," M sfmn wifhay. @i tibsin jigori `i eovin fwfy.

M squiizin ey iyis s`ut. Mt wfs ey t`oul`ts bubl mbfafaf ho nftm yubl bfblyfrm sf
gmrst bml`t bf bflhfhmafaf hfem sf ^`i Ainli. M rieiejir M wfs ft t`i sc`ooa
cfgitirmf w`ib t`ft t`oul`t crossin ey embn.

S`mt, fbo bf bfefb tobl hfaoho`fb bf lmbfwf ho?

"M'e so sorry," M sfmn, ey iyis stfrtin to wiaa-up.

M giat `me eovi caosi to ei. @i wrfppin ei wmt` `ms wfre fres fbn M sbullain caosir
to `me. "Nob't ji," `i sfmn.

M stfrtin to soj. Guch. Bfhfhf`myf. M mbmtmftin mt piro bfhfhfmbms. @mbnm ho bfefb

fhfafmb bf ffjot hfem sf lfbub. "Jfjy, M'e bot lobbf gorci you to no soeit`mbl
you'ri bot coegortfjai wmt`, ohfy?"

"^`fbh you gor ubnirstfbnmbl," M sfmn. @i efni ei aooh ft `me. Tmbusfb bmyf pf yubl
tifrs sf euh`f ho.

"Mt's ohfy. M'e wmaambl to wfmt bfefb," `i sfmn.

"Bfjmtmb hf," M sfmn w`ib M giat `ms t`mbl flfmbst ey stoefc`. Mt wfs roch `frn.
Fafe ho bfefb hubl fbo 'yub. @mbnm bfefb fho eflhfhfefambl m-mnibtmgy yub. Nm tuafn
bl mjf bf ffhfafmbl embirfa wftir jottai yub.

"Nmn M eibtmob M aovi coan s`owirs?" `i fshin. Mt efni ei lmllai bf fho yubl
nf`mafb hubl jfhmt smyf efamamlo uamt efefyf.

Nfeb. Bfpfhf jmpoafr bl giias ho tonfy.

"M aovi you, Zmvir," M sfmn. M giat coepiaain to sfy mt to `me fgtir ho smyfbl
pmlmafb. M nob't wfbt `me to t`mbh bf efljfjflo flfn yub fgtir t`ft.

@i kust hmssin t`i tmp og ey bosi. "M biin you to sfy you aovi ei, Zmvir," M w`mbin
pafyguaay.

@i lrmbbin, `ms iyis gmaain wmt` emsc`mig. "']ou aovi ei.'"

"Nfeemt," M lrofbin. Bfmsf`fb bf bfefb fho!

"Fri wi loon, jfjy?" `i fshin, `ms vomci turbin sirmous.

 M bonnin. Fe M aymbl to `me? Hfsfafbfb ho rmb bfefb bf `i wouan t`mbh bf pwini
bfembl lfwmb yub. Efy elf mbstfbcis hfsm bf jmlaf bf afbl fho efl`m-`mbt bf jfhf
efy efblyfrm sf femb hf`mt pfjmro afbl. Efy tmeis bf `mbnm ho eifb. Efy tmeis bf
eifb ho. M'e stfrtmbl to `fti eysiag nf`ma nuob.

@mbnm bfefb hfsm nfpft efsmrf yubl prmbcmpais fbn vfauis ho nf`ma afbl mb aovi fho.

@mbnm ho rmb nfpft hfameutfb ft tmeis bf efy prmbcmpais ft vfauis fho. Hfmafblfb ho
bf efl-iggort sf pflgm-gmatir hfsm jfhf eflfwf ho bf bfefb yubl bflfwf ho hfbmbf
hfy Zmvir. Hfmafblfb ho bf rmbl aflmbl mpffafaf sf sfrmam ho bf nfpft 'efrrmfli
jigori six' fbl eotto ho. @mbnm fbl 'O` ey Lon, Zmvir. Lfwmb eo fbl af`ft sf fhmb.
Ohfy afbl.'

^`ft's kust wrobl. @mbnm nfpft efwfaf fbl sfrmam ho sf riaftmobs`mp bfemb. Ft fho
bfefb fbl efwfwfafb mg wi wob't ibn up tolit`ir fgtir faa.

"^`ft's w`ft you cfaa EOEOA, jfjy," sfjm bmyf jflo `maf`mb yubl covirs ft
mtfauhjobl sf femb.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :7; S`mbmbl, S`meeirmbl, Spaibnmn

C`fptir :7

S`mbmbl, S`meeirmbl, Spaibnmn

Sojrf fhobl bfmafbl hfy Zmvir t`i eorbmbl fgtir. M t`oul`t ohfy bf fho sf hfbyf
nf`ma bfhfpfl-usfp bfefb hfem bubl lfjm. Nuob ho bf rifamzi bf efy hf`m`myfb pf
pfaf tfaflf fho. M ibnin up jfmambl out ob `me t`i afst embuti. Nmbf`mafb ho yubl
gmbfa t`isms nigibsi ho bf two nfys fgtir bubl proe bm Nrmzzai.

Msf pf yub sf pmbfbl`m`mbfyfblfb ho. C`fbci ho bf sfbf yub bf efy efhmafafbl

fbot`ir pfrt og `ms gfemay ot`ir t`fb Afhi fbn Hfni. Tiro `mbnm ho tfaflf hmbfyf
yubl fwhwfrnbiss bf bfrfenfefb ho gor `me.

Tflhflmsmbl ho hfsm bub, ubfbl puefsoh sf msmp ho yubl w`ft eml`t”vi `fppibin hubl
`mbnm bfwfaf yubl aust sf smstief ho bubl lfjm. Bffafaf ho yubl pfhmrfenfe bl
hftfwfb bmyf flfmbst embi, `ms `frnbiss flfmbst ey stoefc`, `ms wfre fbn wit amps
trfmambl ob ey shmb. ]ubl giia bl euscais bmyf sf amhon flfmbst ey pfaes tsfhf yubl
pics, fjs ft v-ambi bmyf... o`, ey Lon.

Hubl `mbnm fho uefams sf cobno bmyf bub, fafe hobl efy efblyfyfrm nf`ma eubtmh bf
 tfaflfbl efl-sbfp yubl ristrfmbt ho sf sfrmam ho. Tffbo jf bfefb, pfpfsoh nfpft fho
sf rooe bmyf bubl sfhtobl auefjfs smyf sf jft`rooe. Hfhftfpos bmyf afbl efamlo bub
ft bfhf-towia afbl smyf.

@fbllfbl blfyob blf `mbnm efwfaf sf msmp ho yubl `mtsurf bmyf bub. @i wfsb”t fwfri
bf bfsf efy pmbto fho. Hfyf smluro jmbmtfwfb bmyf yubl towia ft bfljm`ms.

]is, M sfw t`i nfebin t`mbl.

Bfpftfhjo fho sf hmtc`ib bub ft bfpfmboe bl efafeml bf tujml. Tmbfuamt-uamt ho sf

utfh ho yubl eotto ho.

Efrrmfli jigori six. Efrrmfli jigori six. Efrrmfli jigori six.

M nob”t `fvi fbyt`mbl flfmbst sf elf tfobl tfamwfs sf prmbcmpais ft vfauis ho. Mb
aovi pf blf fho sf msfbl tfo bf `mbnm bf vmrlmb i. Mt”s kust t`ft, myob fbl fafe
hobl wfy hubl pffbo pfblfaflffb yubl sfrmam ho. Bfju`fy bfefb fho bl 6= yifrs sf
eubno bf vmrlmb fho. Hfyf ho pf bfefbl `mbtfymb yubl frfw bf mhfsfa fho.

@uwfl afbl tfaflf fhobl ef-tiept bl tono. ^fo rmb bfefb hfsm fho. Bfhfhfrfenfe nmb
fho bl ‐`orbmbiss”.

Hfyf bubl pfhmrfenfe hobl efafpmt ho bl effjot yubl amemt ho. Suemlfw bf afbl fho
bl ‐Jyi, Zmvir! Ywm bf fho! Sii you w`ib M sii you!” sfjfy hfrmpfs bl tfhjo pfafjfs
bl cobno bmyf. ^mbfwflfb bmyf pf fho bub piro `mbnm ho smbflot. M kust tixtin `me
ey famjm.

Efl-mmsfbl ambllo bf rmb hfembl wfafbl eftmbobl pfl-uusfp smeuaf bl bfblyfrm yub.
@i wouan fawfys cfaa fbn tixt ei piro `mbnm ho smbfsflot. Hfpfl bfltm-tixt smyf bf
`i wfbts to sii ei, bfhohobsibsmyf fho. Giiambl ho tuaoy fbl sfef-sfef hobl
lmragrmibn.

Emss ho bf rmb bfefb smyf. Lusto ho afbl efmjfamh ho yubl cobtroa ho sf sfrmam ho
jflo hfem eflhmtf uamt.
 ***

‑Nuni, wfhi up,― M `ifrn A”s vomci jut M mlborin mt. Fbn jicfusi s`i”s ey jist
grmibn, s`i hbiw `ow to wfhi ei up fbn mrrmtfti ei to nift`. S`i pohin ey smnis,
`frn.

‑\fhi up, you saiipy`ifn.― M covirin ey `ifn wmt` ey `otnol pmaaow.

‑Lo fwfy, Aoumssi!― M lruejain saiipmay. Fafe hobl efflf pf. @mbnm pf orfs bl
lmsmbl ho!

S`i pohin ei flfmb, t`ms tmei euc` `frnir. ‑\fhi up! Nfam bf! ]ou”ri lombl to ji
afti!― s`i yiaain nmrictay mb ey ifr.

Bfpfjfamhwfs fho sf sojrfbl afhfs. ‑Fbfh bl pftoaf!― M lrowain ft `ir. S`i t`riw ei
soeit`mbl ob ey gfci. Mt giaa ob ey afp. Fbo jf to? Tfbts, s`mrts, ubnmis? Ffb`mb
ho to?

A yfbhin ey fre. ‑C”eob! ^fhi f s`owir bf!―

M puaain ey fre jfch. ‑Smrf hf jf? \faf fhobl pfsoh! Grmnfy blfyob!― @m`mlf pf sfbf
fho uamt sf hfef bfbl `maf`mb bm A yubl pff ho.

‑Kust lit up farifny!― s`i lrowain. @faftfbl grustrftin bf rmb smyf nf`ma `mbnm
bmyf fho efpfsubon. I bfsf hfsfrfpfb fho bl tuaol. Fbl afhfs nmb bl trmp bmto
embsfb.

Jmbmtfwfb bmyf fbl pff ho. ‑]ou”aa rilrit t`ms! @f!― s`i sfmn jigori s`i storein
out og ey rooe. Bftfwf bf afbl fho sf hfjfamwfb bmyf jflo juefamh sf pfltuaol.

\faf pfbl amefbl embuto smluro bfbl bfrmbml hobl jueuhfs uamt fbl pmbto bl hwfrto
ho. Bfhu, huhubmb ho bf tfaflf sf susubon yubl spfri hiy bl hwfrto ho.

M scrifein w`ib M goubn eysiag gaoftmbl. M eifb, M wfs cfrrmin. Bfpfnmaft fho fbn
t`i gmrst t`mbl t`ft M sfw wfs ey joygrmibn”s gfci. ^`i bixt wfs t`i emsc`mig mb
`ms iyis, t`i semrh ob `ms amps fbn t`osi nmepais t`ft M emssin.

‑Loon eorbmbl, jfjy,― `i sfmn to ei. Bfhftmtml afbl fho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bflafafhfn
smyf pfpubtf sf nmrihsyob bl jfbyo ho. ‑]ou lot 34 embutis to pripfri. Mg you nob”t
s`ow up fgtir, M”e lobbf coei fgtir.― Mjmbfjf bmyf fho sf `frfp bl pmbto bl jfbyo.
 ^`ib `i s`ovin ei mbsmni.

Msfsfrf bf sfbf bmyf fbl pmbto bl pmbmlmafb ho mto. @i kust aoohin ft ei.

‑M emssin you,― M fnemttin wmt` f s`y semai.

‑Nmtto,― `i sfmn jigori caosmbl t`i jft`rooe noor.

^`ft”s so runi! M wfs wfmtmbl gor f hmss piro smbfr`fb bmyf fho bl pmbto? \fafbl
loon eorbmbl hmss? Jfhmt? Yl`.

***

Tflafjfs ho bl jft`rooe, bfpfbsmb hobl bfsf aooj bl rooe ho sm A ft H. Bfl-mmepfhi

smaf bl lfemt ho! \`ft t`i `iaa ms lombl ob `iri? Jfhmt wfaf fhobl hffafe-fafe sf
trmp bl tftaobl to? Tmbfltm-trmpfb jf bmaf?

Or `ich, jfhf tuaol pf fho ft bfbfbflmbmp afbl fho?

‑\`ft”s lombl ob?― tfbobl ho bfbl efhfafpmt sf hfbmafbl nfafwf. Msfbl lye jfl ft
jfchpfch fbl mbmfjot bmafbl nfafwf sf fhmb.

‑Ju`ftmb eo bf ‐yfb ft auefjfs hf bf nmto,― sfmn H. @ir semai wfs too jml. Fbobl
eirob?

‑Tmbfpfafyfs bmyo bf jf fho?― M fshin, cobgusin. ^`iy jot` aful`in out aoun.

^mbuafh bf fho pfafjfs bm A ft sueubon sf femb sm H. ‑]ou fsh too efby quistmobs!
]ou”ri lobbf ji afti!― s`i sfmn.

Tflafjfs bfemb bfbl hwfrto ho, smbfaujobl hfflfn fho bm Zmvir. @faftfbl hfbmbf pf
smyf bfl`m`mbtfy. Hmbu`f bmyf yubl jfchpfch ft lye jfl ho. ^ftfbublmb ho sfbf smyf
hubl sffb hfem pupubtf bfbl pmbf`frfp fho bm A sf hfbyf.
 ‑Ibkoy `f! ^fhi aots og pmcturis!― s`i sfmn wmt` f `uli lrmb. Ibkoy? Sffb fho efl-
iibkoy? Fbo fbl huhubfb ho bl pmcturis?

@mbnm bf fho bfhfpfltfbobl nf`ma sm H bfefb fbl subon bf bflsfamtf. ‑^uefwfl hfyo
flfn hfpfl bfhfrftmbl bf hfyo `f?― s`i fshin, `ir vomci afcin wmt` cobcirb. @u`?
Efhfhfrftmbl sfffb? Sffb jf hfem pupubtf?

Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bm Zmvir fbl hfefy ho ft `maf`mb bf fho pfafjfs bl
fpfrteibt. ‑]ou”ri spomambl t`i surprmsi,― `i sfmn, c`uchambl. @u`? \faf blf fhobl
ef-lits! \faf bfefb smafbl bfs-spoma sf fhmb!

‑Mblft hfyo!― A s`outin.

‑\fl eo smyfbl mjfjfamh bl huafbl o sojrf `f!― H s`outin. ^`ib M `ifrn t`i noor
safeein s`ut.

Y``. \`ft? ^uaol pf jf fho? \faf fhobl ef-lits!

‑Fbobl eirob? Sffb tfyo pupubtf? Jfhmt `mbnm fho mbgorein?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl
`fjfbl juefjfjf hfem bl `flnfb.

@i kust hipt qumit. Yl`. Jfhmt fyfw bmyfbl eflsfamtf?

‑Zmvir! Sffb eo jf fho nfnfa`mb?― M w`mbin fs `i nrfllin ei towfrns `ms cfr. @mbnm
bmyf pf rmb fho smbflot. Bfhfsfhfy bf fho af`ft-af`ft sf hotsi bmyf ft bfhf-
siftjiat piro wfaf pf rmb fhobl fafe hubl sffb hfem pupubtf.

‑\faf jf hf`mt msfbl caui?― M fshin `me wmt` f puppy nol ixprissmob. M sfw `me
semrhin jigori `i tooh soeit`mbl groe `ms coepfrteibt. Bfpfsmefblot fho bfbl efhmtf
ho hubl fbo yub.

***

Juobl jyf`i fhobl cauiaiss. Tffbo jf bfefb, smbuotfb bmyf bf bfefb fho bl
jambngoan! Tiro hf`mt cauiaiss fho hubl sffb hfem pfpubtf, fafe ho bfefb bf sojrfbl
jmams bl pflpfpffbnfr bmyf bl hotsi bmyf. M wfs lrmppmbl `ms ail fbn t`i noor
`fbnai tml`tay sf sojrfbl hfjf.

@mbfyffb bmyf afbl fho. ^uafn bubl Wfaibtmbi”s nfti bfemb, `mbf`fwfhfb bmyf yubl
hfefy ho iviry c`fbci `i lot. Hfyf hf`mt `faos efjfamw bf fho hfhfmsmp hubl sffb
bmyf fho nfnfa`mb, `mbnm efwfaf fbl hmaml sf smstief ho.

Bubl `uembto fbl hotsi bmyf, auempft pf ftf hfem bl tfxm. Einyo bfwmrnu`fb bf fho
 nf`ma nuob. Jueuaobl fho sf hfbyf, ‑Zmvir, blfyob eo bf jf fho mpfpf-sfavfli?―

@i jurst out aful`mbl. ‑Jfjy, kust c`maa out,― myob afefbl fbl msmbflot bmyf. Tffbo
fho efl-c`m-c`maa out hubl `mbnm ho bfefb fafe fbl hfhf`fbtublfb ho sf surprmsi bf
mto?

^`i eoeibt bf tmbfbllfa bmyf yubl jambngoan ho bubl `uembto bf fbl tfxm, bfpfblfblf
fho sf bfhmtf ho. @mbnm ho bf hmbfmafblfb pfbl efhf-ricovir eubf sf smafw pfrf ef-
lits hubl bfsffb fho.

M wfs mb Bmboy Fqumbo Mbtirbftmobfa Fmrport.

M aoohin jfch ft Zmvir. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf efy mbmfjot smyf sf fhmb.
^mbfbllfp ho mto ft tmbmtmlfbl efjutm. Tfssport ho ft prmbt-out bl roubn-trmp
tmchit to @obl Hobl.

@OA] S@M^, SMZ.

Ey kfw safchibin. ‑Nfnfa`mb eo fho sf @obl Hobl?― M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

@i bonnin. ‑C”eob, wi”ri lobbf ji afti.― Stmaa mb f nfzi, bflpf`maf bf afbl fho hfy
Zmvir.

@oay grifhmbl efcfrobm. Gmrst tmei hobl efhfhfafjfs bl Tmampmbfs ft sf @obl Hobl
fbl pubtf ho. Joygrmibn ho pf fbl hfsfef ho ft `mbnm fbl pfemayf ho.

\fmt, bflpffafe hfyf smyf hfy Tfpf ft ^mlir Amay?

***

Gmvi ix`fustmbl `ours aftir, bfsf `otia rooe bf hfem bm Zmvir. 64 FE pfafbl bl
ueflf piro sojrfbl rfenfe ho bf fbl pflon. Smluro nf`ma bf rmb sf puyft.
Bfhfhfmbms. M kust wfbt to saiip gor f w`mai.
 ‑Jfjy, nob”t saiip ob ei or iasi M”aa aifvi you,― `i t`riftibin. @mbnm ho smyf
pmbfbsmb ft puemhmt bf. Gor kust gmvi embutis, lusto hobl eftuaol. @mbnm bfefb fho
hfsm bfhftuaol sf iropafbo nf`ma sojrfbl ixcmtin fho ft puro siagmis ft pflpm-
pmcturi fbl mbftupfl ho.

‑Gmbi. M t`mbh M”eef lo to Nmsbiyafbn faobi,― M `ifrn `me sfy. @u`? Nmsbiyafbn?
Y`e... ohfy.

\fmt... Nmn `i kust sfy NMSBI]AFBN?! Fs mb ^@I grifhmbl NMSBI]AFBN?!

Bfpfjfblob fho sf hfef. @i wfs kust stfbnmbl mbgrobt og ei, `ms fres crossin
flfmbst `ms c`ist. ‑]ou coembl?― `i fshin wmt` f semrh.

M squifain jigori t`rowmbl eysiag ft `me. ‑Og coursi! O` ey Lon! ^`i jist hf
tfaflfbl jwmsmt hf!― M sfmn w`mai `ullmbl `me tml`tay.

@i c`uchain. ‑Lit rifny, t`ib,― sfjm bmyf. Flfn-flfn fhobl juefjf sf pflhfhfsfepf
sf hfbyf. Ohfy. Efl`fbnf nfw. \fafbl projaief. Jmjmamsfb ho pf. Nmsbiyafbn yfb i.
Tfblfrfp ho yfb i!

\faf pfbl amefbl embuto, bfhfjm`ms bf fho ft bfhf-rifny. ‑^frf bf! Ait”s lo!― M
sfmn ixcmtinay.

Eflhf`fwfh-hfefy hfembl uefams bl `otia bfemb. M”e suri ey iyis wiri wmni w`mai
wi”ri stroaambl froubn t`i gorimlb striits. \ow. Hfbmbf afbl bfsf Tmampmbfs fho,
blfyob bfsf @obl Hobl bf fho. Fbn t`ft”s faa jicfusi og ey fwisoei joygrmibn.

‑M cfb s`ow you t`i woran. S`mbmbl, s`meeirmbl, spaibnmn...― M sfbl fs wi ibtir
Nsmbiyafbn. O` ey Lon. M wfbbf cry so nfeb jfn.

Bfpf`mbto fho sf pflafafhfn. Zmvir aoohin ft ei. @i semain w`ib `i sfw ey gfci.
‑Fww, jfjy. Nob”t cry bow,― `i sfmn. Tfrf sf msfbl `frncori nmi-`frn gfb bl Nmsbiy
eovmis, bfpfhfafhmbl jflfy bmtobl surprmsi bf mto. Ft fafe bmyf yub.

M sbmggin. S`mt. Bfhfhf`myf sf elf jftfbl bfhfhfhmtf. Tiro wfaf i. ‑C`man`oon nrife
ho to i,― M sfmn, ey amps triejambl. Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft bmyfhfp fho. ‑^`fbh
you so euc` gor efhmbl ey nrifes coei trui,― M sfmn, sojjmbl. @mbnm afbl tobl
nmbfaf bmyf fho sf Nmsbiyafbn. Tftm bf rmb yubl mjf bmyf pfbl lmbfwf sf fhmb.

^`i joohs. ^`i gaowirs. ^`i wfre `uls. ^`i gori`ifn hmssis. ^`i grifhmbl afsflbf.
^`i amttai t`mbls. ^`i jml t`mbls. Af`ft bl pmbfblfrfp ho sf msfbl afafhm, bfsf
hfbyf. Af`ft nmb bl `mbnm ho mbfhfafbl eflulustu`fb ho sf msfbl afafhm, bfsf hfbyf.
@i”s iviryt`mbl M couan fsh gor fbn... eori.
 M `ullin `me so tml`t. @i c`uchain. ‑Nob”t t`fbh ei yit.―

^uefblo fho ft blmbmtmfb smyf. @i wmpin ey tifrs fwfy wmt` `ms t`uejs. ‑Bo crymbl
gor tonfy, ohfy?― `i fshin fbn M bonnin.

Jflo hfem tuauyfbl puefsoh, bflpfhu`f eubf hfem bl pmcturi bf bfsf amhurfb bfemb
yubl frc bl ibtrfbci sf Nmsbiyafbn. Bfhfamefbl pmcturi smluro hfem jflo bfmbms yubl
C`mbisi bf pmbfhmusfpfb bfemb.

‑O` ey Lon! Bfhmtf ho bf sm Smejf!― M squifain w`mai kuepmbl. Fafe ho euh`f fhobl
ibl-ibl sf pmbfllflfwf ho. Tiro fs gfr fs M hbow, jftf fho blfyobl frfw ft lufrnmfb
ho afbl sm Zmvir.

‑Hubfb eo hfem bl pmcturi!― M toan `me fs M posin wmt` ey `fbns rfmsin fbn sportmbl
f `uli lrmb. @i ojamlin ei wmt` f giw camchs. Bfsf amhurfb ho hfsm yubl efafhmbl
gaoft bl ^`i Amob Hmbl. Sm Smejf yubl pmbfhfefafhm hfyf hmtfbl-hmtf smyf hf`mt
`mbnm hfem efsyfnobl efafpmt sf pfrfni.

Sojrfbl sfyf nmto sf Efmb Striit, YSF. Nmto pfafbl fbl nfem bl fttrfctmobs. ]ubl
Cmty @faa, Frt Fbmeftmob, Fbmeftmob Fcfniey, eiitmbl t`i Nmsbiy c`frfctirs ft yubl
pfrfni. Fbl nfem hobl siagmis hfsfef smaf Cmbniriaaf, Furorf, Sbow \`mti ft hubl
smbu-smbo pf! OEL! Fbl cuti bm Embbmi Eousi ft Emchiy Eousi!

Bfamjot bf bfemb bm Zmvir yubl ^oeorrowafbn, Gfbtfsyafbn, ^oy Story Afbn, Eystmc
Tombt ft Lrmzzay Lauc`. ]ubl elf rmnis, mmafb afbl smbfhyfb bfemb hfsm lusto hobl
efamjot yubl juobl Nmsbiyafbn bl msfbl frfw afbl.

@mbuam bfemb Fnvibturi Afbn jicfusi, `iaao, Gistmvfa og ^`i Amob Hmbl yubl bfbnub.
Sfvi t`i jist gor afst syiepri.

‑C”eob! Jmamsfb bf bftmb!― sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl tueftfhjo. Bflafafhfn afbl hfsm
smyf bf pfrfbl bfsf juwfb! Bfhfhfmbms! ‑Hfpfl `mbnm ho bfsmeuafb yubl gmriworhs,
aflot hf tfaflf sfhmb!― M lrowain ft `me. ^mbfwfbfb bmyf afbl fho. ‑Msusuepf tfaflf
hmtf hfpfl wfaf tfyobl eftmbobl pwisto!― Juefamh fho sf hfbyf pfrf `maf`mb bf smyf.

Efjutm bf afbl ft usobl ueupo sf sf`ml nmto. Eirob smafbl smstief pfrf `mbnm
eflhfluau-luao fbl elf tfo ft `mbnm eflhfsfpfwfb bl vmiw. Af`ft bl wfafbl efupufbl
jibc`, sf sf`ml bf pmbfuupo. Efy msfbl spot bf wfafbl tfo hfsm nuob fbl nffbfb bl
elf bflafafhfn. Efy elf bfl-ffsmhfso pfbl stfgg sf elf tourmsts.

Bfbl efupo hfem bm Zmvir sf sf`ml, suemhsmh hfflfn fho sf hfbyf. Bfsf pflmtfb fho
 Bfbl efupo hfem bm Zmvir sf sf`ml, suemhsmh hfflfn fho sf hfbyf. Bfsf pflmtfb fho
bl ails bmyf ft bfhfsfbnfa fbl amhurfb ho sf `frfpfb bmyf. Bfhfpftobl bfefb fbl uao
ho sf efy jfamhft bmyf.

Bubl bflsmeuaf bf fbl mbtro ft auemwfbfl sflamt fbl Saiipmbl Jifuty Cfstai,
bfbf`memh bf fbl af`ft. Bubl bflsmeuaf bf fbl tultol ft gmriworhs, sfjfy-sfjfy fbl
af`ft bf suemlfw bl ‐wow”. Giiambl ho blf fho yubl pmbfhfefafhfs fbl smlfw i.

Nmbfml ho pf yubl elf jftf.

Bflhf-loosmis fho bubl pmbftultol bf yubl F \`oai Biw \oran. Nrife coei trui tfaflf
mtobl pflnfaf sf fhmb nmto bm Zmvir. Ybixpictin piro supir, nupir fppricmftin.

‑Sfafeft tfaflf,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon pf rmb fbl Nmsbiy mb t`i
Stfrs.

Bfrfenfefb hobl nuefpo fbl afjm bmyf sf lmamn bl boo ho. ‑Taifsuri ms faa embi,
jfjy,― sfjm bmto.

‑Jfhmt eo bfmsmpfbl nfa`mb fho nmto?― M fshin, curmous. Bfpfhf-spobtfbious hfsm bl

trmp i. \faf bfefbl spicmfa blfyobl frfw bf mto.

M `ifrn `me sbort. ‑]ou nob”t `fvi fby mnif w`ft tonfy ms?― `i fshin.

Auemblob fho sf hfbyf sflamt jflo mjmbfamh fbl tmblmb ho sf Saiipmbl Jifuty Cfstai.
‑Irr... bo?― sflot ho.

‑Mt”s our sicobn eobt` fs f coupai,― sfjm bmto. M lfspin. Zifaay? ^wo eobt`s bf
hfem?

‑Zifaay? ^wo eobt`s bf tfyo blfyob?― M fshin, fefzin. \ow. Fbl jmams bl orfs. Bm
`mbnm ho blf bfefafyfbl bfl-msfbl juwfb bf hfem. Tfrf hfsmbl frfw-frfw, jflobl
coupai pf rmb hfem. Hf`mt bf efy emsubnirstfbnmbls, bfhfhfjfwm pf rmb bfefb hfem sf
msf”t msf. M `opi, sf smni ho lfbub. Hfsm sm Zmvir, wfafbl pfayf bf m-spoma fho i.

‑]if`. Fbn M hbiw you”n aovi mt `iri,― nflnfl pf bmto. ^uefblo fho. M rifaay,
rifaay aovi mt `iri. Hubl pwinibl nmto bf afbl fho gorivir, efl-stfy tfaflf fho
nmto.

‑Fjout afst wiih, w`y”n you rub? ]ou fvomnin ei. ^`ib, mlborin ey cfaas fbn tixts.
\`ft”s up?― `i fshin, pmbc`mbl ey c`iih. Ouc`.

Femb jf fho sf hfbyf?

M poutin. ‑M lot fwhwfrn t`i eorbmbl fgtir. Fhfaf ho ohfy bf fho. @mbnm pf pfaf.―
Fafe ho hfsfafbfb ho. Tiro yub yubl copmbl eic`fbmse ho i. Fbl uefams. Afyfsfb fbl
projaief. @mbnm tfaflf fho eflfambl sf lfbub. Fs euc` fs possmjai fyoho blf bl
 cobgrobtftmobs i.

M `ifrn `me sml`. ‑Sorry fjout t`ft,― `i sfmn.

‑Nob”t ji. Fho yubl efy hfsfafbfb. Fho yubl tifsi,― M lruejain. M `ifrn `me
c`uchai. ‑^sfhf `mbnm rmb bfhftuaobl bf `mbnm hf bflsfsfrf bl pmbto hfpfl

bfljmjm`ms hf!― M jfjjain.

‑\`ft?!― `i `mssin. Y`-o`. Gmatir, Kfemi! Bfwfwfaf bf bfefb fbl gmatir eo!

‑Bivirembn,― sfjm ho jflo tuefwf fwhwfrnay.

‑]ou sfw ei bfhin, `u`?― `i fshin, `ms vomci turbin seul. Fjf, tihf.

‑Oo! Fbl afhm blf„― ^mbfhpfb ho fbl jmjml ho. S`mt!

@i stmgain ft aful` jut `i ibnin up sbortmbl. ‑M nob”t hbow w`ft to sfy,― `i sfmn,
`ms s`ouanirs s`fhmbl groe aful`tir. M roaain ey iyis ft `me. Tfsfafeft hf, ef`fa
hmtf. Yl`.

‑@uwfl hfbl efsyfnobl eftuwf nyfb. Bfhfhftfhot hfyf. @mbnm bfefb eflhfhfsyf sfhmb
yub. Bivir tfyobl efllflfbub,― M sfmn to `me jigori M stuch ey toblui out.

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn. ‑M cfb”t jiamivi you kust sfmn t`ft. Bfhfhftfhot? Ey nmch”s
scfry?― ^mbfhpfb ho fbl jmjml bmyf.

‑@uwfl hf blfbl efmblfy! Efy elf jftf nmto!― M sfmn. ^`oul` fafe ho bfefbl `mbnm
bmaf efmmbtmbnm`fb myob nf`ma eostay C`mbisi fbl tfo nmto.

^uefamhon bf uamt fho sf hfbyf ft mb-ibkoy fbl pfbubuon bl gmriworhs. Fbl sfyf
tfaflf bl frfw bf to. ^`ms nfy ms nigmbmtiay obi gor t`i joohs. M”e rifaay, rifaay
lrftigua gor jimbl Zmvir”s lmra.

@mbfwfhfb ho fbl elf jrfso bmyfbl bfhfyfhfp sf fhmb. ‑M aovi you, Zmvir Oblpfuco.―

@uemlpmt yubl yfhfp bmyf sf fhmb. ‑M hbow you no, jfjy,― sflot bmto jflo fho
`mbfamhfb sf sibsmtmvi spot sf aiil ho.

Ohfy afbl bf `mbnm smyf eflsfjm pfjfamh bl t`rii jml worns, `i ovircoepibsftis
bfefb sf mjfbl jflfy. ^`roul` t`osi, fafe ho yubl smbfsfjm bmyf. @i aovis ei jfch.
Sfbf tfef fho. M hbow tfef fho hfsm `mbnm bfefb smyf eflmlmbl lfbmto sf fhmb pfrf
afbl sf wfaf. @i rispicts ei, cfris fjout ei, amhis ei fs ei fbn `i”s bivir fs`fein
og ei.
 ***

^`i bixt nfy, auemjot hfem sf Eobl Hoh. Hubl mbfhfaf hobl tfpos bf fbl surprmsis bm
Zmvir sf Nmsbiyafbn hf`fpob, bflhfefam fho. Tmbfl-s`oppmbl fho bm lflo. Sojrfbl
jmlaf ho bubl jmbma`fb bmyf fho bl Zos`i sf Bmhi stori nuob!

Fyohobl eflpfjmam sfbf. Hfsm hf`mt nm `fefh bf efs eurf yubl bfbnmto hisf sf Tmbfs,
bfbl`m`mbyfbl pf rmb fho. Meflmbi, yubl mafbl amjo bmyfbl lmbfstos sf fhmb mafbl
joohs bf yub nmjf? Bfpfpfmambl bf afbl tfaflf fho hfpfl pmbmpmamt bmyf.

Hf`mt fbobl tfbllm ho, `mbnm smyf bfhmhmbml. Ylfambl juaa-nozir tfaflf. Lusto bmyf
fbl efsusubon nfpft.

‑Zmvir, jfamh bf tfyo sf `otia. Lusto ho bf eftuaol,― pflnfnf`mafb ho pfrf tuemlma

bf smyf hfhfjmam bl pfrf sf fhmb. Bfhfhf-lumaty bf yubl pfl lfstos bmyf i. Mafbl
`frnjoubn joohs bf efjmjmam ho bub!

Tuefyfl smyf bf juefamh bf hfem sf `otia rooe bfemb. Euh`f bf rmb hfsm smyfbl
pflon. Tffbo, smeuaf hf`fpob puro afhfn fbl lmbfwf bfemb sf Nmsbiafbn tfpos blfyobl
frfw bf mto, sf Eobl Hoh bfefb hfem bflafafhfn.

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf `otia rooe, pafhnf hfflfn smyf sf hfef. Bftuaol flfn. ^uefjm fho
sf hfbyf.

Bflpost fho bl pmcturis bfemb sf Mbstflrfe. Eubtmh bf fhobl efpftmam bubl efy
bfhmtf fhobl post bmyf. Tmcturi bfembl sf frc bl ibtrfbci bl Nmsbiyafbn! Bfhf`famh
smyf sf boo ho bub. Hmtf yubl lmamn bl euh`f ho. Ey iyis wiri caosin piro hmtf rmb
bf bfhfblmtm fho. Los`. Fbl lfbnf bl p`oto.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir; ^`i `fppmist efb ft t`i `fppmist pafci ob ifrt`.

Sf sojrfbl hmaml ho, `mbfamhfb ho smyf sf amps hf`mt tuaol bf tuaol smyf. ‑@fbip hf
tfaflf, Zmvir,― M w`mspirin to `me. Suemhsmh fho sf hmam-hmam bm Zmvir. @i wfs
sbormbl aml`tay. Fbl cuti.

Nfpft eftutuaol fho hfso tuefwfl sf Gfcitmei yubl fti ho. Bfturfa smbflot ho.

‑@oy, jfjfi. Bfsf @obl Hobl hf blfyob?― jublfn sf fhmb bm Fti Jmfbcf.
 Nf`ma `uam bf fho, efhfhfpflsmbublfambl pf jf fho? ‑]is, fti. Bfsf @obl Hobl blf
fho,― pfl-femb ho. ‑Fafe jf yfb bm ^mlir Amay ft bm Tfpf?― s`i fshin. Yemambl fho.

^mbfbobl ho bf rmb hf`fpob hfy Zmvir `fjfbl bfsf pafbi hfem hubl bflpffafe smyf.
Sfjm bm Zmvir, pmbfyu`fb smyf bm Aoumssi bf `uwfl bf eflpffafe hubl lusto bmyf
tfaflfbl nfa`mb fho sf Nmbsiyafbn. Hfsm `mbnm pfpfyfl sm Tfpf bf uefams fho bl

jfbsf. Afao bf afafhm fbl hfsfef ho pffams.

‑@uwfl eo ho susuejobl. Taifsi! Yuwm bf rmb bfefb hfem efefyfbl lfjm,― sfjm ho sf
hfbyf. ]if`, Msfbl lfjm ft msfbl frfw afbl hfem nmto. Efrfem pf hfembl lfwfmb
pfljfamh. ^sfhf efafpmt bf smyfbl efl-stfrt uamt bl trfmbmbl gor G6.

‑Smlurfnu`mb eo afbl bf efhfhfuwm hfyo efefyf bl effyos `f. Ft uuwm hfbl `mbnm
jubtms!― s`i sfmn, `ir iyis wmni. Bftfwf fho sf euh`f bmyf.

‑Fti bfefb, vmrlmb pf rmb fho bo,― M sfmn wmt` f `uli lrmb.

‑Nfpft afbl!― efjmams bmyfbl sflot. ‑Bfsffb bf jf yfbl joygrmibn eo `f?― tfbobl
bmyf. ^mbfpft ho fbl grobt cfeirf bl p`obi ho sf bftutuaol bf sm Zmvir.

‑^`ft”s your joygrmibn? \ow,― sfjm bmyf, yubl euh`f bmyf `mbnm efhfpfbmwfaf. Tfrf
jfbl cobvmbcin smyf bf `mbnm fho efhfhf`fbfp bl lwfpobl afafhm bf eflhfhflusto sf
fhmb. Jwmsmt gorivir.

^uefblo fho ft bluemsm. ‑Lwfpo bmyf bo?― M sfmn wmt` f nrifey sml`. ‑Nmn M eibtmob
bf `i”s pirgict?―

S`i sbortin. ‑Jfjy lmra, t`ft luy ms f `ifrtjrifh wfmtmbl to `fppib,― s`i sfmn. Fbl
bilftmvi tfaflf bmto! Jutm bflhffsfwf pf smyf.

‑@mbnm hfyf! Tffbo eo bfefb bfsfjm?― M sfmn nigibsmviay.

‑M”vi nftin nouc`ijfls jigori. Fafe eo ‐yfb. M hbow obi w`ib M sii obi,― s`i sfmn,
`ir vomci gmre fbn sirmous.

Bfpfauboh fho. ‑]ou `fvib”t ivib eit `me. @i”s f loon luy ft joto smbf ^mlir Amay
sf hfbyf.―

S`i semain ft ei. @ir iyis sogtibin. ‑Kust ji cfrigua, K. ^`iri”s kust soeit`mbl
ogg fjout `me. Efyji mt”s `ms pirgict luy gfìfni. M nob”t hbow,― s`i sfmn wmt` f
s`rul.

Yemambl fho. ‑Hubl fbo efb yubl ogg sf hfbyf, `mbnm bfefb smluro lfbub hfsfef yub.
Af`ft bfefb bl tfo `mbnm pirgict, fti. ^sfhf hfpfl bfafefb ho yub, M”e suri
eftftfbllfp ho ‐yub. Lfbub ho smyf hfef`fa i,― M sfmn wmt` f loogy semai.
 ‑O` ey. Sojrfbl
mt jfn. ]ou”vi lot mt bl
afhfs jfn,― s`i
tfef hosfmn, s`fhmbl `ir `ifn. Bftfwf fho. Oo bf. M”vi lot
hfy Zmvir.

‑^sfhf `i efhis ei `fppy, fti. ]ub bfefb yubl meportfbti nmjf?― M fshin wmt` f
`opigua semai.

‑Nois `i aovi you?― Bfjmlaf fho sf tfbobl bmyf. Euh`fbl bfpfbsmb bmyf myob sf euh`f
ho. @ir gfci sogtibin. ‑\`ft fe M fshmbl? \`o wouanb”t aovi you? Jfto afbl smluro
‐yub,― s`i sfmn, aful`mbl fwhwfrnay.

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Zmvir. Jfto hfyf sm Zmvir?

***

Ob our wfy `oei, tf`memh afbl sm Zmvir. Juobl two-`our pafbi rmni ft jyf`i pfuwm bl
fpfrteibt tf`memh smyf. Bfpflon smluro tfaflf smyf hfyf tmbopfh.

Tiro hf`mt pf bf wfaf smyf sf eoon, `ms `fbn bivir aigt embi. Hf`mt bf efafame fbl
mbmmsmp bmyf, `i fjsibtembninay pafyin wmt` ey `fmr. Embsfb yubl hfefy ho
pmbflafafrufb bmyf ubcobscmousay. Ivib t`oul` `i”s niip mb `ms t`oul`ts, `i wfs
stmaa viry fggictmobfti.

@i ivib hmssin ei pfssmobftiay bubl hfem bf afbl fbl bfsf hwfrto ho. Fbl tflfa bub
jut `ms `fbns bivir strfyin groe ey gfci. Zfenfe ho yubl rispito. @mbnm tuaoy
efwfaf sf msmpfb ho bf sojrfbl swirti ho. Bivir smyfbl luefwf bl eovi bf fafe
bmyfbl mhfpfpf`fefh bfemb hf`mt hfem afbl yubl bfsf `otia rooe sf @obl Hobl. @mbnm
bmyf mbfjuso yubl vuabirfjmamty ft lrftmtuni ho towfrns `me ft sf elf lmbfwf bmyf
sf fhmb gor two nfys.

@ow nmn M lit t`ms auchy?

‑Mblft hf pfuwm `f,― M toan `me bubl pfpfafjfs bf smyf bl fpfrteibt. ‑^ixt ei w`ib
you lit `oei.― @i obay semain ft ei jigori `i wfvin fbn aigt.

Bfhftuaol bf afbl fho bubl lfjmbl myob fbn M bivir lot t`ft tixt.
 55555555555555555

C`fptir :<; Auepmfbl Sfrmwf

C`fptir :<

Auepmfbl Sfrmwf

M emss `me so euc`. Afst tmei bf eflhfsfef hfem bl eftflfa fy bubl bflsmejf hfem
gor Fs` \inbisnfy. @mbnm bf uamt hfem bflhfroob bl nftis hfsm pfri`fs hfembl jusy
sf sc`ooa. Bivir bfefb hfembl bflhfsfjfy bl vfcfbt pirmon i. Bfhfnflnfl pf bf
nf`mafb sf `mbnm bfemb efsyfnobl pflhmhmtf i nf`ma sf trfmbmbl bmyf.

Bfl-stfrt bf hfsm uamt yubl sifsob bl Goreuaf Obi. Hfhfuwm bmyf afbl bubl msfbl
frfw groe Eiajourbi, Fustrfamf. \faf blf smyfbl pf`mblf nf`ma sf bfl`f`fjoa smyf bl
paftis bmyf ft riqumrieibts gor lrfnuftmob. Lfbub nmb fho, piro hf`fpob bftfpos ho
bf af`ft bl nfpft hobl lfwmb ft bfmpfsf ho bf fbl elf myob. ^fpos bf rmb fbl OK^ ho
ft bfhfhu`f fho nub bl eftffs bf lrfni.

Efs emss ho tuaoy smyf nf`ma `mbnm bf fho jusy ft wfaf bl sc`ooa worhs fbl ueuuhupf
bl msmp ho. ^fpos bf fho sf fcfns i.

Emss bf hmtf, Tircy. M tixtin `me.

Tfbmlurfno efefyf pf mto efl-riripay. ]ub fy hubl suswirtm`mb fho. Efy mjfbl
mbstfbcis hfs bf `mbnm smyf bfhfhfpfl-ripay. Mbmmbtmbnm ho bf afbl hfsm sojrfbl
`ictmc bl sc`inuai bmyf. Fyohobl efhmluao sf sc`in bmyf ft jfhf eflfamt pf smyf sf
fhmb.

M-surprmsi ho hfyf smyf? ]ubl hf`mt jusy smyf jfstf bfhmtf ho smyf ohfy bf. Hf`mt
`mbnm bmyf fho pfbsmbmb o hfusfpmb bl eftflfa. Emss bf emss ho bf hfsm tfaflf smyf.
M wfbt to hmss fbn `ul `me. Fyoho bf bl puro tixts ft efmmhambl p`obi
cobvirsftmobs. M”e crfvmbl gor `me. M wfbt to tfah `me gor `ours. S`mt, hf`mmt
niamhfno M wfbt to efhi-out wmt` `me. Sojrfbl emss bf emss ho bf sm Zmvir.

^fef. Hubl `mbnm efb bmyf eflfwfb bl pfrffb bf eflhfroob bl grii tmei pfrf sf fhmb,
fho bf afbl fbl lflfwf bl wfy.

Bfl-fyos fho. ^ono-iggort. Fafe bmyfbl msfbl efafhmbl iggort pfrf sf fhmb fbl efl
efhi-up. Sfbf effppricmfti bmyf yub. Bfl-nriss nmb fho ft bfl-gafts. Tfhmrfenfe ho
jfjfibl-jfjfi fho sf fyos ho. Bfhf ifrrmbls ft bfhf-`ifnjfbn pf fho!
 Nffb hfyf fho bl Jmbobno? Nfa`fb ho hfyf smyf bl Auepmfbl Sfrmwf? Eftutuwf hfyf
smyf? M”e suri sojrfbl strissin yub. @i biins faa t`i striss-riamivirs `i couan

lit.

M”e so ixcmtin to sii `me! Sfbf eftuwf smyf sf suprisf ho!

***

Jmbma`fb ho smyf bl amefbl Auepmfbl Sfrmwf sf Jmbobno. Out og t`i wfy smyf pfpubtf
sf cobno bmyf sf ^fluml piro ffb`mb fbl surprmsi hubl wfafbl iggort nmjf?

Tflnftmbl ho sf `frfp bl noorstip bl cobno bmyf, `uemblf eubf fho bl efafame. S`mt.
Fbobl sfsfjm`mb ho hfy Zmvir? Jfhf tfbublmb bmyf fho hubl jfhmt fho bflpubtf nmto
bl wfafbl pfsfjm.

Y``, hfsm bfemss hmtfbl lflo hf?

M s`ooh ey `ifn. Jf`faf bf. Hubl fbo bf afbl fbl ubfbl auefjfs sf jmjml ho. Ft
aifst, `obist. Lusto ho afbl bfefbl m-surprmsi smyf i.

Hueftoh fho sf pmbto. @uefrfp fho sf piip`oai ft bluemtm nmto. Tfljuhfs bl pmbto,
ubf hobl bfhmtf fbl strissin bf euh`f bm Zmvir. \faf smyfbl rifhsyob bfbl efhmtf
bmyf fho.

^`iri wiri nfrh cmrcais ubnir `ms iyis. @i”s pafi fbn `ms iyis wiri jaoon-s`ot.
Tfrf smyfbl zoejmi. \iaa, coaaili nois t`ft to stunibts.

Mtmbffs ho fbl jrowb jfl bf `fwfh ho. ‑M lot gmvi Auepmfbl Sfrmwf gor you!― M sfmn
wmt` f `uli lrmb.

Bluemtm smyf bl pmamt jflo fho pmbfpfsoh sf aooj bl cobno bmyf. Bfhmtf hobl hfaft
sf cibtir tfjai bmyf fbl elf scrftc` pfpirs bmyf ft hubl fbu-fbobl hafsi bl pfpia
bf pfbl frc`mticturi. Hfaft nmb fbl elf eftirmfas bf pfbllfwf sf embmfturi
frc`mticturfa eonia bmyf.

‑Jrifh hf eubf,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl efupo smyf sf `frfpfb bl eonia bmyf.

Yemambl smyf. ‑M lottf gmbms` t`ms guchir,― sflot bmyf jflo bflpftuaoy sf pfllfwf
bl prokict bmyf.
 ]ueuho fho pfrf efhfafpmt sf hfbyf. ‑Smli bfff. Hfmbmb eo to `fjfbl gris` pf,― sfjm
ho pf. Bfpftmblmb smyf sf fhmb. ]ubl tmblmb bf bfmmrmtf.

‑Jfji, M”aa ift mt aftir, ohfy?― sfjm bmto jflo juefamh sf pfllfwf. Fy, jfntrmp
smyf? @mbnm pwinibl eflafejmbl?

M `uggin. ‑Gmbi. Mafaflfy ho afbl to sf rig.― ^uefyo fho bl effyos ft bflafhfn bf

pfpubtf bl husmbf bmyf.

Fbl sublmt-sublmt bfefb bmyf! Ipihto yfb bl puyft ft pflon. M cfb”t jafei `me gor
jimbl lruepy. Lfbyfb nmb fho afst wiih hmbf A ft H. ]ubl giiambl bf lustubl-lusto
eo bl eftfpos yubl msfbl jflfy piro `mbnm eo pf hfyfbl tfpusmb? M hbow t`ft
giiambl. Ft bfhfhfmrmtf blf tfaflf myob. @mbnm rmb bfhftuaobl sf hfbyf bf afst nfy
bf bl pfsuhfb sf ^`ursnfy. Bflhf-crfe bf tfaflf smyf.

Juefamh fho sf sfaf ft ueupo sf sogf. @mbnm bmyf fho pmbfbsmb ft pftuaoy afbl smyf
sf pfllfwf. ‑Efy efmtutuaobl jf fho, jfjy? Tfrf bfefb juemams bf ‐yfb,― sfjm ho
`fjfbl bfhfpfblfaubl-jfjf.

@mbnm smyf auemblob sf fhmb. ‑Bo, t`fbhs,― myob afefbl fbl sflot bmyf.

M sml`in. Tfrfbl wrobl tmembl fbl pflpubtf ho nmto. ‑Efyji M s`ouanb”t `fvi coei,―
M sfmn wmt` f sml`. Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf ft `uefamh sf pmsblm bmyf. ‑Yuwm bf afbl
smluro fho,― M sfmn to `me.

@mbnm pf rmb smyf auemamblob sf fhmb. ‑^ixt ei w`ib you lit `oei,― myob afefbl fbl
sflot bmyf. Bfhfhfmbms bf!

M jrift`in mb niipay fbn ix`fain saoway. Efltmepm hf, Kfemi. Strissin yubl tfo.
Efltmepm hf hf`mt `mbnm smyf bflpfsfafeft pfrf sf Auepmfbl Sfrmwf bmyf.

‑Ohfy. Tiro jflo fho uefams, `uefrfp hf eubf sf fhmb.― @mbfwfhfb ho smyf sf c`mb
bmyf ft mbm`frfp fbl euh`f bmyf sf nmrihsyob ho. ‑Nfti tfyo t`ms wiih. M wob”t tfhi
bo gor fb fbswir,― jmlafbl auefjfs sf jmjml ho. Hf`mt fho bfluaft sf niefbn ho.
Tiro `mbnm ho bf pwinibl jfwmmb. Efyji t`ft”s w`ft ey sujcobscmous wfbts. Fbl efhf-
nfti smyf hf`mt sojrfbl jusy bmyf.

‑Cfb”t. Lottf pfss t`ms ob or jigori ^`ursnfy,― `i sfmn wmt` f sml`. @mbmlpmtfb ho
fbl `fwfh sf c`mb bmyf nf`ma `f`frfp bf bfefb smyf sf eonia bmyf.

‑\faf hf bl pfsoh sf Grmnfy. Sfturnfy pf fbl stfrt bl trfmbmbl eo. Cfb”t you efhi
tmei gor your lmragrmibn?― M fshin `me, ey jrows gurrowin. Fafe ho fbl ubgfmr bl
pflni-niefbn ho blfyob. Blfyob afbl bmyf fho `mbnm efpfljmlyfb piro `faos efl-
tfbtrues bf fho sf `frfpfb bmyf. Sfefbtfafbl spomain bfefb fho sf hfbyf afst eobt`.

@i sml`in mb nigift. ‑Ohfy.―

 ‑^`mrn eobt` bftmb ‐yub,― pffafaf ho sf hfbyf. @i obay bonnin. M roaain ey iyis ft

`me. ‑OoMbf.
amttai. Ftft`me
hmssin hf guaa
bl efhfjfamh sf pfllfwf bl prokict eo.― M sfw `me lrmb f
mb t`i amps.

Jmbmtfwfb ho yubl c`mb bmyf ft lmbuao ho fbl ju`oh bmyf. ‑Tfsfafeft hf, ef`fa hmtf.
Hubnm, aflot hf sfhmb,― M sfmn jigori M aigt `ms cobno.

\iaa, t`ft nmnb”t turb t`i wfy M t`oul`t mt wouan. Bm `mbnm blf smyf bfl-coeeibt sf
`mtsurf ho. @mbnm bf bmyf smluro bfpfbsmb nf`ma sf pflon. Tiro efjutm bf afbl ft
bfhfhu`f fho bl frfw bf pfrf sf fhmb afbl sf `ictmc bmyfbl sc`inuai.

***

‑\`ft t`i `iaa?― M sfmn mb nmslust. ‑Fbl nfembl pmbfljflo!― M `mssin ft Zmvir.
@mbnm smyf sueflot.

@mbnm effams fbl efsfefbl tmblmb ho sf jml scriib. Bfbubuon hfem bm Zmvir blfyob bl
Nmvirlibt. Bubl ubf M wfs so grifhmbl ixcmtin nf`ma msf sf elf gfvormti nystopmfb
bovias ho smyf bf lmbfwfbl efkor eotmob pmcturi. Fbl tffs-tffs bl ixpictftmob ho sf
eovmi nf`ma blf eflfbnf yubl bovia.

Tiro blfyobl bfbubuon bf fho ft pftfpos bf yubl gmae, M wfs so nmsfppombtin. Fbl
nfembl pmbfljflo ft `mbnm bmto bfpflfbnf fbl gmae. Fbl nfembl meportfbtibl scibis
fbl `mbnm bfsfef! Bfwfafb bl riaivfbci yubl c`frfctir bm Fa! @mbnm ho eftfbllfp!
Tftm bf sm Inwfrn!

Bfhfhfmbms! Giiambl ho bfsfyfbl afbl fbl pirf bm Zmvir sf pfejmam bl tmchits ft

goon bfembl nfafwf.

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Zmvir. Bfjmlaf fho bfbl efhmtf ho smyfbl bfhfpmhmt. Mbmafpmt ho
fbl sfrmam ho sf hfbyf. @i”s sbormbl! Bftutuaol smyf! M cfbbot jiamivi t`ms!

M s`ooh ey `ifn mb nmsjiamig. Oo, `mbnm eflfbnf fbl hmbfafjfsfb bl eovmi fnfptftmob
bl Nmvirlibt. Tiro `mbnm smyf lfbub hf-jormbl bf efhfhftuaol hf. @mbnm pf smluro
smyf bfhfhf-ricovir sf saiipaiss bml`ts bmyf nf`ma sf riqumrieibts ft prokicts bf
lmbfwf bmyf gor t`i afst two wiihs.

Smbmho ho smyf. Hubyfrm `mbnm ho smbfsfnyf. Bfhmtf ho smyfbl luefafw sf pirmp`irfa

vmsmob ho. Efjutm bfefb ft bflmsmbl smyf. @mbnm ho efmefli yubl `mtsurf bmyf bf
ef`u`uambl tuaol hfpfl jueuhfs bf af`ft bl mafw nmto sf smbi`fb. Ef`m`myf smluro
smyf. Or jfhf wfaf pf rmbl pfhmfafe.
 Tflnftmbl ftf tfaflf hfy Zmvir, ubprinmctfjai fbl elf efblyfyfrm.

Bfbl eftfpos yubl eovmi, msf hfem sf elf ubfbl bfhfafjfs bl smbi`fb. Bfhf`fwfh smyf

sf amhurfb ho `fjfbl bflafafhfn hfem sf efaa. Hmbu`f ho yubl hfefy bmyf groe ey
jfch pfrf eflhf`fwfh-hfefy hfembl bflafafhfn.

‑So, `ow wfs t`i eovmi?― M fshin `me. ^mlbfb bftmb hubl eflsmsmbublfambl smyf fjout
mt.

‑Y``, mt wfs loon,― eftmpmn bmyfbl sflot. Bfpfblmtm fho.

‑Fbobl efsfsfjm eo sf ibnmbl?― M fshin flfmb. Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao.

‑Mt wfs fwisoei,― efjmams bmyfbl sflot `fjfbl tuemtmblmb sf efafyo.

@uam hf, jfajob!

M lmllain ft `me jigori pmbc`mbl `ms smni. ‑Justin! M sfw you saiipmbl! Bubl bfsf
trfmb bf smaf bubl bflmsmbl hf bo!” M sfmn to `me w`mai aful`mbl out aoun.

Bflhfeot uamt smyf bl uao `fjfbl bftftfwf. ‑]ou lot ei t`iri,― sfjm bmyf. M rifaay
lot you t`iri. Aoaoho`mb eo pf fho `f. M s`ooh ey `ifn mb feusieibt. Jfamw nmb tobl
sm Zmvir tfaflf hubl embsfb.

***

‑Bfmpfsf eo ob tmei yubl eonia eo?― M fshin jigori tfhmbl f jmti ob ey lframc
jrifn. Bfsf gfvormti pfstf pafci ho hfem blfyob. Nfpft sf efy gfvormti stifh`ousi
bmyf hfem hfhfmb hfso pmbfljfwfafb ho smyf nf`ma bflsmbublfambl smyf sf fhmb
hfbmbf. \faf bfefb smyfbl rihafeo ft sueubon.

^uefblo smyf jflo sueujo. Sueujo bf rmb fho bl afsflbf ho. Fbl sfrfp tfaflf nmto.
Euh`fbl lustubl-lusto nmb bmyf yubl afsflbf bmyf nf`ma `mbnm bmyf fho efsyfnobl
pmbfpfbsmb. Tfbfy hfmb afbl fbl lmbflfwf bmyf.

‑\`ft”s t`i story ji`mbn your eonia?― tfbobl ho. @mbnm ho hfsm bfhmtf yubl hfjuufb
bub. Jfsi afbl sf bfhmtf ho, M fssuein mt wfs f `uli vmaaf. Giiambl ho pfrfbl
 risort smyf or soeit`mbl. Hf`mt bf `mbnm pf tfpos yubl bfhmtf ho, M hbow mt turbin
out jifutmgua. Tmbfl`mrfpfb bmyf yub ft fafe hobl efafhm fbl meportfbci sf hfbyf

bubl eonia bf myob.

@i s`rullin. ‑Bot`mbl, rifaay,― eftmpmn bmyfbl sflot jflo uemboe bl mcin tif.

Smbuefblutfb ho smyf. ‑Fbo blf? Nrife risort eo jf yub? Jfafh eo jfbl efmpftfyo yub
sf guturi? Fbooo?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf bmyfbl jmtfwfb fbl elf `fwfh bmyfbl hujyirtos. ‑Cfb you kust
nrop mt?― `i sbfppin. Fbl sfef pf bl tmblmb bmyf sf fhmb jflo smyf bfl-mwfs bl
tmblmb. Bfpftmblmb fho sf pfamlmn bfemb. Bfhfhu`f hfem bl hfubtmbl ftibsyob.

O` ey Lon.

@mbnm ho mbffsf`fb yub.

Gmrst tmei ho myob.

Bfpftuafaf afbl fho sf hfbyf.

Bfpfbsmb bmyf myob. @i rujjin `ms gfci wmt` jot` og `ms `fbns. ‑Guch. M”e sorry,

Kfemi,― `i w`mspirin. M kust stfrin ft `me wmt` wmni iyis.

Gmrst tmei hobl efpflsfjm`fb bl lfbub mb pujamc. @mbnm smyf suemlfw piro efafhfs
fbl josis bmyf. Tfhmrfenfe ho bfbammt fho. @myfbl-`myf fho sf tmblmb bl elf tfobl
bfhfrmbml bl outjurst bmyf.

‑M”e kust so guchmbl tmrin. Sorry gor sbfppmbl ft you,― sfjm bmyf pf. Mbmwfsfb ho
bf smyf bl tmblmb ft bflpftuaoy sf pflhfmb.

Lfbub jf hfsfef yubl lmbfwf ho? Coepfrin bfefb sf elf hfaoho`fb ho nftm, wfaf afbl
myobl pfblubluamt ho hfbmbf. Efyji `i wfs ft mt `ms amemt tonfy ft `mbnm bmyf
hfyfbl m-toairfti fbl hfaoho`fb ho blfyob. Jut nmn `i rifaay `fvi to no t`ft? Nmn
`i rifaay `fvi to rfmsi `ms vomci ft ei? Mb f pujamc pafci?

 Tfri`fs hfembl bfbf`memh bm Zmvir. Euaf sf nmbbir bfembl, fwhwfrn nrmvi `oei ft sf
pfl`ftmn bmyf sf fhmb sf fpfrteibt. Eflpfpffafe bf sfbf fho sf hfbyf bf pfpfsoh bf
fho sf aooj bl fpfrteibt bl `fwfhfb bmyf yubl hfefy ho.

‑Sorry,― `i sfmn. ^uefblo fho. M wfs fjout to puaa ey `fbn fwfy groe `ms w`ib `ms
lrmp tml`tibin. ‑M”e sorry gor jimbl fb fss`oai,― `i sfmn. ^uemblfaf fho sf hfbyf.
M cfb sii `i”s smbciri wmt` `ms fpoaoly.
 @fjfbl bfsf Bfrfrfenfefb
mrrmtftmbl. jyf`i hfem hfbmbf, bf`mefsefsfb
ho bfefbl wfaf smyffho sf bfblyfrm.
efsyfno sf eoon M wfshmbuamt
piro rifaay ho pf rmb
smyf. @mbnm pf smyf bfhfhf-ricovir sf pflon ft puyft bmyf jicfusi og `ms `ictmc
sc`inuai gor t`i afst two wiihs. M s`ouan”vi hbowb jittir.

Mbubf bmyf fho nf`ma hmbuamt ho nmb smyf bf efl-nfti hfem. Mbubf bmyf fho hisf sf
pf`mblf ft pfltuaol bmyf. Bfmmbtmnm`fb ho bf hubl fbo fbl pmbfllflfamblfb bl
pflsmtf bmyf sf fhmb.

Jut t`ft noisb”t eifb M nmnb”t lit `urt.

M trmin to semai ft `me. Tiro fafe hobl euh`fbl gfhi myob. ‑M gorlmvi you. Ait”s
kust gorlit fjout mt,― sfjm ho pf. Lusto ho bf afbl eftfpos mtobl fwhwfrnbiss
jitwiib us. Tfri`fs bfefb hfembl sorry sf bfblyfrm.

Yemambl smyf. ‑Mt wfs f kirh t`mbl to no.―

^uefblo fho. ‑Tiro bfmmbtmbnm`fb ho hubl jfhmt hf bfmbms. ]ou”ri tmrin fbn lruepy.
Smluro nfpft `mbnm hmtf hmbuamt bl nfti. Efy pfbl-fpft bf juwfb pf bfefb tfyo,
nmjf? Efrfem pfbl susubon,― M jfjjain. HMbfhfmafblfb ho bf rmb tfaflf bl ef`fjfbl
ubnirstfbnmbl ft pfsibsyf sf elf orfs bf wfaf sf eoon sm Zmvir.

Bfluaft fho bfbl

bmyf. ^uefblo fhobmyfhfp bmyf
jflo smyf fho. ‑Sorry
bmyfhfp gor‑^`fbh
pfjfamh. jimbl you
suc`gor
fb ubnirstfbnmbl,―
fss`oai,― pfl-uuamt
`i sfmn
jigori squiizmbl ei.

‑\faf i. M stmaa aovi you ivib mg you”ri fb fss`oai,― sfjm ho `fjfbl bftftfwf.

55555555555555555

C`fptir :0; Cftpmss C`ivirniib

C`fptir :0

Cftpmss C`ivirniib
 Fbl sublmt-sublmt bmyf. Tossmjai jf pfrf sf msfbl afafhm eflhfroob bl TES hf`mt
`mbnm bfefb smaf bflhfhfroob bl eibs? Myob afbl hfsm fbl bfmmsmp hobl nf`mafb hubl
jfhmt tmbotopfh bl hfsublmtfb sm Zmvir. Tmbmpmamt ho bf blfbl eflpfhf-ji`fvi blfyob
piro pfrfbl hfubtmbl hmjot ho afbl, bfmmbms smyf sf fhmb. Soeit`mbl ms sirmousay up
wmt` `me. Fbo bfefb hfyf myob?

‑Jfhmt hf jf jfntrmp `f?― M fshin, stfrtmbl to lit fbboyin. M `ifrn `me sml`.
Mrmtfno bf bfefb smyf.

‑M”e kust bot mb t`i eoon,― sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfltf-typi sf afptop ho. Smbmamp ho
fbl lmbflfwf bmyf. Bflsi-sifrc` smyf bl BJF nocueibtfrmis. Lusto ho yfb!

^uefjm fho sf hfbyf sf hfef. Sfjfy hfembl `uemlf. Bfl-oggir smyf bl jfamhft bmyf
smaibtay, M tooh mt. Tuewisto fho nuob ft ueubfb. Efjutm bf afbl hf`mt efsublmt
smyf, `i wfs stmaa fggictmobfti.

‑Hmbfhfjf`fb hf jf sf rfci eo sf Subnfy?― M fshin. M sbmggin `ms frepmt. Fbl jfblo

tfaflf pftm hmam-hmam.

‑Bf`,― `i sfmn. @i cobtmbuin to aooh gor BJF Nocueibtfrmis.

‑]ubl
bfefb.hfy Nwyfbi `mbmblf
Jueubtobl \fni pfbuormb bftmb,
bf bfefb smyfpaifsi?― M fshin.
piro `mbnm Einyo pf-cuti piro tuefafj
ho pmbfbsmb.

Embsfb lusto ho bf tfaflf smyfbl subtuhmb. Bfl-stfrt yubl lfbmto bmyfbl ulfam bubl
ueuwm bf hfem groe @obl Hobl. Hubl `mbnm smyf jusy, bftutuaol smyf. @i biinin t`i
rist nfw hfsm. Lruisoei worh-outs nfw yubl lmbflfwf bmaf sf trfmbmbl bmaf.

Tiro hf`mt lfbub, hf`mt bfememss ho bf yubl swiit Zmvir ho, mbmmbtmnm ho bf afbl
smyf. Lrfji hfsm yubl prissuri sf hfbyf blfyob bl rfcmbl coeeubmty. Jfhf nuob
bfbllflfambl yubl pflmlmbl lruepy bmyf. ^`iy ixpict `me to wmb blfyobl sifsob nf`ma
eflfbnf yubl pirgorefbci bmyf afst sifsob.

Bfmbms smyf bubl msfbl jisis bf smbfjm`fb ho smyfbl `mbnm bfefb bmyf hfmafblfb bl
worh-out hfsm `ms cfr wouan no t`i rfcmbl gor `me. Yupo afbl bfefb smyf ft eflho-
cobtroa bub i. Sfjm bmyf M nob”t hbow fbyt`mbl fjout G6. Hfmafblfb nfw bf
p`ysmcfaay gmt nmb smaf nf`ma yubl hftfwfb bmaf fy efy cobtrmjutmob nmb sf pfl-
cobtroa bl G6 cfr hfpfl efy nrmgtmbl smafbl lmbflfwf.

Ye-oo bf afbl fho. Tf`myf fho i.

M sbullain caosir to `me. Hubl `mbnm bmyf hfyfbl eflmbl swiit sf fhmb blfyob, M
 couan ji swiitir gor t`i jot` og us. M hbow hfpfl ohfy bf smyf bf eflpf-pfy-ogg
mtobl iggort ft pftmibci ho. Efammt bf jflfy afbl to coepfrin sf elf lmbfwf bmyf sf

fhmb gor eori t`fb two eobt`s.

‑M aovi y„fy! ^uaol bf sm lflo!― bfsfjm ho bfbl efhmtf smyfbl bfhfpmhmt bf ft

ef`mejmbl fbl tuaol. Bfpfmambl fho jflo smyf `mbfamhfb sf pfblf bmyf. Jfamw tfaflf.

Msfbl lfjm bf blf afbl hfem eflhfhfsfef, tmbuaulfb bmyf pf fho. Ffams bf smyf
juhfs pfpubtfbl Efafysmf nf`ma nuob lflfbfpmb fbl sicobn rfci bmyf. ^sh. Tiro fyoho
bfefb smyfbl lmsmblmb. Hfmafblfb bmyf bl pf`mblf i.

^mbfbllfa ho bf afbl sf afp bmyf yubl afptop ho ft pmbftfy mto. ^mbfjm ho mto jflo
`uemlf ft tuefjm sf hfbyf. Nmto smyf eftutuaol blfyob hfsm bm-riquist ho. Blfyobl
lfjm afbl hfsm yubl grii tmei bmyf pfrf efmsmhsmh fho sf sc`in bmyf. Bfhfhfaublhot
afbl bf nftm, `mbnm bfefb fho hmbfhfmafblfbl msmhsmh. Efrfem bfefb smyfbl grii tmei
pfrf sf fhmb.

Bfhfhfameutfb bf bmyf ftfbl efl tmei efbflieibt.

Suemhsmh fho sf hmam-hmam bmyf ft nmbfbtfyfb smyf bl msfbl `mtf. Sbullai tmei!

Bmafjfs ho yubl p`obi ho ft bfl-jrowsi bl ^wmttir. Eflpo-post sfbf fho bl twiit

bfbl efmsmpfb hobl tmlbfb fbl ^wmttir fccoubt bm Zmvir.

 D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; ]ou cfbt gml`t t`i tifrs t`ft fmbt coembl. Or t`i eoeibt og
trut` mb your amis.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; GEA

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Ix`fustin

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; t`ms ms ey afst lafbci t`ft wmaa soob ji eieormis

Fbl nfem bfefbl nrfef bl twiits bl tfobl to. Hubl `mbnm puro ayrmcs bl hfbtf, elf
mbms bmyf sf ju`fy. Bfpfmambl fho. Strissin tfaflf smyf t`isi pfst gmvi wiihs.
Hmtfbl-hmtf fbl ijmnibsyf sf twiits bmyf. Hfwfwf bfefb smyf. Ft aifst tfpos bf fbl
hfajfryo bmyf sf coaaili.
 D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Dcfemaaitoi Ft`ibf”s nful`tir

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho sf twiit bf to. Fbo hfyfbl pmbfl-uusfpfb bmaf bmtobl
Dcfemaaitoi bf mto? M camchin `ms twiit ft jmbfsf fbl juobl cobvirsftmob bmaf gmvi
wiihs flo. Bfsf @obl Hobl pf hfem bmto.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Mt”s f koy pfepirmbl ey lmra

Tfhmrfenfe ho sfsfjol fho sf twiit bmyf bf mto. Jfhmt `mbnm ho mto fafe?

Dcfemaaitoi; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir jfi ur tfhib bf?

Bfpfsmefblot fho. So msf pfaf sf elf gfb lmras bmyf mtobl sm Dcfemaaitoi. Fhfaf ho
bfefb grmibn bmyf nf`ma jm`mrf afbl bfefb smyfbl sueflot sf ^wmttir. Afao bf hubl
`mbnm bmyf bfefb hfhmafaf.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Dcfemaaitio ]ip. ^fhib jy `ir.

Eubtmhfb ho bl efhflft fbl nmjnmj bm Zmvir bf mbuubfbfb ho bf blfyob! S`mt! Hubl

lfbmto jf bfefb smyf, `mbnm ho bf hfhfyfbmbl efmbms sf hfbyf. Fbl swiit-swiit bmyf
sf fhmb bubl `mbnm smyf `fllfrn. @mbnm bmyf fho hmbfhf`myf. Smepaibl pflsusublmt
bmyf afbl mto. M hbow mt”s kust f p`fsi. @mbnm ho hmbfhfmafblfb efltfbme bl sfef bl
aooj. M”e viry suri bf fgtir bl p`fsi bf mto, jfjfwm smyf jmltmei. ^`ft”s kust `me.

Dcfemaaitoi; ^`iOblpfucoZmvir jfi w`o”s t`i c`mch?

Bfpfblmtm fho bfbl efjfsf ho uamt yubl afst twiit bmyf sf cobvo bmaf bm
Dcfemaaitoi.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; Dcfemaaitoi Ft`ibf”s nful`tir

Dcfemaaitoi; D^`iOblpfucoZmvir s`is obi auchy jmtc`

 Y``. Bot suri mg t`ft”s f trui stftieibt or bot nf`ma sf ‐jmtc`” tire. Tiro tfef
yubl sfjm`mb bmyfbl ‐auchy” fho. Supir auchy fho bf lmragrmibn fho bm Zmvir. Jm`mrf
bf afbl efhf`fbfp bl tfobl hftuafn bmyf. Hfyf bfpfhf-swirti hobl bf`fbfp ho smyf sf
msfbl supircauj og faa pafcis.

Eftfpos bub fy bfpfnpfn bfefb fho sf eubno bl Mbstflrfe. Trogmai bmyf flfn fbl
pmbubtf`fb ho mbstifn bl botmgmcftmobs ho. @mbfbfp ho yubl nfafwfbl pmcturis bfembl
nfafwf. Ybf hobl pmbubtf`fb yubl p`oto sf Wfaibtmbi”s nfti bfemb.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir; \iacoei to ey woran, Fbbfjit`.

@mbnm fho bflho-coeeibt sf posts bmyf nf`ma bfpflhfsubnufb bfembl `uwfl efsyfnobl
efl-usfp sf woran wmni wij. Nf`ma bf rmb sf elf gfb lmras ft jfs`irs bmyfbl `mbnm
fafe fbl amemtftmobs bmaf. Jfhf nfw efnfefy pf fho sf elf pfbl s`o-s`owjmz bl tfo

sf hfbyf.
Tfyfpf ft Flrii fho nf`ma fyoho bfefbl lueuao fbl ju`fy ho. Ohfy bf fho sf lfbmto.
mb aovi.

Jmbfsf ho fbl elf coeeibts sf post bmyfbl myob. @mbnm ho efmwfsfbl ef-jfntrmp nf`ma
sf elf jfs`irs. Tmlma bf pmlma tfaflf fho bf efl-coeeibt. Fyohobl ef`uam fho bl elf
ipfa bf to.

ZilmbiAovisEiow ^`iOblpfucoZmvir jfhmt nm eo pbfpfhtf gis bl lg eo? pfblit bmf jf?

Ftibl, `mbnm eo jf fafe yubl prmvfcy? Yl`. Embsfb tfaflf bfsosojrf`fb bl hftfblf`fb
fbl msfbl tfo.

ZmvirAovirs hfamfb eo ppost pmc bm lmragrmibn?

Mpo-post bmyf hfyf? @mbnm bfefb bfemb bfpfl-usfpfbl jfwfa efl-post bl gfcis bfemb.
\fl afbl tfaflf hfembl efl-eibtmob sf msf”t msf. O`, wiaa. Jmjmlafmb bmyf bf afbl
smluro fho hfpfl bfpfl-trmpfb bmyf bf.

Bflpftuaoy pf fho sf pfljfjfsf bl coeeibts. Bfhmtf ho efy coeeibts smbf A ft H.

Tftm bf rmb fbl elf pmbsfb bm Zmvir. Bfhfhfhmaml blf yubl coeeibts bubl lmra cousmb
 ft hfpftmn bmyf i.

aoumssisfafzfr S`i”s proaay semambl `iri! Zml`t DHme^fafvirf_?

Hme^fafvirf_ aoumssisfafzfr fymiiii! Hfhmaml!

Elf smrf tfaflf to! Tiro hmafafbl-hmafaf fho!

ZfmbOblpfuco ^`iOblpfucoZmvir w`ib wmaa M ivir lobbf eiit `ir?

NrmzzaiObpfuco ZfmbObpfuco ^`iOblpfucoZmvir HY]F M \FBBF EII^ @IZ!!!!!

^`iOblpfucoCfscfni ^`iOblpfucoZmvir you fri so w`mppin

^`iOblpfucoAfhi ^`iOblpfucoCfscfni ^`iOblpfucoZmvir y”faa lobbf aovi `ir!

@mbnm ho pf efb smaf bfei-eiit, giiambl ho eftftfbllfp tfaflf fho bl mjf pfbl elf
Oblpfuco. ^`iy”ri too swiit! Caosi smafbl af`ft fbn t`iy faa lot ifc` ot`irs”
jfch. Hmtfbl-hmtf sf elf posts bmaf fbyw`iri.

Bfpubtf fho sf afst pmcturi bfemb sf Mbstflrfe bmyf. Sf sojrfbl hmaml ho sf

pflhfhfhmtf bl pmcturi bf myob, `mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho bf hflftmb fbl
nmjnmj bmyf. Efjutm bf afbl ft `mbnm smyf bflmsmbl. @i kust lrubtin tfpos `i
cobtmbuin to sbori bf. Jfhmt `mbnm bfhfhf-turb ogg? M eifb, hf`mt ef`mbf afbl mt”s
stmaa f sbori i. Tiro sf hfbyf fbl cuti! Tfrfbl pftubfy afbl bf tfo pf rmb smyf ft
efy mepirgictmobs pf rmb.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir ^`i `fppmist efb ft t`i `fppmist pafci ob ifrt`.

]ubl hmss bmyf sf gori`ifn ho. Fbn ey gfcmfa ixprissmob! Hubl pwini afbl tfaflf fho
efhfpfl-coeeibt sf pmcturi bf mto, M”n post ‐Turi jamss”. Myob hfsm yubl efhmhmtf
eo sf pmcturi bfemb. Tftm bf rmb sf bfrfenfefb ho t`i ixfct eoeibt ft blfyobl
jmbfjfamhfb ho smyf sf eieory ho.
 @mbnm ho bf jmbfsf
hubl bfl-coeeibt yubl
fbl elfcoeeibts bl elf
cousmbs bmyf gfbbf
pftm lmras ft jfs`irs
fbl hfpftmn bmyf.
bmyfbl sm@mbfbfp
Zfmb ftho flfn
smbf H
ft A.

aoumssisfafzfr S`i nisirvis t`ms! ^`fbh you, ^`iOblpfucoZmvir!

Hme^fafvirf_ Nrife coei trui! ]miiiiii! OEL!

M lmllain ft t`imr coeeibts. ^fef smaf. Nrife coei trui tfaflf fbl nfti bf myob!
Fbl swiit bmaf ft bflpfsfafeft pf smaf hfy Zmvir gor efhmbl mt `fppib.

^`iOblpfucoAfhi TYSS]\@MTTIN STO^^IN

ZfmbOblpfuco ^`iOblpfucoZmvir OEL! Aovi t`ms pmc f`yf!

NrmzzaiObpfuco ^`iOblpfucoZmvir soooo kiaay! ]ou”ri t`i jist jg huyf!

^`iOblpfucoCfscfni mjfbl aivia bf jro!

Fbl cuti-cuti bmaf! @mbnm afbl nf`ma sf elf `mtsurf bmaf. Tftm sf ulfam bmaf.
Eflhfhfulfam smafbl af`ft `faos. \iaa, embus bf afbl yubl pflmlmbl pirv bm Afhi ft
hfyfjfblfb bm Hfni. Efhmhmtf eo hfsm sf elf pmboposts bmaf. ]ubl Oblpfuco lmras fy
aow progmai afbl. Tfri`fs smaf bl mbtirists ho nmb. ^`iy jot` aovi joohs! M stfahin
t`imr progmais, yis.

Bfpftmblmb uamt fho sf bftutuaol bf sm Zmvir. ‑Hfmafb eo jf tfaflf fho mpfpfhmafaf

sf hfbmaf, jfjy?― M w`mspirin to `me. Bfturfa, `mbnm smyf sueflot nf`ma bftutuaol
pf rmb smyf. M kust hmssin `ms amps jflo ho pmbftfy fbl mafw sf jinsmni tfjai ho.
Bfhftuaol `fjfbl bfhfsmhsmh sf hfbyf.

***
 Bfl-tfxm afbl hfembl nfafwf pfpubtfbl fmrport. Mbmwfb bmyf bf afbl sf pfrhmbl frif
bl fpfrteibt
bfemb jumanmbl
ft pmbfyflfb yubl
smyf. cfr bmyf.
Hubnm, Efjutm
`fssai yub. bf blf afbl ft efjfmt yubl afbn aorn

^f`memh smyf t`i w`oai rmni. @mbnm bfefb bf jflo sf fhmb yub nf`ma gor t`i afst
gmvi wiihs, hubl `mbnm smyf prioccupmin , jfntrmp bfefb smyf or wfaf afbl smyf sf

eoon. M `ian `ms `fbn t`i w`oai rmni. Embsfb hmbfhflft ho so M couan kust lit f
rispobsi groe `me piro efafame tfaflf fbl mbmmsmp bmyf i.

Tiro obi tmei, bf`uam ho smyfbl bfhftmtml sf fhmb bl eftflfa. @mbnm mto hftuafn bl
nftm bf eirob smyfbl loogy semai. ]ubl blfyob, lufrnin i. ^roujain pf blf hubl OF
fbl niscrmptmob ho. Jmbfaiwfaf ho myob nf`ma fyohobl efaublhot o efmbms blfyobl
pffams smyf bl Tmampmbfs. Jfhf ef`fwf pf hfsm smyf ft efnfaf bmyf afbl sf Efafysmf.
Efafsmb pf smyf ft fho fbl smsm`mb. Bo, t`fbhs.

‑^fwflfb eo fho hfpfl bfhf-afbn bf hfyo sf Efafysmf `f?― M toan `me w`ib wi rifc`in
t`i ibtrfbci og t`i nipfrturi frif.

^uefblo smyf. @i wfs kust wftc`mbl. Mt wfs hmbn og ubbirvmbl piro pmbfjfyffb ho bf
afbl smyf. Efy topfh bf bfefb smluro.

‑\faf hf jfbl `uambl `fjmamb jflo hf uefams?― M tifsin `me wmt` f puppy-nol
ixprissmob.

@i semain jut mt nmnb”t rifc` `ms iyis. ‑Kust ji sfgi, ohfy?― `i sfmn. ^uefblo fho.
Aflm bfefb fhobl sfgi. Oo, cauesy fho piro `mbnm bfefb fho yubl mtpobl bfl`f`fbfp
bl nmslrfsyf.

‑]ub afbl?― M fshin wfmtmbl gor f hmss. Euh`fbl `mbnm pf bmyf fho `f`famhfb.
Bmyfhfp ho bf afbl smyf bubl bfhfrfenfe fho bl fwhwfrnbiss. Fbl wimrn bl giiambl.
Tfrfbl fho afbl hfsm yubl bfl-iiggort sf pflpfpffafe.

Auefyo fho sf hfbyf. ‑M aovi yo„― @mbnm ho mto bftuaoy nf`ma `mbfamhfb bmyf fho sf
afjm. Efjmams afbl myob ft pfrfbl wfaf pfbl giiambls. \`y t`i `ich fe M t`mbhmbl
fjout t`ms fjsurn t`mbls? Ffams yubl tfo, efafefbl fyfw bmyfbl eflpfemss. @mbnm
smyf lfbubl tfo bf efnrfef i.

‑Lottf lo bow. Jyi, jfji,― sfjm bmto jflo smyf puefsoh bf sf nipfrturi frif wmt`
`ms aullfli.

\`ft t`i `iaa wfs t`ft? Yefams hfflfn smyf? @mbnm efb afbl fho pmbftfpos sf
 pflpfpffafe sf hfbyf bl effyos? Borefa pf jf mto? Oo, mbixpirmibcin fho pflnftmbl
sf lfbmtobl roefbtmc riaftmobs`mps piro fafe hobl efy efam bf. Jut t`iri”s kust f
amttai pfrt mb ei t`ft hipt ob wms`mbl bf sfbf efam afbl fho. Tiro sf elf pmbfhmtf
bmyf blfyobl pfl-fams bmyf, bfluau`fb bf fho.

Efy efam bl bfblyfyfrm sf faeost pirgict bf riaftmobs`mp bfemb.

***

@i nmnb”t cfaa yistirnfy. Bfl-NE afbl smyf sf ^wmttir.

Smbobl eftmbobl joygrmibn fbl eflsi-sibn afbl bl Nmrict Eissfli sf ^wmttir? Fafe ho
bfefbl `mbnm smyf bfl`m`mrfp sf pirf hfyf `mbnm bmyf pwini mnf`mafb sf fhmb bf wfaf
smyfbl aofn pfbl-tfwfl o efshm pfbl-tixt!

@mbnm ho bf tuaoy efmwfsfbl efl-ovirt`mbh nf`ma sf elf bfblyfyfrm. Bfpf-pfrfbomn bf

fho sf hmbmhmams bm Zmvir. Tfrfbl mjfbl tfo bf mtobl joygrmibn ho blfyob sf
afafhmbl joygrmibn ho f eobt` flo. Fbobl bfblyfyfrm sf hfbyf? Ms mt stmaa fjout G6?
Fafe hobl `mbnm bf mto fjout `ms nfeb paftis nf`ma tfpos bf fbl sieistir. Mb gfct,
ef`mlmt msfbl juwfb bf afbl fy eflefefrtsf bf hfem.

\`ft t`i `iaa ms `fppibmbl to `me? \`ft t`i `iaa ms `fppibmbl to our riaftmobs`mp?
\`ft t`i `iaa fe M supposi to no?

\faf fhobl fafe sf elf lfbmtobl jflfy nf`ma cauiaiss fho.

Tiro hf`mt lfbub, smlurfno bf tfaflf fho. Efy efam. @mbnm ho afbl fafe hubl fho o
smyf myob. Cobsmstibt bfefb fho sf elf pmbfhmtf ho sf hfbyf uepmsf pf afbl ft
`fbllfbl blfyob. Efy bflfwf hfyf fhobl efam? Efy bflfwf hfyf fhobl `mbnm bmyf
tfbllfp? Bf turb-ogg hfyf smyf sf fhmb?

Bfpfbsmb ho rmbl `mbnm bf bmyf fho tmbftfwfl bf ‐Fbbfjit`” or ‐jfjy”. Tfaflm bf

afbl ‐jfji!” Bfmmbms bf fho! Jfhmt `mbnm ho pmbfl-msmpfb mto bubl bfbnmto pf smyf?
Bubl efy tmei fho pfrf hfusfpmb smyf? @mbnm ho bfefb smyf pwinibl tfwflfb blfyob
nf`ma efsmsmrf fbl gocus bmyf sf rfcmbl! Yl`.

Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp bmyf? Lusto bf hfyf bmyfbl efl-six hfem? Hfyf jf smyf efsublmt
sf fhmb hfsm tmbfbllm`fb ho smyf jigori? Or nf`ma fafe bmyfbl eftflfa pf fho jflo
eflmbl rifny? Hfsm eftflfa pf yubl pfbf`ob bf eflpfpfhfsfa fho. M”e suri og t`ft.

@mbnm hfyf bf rifamzi bf bmyf bf `i”s wfy too loon gor ei? Bf M”e bot loon iboul`
gor `me?
 Jfhf bfefb suefsfbl-fyob bf smyf sf elf smbfjm bl so-cfaain ‐grmibns” bmyf sf ^`i
Ainli?
frti hoEfyji
pf ft`i t`mbhs
fyfw hoblbf ‐Twinismyf?
pftuafb Bf ]fb” typi fho bl msfbl jfjfi tfpos fbl frti-

Or s`mt...

Nmjf `i”s pfrt C`mbisi? Jfhf bfefb efrfbfsfb ho sf hfbyf fbl ‐Lrift \faa?” O` ey
Lon. Jfhf efy hf-frrfbli efrrmfli smyf? Jfhf iblflin bf smyf? Jfhf efy aobl-tmei
gmfbcí bf smyf? Fs mb ‐aobl-tmei” nf`ma jftf pf smaf bubl pmbflhfsubno smaf?

Nmjf fbl sfjm, ‐Fbl C`mbisi fy pfrf sf C`mbisi afbl?” Bm msfbl `mjaf bl pflhf-
C`mbisi sf hftfwfb, wfaf fho i. Tfbo bf yub?

Or jfhf `mbnm joto sf fhmb fbl elf Oblpfuco? Jfhf pmbfpafstmc afbl fho bmbf Afhi ft
Hfni?

Or jfhf pmbflpupustf`fb afbl fho bmafbl tftao? Jfhf efy hfpfamt bf `faflf afbl fho
hfy Zmvir? Jfhf tfpos bf yubl jit ft tfpos bf rmb smyf sf fhmb?

Fbo jf?! Bfjfjfamw bf fho ft hubl fbu-fbo bf fbl mbmmsmp ho!

Zifa amgi mto. @mbnm tiaiboviaf. Tfbl Tmboy ^iaiboviaf afbl bfefb bfblyfyfrm yubl

elf bfmmsmp Hfmafblfb

oovirt`mbh. ho. @mbnm hobl
fho nfpft bfl-mmsmp
tmlmafb bl elfpfrfbomn
fbl pflmlmbl lfbmto. ho.
@mbnm fho nfpft
Bflmlmbl bfl-fho
ubgfmr
hfy Zmvir sf pfl-mmsmp bl efsfsfef sf hfbyf.

Jfhf p`fsi afbl tfaflf mto. Jfhf pfljfamh bmyf, juefamh bf rmb fbl swiit joygrmibn
ho. Jfhf blf. Jfhf blf yu fbl efblyfrm. Nfpft tuemlma bf fho.

^mch, toch.

Bfmjfto ho fbl Cftc`mbl Gmri jooh ho nf`ma sf bfjfsf hobl ambyf lfambl nmto. ‑@mbnm
hf bfhfhftuaobl Cftpmss C`ivirniib!― smlfw ho nf`ma sf grustrftmob. Sf sojrfbl mbms
ho, bfjfjoy ho bf fbl pfblfafb bm Hftbmss Ivirniib.

Tfrf hfsmbl hftuafn bl fribf sf @ublir Lfeis sm Zmvir, efrfembl surprisf. Efrfembl
pfeftfy bf surprisf. Yl`. Hfhfjfamw!
 55555555555555555

C`fptir :=; 44;46;69

C`fptir :=

44;46;69

‑\faf pf rmbl pfrfenfe?― fshin H. Yemambl fho `fjfbl bfbubuon bl Jfttais`mp

Lfaafctmcf ft huefhfmb bl pfbcmt cfbtob. Ieotmobfa iftmbl i.

Auefpmt sf fhmb sm Hme ft ueupo sf tfjm ho sf sogf. ‑Jfhmt `mbnm eo tfwflfb?― s`i
fshin.

Yemambl uamt fho. Fyohobl mstorjo`mb smyf. Tuspusfbl trfmbmbl pf rmb hfsm fbl
lmbflfwf bmaf. Fyohobl efpfl-tffsfb bf bfefb bl josis. ^`oul` `mbnm bfefb bmyf
mbuamt yubl bfblyfrm sf nfti bfemb. Fyoho afbl jmlyfb smyf bl nf`mafb pfrf efl-sbfp
ft efltffs bl josis uamt sf fhmb.

‑^roujai mb pfrfnmsi?― fshin A. Yeupo smyf sf hfjmafbl tfjm ho.

@mbnm ho bf smaf pmbfbsmb pf ft bflpftuaoy sf pfbubuon. Bmauaubon ho bf afbl fbl

sfrmam ho blfyob sf elf ^W sirmis efrft`ob. Embsfb hfsm efs ohfy bf nuob hf eubf sf
‐efhi-jiamivi” woran hisf sf riyfamnfn. Tiro embsfb afbl bfefb yub. @mbnm bfefb
pwinibl pfaflm. @f`frfpmb ho rmb bfefb yubl projaief sf riafsyob bfemb bm Zmvir
hfpfl bfhfjfamh bf smyf.

Ft euh`fbl eftftflfafb pf myob. @mbnm hfsm smyf ueuwm bl Tmampmbfs fgtir bl

Efafysmfb Lrfbn Trmx. Nuemritso smyf bl Jf`rfmb pfrf sf susubon bf rfci bmyf.
Bfjfamtffb ho bf afbl nmb bf susubon fbl elf Oblpfuco nuob nf`ma nuob bf rmb eflsi-
ciaijrfti bl Aibt sifsob yubl cafb bmaf.

Bfafefb ho afbl myob hf`fpob vmf Nmrict Eissfli bf bfefb bl ^wmttir. Bfhfhfpmhob bf
tfaflf. Tiro, fbfh bl pftoaf, hfmafblfb hobl eflmbl pfsibsyosf.

Tftmibci ms f vmrtui.

Nflnfl bf yfb sf fhmbl elf efbtrf blfyob nf`ma hfy Zmvir. Guaa og wmsnoe bf ftf fho
nf`ma sf joygrmibn hobl `mbnm ho bf efmbtmbnm`fb.

‑Cfb wi kust bot tfah fjout `me?― M fshin fs poamtiay fs M cfb. Hme poutin fbn A
 kust s`rullin. Efjutm bfefb ft pfyfl smaf.

‑Fbo bfefbl pwini bftmbl pfl-usfpfb?― fshin H. Bfpfamblob hfembl nfafwf hfy A.

‑Hfeustf bf hfyo bm EGL?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. Eflfbnfbl nmstrfctmob mto. Aovi amgi
bl mjf.

S`i kust roaain `ir iyis.

‑Hf`mt `mbnm eo mjualfr yubl mnibtmty bmyf. Eflhwibto hf afbl!― H urlin. Bftfwf fho
sf iggort bmyf huejmbsm`mb sm A. Eftmjfy yfb sf tflufb bl smhrito tfaflf i.

Hfyf bfhfhfluaft bf afbl fho bfbl puefyfl smyfbl efl-s`fri bl hfhfubtmbl hwibto
fjout `ir EGL.

Bflhfhmafaf pfaf smaf sf sc`ooa. Eflhfhafsi smaf sf msfbl cafss. Supir `fti bmyf
nfw yubl luy (ft gmrst) hfsm efsfef nfw fbl ulfam bub. Bfluaft hfem bm Hme hfsm
fafe bfembl fyfw tfaflf bm A bl fss`oais.

^fpos yubl efafafefb eobl efy lfbubl ulfam yubl lusto bmyfbl luy? S`ochir.

Jut turbs out, grobt afbl bm EGL yubl pflmlmbl fss`oai bmyf. @i”s f sogtmi pf blf
nfw. Afao bf sf elf amttai smstirs bmyf. I msf sf elf hf`mbffb bm A yub, yubl elf

lfbubl hafsi bf efpflef`fa sf elf jftf piro hfpfl mjfbl tfo fbl hfjfbllf, jfnfss.

Eftfambo nmb nfw sm EGL. Tfrftm smafbl eflhfsflutfb sf nijfti bm A. Obi t`mbl fjout
`ir, `mbnm yfb bflpfpftfao sf elf nijftis. Taus pombts yubl pflmlmbl sefrt-fss nmb
bub nf`ma ft`aiti nmb smyf i. Ef`mrfp efl-efmbtfmb bl lrfnis yubl elf ft`aitis
nf`ma sf `ictmc sc`inuai bl trfmbmbls bmaf. Tiro yubl eflhfroob bl aftmb `obors
tfpos ft`aiti? Eobstir!

Jflfy tfaflf smaf bm A. Caosit-jrfmbmfcs pfri`o!

‑Hfyo bf jf?― M fshin `ir. Hfsm hmaml bf hmaml smyf.

Yemambl smyf. ‑Tiro `i”s pafbbmbl to court ei nfw,― sfjm bmto.

@i”s pafbbmbl to court `ir? Tafbfno piro pmbffafe sf amamlfwfb? Twini pfbl efljflo
fbl msmp? ‑Einyo efluao,― M sfmn, `fvmbl f `frn tmei to coepri`ibn.

^uefwf smyf. ‑Efluao smyf i,― myob afbl fbl sflot bmyf.

H tmatin `ir `ifn to t`i smni. ‑Tiro hfpfl bmamlfwfb hf bmyf, sfsflutmb eo jf
smyf?― s`i fshin.
 Bfpfsmp sm A. ‑Y`e, oo?― s`i fbswirin riauctfbtay.

‑Yyyy! ]ou `ismtftin!― H tifsin. Bfeuaf sm A ft uemwfs bl tmblmb. @ee... Jfhmt

hfyf?

‑@mbnm eo smyf tfaflf lusto?― M fshin. Bfhfhfjfamw bfefb hubl `mbnm bmyf pfaf lusto
sm EGL. ^fpos sfsfjm`fb bmyf hfembl fyfw bmyfbl eflhwibto sf femb hfsm fyfw bmyf
smafbl ‐ef-kmbx”. M eifb, \^G.

Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao. ‑M amhi `me. ^oo euc` bf blf ftf i. Mt”s kust t`ft, pfrfbl
`mbnm ho hfyfbl efl-coeemt sf hfbyf fs og t`i eoeibt,― pfl-iihspamhf bmyf. ^fef
bfefb smyf. Efy nf`mafb smyf pfrf eflmbl shiptmc hfy EGL nf`ma sf sfrmam bmyfbl
efafjobl giiambls.

‑M `opi bf hfyf hf bmyfbl `mbtfymb hfpfl bfbamlfw bf smyf,― sfmn H wmt` `ir
mbbocibt semai. Bfpfmambl sm A `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. M”e suri s`i”s touc`in wmt` H”s
`opigua worns.

‑^fef bf blf! Bfuuwm bf bfefb tfyo sf nrfef!― M sfmn w`mai c`uchambl.

‑\i s`ouan s`op, luys,― A sfmn. Auemblob smyf sf fhmb. ‑No you `fvi f nriss bf jf
gor t`i lrfnuftmob?― tfbobl bmyf jflo tuefyo sf pflhfhfupo bmyf sf sogf.

Yemambl fho. ‑\faf pf. Jfhf efl-ricycai bf afbl fho bl nfemt,― M sfmn. Bfhfhftfefn
bfefb hfsmbl efl-s`oppmbl. Efsfhmt bf blf sf pff tfpos mmsfbl nriss afbl fbefb fbl
efjmjmam. Eflfstos pf! I hubl mpfejmjmam ho bf afbl bl joohs sf Fefzob yubl pirf,
mmafbl pmbnot afbl tfpos `m`mbtfymb ho bf afbl bl mafbl frfw o ambllo. Bo `fssai.

Yemrfp sm H sf fhmb. ‑^uefyo hf bf! Efl-s`oppmbl bf tfyo!― @mbmaf bmaf fhobl nfafwf
ft pmbfljm`ms bf. Loonjyi, Jfttais`mp Lfaafctmcf fbn pfbcmt cfbtob.

***

 ‑Bopi. Euh`f hfbl afep wifrmbl t`ft,― sfjm bm A sf fhmb. M roaain ey iyis ft `ir.
@mbnm jf bmyf bfmsmp yub bubl bfhmtf bfemb tobl nriss bf mto sf rfch hfbmbf? Efy
mbfjot smyf sf fhmbl pifc` coaorin nriss. ‑^ry t`ms.― Yefams bf smyf sf `frfp ho ft
puefsoh sf tfjmbl nrissmbl rooe.

@mbnm bf fho bfhmpfltfao ft sueubon bf afbl. Efsyfno bf fhobl pflon pfrf efhmpfl-
tfao. Lusto ho bf afbl eftfpos mtobl torturi bf to.

Hmbftoh ho yubl pfnir sf pflmtfb bl nrissmbl rooes bfemb bm A. ‑M”e nobi! Afjfs hf
 bf! Bfrmbml hobl jueuhfs fbl pmbto bl nrissmbl rooe bmyf hfyf jmbuhsfb ho bf rmb
yubl sf fhmb.

S`i semain w`ib s`i sfw ei. ‑Tirg! Mt”s sooo pirg! Zmvir wmaa nrooa w`ib `i siis
you mb t`ft nriss!― sfjm bmyf. ^uefamhon fho sf hfbyf ft `uefrfp sf sfafemb.

‑Jma`mb ho bf?― M fshin `ir. M sfw `ir rigaictmob bonnin. @mbnm bfefb fho bflnununf

sf tfsti bm A. M trust `ir bfefb bf `mbnm fho euh`fbl pftftfs bf bfhfsfho sf suot
ho.

Bfhmtf hobl suemamp nmb sm Hme. Bfhfsuot rmb smyf bl nfemt bf euh`f smyfbl pupubtf
bl Cofc`iaaf. Elf trmp tfaflf bmto. Tfamj`fsf ef`maml sf roch jfbns i.

‑Yy! Jflfy sf”yo! Jmjma`mb eo bf?― s`i fshin ixcmtinay. ^uefblo fho. Tfri`fs smafbl
bflfbnf`fb hfyf pfrf sf fhmb eflfbnf bf mto. \faf bfefb hfsm fhobl gfs`mob sibsi.
Efs eflfbnfbl efhmbml fho sf elf smbfsfjm bl elf gfs`mobmstf hobl grmibns hisf
`mbnm.

‑Efl-pmcturi hf tfpos sibn eo hfy Zmvir! ^mlbfb bftmb hubl `mbnm smyf eflefnfam
ueuwm!― sfmn H. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf fbn s`i”s lrmbbmbl. O` ey Lon! Jfhmt
bfhfhftfwf yubl mnif piro lusto hobl lfwmb?

Bfpfamblob fho hfy A. M sfw `ir gfcipfaembl `irsiag. ‑\fafbl efsfef hubl efl-try?―
M fshin.

S`i scowain ft ei. ‑Bo! ^`iri”n ji bo iaieibt og surprmsi w`ib `i lits jfch! Nfpft
ef-s`och smyf sf lrfnuftmob!― sfmn A. Efy pombt smyf. Nfpft tfaflf efy s`och-gfctor
bf hfpfl bfhmtf fho uamt bm Zmvir. Tfrf bfefb ef-rifamzi bmyf hubl fbo yubl bf-emss
bmyf bmtobl elf bfhfrffbl ambllo bf wfaf smyf.

@uefrfp uamt fho sf sfafemb. ‑Ffyusfb bmyf bfefb fho w`ib t`ft tmei coeis nmjf?― M
fshin w`mai iyimbl ey rigaictmob mb t`i emrror.

A bonnin. ‑Og coursi! @i”aa nrooa faa ovir you. M”aa efhi suri og t`ft,― s`i sfmn
wmt` f semrh.

Bfhu, sfbf blf ft efblyfrm yub hfpfl bfhmtf fho bm Zmvir bixt tmei. Tfrf hfsmbl fho
afbl yubl bflnu-nrooa hfpfl bflhmhmtf hfem. Fbl ubgfmr.a Huejflf, smyf sm Jifuty ft
fho sm Jifst.

^ihf, sffb jf bfbllflfambl fbl elf hfhorbm`fb hobl mto?

‑Amhf bf! Jfyfrfb bf bftmb mtobl elf mto.―

 ***

A fbn H farifny aigt t`i fpfrteibt. Smafbl nfafwf fbl eflhfsfjfy nf`ma m`f`ftmn bm
A sm Hme sf sfhfyfb bl jus. Sm A bfefb efhmhmpflhmtf nfw eubf hfy EGL jflo ueuwm bl

Cfvmti. So t`ft aifvis ei... `iri. ^mbftfefn nmb fhobl uefams blfyob nf`ma bfpflon
fho sf s`oppmbl bfembl tftao hfbmbf.

‐Ei tmei” fbn ‐lmra tmei” i.

^`iy efni ei juy coseitmcs fbn ot`ir lmray stugg. Tfrf nfw mto sf pflpfpflfbnf ho.
Hf`mt nfw hfsm efy mtmbftflobl lfbnf fbl euh`f ho. Hfmafblfb efl-iggort nfw tfaflf
fho pfrf efmafjfs mto ft ef-efmbtfmb bf bfhfafjfs. Tfrf bf nmb nfw `mbnm fho
efsfjm`fb bl mjfbl tfo bf wfafbl pfhmfafe sf sfrmam.

^`oul`, wfaf bfefb fhobl pfhmfafe sf mbmmsmp bl mjfbl tfo i. Tiro nf`ma mbmbsmst bl
nfafwf hobl hfmjmlfb, smbubon ho smaf.

]is, ohfy yubl wfafbl fyos ft smepai. Tiro efs lulustu`mb bfefb nfwbl hfrfem`fb fbl
elf tfobl prisibtfjai ft smepai.

Tfrf nmb nfw mto hfy Zmvir. Hfpfl eflhfsfef nfw hfem, `mbnm bf smyf efti-tiept
auemblob
jut mt”s sf
t`imjf hfsmLffbo
trut`. eflfbnf
efbfbl
nfwlmragrmibn bmyf.
hf aoyfa fbl Einyo
msfbl supirgmcmfa
luy, yubl
`mbnm pf rmb t`oul`t
bmaf
efmmwfsfbl `mbnm efpfamblob embsfb.

Trivibtmob ms jittir t`i curi. Fbot`ir wimrn efbtrf.

Bmamambms ho fbl hwfrto ho nf`ma euh`f mtobl bfsfjulfb bl bucaifr joej ft jmbflyo
nfys fgtir. Lfbub hfluao fbl hwfrto ho fs og t`i eoeibt. Hmbfhfmafblfb tfaflfbl
ambmsmb hubl fyfw hobl jf`fyfb bl f`fs to `fjfbl bfsf provmbci fho sf elf susubon
bf frfw.

@fjfbl bflamambms fho bl joohs`iavis ho bfbl bfhmtf ho yubl elf joohs bf jmlfy sf
fhmb bm Zmvir. ]ubl Tircy Kfchsob fbn t`i Oayepmfbs `frnjoubn joxin-sit.Sfyfbl ft
bfsf Cfvmti yubl @frry Tottir joohs. Bfhmtf ho rmb yubl Emchiy Eousi stuggin-toy bf
jmbmam bmyf sf fhmb sf @obl Hobl Nmsbiyafbn. ]ubl Zos`i bf jmbmam bmyf sf fhmb sf
Eobl Hoh. ]ubl jouquit og rin rosis bf tuyot bf piro bfhftflo afbl sf jox sf mafame
bl hfef ho. Elf pmbf-niviaop hobl p`otos bfemb. Fbl nfem bfembl efsfsfyfbl eieormis
sf aooj bl efltftftaobl juwfb bf pflsfsfef bfemb. Sfbf efnflnflfb pf pfljfamh bmyf.

O`, `ow M emss `me.

 @mbnm afbl yubl swiit virsmob bmyf. Tftm bf rmb yubl efsublmt virsmob. Af`ft bl
virsmob bf pmbfhmtf bmyf. Hf`mt yubl `mbnm bmyf pf pmbfpfhmtf. Hf`mt yubl efnm-
nmscovir ho pf afbl. M rifaay, rifaay no emss `me. Sfbf ueuwm bf smyf. Sfbf eftfpos
bf to. Sfbf pfljfamh bmyf, effyos bf uamt. \faf bl fwhwfrnbiss or hf`mt bf fbobl
projaief.

Bfhfhfemss yubl jamssgua giiambl. ]ubl wfafbl lueuluao sf utfh eo bf hf`mt fbo.

]ubl `mbnm hf susuepublmb bl pfl-oovirt`mbh. Embsfb bfei-emss ho yubl eubno bf wfaf

fhobl pmborprojaief hubnm fbl sfrmam ho ft elf ipmsoni bl ^W sirmis bf pmbfpfbuon
ho.

Jut ey amgi wouan ji so euc` nuaair wmt`out `me pfaf. Blfyob ho afbl bftfbllfp sf
sfrmam ho. M wfs amhi wfahmbl fmeaissay bubl wfaf pf smyf.

Jut gor bow, M t`mbh M biin to ji cobtibtin ob tfhmbl fbyt`mbl t`ft M couan lit
groe `me bow.

Bfjmlaf fho bfbl efrmbml ho fbl pfl-rmbl bl p`obi ho. Bfpf`mbto fho sf pflamambms
ft pfl-mmsmp. Auefpmt fho sf jinsmni tfjai ho ft bfupo sf hfef. Nmbfepot ho fbl
p`obi ho nmto ft tmbmlbfb fbl scriib hubl smbo fbl tueftfwfl.

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

O` ey Lon! @i”s cfaambl! M cfb”t jiamivi `i”s cfaambl fgtir f wiih og bo p`obi
cfaas! OEL!

Sfsflutmb ho jf flfn? Tfl`m`mbtfymb ho jf? S`mt! Jfhmt smyf tueftfwfl blfyob? Fbobl
orfs bf jf sf Jf`rfmb blfyob? Bfem-emss bmyf hfyf fho? Bfjfjfamw bf rmb jf smyf sf
hfhfmsmp sf fhmb? Tfri`f jf hfem bl pmbflnfnffbfb? Bfi-ixcmti nmb jf smyf bf
efrmbml fbl josis ho?

Smbflot ho fbl tfwfl bf efy blmtm sf fhmbl elf afjm. ‑@iaao, jfjy! Bfpftfwfl hf?―
juobl afejmbl hobl pflsflot.
 Elf mafbl Silubno jflo smyf eflsfamtf. ‑Kfemi...― O` ey Lon! Bfhfhfemss yubl josis
bmyf! Bfhfhf-ixcmti bf efhfusfp smyf!

Gmrst tmei hobl ef-ixcmti bl lfbmto. ]ubl tono-tono. @mbnm hfsm fho cobgortfjai
pflnftmbl sf p`obi cobvirsftmobs. Fbl fwhwfrn bmto pfrf sf fhmb.

Hfyf bfhfhfjmlaf bf sojrfbl ixcmtin fho sf p`obi cfaa bm Zmvir. Sojrf bf tfaflf fbl

tfef ho sf hfbyf.

Tiro tihf, t`iri”s soeit`mbl ogg wmt` `ms vomci. Efy bfblyfrm hfyf sf Jf`rfmb? Efy
bfblyfrm hfyfbl efsfef sf hfbyf? Efy projaief hfyf smyf?

‑\`ft”s wrobl, Tircy? Efy projaief hf jf nmyfb?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl. Zmbml bf
rmbml nmb sf josis ho fbl pfl-ffafaf sf hfbyf. Jfhf bflhf-mbkury smyf? Or hubl fbo
efbl projaief rilfrnmbl G6 rfcmbl. Bfhfhf-pfrfbomn bfefb jmlaf! M `opi `i”s ohfy.

‑\i biin to tfah,― myob afefbl fbl sflot bmyf. Bfhfhfhfjf bfefb yubl tobo bmyf.
Bftfbllfa jf smyf sf rfci? Tiro mepossmjai yub. @i”s obi og t`i gfvormtis blfyob
nf`ma `i”s nfeb loon ob w`ft `i”s nombl.

Bfpfhubot fho bl boo. ‑Fjout w`ft? Fbobl jfbl eirob?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl.
Bfluluau`fb fho sf tobo bl josis bmyf. Tfrfbl efy pftfy bf iwfb. Smluro sf pflon bf
bfefb. \faf jf smyfbl jfafh eflpf`mblf?

‑Fjout
pwini. us,―
@mbnmsflot bmto.
pfpfyfl sm Jfhf
pfpf lusto bmyf
bf `mbnm fho
fho pfpubtf`mb
efl spibn bl bl Jf`rfmb?
aibt sifsob Hfso `mbnm
sf jf`fy bfbfefb
hfsfef smaf.

Bfpfamblob fho sf hfaibnfryo sf jinsmni tfjai ho. O`. Fprma 6 pfaf blfyob. Fprma
Gooas” Nfy!

‑Y`e, ohfy. \`ft fjout us?― M fshin fjsibtembninay. Aoho`mb ho hfyf smyf blfyob?
Jfhf sfhfambl eftfbllfa fbl pflon bmyf hf`mt nf`ma afbl sf msfbl efammt bf kohi.
Efpflffb ho efb afbl yubl aooj bmyf. @i soubn so nowb i.

‑M t`mbh wi biin to stop siimbl ifc` ot`ir,― sfjm bmto.

\`ft? ^ihf? ^fef jf fbl bfrmbml ho? \faf bfefb fhobl funmtory `faaucmbftmobs, fs
gfr fs M hbow. ^ihf blf. Tfrfbl fho ftf fbl bmaoaoho bmto `f!

^mbfwfbfb ho smyf. ‑@f! M hbow w`ft you”ri nombl!― Bfpfmambl fho sf gfmain fttiept
bmyf bl prfbh. Smrf tfaflf tobl sm Zmvir!

‑Kfem„― Tmbutoa ho fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf. Yubf`fb ho bf smyf.

 ‑@fppy Fprma Gooas”, you nugus! Fhfaf eo `f!― M sfmn, lmllambl. Gfmain fbl fttiept
bmyf sf pfl-prfbh sf fhmb.

‑Kfemi, M”e sirmous. ^`ms msb”t f kohi,― sfjm bmyf. Bfpf`mbto fho sf pfltfwf nf`ma
sf tobo bl pfbfbfamtf bmyf. Tfrfbl grustrftin bf... lfamt.

M scowain ft ey p`obi fs mg bfhmhmtf fho bm Zmvir. ‑^uemlma hf blf!― mbms hobl

sfjm. @mbnm bf hfsm eflfbnfbl jmro.

‑M”e sorry, Kfemi. M”e jrifhmbl up wmt` you,― `i sfmn mb f cooa vomci. Siryoso jf
to? S`mt. @mbnm blf ftf smyf bfljmjmro.

Ey kfw safchibin. ‑Siryoso hf tfaflf?― @mbnm smyf uememh. ‑@mbnm hf bfljmjmro?― M

fshin flfmb, ey vomci wfvirmbl.

M `ifrn `me sml`. ‑]is.―

Fafe eo yubl pfhmrfenfe bf pfrf hfbl bf suchir pubc` sf tmyfb? ]ubl efsfhmt piro
jmlafbl bfefb`mn? Bfefb`mn hfsm `mbnm hf efhf`mblf.

‑^`ms msb”t f prfbh? F smch kohi?― M efbflin to fsh. M giat t`i tmblais ob t`i tmps
og ey tois fbn fbn gmblirs.

‑M nob”t kohi fjout t`isi t`mbls. ]ou hbow t`ft,― `i fbswirin. @i soubnin... M
nob”t hbow. @mbnm ho bf ef-nitict yubl tobi bmyf. Efs efafhfs yubl pflhfhfrmbml ho
sf efafhfs bf pmbtml sf tiblf ho.

M trmin to jrift`i niipay jut M cfb obay tfhi s`faaow mbtfhi og jrift`s. @mbnm
pwinibl jfstf-jfstf bf afbl smyfbl efhmpfl-jrifh bf wfaf fhobl bfhuhu`fbl nf`mafb
sf hfbyf. M biin f vfamn ixpafbftmob! ‑No M lit fb ixpafbftmob?―

‑M kust nob”t sii us lombl fbyw`iri.― ^`ft”s mt? Myob afbl fbl ixpafbftmob bf
efhuhu`f ho groe `me?

‑M nob”t lit to sfy fbyt`mbl? \faf bf fhobl c`omci?― M efbflin to fsh, ey aowir amp
triejambl.

‑M”e so sorry, Kfemi. Mt wfs gub w`mai mt afstin.―

M `ubl up ob `me. Tutfbl mbf bmyf.

Bfpftuafaf fho sf p`obi ho.

 44;46;69

Mt obay tooh `me obi embuti fbn gmgtiib sicobns to jrifh ey `ifrt.

M lfspin. M cfb”t jrift`i. M cfb”t jrift`i.

^ifrs sunnibay jaurrin ey vmsmob. Mt wfs gub w`mai mt afstin? Fbobl hafsibl afafhm
fbl eflsfsfjm bub eftfpos efhmpfl jrifh sf lmragrmibn bmyf? ^fblf jf smyf?

\`ft t`i guch kust `fppibin?

‑@i kust jrohi ey `ifrt,― M w`mspirin to eysiag fs t`i tifrs roaa nowb griiay ob ey
gfci.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 34; Vufrtir Vuiaa

C`fptir 34

Vufrtir Vuiaa

‑\fafbl gorivir,― M sfmn to eysiag w`mai aoohmbl ft our pmcturis ob ey p`obi”s

cfeirf roaa. ^uauy-tuaoy afbl fbl pfltuao bl au`f ho. ]ubl tmpobl fyfw bmyf `uembto
hf`mt giiambl ho efni-ni`ynrfti bf fho. ]ubl tmpobl sobfr-sojrf bf yubl pfltuao
bmyf ft jfsmbl-jfsf bf yubl ubfb ho giiambl ho efpupubo bf yubl jutfs bl tiblf ho
hfsm nuob tueutuaoy.
 Bfbl efhmtf ho yubl p`oto bf bfhf`famh smyf sf boo ho, bubl bfsf Nmsbiyafbn hfem fy
bfpf`flualoa bf afbl fho. ‑\FAFBL. GOZIWIZ,― M sfmn jitwiib sojs.

OF efb piro Zmvir rumbin t`i cobcipt og ‐gorivir” gor ei. ^`rii eobt`s fbn tib nfys
afbl bfefb fbl mbfjot bl riaftmobs`mp bfemb piro fbl sfhmt-sfhmt pf rmb. Fbl sfyf-
sfyf hfsm bfemb bubl uepmsf `fjfbl efl nfafwfbl juwfb. \fafbl coepamcftmobs. C`maa
afbl. @mbnm bfefb hfem pfri`fs effrti.

Bubl bfhfjfamh afbl tfaflf hfem bl @obl Hobl bflsmeuaf af`ft. Bflmbl efafeml smyf
ft pfrfbl bfwfafb smyf bl pfhmfafe sf fhmb. Bflhfroob smyf bl 604-nilrii
trfbsgoreftmob. Fbl afyo bl Zmvir bf ubf bmyfbl pmbfhmtf sf fhmb sf Zmvir bf
bfhmpfl`mwfafy sf fhmb.

O` ey Lon. @mwfafy bf tfaflf hfem.

Fbl sfrfp jfamhfb bl af`ft bl efsfsfyfbl eieormis. Jut ft t`i sfei tmei, fbl sfhmt-
sfhmt. Cfb wi kust lo jfch to t`i nfys w`ib `i wouan no fbyt`mbl gor ei? Twini jfbl
juefamh bf afbl hfem sf tmei bf yub ft `uwfl uefams?

Tiro mepossmjai yub. Fho afbl bfefb yubl lustobl juefamh sf tmei bf yub. Bfhmpfl-
jrifh smyf sf fhmb.
efhmhmpfl`mwfafy Mtwfaf
hubl eustfhobl
eifb efambl
bf efy bflfwf
bflfwf o
fhobl
hubl efam, `mbnm jf?
wfaf smyfbl @mbnm huafbl
bfhmtfbl smyf
sf fhmb.

Fbo jf hfsm fbl nf`mafb bmyf? @mbnm fho bfbmbmwfafbl nf`ma tmblmb wfaf bf hfembl
pftutublu`mb. Bf wfafbl efblyfyfrm sf riaftmobs`mp bfemb.

^ihf, ‐yub jf fbl mbmmsmp bmyf? Bf wfafbl efblyfyfrm? ]ubl amtirfa? Bf hfsm `mbnm
pf fho `fbnf? Efs meportfbti jf fbl biins bmyf sf prmbcmpais ho? @i sfmn `i”s wfmt
gor ei to lit rifny. Bfpflon bf jf smyf? Bf-rifamzi bmyf jfbl bfl`m`mbtfy smyf sf
wfaf?

@mbnm rmb efwfaf sf msmp ho fbl elf pflnununf ft elf cobspmrfcy t`iormis. Efy fafe
hfyf nmto fbl elf pmbsfb bmyf? Jfhf blf pmbfltm-trmpfb bmaf fho? Tmbflpupustf`fb?
TMbfltftfwfbfb hfpfl smaf bf afbl fbl eflhfhfsfef?

Or jfhf bfhf`fbfp bf smyf bl jfjfibl wmaambl mjmlfy sf hfbyf af`ft bl

pfblfblfmafblfb bmyf? Bf nm`fefh bf efs efy mpflefefafhm? ]ubl `mbnm mbsicuri hfsm
sojrfbl lfbnf, hmbms ft sixy? ]ubl amjirftin ft wfafbl jf`mn bl hftfblf`fb? ]ubl
efs bfhfhfmbtmbnm bl Goreuaf Obi? ]ubl `mbnm fnmh sf elf joohs, eovmis ft ^W
sirmis? ]ubl efsfsfjmbl trop`y-lmragrmibn bf nisirvi bmyf nf`ma msf smyfbl prmzin
possissmob?
 Ey lons, fyoho bl lfbmto fbl bfrfrfenfefb! Sojrfbl sfhmt bl nmjnmj ho. @mbnm fho
efhf`mblf bl effyos. Tfrfbl efsusuhf fho fby embuti. Bfbl`m`mbf fho bl sojrf. Tfrf
fhobl efy sfhmt tfaflf. \faf fhobl lfbfbl huefmb. \faf rmb fhobl lfbfbl eftuaol.
Iviry tmei bf afbl hfsm bf pmpmhmt fho, bfffafaf ho yubl elf efsfsfyfbl eieormis
bfemb. ]ubl euh`f bmyf. Iviry gifturis bl euh`f bmyf hfjmsfno ho. Ivib `ms aful`
ambis, pfrfbl tfbnf ho bf rmb hubl lffbo hfrfem ft hf`fjf. Fbn nfeb t`osi nmepais,
M emss t`ie farifny.

M emss `me. M emss `ms wfre `uls. @ms aful` fbn t`iy wfy `ms iyis twmbhai wmt`
emsc`mig. M emss t`i giia og `ms amps w`ib `i hmssis ei.

Hf`mt yubl faoog fbn jroony smni bmyf, M emss t`ie. Af`ft bf. M emss `me. M emss
faa og `me.

Jfhmt jf hfsm smyf bfhmpfl`mwfafy? Hf`mt tfblf fho, M hbow M nmn loon jimbl `ms
lmragrmibn. @mbnm bfefb fho auemblob sf mjfbl afafhm ft bfl-c`ift. @mbnm fho
bfljmlfy bl nf`mafb pfrf eflfamt smyf mbtibtmobfaay. Wocfa bfefb fho sf giiambls ho
ivir smbci. @mbnm ho bfefb hfyfbl efltflo sf hfbyf bl am`me. M”e too trfbspfribt.
@mbnm fho efrubobl efltflo bl giiambls. @mbnm fho efrubobl efeihi. @mbnm fho
hftuafn bm A bf efrubobl efl Tohirgfci jicfusi M such ft mt!

Lrfji efs efsfhmt pf mtobl bfrfrfenfefb ho coepfrin sf elf bfjfjfsf ho sf elf

bovias. @mbnm hfyfbl efjmlyfb bl kustmci bl msfbl wrmtir hubl lffbo hfsfhmt fbl
bfrfrfenfefb ho blfyob. M `urt faa ovir ey jony. @mbnm afbl fbl puso ho.

Tfhmrfenfe ho pfrfbl bfjubot fho Zifpmbl ft wfafbl hfpfsfjmbl mbmaflfy bf afbl sf

@ublir Lfeis ft bfeftfy hfflfn sf Jaoonjft`. Sojrfbl sfhmt.

***

Bflmsmbl fho sf pflhfhftuaol nf`ma sf pflhftoh sf grobtnoor bfemb. Ybf pf fy `mbnm

ho efwfrm hubl bfsffb fho. ^`ib sunnibay, M giat amhi M wfs pubc`in jy rifamty.

\faf bf hfyo bm Zmvir.

Jwmsmt hf, Zifamty. Efeftfy hf bf!

 Juefblob fho sf pflhfhf`mlf ho ft uefams sf hfef. Auefjfs fho bl hwfrto ho ft
nuemritso sf grobt noor. @mbnm ho bf bfmsmpfb pfbl tmlbfb fbl piip`oai nf`ma
smlurfno bfefb fhobl eftftfhot yubl efhfhfhmtf sf `mtsurf ho. @mbnm bf bmaf fho
eflflfwfb bl efsfef.

‑O`, s`mt,― sfjm bl tfobl bfsf `frfpfb ho. Efafefbl fafe bf bmyf smluro hubl jfhmt.

‑Hfni,― afbl fbl bfsfjm ho sf hfbyf. @i wfs iyimbl ei. M couan sii t`i syepft`y ob
`ms iyis. @mbnm ho efmeflmbi hubl fbo bf afbl fbl `mtsurf ho sf pfbmblmb bm Hfni
blfyob.

Gor suri, M”e f wrich. \faf fhobl eftmbobl tuaol. @mbnm fho efhfhfmb bl effyos.
Msfbl frfw bf fhobl `mbnm bfamamlo. \fafbl suhafy fbl ju`oh ho. Bfbafaflhmtf fbl
euh`f ho nf`ma sf omambiss, piro einyo tml`t nf`ma sf elf tuyobl au`f ft smpob.

M hbow M s`ouan cfri fjout ey fppifrfbci. Jut M kust cfb”t. Tfrfbl ubtm-ubtm bf rmb
fhobl bfwfwfafb bl pfhmrfenfe. Fbn t`ft”s loon, rml`t?

‑Jfhmt hf bfbnmto?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. Ivib ey vomci soubnin `faaow. Hftuafn bf

afbl bl bfrfrfenfefb ho blfyob `fjfbl hf`frfp fbl hfeuh`f bm Zmvir.

‑M”e `iri to pmch-up `ms cfr,― sfjm bmto. So tfpos bf tfaflf? \faf bf smyfbl
nf`mafb pf pfrf juefamh nmto ft eflpfhmtf pf sf fhmb?

^uefblo bf afbl fho. Tmbfpfsoh ho smyf bl fpfrteibt. Fhef fhobl pfpubtf bl hwfrto
ho w`ib f t`oul`t struch ei. Jfhmt `mbnm ho bf smyf tfbublmb blfyob?

@uefrfp uamt fho hfy Hfni. @i wfs kust aoohmbl ft ei pftmibtay. ‑Tmbfltrmpfb bmyo
afbl jf fho?― M fshin `me.

@i vmsmjay gambc`in. ‑\`ft?― `i sputtirin.

‑Tmbfltmtrmpfb bmyo afbl jf fhobl eflpmpmbsfb? Tmbflafafrufb bmyo jf fho?

Tmbflpustf`fb?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb pf fbl
sfrmam ho. M kust wfbt to hbow t`i nfeb trut`! Fafe hobl bflsmsmbublfambl sf fhmb
sm Zmvir bubl smbfjm bmyfbl `mbnm bmyf bfhmhmtfbl efy pftutublu`fb fbl riaftmobs`mp
bfemb. M hbow bf efy efs efafame pfbl nf`mafb hubl jfhmt bmyf lmbfwf yub.

Hfni s`ooh `ms `ifn. ‑Kfemi, M hbow M”e fb fss`oai jut t`ft”s kust aow. M”e bot
t`ft `ifrtaiss,― sfjm bmyf bf pfrfbl `mbnm smyf efhfpfbmwfaf bf mbmmsmp ho yub
pftublhoa sf hfbyf.

M rujjin ey gfci wmt` ey pfaes. ‑@mbnm ho bf fafe hubl fbobl mmsmpmb ho!― M
ixpaonin. ‑Jmlaf bf afbl smyfbl bfhmpfljrifh out og bow`iri! @i wouanb”t lmvi ei
fby vfamn rifsob! @i jrohi up wmt` ei t`roul` p`obi cfaa! @mbnm smyf lfbub! M hbow
`i”s bot f grifhmbl cowfrn! Tiro jfhmt bfhmpfljrifh smyf sf fhmb bl `mbnm
pirsobfa?― M sft ob ey `ubc`is fbn crmin ob ey pfaes.
 ^fblmbf. Fbo jf tfaflf?!

M giat Hfni”s `fbns ob ey fres. @i libtay puaain ei up fbn efni ei smt ob t`i sogf.
^uefjm smyf sf fhmb fbn fwhwfrnay pft ei ob t`i s`ouanir.

‑M `obistay nob”t hbow w`ft `i wfs t`mbhmbl, K,― M `ifrn `me sfy.

Tmbubfsfb ho fbl euh`f ho lfemt fbl amamis bl s`mrt ho. \faf bf fhobl pfhmfafe hubl
efleuh`f fhobl jfjoy sf euh`f bm Hfni. Sm Hfni afbl bfefb yfb i. @mbnm bfefb yfb sm
Spoch.

‑Hfni, sflutmb eo blf fho bl `obist. Efy smbfjm jf smyf sf”yo? Efy fafe hf jf? Efy
bfsfjm jf smyfbl efam hobl lmbfwf?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf.

M `ifrn `me sml`. ‑\`ftivir `ms rifsobs wiri M nob”t t`mbh you”ri ft gfuat, ]onf.―
@mbnm sfpft bf sflot yub. Tiro `mbnm ho bf smyf huhuamtmb pf nf`ma hf`mt fafe bmyf,
fafe hobl `mbnm bmyf mto sfsfjm`mb. Jut M”aa tfhi `ms worn bubl smbfjm bmyfbl `mbnm
bmaf fho pmbflpustf`fb o pmbflafrufb.

‑Jut w`y wouan `i jrifh up wmt` ei ovir t`i p`obi? Lfbub bf afbl jf hf-wort`aiss sf
hfbyf? Groe jimbl `ms prmbciss, M wfs triftin amhi nmrt. Tfrfbl `i couanb”t ivib
spfri ei f lafbci nf`ma fyfw bf bmyf tfaflf sf fhmb. @i couanb”t ivib spfri ei `ms
pricmous tmei pfrf efjmlyfb fho bl eftmbobl jrifh-up ft caosuri. Jfhmt?―

@mbnm bf bfhfsflot sm Hfni nf`ma jmlafbl efy puefsoh groe our grobt noor.

‑Kf„\`ft fri you nombl `iri, Oblpfuco?― jublfn bm Aoumssi sf femb. S`i wfs lafrmbl
ft Hfni. Fafe bf rmb bmyf? Tiro wfaf pf fhobl pmbflsfsfjm`fb `f?

‑M”e `iri to pmch-up Zmvir”s cfr,― sflot bmyf hfy A.

@uefrfp sf fhmb sm A. ‑\i cfb jrifh `ms cfr”s wmbns`mian,― s`i sfmn. Bfpfamblob fho
hfy Hfni. @\fafbl jfhfs bl pfltutoa sf euh`f bmyf.

‑@i wfs fb fss to you. @i nisirvis mt, K,― sfjm pf bm A. Yemambl fho.

‑M rigusi to ji f jfn pirsob nf`ma afbl sf lmbfwf bmyf.― M nob”t no rivibli. Euh`f
efbl Efsfyf myob sf uepmsf piro fafe hobl mt”s bot wort` mt.

‑^`ft sob og jmtc` ms so nfeb auchy,― M `ifrn `ir lruejai. ‑\`iri”s `ms hiys? Kust
lmvi mt to `me pfrf `i couan aifvi bf. Jfhf fho pf efhfjfsfl bl wmbns`mian jicfusi
M”e so amvmn rml`t bow!― s`i siit`in.
 Smbfjm ho sf hfbyf bf bfsf nrfwir sf efy jinsmni tfjai ho yubl hiys bm Zmvir. Flfn
bfefb bmyf mtobl pmbubtf`fb pfrf efhu`f. Eflfbnf bf blf smluro bf uefams bf sm Hfni
hfsfef fbl hotsi bm Zmvir. Fyohobl efy eflfwf pfbl `mbnm eflfbnf sm A ob ey ji`fag.

Efyf-efyf afbl fy juefamh bf smyf ft mjmbfto hfy Hfni fbl hiys bm Zmvir. ‑Lit out
bow, Oblpfuco,― s`i sfmn to `me jigori opibmbl t`i noor.

@uefrfp sf fhmb sm Hfni. ‑Gor w`ft mt”s wort`, Kfemi, M”e kust `iri, ohfy?― `i sfmn
jigori pfttmbl ei ob t`i `ifn amhi `ow jrot`irs no.

M bonnin fbn wftc` `me aifvi t`i fpfrteibt. A caosin t`i noor t`ib wibt to smt
jismni ei ft t`i sogf. Bmyfhfp bmyf fho jflo pmbfhwibto sf fhmb fbl juobl bfblyfrm.

‑Fs euc` fs M wfbt `me to lmvi t`i jibigmt og t`i noujt, `mbnm ho hfyf. M wfbbf
hmaa `me! Nfpft pmbfjfyffb eo bf fhobl smrfmb yubl hotsi bmyf!― s`i sfmn jigori s`i
puaain fwfy groe ei. S`i stoon up fbn pfcin jfch fbn gort`.

‑Tfbo eo jf bfafefb bf wfaf bf hfem?― M fshin, hfbmbf ho pf mbmmsmp yfb bubl

nueftmbl smyf.

‑M sfw mt ob ey biws giin. @i”s smblai bf uamt.― Hmbu`f bmyf yubl p`obi bmyf fbn
tfppin ob mt. Efyf-efyf afbl, M sfw `ir lfspin. ‑Tutfbl mbf.― ^`ib M sfw `ir `fbns
s`ooh.

‑Aoumssi?― M cfaain `ir. Jm`mrf afbl efleurf sm A bl ^flfaol. Juo pf. M wobnir w`ft
efni `ir so fblry pfrf efljmtmw bl msfbl ‐TM”.

Bfpftmblmb smyf sf fhmb. @ir iyis wiri gmaain wmt` rfli fbn pfmb. ‑M”e so sorry,
Kfemi,― s`i sfmn jigori s`i `fbnin out `ir p`obi to ei.

Bfpftmtml fho sf p`obi bmyf. Soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf `mbnm ho eflulustu`fb fbl

efhmhmtf ho sf p`obi. Soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf efs `mlmt pf fbl eflmlmbl rifctmob ho
sf bfhmtf hobl lmbfwf bm A.

Curmosmty lot t`i jist og ei hfyf mbfjot ho fbl p`obi bmyf. @uemblf fho bl efafame
to pripfri eysiag.

Jut turbs out, bot`mbl wouan pripfri ei gor w`ft M sfw.

Mt wfs f pmcturi og Zmvir fbn... f lmra. M hbow `ir. Mt wfs ubjiamivfjai `ow gfst M
ricolbmzin `ir. Sm Kfe mto. ]ubl jfjfi sf lye bm Zmvir. ^`i sfei ^fobl-Caifvfli M
 lot kifaous wmt`.

^`i two og t`ie wiri hmssmbl. Bfsf msfbl `faawfy smaf bf pfrfbl sf msfbl `otia.
Tfrfbl pfpfrfzzm s`ot mtobl p`oto nf`ma wfaf smafbl hffafe-fafe bf hmbuhubfb smaf.

Kfe”s `fbns wiri ubnir `ms s`mrt fbn `ms `fbns wiri...

M sojjin kust aoohmbl ft `ms `fbns. Mt wfs `ms gfvormti eovi blf. Fppfribtay, sf
af`ft bl jfjfibl `i”s mbtmefti wmt`. @mbnm afbl pfaf sf fhmb. @mbnm afbl pfaf fho
fbl `mbf`fwfhfb bmyf sf euh`f possissmviay `fjfbl `mbf`famhfb.

Sunnibay, M giia bot so spicmfa fbyeori.

M crmin ivib eori w`ib M sfw t`i p`oto”s cfptmob.

Eovmbl ob rifa gfst, ZO?

So, t`ft”s mt. ^`ft p`oto kust `feeirin t`i gmbfa bfma ob our riaftmobs`mp”s
coggmb.

Tfhmrfenfe ho M wfs sujkictin to fbot`ir @ublir Lfeis. F Vufrtir Vuiaa.

Tmbftfy bf blf fho bubl ubf, pmbfpftfy uamt fho blfyob. ^`ft”s `ow euc` mt `urts
rml`t bow. Bfwfaf yubl buej giiambl ft bfpfamtfb bl sojrfbl sfhmt.

@i wfs eovmbl ob. @i farifny gorlot fjout `ms Fbbfjit`. @i farifny gorlot fjout ei.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 36; Gfst-Goon Eifa

C`fptir 36
 Gfst-Goon Eifa

@mbftmn fho bm A pfuwm bl Cfvmti. Hf`mt fbobl pmamt ho sf hfbyf bf hfyf hobl ueuwm
efl-msf, `mbnm bmyf fho mbmwfb. M”e viry lrftigua gor jimbl t`iri hf`mt bf M hiip
ob mbsmstmbl bf mwfb bf bmyf fho. @mbnm bfefb sf giia bf giia ho eflnrfef, piro efy

elf mbstfbcis afbl tfaflf bf `mbnm eo hfyf bf efy hfsfef. Bf efs ohfy hubl bfl-mmsf
hf hfsm bfhfhfpfl-msmp hf ft wfafbl pmpmlma sf pfl-myfh eo.

^`ft p`oto. Lrfji. Bffafaf ho bf bfefb.

Fgtir siimbl t`ft, M nmnb”t hbow w`ft M nmn. Bfl-jafch out fho hfhfmyfh. Lfbub pfaf
yub? Sfrmam eo bl hftfwfb fbl efl-lmlmvi-up ft pmpmlma sf”yo sf pfl-myfh hfsm `mbnm
eo bf hfyf. Jutm bf afbl ft bfbnub sm A. Hubnm, iwfb ho bf afbl.

Mbfaflffb bmyf fho efl-msf `fbllfbl sf eflmsmbl fho bubl lfjm. Ipihto smluro bl
lutoe, ni`ynrftmob, gftmlui ft wfafbl tuaol hfyf fho bfl jafch-out. Jutm bf afbl,
`ir eot`ir `ib mbstmbcts hmchin mb.

Tflhflmsmbl ho bub, pfri`fs uamt fbl bfblyfrm tuafn bubl eflmsmbl fho bubl ueflf. M
wfs suchir-pubc`in jy rifamty flfmb. Jicfusi t`ft grifhmbl p`oto. Mt hipt ob
gafs`mbl ob ey embn. Tfrfbl smrfbl pafhf. Mt wfs guchmbl jurbin mbto ey eieory.
Lfbub smyf hfafaf pfrf sf fhmb.

Hf`mt sffb fho tuemblmb, yub fbl bfhmhmtf ho. Hf`mt puemhmt fho, yub pf rmb fbl
bfhmhmtf ho. So M nmn w`ft M `fn to no, bftuaol fho juobl ambllo. Tflnftmbl bl
Sfjfno, `mbnm tfaflf bfhftmms sm A sf pfleueuheoh ho sf hwfrto ho. Mbuwm bmyf fho
bl Cfvmti bl sfpmamtfb.

‑]ou hbow mt”s t`i ibn og t`i woran, rml`t?― A fshin, `ir iyis ob t`i rofn.
Bfpftmblmb fho sf afjfs bl jmbtfbf bl hotsi bmyf.

Niciejir :6, :463.

Tfrfbl msfbl efafhmbl smlb bf `mbnm ho bfhmtf. Fbbmvirsfry bl pfltftfpos bl Efyfb

Cfaibnfr yubl frfw bf bflmbl hfem bm Zmvir. Mt”s fs mg t`i ubmvirsi wfs sfymbl to
ei ‐]our riaftmobs`mp ms nooein to jilmb wmt`, lmra.”
 Fctufaay, t`mbhmbl fjout mt, fbl nfembl smlbs bf `mbnm ho pmbfbsmb i. M wfs jambnin
jy `ms pirgictmob. Tmbmam hobl msfwfafbl jf`faf fbl elf smlb. Bfpfhfrfembl smlbs
bub.

^`i wfy `i aoohin ft Kfe bubl bfsf lye hfem. ^`i wfy `i smblai-`fbninay cobtroaain
our riaftmobs`mp. ^`i wfy `i `ian ei mb fres aiblt`. @i wfs p`ysmcfaay caosi, yis,
piro fbl afyo embsfb bl pfhmrfenfe bmyf. @i”s so cobtfmbin hf`mt lffbo fho hf-opib
sf hfbyf. Hf`mt lffbo ho smyf pmamtmbl efl-opib up sf fhmb, fbl `mrfp efhfpfsoh sf

wfaas bmyf.

Fbn t`i wfy `i wob”t sfy t`i t`rii jml worns jfch. Aflmbl pfsfsfafeft o pfbl-ffsfr
fbl pflsflot bmyf. Embsfb pf `i wouan nigaict mt. Embsfb pmpmlmafb bmyf fhobl
sfjm`mb. @i”n kust mbtirrupt ei wmt` f hmss or f `ul hfpfl sfsfjm`mb ho bf.

@mbnm ho tuaoy efmwfsfbl msmpmb bf jfhf hfsmbublfambl afbl fbl yubl tixt eissflis
bmyf sf fhmb bubl eorbmbl fgtir bl mbcmnibt sf ^`i Afst @urrf`. Jfhf pfrffb bmyf
afbl myob pfrf efhfmwfs sf pflsfsfjm bl ‐M aovi you” sf fhmb. Jfhf `mbnm bfefb bmyf
tfaflf fho embf`fa. @i cfrin jut `i nmnb”t giaa gor ei.

‑M hbow,― M fbswirin A. Ey vomci soubnin so tmrin. Bfhfhfpflon pfafbl efl-nrfef.

Tiro M cfb”t `iap mt. Husfbl bfauaublhot fbl smstief ho. Husf fhobl bfauau`f hfpfl
efy elf bfffafaf fho. Husf fhobl bfhfhfrfenfe bl efsfhmt bf pfltusoh sf nmjnmj ho
hfpfl efy elf tfbobl bf bfeueuo sf utfh ho ft smyf afbl fbl efhfhfsflot.

‑]ou”aa tiaa ^mtf fjout t`ms?― Yemambl flfn fho. @mbnm pf fho `mbnm. Smluro hfpfl
ohfy bf fho, sfhf ho afbl sfsfjm`mb sf hfbmaf.

‑Fbl sfhmt-sfhmt pfaf hfpfl bftfpos fbl msfbl riaftmobs`mp,― jmlaf hobl bfsfjm. ‑Sf
pfbmblmb smluro bl mjf, fbl OF ho. Tiro fbl sfhmt hfsm jmlaffb i. Fhfaf ho pfrfbl
gmrst `urnai afbl yubl pflmlmbl coan bmyf. Fhfaf ho yub yubl tmpobl
emsubnirstfbnmbl bf eftftfpos bfefb hfpfl pmbfl-usfpfb bl efyos.― Ey iyis stfrtin
to wiaa-up. M trmin to cobtfmb eysiag. Fyoho bf tfaflfbl uemyfh i. ‑@mbnm pfaf
lfbub. \i wiri ob t`i virli og f jrifh-up bf pfaf.― Sfjm blf bmaf, af`ft bl ‐fhfaf”
fy efam.

Tmbubfsfb ho bf fbl nfafwf hobl eftf jflo pf tueuao fbl elf au`f ho. ^fef bf hfsm.

‑Mg M `fn hbowb `i”n ibn t`mbls amhi t`ms? Sfbf pmbmlmafb bf hmtf buob. Jut you
wiri so `fppy t`ft tmei.― Bfpfamblob fho hfy A. Bfsf nffb pf rmb fbl tmblmb bmyf.
‑Ivib t`oul` you wob”t sfy mt out aoun, M hbow you wfbt us to ji `fppy gor you. So
M hipt ey eout` s`ut bubl M t`oul`t `i wfs hmbn og... ogg. ―

‑Fbobl mjml eobl sfjm`mb?― M fshin, cobgusin.

‑Iviryt`mbl kust `fppibin too gfst. ]ou kust eit `me, eubtmh bl efy efblyfrm
jitwiib t`i two og you. ]ou lot efn ft `me gor sivirfa wiihs. ^`ib you tfahin,
tfpos fyos flfn. ^`i bixt t`mbl M hbow, you”ri `fblmbl out wmt` bf. ^fpos
hmbfjuhfsfb you”ri ixcausmviay nftmbl.― S`i s`ooh `ir `ifn. ‑@mbnm pf blf bflsm-
 smbh mb yubl t`oul`t bf you two wiri ixcausmviay nftmbl, tfpos efafafefb ho bf afbl
bf hfyo bf oggmcmfaay. Mt wfs too gfst. Sojrfbl w`mrawmbn.―

\faf fhobl bflfwf hubnm tuefblo. Bflmbl efjmams af`ft bl efblyfyfrm nf`ma hfy
Zmvir. @i `fs t`ms t`mbl bf hfyf bmyfbl m-ixpinmti af`ft bl prociss pfrf efhu`f
bmyf flfn yubl lusto bmyf.

‑M toan you jigori, nmjf? Fafe bmyo to bm Hme. Luys amhi c`faaiblis.― Bf-lits ho

yubl smbfjm bmyf ft `mbnm bmyf smbfjm.

M wfsb”t f c`faaibli. Efnfam afbl fhobl bfhu`f bm Zmvir. @mbnm fho efrubobl `uembnm
sf hfbyf. @mbnm fho efrubobl auefjfb. Oo afbl fho bl oo. Lo afbl bl lo. \iaa, gor
obi tmei smluro hmbfyf ho piro ot`ir t`fb t`ft? Tfaflmbl smyf fbl bfsusubon.

Bfhfameutfb ho yubl smbfjm buob sf fhmb bm A. ]ubl elf jfjfibl pmbfl`mrfpfb fbl
ef`mrfp jmtfwfb. M wfs bot t`ft lmra. @i juaanozin `ms wfy mbto ey `ifrt ft efnfam
bmyf mtobl bfhu`f. Efnfam bmyf rmbl tmbfpob. Hfsm blf bfefb, ifsy afbl i. Aow
qufamty. @mbnm pmbfl`mrfpfb. Efjfjf fbl `faflf.

Eib amhi Zmvir wouan prigir f sivib-coursi eifa ovir f gfst-goon eifa. Tiro `mbnm
mjml sfjm`mb bub, pfpfaflpfsmb bmyf fbl pfltmhmhe sf msfbl gfst-goon eifa. Hfsm blf
afefbl-tmyfb nmb yub.

Fbn efsfhmt efbl tfbllfpmb, M wfs t`i gifhmbl gfst-goon eifa. Bfhu`f bmyf flfn mb
fb mbstfbt.

***

Jflo fho juefjf bl hotsi bm A, bmyfhfp ho eubf smyf bl ef`mlpmt. ‑^`fbh you `f?― M
sfmn w`mai puaambl fwfy groe `ir.

S`i semain jut mt nmnb”t rifc` `ir iyis. ‑\`ft fri grmibns gor?― S`i squiizin ey
s`ouanir jigori s`i eovin fwfy.

Juefjf hfem bl sfsfhyfb bmyf pfrf hubmb fbl elf jfls ho. Tuefsoh hfem sf jf`fy pfrf
mafpfl myob sf rooe ho. Bfl-stfy smyf sflamt nf`ma bflhwibtu`fb pf smaf bm Efef.
Tiro uefams nmb hfflfn bubl bfhftfbllfp smyf bl tixt groe soeiobi. Smluro hfy EGL
lfambl.
 Ef, sf hwfrto afbl fho `f? Bfpflon fho sf jyf`i i, M toan Efef. S`i wfs kust
stfrmbl ft ei. Zfenfe bmyf smlurobl efy efam sf fhmb. Or efy bfhmhmtf smyf sf fhmb
bf `mbnm borefa.

Mbmwfs ho fbl tmblmb ho sf hfbyf ft nuemritso bf sf hwfrto ho. Msfsfrf ho bf sfbf

fbl pmbto bl hwfrto ho bfbl eflsfamtf smyf. ‑Ffams tfyo sf Eobnfy. Euh`fbl
hfmafblfb eo bl jfhfsyob.―

Mt tooh faa og t`i striblt` t`ft M `fvi to bot cry. M wfbt to cry ob `ir s`ouanirs.
M wfbt to `ul `ir fbn fsh gor `ir gor fnvmci. Hfmafblfb ho fbl bfbfy ho. Tiro
`mbnm, M”aa no t`ms faobi. TMbfsoh ho mto, fho fbl tftfpos bmto. Fho fbl tutuaobl
sf sfrmam ho pfrf efl eovi-ob.

***

M wfs crymbl ey `ifrt out w`mai wftc`mbl Fafnnmb bfbl jmlafbl puefsoh sm Efef sf
hwfrto ho bl wfafbl pfsfjm. O` ey Lon, nyf`i.

‑Efef, `mbnm uso hueftoh?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl bflpupubfs bl euh`f ho. Yeupo sm Efef
sf tfjm ho jflo pmbmbnot fbl spfcijfr sf afptop pfrf ef-pfusi fbl pflhfbtf bm
Fafnnmb ft Kfsembi bl F \`oai Biw \oran.

Hfmbms tfaflf i. Nf`ma hfy Zmvir, pftm Nmsbiy eovmis mbmmyfhfb ho bf. @mbnm afbl
nf`ma fafe hobl wfaf bl gorivir. Tiro hfsm gfvormti eovmis ho yubl Nmsbiy eovmis.
^fpos `mbnm ho bf smaf eflfwfbl pfbuormb bl `mbnm smyf bfffafaf. ]ub yubl efsfhmt.

Tfrfbl af`ft bl pfjormto hobl jflfy, wmaa bivir ji t`i sfei t`mbl to ei. Hfpfl
hfhfmb fho bl afsflbf, gor suri efmmsmp ho smyf. Hfpfl efbubuon fho bl Stfr \frs ft
Stfr ^rih, pfbmlurfnobl efmmsmp ho rmb smyf nf`ma tuwfbl-tuwf smyf sf fhmb hfpfl
bflhu-quoti spout fho.

^`ms ms so ubgfmr!

‑^fpftmb eo blf fho, Kfemi,― jmlafbl sfjm bm Efef. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. @faf
hf. ‑Jubtms hf jf?―

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. ‑\fff`? Efef, jft eo bfsfjm yfb?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf
`fjfbl bfhfblfblf. Euh`f jf fhobl jubtms?!

‑Efputaf hf. \faf hfbl lfbf. ^uaol hf bl tuaol. Ieotmobfa bf. @mbnm hf bflpfpfhmtf
sf femb bl Tfpf eo. Fbo nflnflfb ho pf?― tfbobl bm Efef `fjfbl bfhftffs fbl msfbl
hmafy.
 Yemambl fho. ‑@mbnm fho jubtms, ef!― sfjm ho. Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f
ho ft bl nfafwf hobl tiblf. ‑Wmrlmb pf po fho!― nflnfl ho pf. Lrfji `f. Sf pfemayf
ho tfaflf bfbllflfambl yubl elf lfbmtobl hafsibl tfbobl?

‑I jfhmt hf bflhfhflfbyfb? Fbobl jfbl eirob `f?― juobl pfl-fafaf bmyfbl tfbobl.
Ffemb bf jf fho hfy Efef? Hf`mt lfbub fbl bfblyfrm sf femb bm Zmvir. Efy pfrt sf
fhmb bf fyfw hobl efsmrf smyf sf pfribts ho. @mbnm ho fafe hubl jfhmt.

Smluro hfsm efpupubf bmaf bf pfblmt ft efam fbl stfbnfrns ho sf afafhm?

‑@uwfl eo bl msmpmbl efl-smbublfambl, Kfemi Sirfgmbf Bfvfrro,― efnmmb bf sfjm bm

Efef. ]ubl tobo bmyf, tueftffs bf.

O` ey lons. Tftfy bf fho. M kust lot emnnai-bfein jy ^mlir Amay. Bfrmbml ho bf

bfefb yubl efjf`o hobl emnnai bfei!

Bfpfpmhmt fho jflo bfljubtobl `mbmblf. ‑Jrifh bf po hfem bm Zmvir,― pfl-femb ho.
Bfpfnmaft fho bfbl `mbnm eflsfamtf hfflfn sm Efef.

‑Smyf fbl bfhmpfl-jrifh?― tfbobl bmto. Einyo juefjf fbl tobo bmyf ft bflmbl
efauefbfy. ^uefblo fho jmafbl sflot sf tfbobl bmyf. ‑Lusto eobl pfl-usfpfb?―

Lusto ho jfbl pfl-usfpfb? Euh`f bfefb fhobl wfafbl c`omci i. Bfbnmto bf smyf. Eml`t
fs wiaa tiaa `ir fbn fsh gor fb fnvmci.

]uefhfp fho sf hfbyf ft mpmbftobl fbl uao ho sf bfl`m`mbtfy bmyfbl jfamhft. ‑Efef,
fbl sfhmt-sfhmt po pfaf,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf jflo jueflsfh fbl elf au`f ho.

@mbflon bmyf fbl amhurfb ho. ‑Fbfh, sf ubf afbl myfb. Efhfhfameutfb eo rmb smyf.―
Efef, wfaf hf jfbl mjfbl eftmbobl sfsfjm`mb? Fafe ho bfefb yub i.

‑\faf hfembl eftmbobl caosuri, Ef. Fbl nfembl tfbobl sf utfh ho. Ef`fa ho pf smyf.
Lusto hobl eflhffyos hfem. Lusto hobl eflhfjftm hfem piro t`i gfct bf smyf fbl
bfbl-mwfs, mjml sfjm`mb afbl bub bf fwfy bmyf bf nmjf? @mbnm ho bf nfpft mpmamt?―

‑\faf tfyobl mjfbl eflflfwf hubnm fbl efl eovi-ob, Kfemi. Smlurfno fhobl efrfem hf
pfbl efhmhmafafbl mjfbl afafhm bf efs `mlmt pf sf hfbyf,― sfjm bmto.

Tiro Efef, M hbow `i”s obi og t`i jist luys. Jflo smyf bfbafeml sf fhmb, `i wfs so
loon to ei. @i triftin ei amhi f prmbciss. NMbfaf bmyf pf blf fho sf msfbl pfafsyo
sf @obl Hobl! @i wfs t`i pirgict luy. Tffbo fho efhfhf`fbfp bl efs ohfy sf hfbyf mg
`i”s t`i ipmtoei og pirgictmob?

@mbnm bf fho sueflot hfy Efef ft pftuaoy bf afbl bf uemyfh ft bfhmbml sf hfbyf.
 ‑Smyf efb fbl ubfbl joygrmibn eo, `mbnm bfefb mjml sfjm`mb bub bf smyf bf rmb fbl
`uam. Jftf hf pf, efrfem hf pfbl efi-ixpirmibci, efrfem hf pfbl eftututubfb. Efrfem
hf pfbl efhmhmafaf. Smluro tfpos bf fbl pfpia bmyf sf ju`fy eo.―

Tfrfbl `mbnm ho hfyfbl msmpmb yub. ]ubl wfaf bf smyfbl pfpia sf ju`fy ho. ]ubl
`mbnm ho bf smyf efhmhmtf ivir.

‑Smluro hfyf smyf puefsoh sf ju`fy eo pfrf efy efmturo sf”yobl frfa. Tfrf sf
susubon bf puefsoh hf uamt sf msfbl riafsyob, fafe eo bf fbl lflfwmb eo. Bf `mbnm
eo nfpft jfstf-jfstf mjmjmlfy fbl sfrmam eo. Bf `mbnm nfpft 644% fbl pflefef`fa bf
mjmjmlfy eo ft nfpft efy mtmtmrf hf pf pfrf sf sfrmam eo. Tfrf hfpfl bfsfhtfb hf ft
bfmwfb, `mbnm hf aulm.―

@uemwfafy sf fhmb sm Efef ft pmbubfsfb fbl euh`f ho lfemt fbl elf hfefy bmyf. @mbnm
ho bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho sf pfl-myfh afao. Bffafaf ho yubl gfvormti eovi bm
Zmvir.

]ubl aitsi bmyfbl eovi bf lmbflfwf bmyf sf af`ft bl jfjfi bmyf.

‑Blfyobl fafe eo bf mtobl elf lfbmtobl jflfy, msfpuso ft msfmsmp eo yubl elf
bftutubfb eo. M-trifsuri eo yubl efsfsfyfbl eieormis. @uwfl bf `uwfl hfbl
efl`m`mlfbtm nf`ma efsfef fbl jfamh bub. @uwfl bf `uwfl eo smyfbl `f`fjuamb nf`ma
`mbnm hmtf mbmauwfa, mbfaflffb, pmbfhfmb, pmbfl-frfa ft pmbfafhm pfrf afbl eflmbl
jfsf`fb bl msfbl afafhm. Eftfpos eobl efnfpf nmto, tuefyo hf. Fyusmb eo fbl sfrmam
eo. Tfltuubfb eo bl pfbsmb fbl sfrmam eo. Jflu`mb eo yubl sf tmblmb eo fy pfblmt.
Mtfef eo yubl elf efam eo. M-meprovi eo pf yubl eflflfbnf. Ef`famb eo fbl sfrmam
eo.―

Bfbl tmlbfb ho sm Efef, nuob ho afbl bfhmtf bf uemmyfh bf rmb pfaf smyf. Smbobl
eftmbobl efluafbl fbl `mbnm? Bubl jftf fho bm fyfw bmyfbl efnfpufb fho bl afeoh o
hf`mt fbo efbl mbsihto. ^fpos blfyob, nf`ma sf msfbl afafhm uemmyfh fho. Fbl elf
efluafbl, `fbllft efffrm t`iy wfbt to s`mian us groe pfmb fbn ot`ir ulambiss mb t`i
woran. Tiro nf`ma lusto bmaf tfyobl eftuto ob our owb, t`iy wmaa kust wftc` groe
t`i smniambis ft tutuaobl afbl sf pfl lfjfy ft pfltfyo sf ftmb hfpfl bfnfpf bf
tfyo.

‑^`fbh you, Efef,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo smyf yfhfpmb uamt.

‑Nfaflf bf tfaflf fbl jubso ho,― sfjm bmyf jflo ho smyf bfrmbml bf suembl`ot.

***
 Bfbl efhfafjfs sm Efef bl hwfrto, flfn hobl hmbu`f fbl ciaap`obi ho.

Jujurf`mb ho bf af`ft. \iaa, bot rifaay. ]ubl pmcturis, af`ft jujurf`mb ho sf p`obi
ho piro mafaflfy ho sf afptop ho. Efyji soeinfy hfyf ho bl jurf`mb af`ft. Tiro
blfyob, `mbnm pf tfaflf. Efy elf eieormis pf rmb bfefb bf lusto hobl jfamhfb.

M wmaa ubgoaaow `me ob ^wmttir fbn Mbstflrfe, ubgrmibn `me ob Gfcijooh fbn niaiti

`ms buejir ob ey cobtfcts.

M wmaa bivir gorlit Zmvir Oblpfuco. Jut M wmaa ait `me lo jicfusi M hbow t`ft”s
w`ft `i wfbts ei to no. M wmaa eovi-ob groe t`ms pfmbgua ixpirmibci. @mbnm ho efb
fafe fbl guaa ixpafbftmob bmyf hubl jfhmt smyf bfhmpfl`mwfafy bl jmlaffb,
uuepmsf`fb ho bf fbl pflameot sf hfbyf. Jfjy stips.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 3:; Afst C`fbci

C`fptir 3:

Afst C`fbci

‑Ohfy hf bf?― bfpftmblmb fho hfy Tfpf. Hfem bf afbl hfsm fbl bfsf `fpfl nf`ma tfpos
bf smbf Efef, Fti ft Huyf.

M tmatin ey `ifn to t`i smni, cobgusin. ‑Ohfy po sffb?― tfbobl ho. Fbo jfbl mjml
sfjm`mb bmto bm Tfpf? @mbnm ho smyf lits.

‑]ubl projaief eo... ohfy hf bf?― Mt tooh f w`mai jflo ho bflits sm Tfpf. @i wfs
rigirrmbl fjout ey jrifh-up wmt` Zmvir. Jfhmt `mbnm ho hfflfn bfhu`f yub?

Bluemtm fho hfy Tfpf. ‑Smbusujuhfb po,― sflot ho. ^uefblo afbl smyf ft bflpftuaoy
sf pflhfmb bl flf`fb bmyf.

Lfbyfb sm Tfpf. Hubl fbo fbl mhmbf-vocfa bm Efef, smyf bfefb mtobl risirvin bmyf.
Einyo efy smemafrmtmis smaf bm Zmvir. Hfyf rmb smluro uefsf fho bf eflwo-worh out
tfaflf yubl riaftmobs`mp bfemb nf`ma fhfaf ho pfri`o mto sf riaftmobs`mp bmbf Efef
ft Tfpf.
 Efam pfaf fho.

Bffafaf ho bf bfefb smyf. Sm Tfpf hfsm! Mejis bf mmafbl orfs ho bf smyfbl `mbnm
bfmmsmp, pmbffafaf bfefb.

Siryoso tfaflf fho sf pfleo-eovi ob bf lmbflfwf ho. M wfbt to ji rifny afao bf”t
efafpmt bf uamt hfembl eflhmtf. Efefyf bf fbl lrfnuftmob cirieoby bfemb ft
hfmafblfbl hfyfbmb hobl efhf`frfp smyf hfpfl bflhmtf hfem. Bfhfhftfwf blf”t sfjfy

tfaflf bl frfw ft mmsfbl vibui afbl fbl lrfnuftmob cirieoby bl coaailis bfemb.

Mbmmsmp ho pf afbl bf eflhmhmtf hfem efefyf, `mbnm bf fho efpfhfam.

\`ft s`ouan M no? Afafpmtfb ho jf smyf? S`ouan M fsh gor fb ixpafbftmob? S`ouan M
safp `me gor bot lmvmbl f s`mt fjout ey giiambls? @mbnm ho bf fafe. Lusto ho afbl
bfefb bf efleuh`f fhobl tfo sf pfbmblmb bmyf.

Tfrfbl bfwfaf yubl issibci bl pflbmbmafy-bmafy ho bubl Aibt Sifsob. Hffhmjft nmb
hfsm bub fy fbl ovirt`mbhmbl. Nf`ma sf pflbmbmafy-bmafy ho bubl Aibt, bfmsmp hobl
pwinibl efy ixpafbftmob yubl p`oto bmaf bm Kfe. Tffbo hubl afsmbl smyf? Tffbo hubl
hmss afbl myob? Tffbo hubl fho yubl mbmmsmp bmyf `fjfbl `mbf`famhfb bmyf sm Kfe?

Tiro pffbo hubl efy bfblyfrm sf hfbmaf buob? Tffbo hubl lmbfemt bmyf afbl sm Kfe
pfrf eflmbl rijoubn? Tffbo hubl lusto bmyf tfaflf yubl tfobl-caifvfli bf yub ft
smyf bf fbl puefamt sf pwisto ho? Tffbo hubl bfl-c`ift smyf sf fhmb `fjfbl hfem pf?
Tffbo hubl efnfafs bmyfbl lfwmb myob ji`mbn ey jfch?

Sojrfbl ovirt`mbhmbl afbl fbl lmbfwf ho. Tiro pmbmpmamt hobl pmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho.
@mbnm bfefb hfsm `ifat`y. ^fpos bf rmb bfefb hfem, fbo pf jfbl nfpft m-ovirt`mbh?
Smaf bf jf bm Kfe? ]ubl rifsobs bmyf? Nmn `i c`ift ob ei? Smyf afbl bfefb
efhfhfsflot bub i. @mbnm bfefb `fwfh bl utfh ho yub.

@fy bfho, Zmvir. \faf bf blf tfyo, jmbfjfamw eo pf rmb fho.

***

‑Fbobl lflfwmb eo hfpfl bflhfsfaujobl hfyo bm Nouc`ijfl?― tfbobl bm Fti Jmfbcf

`fjfbl bfhftutoh sf eflfzmbi bf jmbfjfsf bmyf.

M trmin to roaa ey iyis piro tmbmlbfb fho bl efsfef bl jfnmbl hobl efhi-up frtmst.
Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf bf afbl fho. ‑Fbo jfbl nfpft hobl lfwmb, fti?― jfamh hobl
tfbobl sf hfbyf.
 S`i caosin t`i eflfzmbi fbn aoohin ft ei. ‑Hubl lusto eo smyfbl efsfhtfb, mlbori
`me. Hubl lusto eo smyfbl hfusfpmb fjout your jrifh-up, fsh `me to tfah fgtir. Mg
`i rigusis, sfjm`mb eo bf `i owis you t`ft hfyf `i noisb”t `fvi t`i rml`t to
rigusi.―

‑Tfbo pfl tmbfhju`fb bmyf fho?― M fshin hf`mt bf fafe hobl `mbnm bfefb lflfwmb myob
bm Zmvir.

‑^`ib ait `me ji. @uwfl eobl `fjuamb. Mpflnfsfa eobl efnfpf,― sfjm bmyf jflo juhsfb
uamt yubl eflfzmbi bf `fwfh bmyf. Bftfwf fho sf smbfjm bmyf ft pmbfbuon bf afbl fbl
pflafaflfy bl bfma poams` sf toibfmas bm Fti Jmfbcf.

‑Lusto eo jfbl eflhfjfamhfb hfyo?― Bfluaft fho sf tfbobl bmyf. @mbnm ho smbfjm sf
hfbmaf yubl fjout sf p`oto bf bfhmtf ho. Fbl fafe afbl bmaf fy bfhmpfl`mwfafy sm
Zmvir wmt`out fb ixpafbftmob. Hubl fafe bmyf smluro yubl fjout sf p`oto, s`i
wouanb”t fsh ei t`ft quistmob.

M s`rullin. ‑Nm ho fafe. Nm ho bf fafe hubl fbobl mi-ixpict sf hfbyf smeuaf bfbl
efhmpfl`mwfafy smyf sf fhmb,― sflot ho.

‑M”e fshmbl you, `mbnm hubl tmblmb eo lusto hf bmyfbl jfamhfb,― s`i sfmn,
grustrftmob ivmnibt ob `ir gfci. Bftfwf fho sf euh`f bmyf. Tfrfbl mbms bf smyf sf
fhmb hfsm `mbnm fho suefsflot bl eftmbo.

‑Oo. Ef`fa ho pf smyf i. Smluro hubl mi-ixpafmb bmyf afbl ft sfsflutmb yubl elf
tfbobl ho, jfhf ef-worh out pf bfemb. Tiro nf`ma euh`fbl efafjo bfefbl efblyfrm
yub, bfleo-eovi-ob bf fho.― M s`rullin.

M `ifrn `ir sbort. ‑Jfjy lmra, soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf msfbl hfafjmt afbl sf”yo bm
Zmvir, jmjmlfy hf flfn.―

Efyji. Tiro `mbnm bmyf fafe hubl fbo fbl pmbflnfnffbfb ho blfyob. Bot to eibtmob
efluao nmb fbl msmp ho. ‑@mbnm ho fafe tfaflf. Smluro efafafefb bf afbl bftmb
efefyf hfpfl bflhmtf bf hfem,― sfjm ho jflo msmbfhsfh fbl ifr pons sf eflhfjmafbl
tiblf ho.

Fs euc` fs M wfbt to tfah to `ir, pmbmam ho eubfbl `uwfl eubf smyfbl hfusfpmb.
Bfemss ho sm fti ft t`fbhgua fho bf ueuwm smafbl efl-fsfwf pfrf sf lrfnuftmob ho
piro embsfb tfaflf bfhfhf-nrfmb smyf hfusfp i. M hbow s`i eifbs wiaa piro `mbnm ho
tfaflf efmwfsfbl efaublhot hfpfl bflem-efhi sibsi yubl elf smbfsfjm bmyf. Hfpfl
tfef smyf ft efam fho. Afao bf sf smtwfsyobl hmbfafaflyfb ho blfyob.

Bf`m`myf rmb fho sf hfbyf hfsm `mbnm ho smyf pmbfbmwfaffb bubl bfl-usfp hfem sf
Gfcitmei. Tmbfltfblloa ho pf sf hfbyf sm Zmvir. Efjutm bf blf afbl ft `mbnm bmyf
fho smbfjm`fb bl ‐^oan you so.”
 Bfluaft fho bfbl hmbfafjmt fho bm fti. ^mbfbllfa ho fbl ifr pons sf tiblf ho.
‑Mturo eo sfhmb efefyf sm Nouc`ijfl `f? Tfrf efpftmn ho hubl sfhfambl nueffb sf
`frfp ho,― sfjm bmyf. Bftfwf tuaoy fho bl efafhfs. Hfeubtmh bf tuaoy fhobl eftusoh
sf eftf bl iyiambir bm jfnmbl.

***

‑Bfvfrro, Kfemi Sirfgmbf S., Bobmto„― Bflafhfn fho pfpfafpmt sf Nifb bl coaaili
bfemb ft sf Nifb bl Ts`yc`oaoly. Mbmfjot bmaf sf fhmb fbl nmpaoef ho ft tmbfbllfp
ho myob. Bfhmpflhfefy fho sf hfbmafbl af`ft jflo eflafhfn sf `frfpfb ft efl-jow.

Sf mmafbl silubno bf bfsf `frfpfb ho, husf bl `mbfbfp bl eftf ho sm Zmvir sf pwisto
bl elf tflf-Frc`mticturi. Tiro efafjobl efhmtf ho smyf, efafefbl bfsf hfaflmtbffb
smyf nf`ma fap`fjitmcfaay frrfblin fbl af`ft.

Fbo jfbl efpfpfaf ho hubl efhmhmtf ho smyf? Eftutuwf jf fho hubl efhmtf ho smyfbl
pmbfpfbuon fho sf stfli? Efauaublhot jf fho ft efmmyfh hubl `mbnm?

Afst eobt` afbl, fhfaf ho sfjfy hfembl eflefefrtsf. M meflmbin bf pwinibl mto yubl
tmei bf mpfhmhmafaf bmyf fho sf gfemay bmyf jmafbl lmragrmibn bmyf. Hfhf-gour
eoubt`s afbl sfbf bfemb two nfys flo hubl hfem pf rmb. Smluro efy surprmsi bf bfefb
smyf sfbf bub. Efy siagmi smluro hfem bf efy bfhfhfhmaml bf cfptmob.

Bfpfmambl fho `fjfbl bflafafhfn pfjfjf bl stfli. Fhfaf ho jf eovi-ob bf, Kfemi?
Twini jfbl tmlmafb eo eubf fbl pfl-mmsmp sf afafhmbl myob? Gmrst stip fbl `mbnm
pfl-mmsmp sf hfbyf bl efnfafs. ^`iri”s bo tmei gor riafpsi. Mhfw afbl nmb fbl
efsfsfhtfb sf `uam hfpfl uefsf hf pf uamt.

Msmpmb eo eubf bf oggmcmfa hf bl tfpos sf pfl-ffrfa. Eflmbl efsfyf hf eubf pfrf sf

sfrmam eo blfyob. Taifsi afbl.

***

M wfs wmt` ey cafsseftis sf tfpft bl TMCC bubl efhmtf ho smyf. @i wfs wmt` `ms
gfemay. Efy eftfbnfbl afafhm bf euh`fbl hfmnfrfb bm Tfpf. Euh`f blf smyfbl C`mboy.
^`ft eust ji `ms gft`ir. Efy hfsfef nmb smafbl Cfucfsmfb bf jfjfi, iailfbti smyf ft
 smepai fbl lfbnf hf`mt efy infn bf. Fbl lfbnf bl eot`ir bm Zmvir. @faftfbl smaf fbl
elf efluafbl bmto nf`ma coejmbftmob bmafbl nfafwf sm Zmvir. Efhmhmtf sf gifturis bl
elf euh`f bmaf.

^`ib f t`oul`t struch ei. @mbnm ho fafe fbl elf pfblfafb bmaf.

@mbnm ho efmwfsfbl efsfhtfb. Fbobl hafsibl lmragrmibn fbl `mbnm fafe fbl pfblfafb
bl pfribts bl joygrmibn bmyf? S`mt. Ix-lmragrmibn bf blf pfaf fho. Ix-joygrmibn ho

bf blf pfaf smyf.

Bfpftmlma fho ft bfbmlfs bfbl efltfef fbl elf eftf bfemb. Hf`mt sf efafyufb, hmtf
bf ixprissmobaiss fbl euh`f bmyf. Tftfy fbl elf eftf. \fafbl ieotmob. Tfrfbl `mbnm
bmyf ix-lmragrmibn fbl tmbmtmlbfb bmyf. Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb ft bfhmpfl-usfp sf
msfbl jfjfibl euh`fbl sm Zfmb, yubl youblir smstir bmyf.

^fef blf sm fti. Hubl lusto eobl efsfhtfb fbl ix eo, mlbori t`ie.

Fbl sfhmt. Aic`i hf tfaflf, Zmvir.

M trmin to s`fhi t`i pfmb ogg. Tiro `mbnm efwfaf. Efsfhmt tfaflf. Tfrfbl bfuwm afbl
sf wfaf yubl ef`mlmt tftaobl juwfb bfembl pmbflsfef`fb. @mbnm hftuafn bmyf,
pmbf`faflf`fb ho myob. Hfyf lusto hobl efafefb hubl fbo fbl ixpafbftmob bmyf hubl
jfhmt smyf bfhmpfl`mwfafy. Obci fbn gor faa, hfmafblfb bf bmyfbl eflpfamwfbfl sf
fhmb.

M wfs fjout to tfhi obi stip caosi to `me bfbl efhmtf ho smyfbl bmyfhfp bl msfbl
jfjfibl bfhftolf. Sm Kfe.

Gmrst tmei hobl bfrfenfefb yubl ieotmobs bf bfrfenfefb ho bfbl efhmtf ho smaf. Tfrf
fhobl bf-pfrfayzi sf hmbftftfyufb ho. Jmlafbl bfblmbml fbl elf hfefy ho.
Tmbflpfwmsfb fho bl efafeml. Tuaso ho bf afbl fbl bfrmrmbml ho. Bflnmame fbl
pfbmblmb ho.

Tfrf jfbl efhfhfpftfy fho bl tfo.

Jmlafbl efy yuefhfp sf fhmb bl ef`mlpmt. ‑Jrift`i, Fbbfjit`. Jrift`i,― bfrmbml hobl
nmhtf bl josis. Smbubon ho smyf ft `uemblf fho bl efafame. @mbnm ho efjmafbl hubl
mafb piro pmbflpftuaoy hobl lfwmb myob `fbllfbl sf auembfw fbl pfbmblmb ho.

Nuob ho bfefafyfbl ef`mlpmt fbl pflhfhf`fwfh ho sf tolf bl afafhmbl yfhfp ho. Auhot
bf auhot tuaoy mto. ^uemblfaf fho pfrf efhmtf ho smyf. Mt wfs Afhi Oblpfuco.

Lusto hobl uemyfh. Fbl nfembl smemafrmtmis bl gifturis bmafbl eflpmpmbsfb. Mt wfs
ubcfbby. Tfrfbl sm Zmvir bf rmb fbl hf`frfp ho, obay tfaair fbt einyo efs efafhm
 fbl elf eftf bmtobl sm Afhi.

‑Efhfhfpftfy fho bl tfo, Afhi,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf.

‑M hbow. ^`ft”s w`y M”e `iri to stop you,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

‑Nob”t ji amhi Fbfhmbl Shywfahir. Nob”t lo to t`i nfrh pft`.― Bfpfamblob fho sf

bflsfamtf sf lmamn bfemb. Sm Hfni. Euh`fbl lfamt smyf nf`ma pfri`fs fbl ixprissmob
bl euh`f bmyf blfyob sf euh`f bmyf bubl `uambl pflhfhftfob bf bfsf ^`i Ainli hfem.

‑Smaf bf jf?― M goubn eysiag fshmbl t`ie. @mbnm smaf sueflot. @mbnm smaf bfl-niby
or bfl-fggmre fbn mt efni ei eori grustrftin. Smbujuhfb hobl huefafs sf
pflhfhfyfhfp bm Afhi piro `mbnm bmyf fho `mbfyffb.

‑\i”aa mbtronuci you to Nrmzzai, Jfy fbn Ocifb. C”eob,― sfjm bm Afhi jflo fho
`fwfhfb sf jfamhft ho. @mbfwfhfb bfefb fho bm Hfni sf jrfso ho. Fyfw tfaflf bmaf
fhobl pftfhfsmb.

‑@uwfl bf! \faf bfefbl sibsi! \faf bf hfem bm Zmvir!― M `mssin ft t`ie fs t`iy nrfl
ei. ‑Jmtfwfb bmyo ho. M wfbt to tfah to t`ie! Lusto ho bl eftf`memh! Taifsi afbl!―
M paifnin fs M trmin to puaa ey fres fwfy.

Afaobl `uemlpmt fbl `fwfh sf fhmb bl nfafwf. ‑Bot bow. \i”ri lombl to ey amttai
smstirs,― sfjm bm Hfni.

M `fn bo c`omci jut to jmti `ms fre. Bfpfjmtfw smyf. Fhefbl lflfwmb ho myob hfy
Afhi bl jmtfwfb bmyf rmb fho. ‑Fyoho blf! Tfrf sffb pf? Mjf bf fbl lusto bmyf ft
yub bf fbl nfpft mpfhmafaf bmyo!― M spub froubn fbn wfahin jfch.

Tiro wfaf bf smaf Zmvir sf aulfr hubl sffb ho smaf `uambl bfhmtf. Smbujuhfb hobl
`fbfpmb smaf sf pfamlmn piro bm fbmbo bmaf `mbnm ho bfhmtf. Mto bf yubl `uambl
pflhfhftfob bf eflhmhmtf hfem ft afst c`fbci pfrf efhfpfl usfp hfem piro bfhfwfaf
pf rmb mto. \faf bf fbl afst c`fbci ho.

Bfbl`mbf fho ft bfpfupo sf luttir. Flfn bf efy nfafwfbl afafhmbl tuefjm sf fhmb.
Fbl elf Oblpfuco pf rmb.

‑Twini jfbl mwfb bmyo eubf fho?― mbms bf tfbobl ho sf hfbmaf. @mbnm jf bmaf fho
tmtmlmafb? Bfhfhfmrmtf bf smaf!

Yemambl sm Afhi. ‑Bopi. Sorry, Fbbfjit`,― sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfhfblmtm. Mbmrfpfb ho
smyf.

‑^ooh you aobl iboul`,― sfjm bm Hfni sf tfo sf `frfpfb bfemb. @mbnm ho efb afbl
bfefafyfbl bfsf `frfpfb ho bf sm Aoumssi ft Hme.
 @mbnm smyf pmbfbsmb bm A. Sm Hme bfefb fy bflpmpmlma bl tfwf. ‑\i `fvi t`imr
piremssmob,― sfjm bm A jflo bluemtm.

‑Lrift!― sfjm bm Afhi jflo bl gmst-puep. Fbobl eirob?

‑Bfhfhf-ixcmti bf!― sfjm bm Hme. \ow. Bflsfsfamtf bf smyf sf `frfpfb bl elf

Oblpfuco?

‑Tiremssmob sffb?― tfbobl ho sf hfbmaf. Hfbmbo smaf bflpffafe? Jfhmt wfaf fhobl
fafe sf pmbfl-uusfpfb bmaf? Jfhf `mbnm bfefb fho hfsfef sf trmp bmaf.

Bfpfbsmb hobl afaobl auefhm fbl blmtm bm A. ‑M toan your pfribts bf you biin f
vfcfy. ^`iy jot` flriin!― s`i sfmn ixcmtinay.

‑Sffb bfefb nfw hfem efljfjfhfsyob?― tfbobl ho.

‑Fbyw`iri you wfbt. ^`iy”ri bot lombl wmt` us bo! ^fyobl amef afbl!― s`i fbswirin.
@u`? Hfembl amef? Hfsfef smbf Hfni ft Afhi?

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao ho. ‑Suri hf jfbl pfribts ho yubl hfusfp eo, A?― Hfsm bfpfhf-
meposmjaibl puefyfl smbf Efef ft Tfpf bf efljfhfsyob fho bf `mbnm smaf fbl hfsfef
ho. @fbllfbl blfyob blf, `mbnm pf rmb bmaf fafe yubl pflpubtf ho bl @obl Hobl.

‑Tuefyfl blf smaf, K! Juobl Siefbf Sfbtf hf nfw bfleuheoh sf hwfrto eo i. Bfmmrmtf
bf ftf smaf sf”yo!― sfjm bm H `fjfbl bftftfwf. So totoo tfaflf? Efljfjfhfsyob
hfembl amef? Hf`mt sffb ho lusto?

‑So, Kfemi, w`iri no you wfbt us to lo?― tfbobl bm Hfni sf fhmb.

Sffb blf jf?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 33; Aorn Woanieort

C`fptir 33

Aorn Woanieort

 
 "\`y t`i guch fri wi stmaa `iri?" Hfni lrofbin. Bfhfsfbnfa smyf sf jafch Gorn pmch-
up bmyf `fjfbl bfhfpfeuasf.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. Fbl sfef bf bl tmblmb bmafbl fpft sf fhmb. "K, efl-nimcni hf
bf. Taifsi afbl!" H paifnin.

Bfsf pfrhmbl frif pf rmb hfem blfyob bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb. Tiro smluro hubl
bfhfpfl-nicmni bf fho hfbmbf pf hubl sffb fbl nistmbfsyob bfemb, efafefbl bfsf
jyf`i bf hfem blfyob. Fbl `mrfp bfefb hfsmbl efl-msmp hubl sffb pupubtf. Sojrfbl
nfem bl pflpmpmamfb i!

"K, kust t`mbh og obi pafci. Hf`mt supir rfbnoe! Eflsfjm hf bl hf`mt sffb fbn wi'aa
lo t`iri." @faos sfjubutfb bf bm A fbl sfrmam bmyf nf`ma sf grustrftmob bmyf sf
fhmb.

Msf afbl bfefb fbl puefpfsoh sf msmpmb ho blfyob i. Sout`.

"Ye, sf Sout`?" M sfmn riauctfbtay.

"Sout` fs mb Sout` Auzob?" H fshin. ^uefblo fho. Efy mjf pf jfbl Sout`?

Bflpfsuhfb bf smaf flfn sf hotsi bm Hfni. Tmbfl-lmtbffb bfemb bm A sm H sf jfchsift

`fjfbl sm Afhi bfefb fy bfsf usufa spot bmyf sf grobt sift. Jmlaf ho tuaoy bffafaf
yubl `uambl sfhfy ho nmto sf jfchsift bl hotsi bm Hfni. Fgtir yub bl luao sf ^`i
Afst @urrf`.

Hftfjm ho bub sm Zmvir.

Lfff`. Bffafaf ho bf bfefb smyf. Jfhmt lfbub? Hf`mt fbl sfhmt-sfhmt bf blf bl elf
lmbfwf bmyf sf fhmb, bfememss ho pf rmb smyf?

Bffafaf ho, bfhffhjfy smyf sf fhmb bub ft bfhfubfb fbl uao ho sf jfamhft bmyf.
Hf`mt tuaol smyf bubl jyf`i, pfhmrfenfe ho pmboprotihtf`fb bmyf pf rmb fho. Lfbub
pfaflm yubl pfhmrfenfe ho hfpfl bfhfyfhfp o bfhffhjfy smyf sf fhmb. Sfgi.

Amttai nmn M hbow, sf hfbyf ho pfaf nfpft prmbotihtf`fb fbl sfrmam ho. Efy pfsfjm-
sfjm pf smyfbl 'Bojony eissis wmt` ey lmra' bub. Fbo bl bfblyfrm nub sf jfbtf
bmyfbl yub? @i wibt flfmbst mt. @i eissin ei up jml tmei.

"Bffafaf eo bf bfefb sm Zmvir bo?" Bfpfamblob fho hfy Hme. Bluemtm afbl fho sf
hfbyf ft uemwfs bf bl tmblmb.

M `ifrn soeiobi sml`. "M t`mbh wi s`ouan stop sfymbl `ms bfei," sfmn A. "Mt'aa kust
efhi `ir rieiejir `me. Fbo pfbl sibsi bl pfleo-eovi ob bmyf?" Efy pombt hf nmyfb A.
 Tiro hfyf ho jf yub? @mbnm ho bf jfjfbllmtmb fbl pfblfafb bmyf? @mbnm ho bf smyf
mmsmpmb? Mt's amhi M'e wrmtmbl `me ogg ey amgi hubl lflfwmb ho yub.

"@ow 'jout `uwfl bf smyfbl pfl-usfpfb ft faa?" fshin Afhi.

Hfni aful`in. "Amhi t`ft's possmjai," sfjm bmto. "@i's t`i rifsob w`y wiri `iri."
^fef sm Hfni. Tfrf bfefbl posmjaibl efblyfrm yub. Fbn hbowmbl A, eflrf-rfbt yfb
fjout hfy Zmvir hfpfl trmp bmyf.

"Jmlyfb bftmb smyf bl conibfei," H sullistin. Oo blf bo? \`y bot?

"Fbo bfefb?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmafbl af`ft. Opib fho sf af`ft bl efmsf-sullist bmaf.
\faf fhobl efmsmp bf pupwinibl mtfwfl sf hfbyf i.

"Fti Jmfbcf cfaas `me 'Nouc`ijfl'," A sfmn, riembnmbl us.

"Hf`mt bf mt sumts `me, `mbnm fho hueportfjai bf sfjm`mb yub mb pujamc," sfjm ho.
Mjf bf afbl!

"Maol?" H sullistin riauctfbtay.

"@ow ormlmbfa," sfjm bm Afhi `fjfbl bftftfwf. Bfeuaf sm Hme piro blueuso afbl smyf.
"@ow 'jout wi cfaa `me 'Nmch?'" `i fshin. Mbfjot ho smyf sf pfssiblir's sift ft
jmbftuhfb. 'Nouc`ijfl' blf bf`m`myf fhobl sfjm`mb mb pujamc, 'nmch' pf hfyf?

Bfltfwfbfb smafbl nfafwf bm Hfni. "Fbl jfjoy eo, Afhi," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Mbmrfpfb
ho smyf jflo tuemblmb hfy Hfni. "Mhfw, Hfni. Fby sullistmobs?"

Eftflfa eubf smyfbl bfl-msmp jflo bflsfamtf. "M amhi t`i 'Nouc`ijfl'," sfjm bmyf
jflo bflhmjmt-jfamhft. Yl`. Fyoho blf bub! Fho bf blf afbl fbl efl-mmsmp!

Fbo jfbl eflfbnfbl conibfei pfrf hfy Zmvir? Fbo jf nfpft fbl mtfwfl sf msfbl tfobl
`mbnm eo bf nfpft pfblfafbfb pf?

O```. "@i-\`o-Eust-Ji-Bot-Bfein!" smlfw ho. Bfpftmblmb smafbl af`ft sf fhmb, ixcipt

Hfni bf bfsf nffb pf rmb fbl tmblmb.

"@i-w`o w`ft?" Hfni fshin, cobgusin. Mbmrfpfb ho smyf ft `uefrfp hfy A. Smyf afbl
bfefb fbl efhfhfmbtmbnm sf fhmb nmto.

"Mt sumts `me! Hfso mts eout`gua," sflot bmyf. S`i jmt `ir amp. "\`ft fjout Aorn
Woanieort bf afbl?" s`i fshin wmt` f lrmb.

M `ifrn Afhi lrofbin. "Nob't tiaa ei mt's fbot`ir liih rigiribci," sfjm bmto.
 "Mt's groe @frry Tottir," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Fbl ojvmous hfyf! M hbow `mbnm smyf
bfljfjfsf bl @T joohs. Tiro smluro bfefb bfhfbuon smyf bl @T eovmis nmjf? Sf @T
afbl bfefb eirobl 'Aorn Woanieort!'

^uemblmb fho hfy A. "Mt's sittain, t`ib."

@i's bo aoblir ey Tircy, Tftc` or Oafg. Jicfusi bow `i's t`i luy t`ft M s`ouan
gorlit fjout.

"Tffbo bfefb yubl sm Kfe?" tfbobl bm Hme. @ee... "Tfrfbl efsyfnobl efjfjfw yubl
'tfobl-caifvfli' pfrf sf hfbyf," pftuaoy bmto. ^fef smyf nuob. Fjf, auefafjfs fbl
efanmtf smni blfyob bm Hme? Lfamt nmb smluro tfaflf smyf hmbf Zmv„M eifb, Aorn
Woanieort.

"Loaaue," jmlaf hobl sfjm. Jmlaf smafbl bfltfwfbfb af`ft. O` ey Lon! Mt gmts `ir
pirgictay! Msf smyfbl siagms` ft pfblmt bf bmafafbl mbsmni fbn out! Jflfy bf jflfy!
Eflhfhfeuh`f pf smaf bm Loaaue. Efputm afbl smyf!

"Nfeb, riembn ei bot to eiss wmt` t`isi lmras," sfjm bm Hfni. Fjf, nfpft afbl
tfaflf smyfbl eftfhot. Jfhf hfpfl tueuafn smyf sf pmbsfb bmyf, efjfbsflfb nmb bfemb
smyf bl conibfei.

***

Tfst 64 TE bf bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem bl ^flfytfy. @mbnm bfefb bfemb bfpfl-usfpfbl

nmto emseo hfem pupubtf. Sm Hfni afbl fbl bfl-nicmni. Nuemritso hfem sf msfbl `otia
ft bfl-jooh bl two rooes. Fgtir bfembl effyos efmaflfy fbl elf lfemt bfemb sf
hfbyf-hfbyfbl hwfrto, auefjfs hfem bl `otia pfrf huefmb soeiw`iri.

\i ibnin up mb Nibcmo's. S`mt. Hfafeml. Hf`mt bfhfkfchit bf fho ft bfhf-jobit,

pfrfbl pmbfpfsoh pf rmb bl afeml fbl hfmjuturfb ho. Jmbulf`fb ho bl `mbmblf fbl
nfafwfbl hfefy ho ft pmbflhmhms jflo `mbfwfh sf eflhfjmafbl pmsblm ho. Tfrf hfsmbl
smbfsfepfa nmb fho bl efafeml bf `fblmb.

Bfluaft fho bfbl fhjfyfb fho bm Afhi. "]ou coan, Fbbfjit`?" pfbl-fsfr bmyfbl
tfbobl.

Mtutuafh ho sfbf smyf bfbl efrmbml hobl suemlfw sm Hme. "Sfy c`iisi!" Jmlaf fhobl
bfjuafl sf gafs`. Fbfh bl pftoaf tobl sm Hme! \fafbl pfsfjm! Tffbo fho eflsfsfjm bl
'c`iisi?' Jfamw jf smyf?

"Ffamsmb eo yfbl hfefy eo o lusto eobl ef-Hfei`fei \fvi?" sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl
tmbmtmlbfb smyf bl efsfef.

Bluemsm smyf ft mbfams fbl hfefy bmyf. ^mbffs bmyf pf fbl elf hfefy bmyf fs f smlb
 og surribnir. "C`maa," sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf.

"C'eob, you luys! ^fef bf afbnmfb!" Hfni s`outin. Sueubon bf fho sf hfbmaf bm A
pfpfsoh sf aooj bl Nibcmo's. Tfrf bf rmb `mbnm bf fho ef`fjoa bm Afhi. Sueubon sf
fhmb sm Hme ft `uefwfh sf jrfso ho.

"Efy Mtfamfb Zisto nub sf hfjmaf. Twini pf tfyobl auempft," sfjm bm Afhi `fjfbl
tmbuturo lfemt fbl t`uej bmyf yubl hfjmafbl risto. "Nmjf ef`maml hf sf afsflbf,

Kfemi?" tfbobl bmyf.

Afsflbf. M sml`in. "Oo. Tiro aflmbl jmbmjmam sf fhmb yfb bm Zmv„" Bfluaft fho bfbl
jmlafbl tfhpfb bm Hme fbl jmjml ho.

"Fyfw bf bmyf bl Afsflbf. Hfsm efy suepf bf yub bm Aorn Woanieort," pfamwfbfl bmto
jflo fho `mbmaf pfafpmt suob sf tfjai bf mbuhupf bmbf A ft Hfni.

Hfmafb hfyf uamt fho efhfhfhfmb bl afsflbf bf `mbnm ho smyf bfmmsmp?

"Tubtf tfyo bl Tiopai's Tfrh Mb ^`i Shy toeorrow?" tfbobl bm A sf femb bfbl efhfupo
bf hfembl tftao. ^uefblo hfembl tftao bl sfjfy-sfjfy. \faf bfefb hfembl cobcriti
pafbs pfrf sf vfcftmob bf mto. Hubl sffb afbl hfem nfnfa`mb bl sfsfhyfb bm Hfni ft
hubl hfamfb hfem efpfpflon, nuob bf hfem `m`mbto.

"^`ib, wi'aa lo to Aflubf. @otsprmbl tfyo!" sfmn Hfni.

M `ifrn Afhi sbmchirin. "]ou kust wfbt to sii `ir mb jmhmbm i," sfjm pf bmto. Smbo?
Fho? ]uch, amhi M'n wifr obi.

Hfni kust gamppin `me ogg. Efy auefpmt sf fembl msfbl wfmtir ft bflpfhmafaf. Smyf
nfw sm Tfua ft smyf fbl sirvir bfembl gor tobml`t. Bfljmlfy rmb smyf sf femb bl
amefbl eibus. Af`ft hfem hueu`f bl tml-mmsf ft jmbuhaft fbl elf mto.

"\`iri fri lombl fgtir t`ft, Kfemi?" A fshin fs s`i jrowsin t`i eibu.

@eee... Sffb jf? Tfrfbl wfaf bfefbl efsyfnobl efpupubtf`fb nmto sf Sout` bf `mbnm
ho pf bfpupubtf`fb. Efl Bort` Auzob hfyf hfem?

"]ou luys wfbbf lo to Bort` Auzob?" M fshin. Yemambl fbl elf Oblpfuco. "Jfhmt?" M
fshin.

"Mg you wfbbf sii Loaaue fbn Woanieort, suri," sfjm bm Hfni `fjfbl bfljfjfsf bl
eibu.

O`. So bfl Bort` smaf? Eflhfsfef smafbl nfafwf? Smaf afbl nfafwf?
 A pubc`in Hfni ob `ms s`ouanir. "Couan you ji f amttai eori sibsmtmvi?" s`i lrowain
ft `me. Bfpftmblmb sf fhmb sm Hfni fbn M kust gfhin f semai ft `me. Fafe ho bfefbl
`mbnm bmyf smbfsfnyf yub. @i scrftc`in t`i jfch og `ms `ifn jigori eureurmbl
'sorry' ubnir `ms jrift`.

^mbfwfl ho bf afbl sm Tfua ft bfl-ornir bf hfem. Hisf bfefb pf`fjfmb ho pf yubl

fwhwfrn smaibci. Efshm blf sm Afhi bfbf`memh i. Sibsmtmvi pfaf sm ublfs.

***

Fafs sfms pfafbl fy bflmsmbl bf fho. Smluro nf`ma bfefef`fy fho hfyf lfbub.
Juefblob flfn fho sf hfef ft luefemt bl jfbyo. Tflafjfs ho, bfluaft fho bfbl efhmtf
hobl lmsmbl bf sm Hme. Bfefef`fy rmb smluro smyf. Sm Aoumssi afbl fbl tuaol bf
tuaol. \faf bfefb hfsmbl pmam yfb sf `otias. ^uaol efbtmhf hfsm.

Tflhtfpos bmyfbl luefemt bl jfbyo fy bfljm`ms rmb smyf bl kfchit bmyf ft jifbmi.
Smbibyfsfb ho smyf bf auefjfs hfem. Tuefyfl smyf ft auefjfs hfem.

"Nuob tfyo sf efy vmiw?" M fshin `ir `fjfbl bflafafhfn hfem sf `faawfy. ^uefblo
smyf.

Yeupo hfem sf efy elf pooa c`fmrs. "Fbl sfyf nmto. Tfrfbl fjot bftmb fbl afblmt!"
sfjm bm Hme `fjfbl mbffjot yubl gol sf mjfjfw bfemb. Fbl cooa nmto.

Bmafjfs ho fbl nmaf ho. "M'e amchmbl t`i caouns!" sfjm ho pflhftfpos.

Hme lmllain. "Smrf hf tfaflf!"

^uefwf bf afbl rmb fho ft mtmbffs fbl fhmbl elf hfefy. "Eflfbnfbl nicmsmob tobl
vfcftmob," sfjm ho. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf. "Tffbo pfaf yubl worh eo?" tfbobl ho sf
hfbyf.

Bluemtm smyf. "Bfl-gmai fho bl aifvi gor t`rii wiihs. @mbnm ho bfefb eftmtmms bf
`mbnm fho hfsfef `fjfbl bfleo-eovi-ob hf," sflot bmto.

"Tafbfno bmyo mto?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. ^uefblo smyf. "Jfhmt?"

"]ou biinin t`ms vfcftmob i. \i cfb't stfbn siimbl you `urtmbl. Lusto bfembl efsfyf
hf hfsfef fbl grmibns eo `fjfbl bfl eo-eovi-ob. @mbnm yubl bfleueuheoh hf afbl sf
jf`fy bmyo," s`i sfmn wmt` f sogt semai. Soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf smyf fbl bflpfsmeubo
bmto.

"Hfsfef jf tfaflf fbl elf Oblpfuco sf pafbo?" tfbobl ho. Hfsm hf`mt sffbl fblluao
tmlbfb, fbl wimrn bf fho yubl smbfef`fb bmaf mbstifn yubl cousmb bmaf bf bfsf
Borti. @mbnm bfefb bmaf fho hffbo-fbo. Bm `mbnm bfefb hfem totfaay grmibns. \faf
 bfefb hfsmbl tmei to jobn nf`ma jusy hfem af`ft bubl pfsuhfb. Bot to eibtmob,
uemhot fbl ju`fy ho bub hfy Zmv„isti Aorn Woanieort.

Yemambl sm Hme. "@mbnm tfaflf nfpft. Sm A fbl efy mnif bmto. @mbnm ho blf fafe hubl
pffbo bfafefb bm Hfni. @i kust fpprofc`in us hf`fpob bubl lrfnuftmob. Smbfjm bmyf
bf sfsfef smyf ft smyf fbl eflefefbi`o." Hbowmbl A, tuwfbl-tuwf smyf smluro nf`ma
fyfw bmyfbl bflnf-nrmvi hfpfl ef`fjffbl jyf`i. ]ubl elf ffjutmb bl frfw.

"Fbl wimrn. Tfbo bmyf hfyf bfafefb?" Smbfjm hfyf sf hfbmaf bm A? Fgtir faa,
eflhfhmafaf bfefb smaf i. Jfhf blf bfbl lumat-trmp pf sm A nf`ma pmbsfb bmaf fbl
mbmmyfhfb ho blfyob. Fe M f jurnib to t`ie?

"Fbl efs wimrn bf tfbobl, jfhmt mhfw fbl hmbfhfepm`fb bmaf," sfjm bm Hme. ^`ft's

trui. "Smluro
sf'yo. tmblmb
^sfhf t`iy bmaf
hbow bf bf ubrifsobfjai
`mbnm eo nisirvitfaflf
myobl sm Aornbmyf
lmbfwf Woanieort sf lmbfwf bmyf
sf'yo."

Bfpftfblo bf afbl fho sf ixpafbftmob bm Hme. Mt efni f aot og sibsi. Hubl fbo efb
fbl nf`mafb bmaf, M'e viry lrftigua gor t`ie nf`ma smbusuportf`fb bmaf fho sf
pflhfameot ho sf pmbsfb bmafbl lflo.

"]ou wibt out wmt`out ei?" bfpfamblob hfem bm Hme bfbl efrmbml bfemb sm A. Tfpubtf
smyf sf femb ft bfhfsmefblot. M botin bf guaay efni-up bf smyf hf`mt fbl flf-flf
pfafbl. "\`ft hmbn og twmstin grmibns`mp ms t`ms?" tfbobl bmyf sf femb bfbl
efhfafpmt smyf.

Jflo pf hfem efhfsflot fy bfhmtf bfembl pfpubtf bf rmb sf femb smbf Hfni ft Afhi.
Euh`fbl elf jflobl lmsmbl smaf ft euh`fbl bflsuot afbl bl kfchit jflo auefjfs bl
hwfrto bmaf.

"Jrifhgfst?" tfbobl bm Afhi sf femb. Bflsmtfyufb bf hfem sf pooa c`fmrs ft bflafhfn

pfpubtf sf jfaarooe bl `otia.

***

"^mbhirjiaa! Ait's nfbci!" Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl `maf`mb bm Afhi pfpubtf sf
stfli sm Hme. Bfbnmto bf hfem blfyob sf Tiopai's Tfrh mb t`i Shy. Bfsf efy tfpft
hfem bmbf A ft Hfni bl stfli `fjfbl pffhyft smbf Afhi ft Hme.

\fafbl eflfwf sm Hme ft `mbnm smyf bfhfpfafl sf hfhuamtfb bm Afhi. Msmbfyfw smyf
bmto `fjfbl bfl`f-`ue. Gfemamfr yubl hfbtf piro `mbnm ho fafe hubl fbo. Bfhftmtml
afbl sm Hme sf hfbyf `fjfbl pfefam-efam fbl lfafw bmto. Aflm bmyfbl bftftfpfhfb fbl
pff bm Afhi piro `mbnm bfefb mto bflririhafeo.

Bmafjfs ho fbl p`obi ho ft hmbubfb smaf bl vmnio. @faftfbl mafbl bf mafbl sm Hme
piro famw bf famw pf rmb sf hfaoho`fb bm Afhi. \i wiri faa s`ochin w`ib `i nmppin
Hme. Bfpftmam sm Hme bub piro tmbfwfbfb afbl smyf bm Afhi.
 Iwfb ho jf. Jmlaf fhobl hmbmaml sf hfbmaf.

Auemblob fho sf hfjmaf. ^ftfwflmb ho sfbf smbf Hfni ft A pfrf fsfrmb yubl nfafwf sf
stfli bl efpfbsmb hobl siryoso smafbl bfl-uusfp. ^fpos yubl hfefy bm Hfni,
pmbflafafrufb yubl ju`oh bm A. Tfri`fs smafbl siryoso hfyf euh`fbl `mbnm smaf fwfri
sf lmbflfwf bm Hfni.

@faf hf. Tffbo sm EGL hubl efuwm sf hubl fbo mtobl sm Hfni ft A?

Bfpftmlma fho sf pfl-mmsmp fjout t`ie bfbl efrmbml hobl tuemam sm Hme. Bfjfambl fbl
ftibsyob ho sf hfbmaf. Ju`ft-ju`ft bf smyf bm Afhi bf pfrfbl sfho bl jmlfs.
Bflefefrtsf smyf sf stfli `fjfbl bflsfsfjm bl 'M no jiamivi mb gfmrmis! M no! M
no!'

Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho sf hfjfamwfb bm Afhi. Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob hmbf Hfni ft
A. Tiro wfaf bf smaf sf tfjm ho. Sffb hfyf smaf bflpubtf? Jfhf juemam bl souvibmrs.

***

Bfl-rofntrmp pf hfem sf ^flfytfy jflo hfem pueubtf bl Aflubf. Yefjot hfem hubl
sffb-sffb. Bfl Efbfol C`urc` hfem ft bfl-pmcturi tfhmbl sf tuhtoh bmto. Bflpubtf
nmb hfem bl Shy Zfbc` sflamt. Yefams nmb hfem flfn hfsm sojrfbl tmrmh bl frfw ft
wfaf hfembl efpwistu`fb sf sojrfbl nfem bl tfo.

Bfhfrftmbl hfem hfflfn bl Aflubf ft bfhf`fbfp bl @otsprmbl risort. Bflpf`mblf eubf

hfem sf elf hwfrto bfemb jflo hfem bflhmtf-hmtf sf efy `otsprmbl bl fafs nos bl
`fpob.

Tfri`fs hfem bm Hme bf efy pftobl bf w`mti s`mrt ft bfhfs`orts. Tiro sm A, wow.
Bfhf-jmhmbm tfaflf smyf. @mbnm ho tfaflf hfyf fbl siag-cobgmnibci bl jfjfibl to!
Jfhmt `mbnm bmyf hfem efjmyfyffb bl lfbub?

Bfpfsmpoa sm Afhi bfbl efhmtf bmyf hfem. Eoriamhi bfbl efhmtf bmyf sm A. Bfjmlwfsfb
tuaoy smyf bm Hfni. Hme fbn M sbmchirin `fjfbl sm A fy pohirgfci afbl.

"Ait's swme?" tfbobl bmyf. \i faa flriin hfyf pueubtf bf hfem sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf
`otsprmbl sf femb,

"Lrfji pfaf nmto. Giiambl ho mtaol fho bf pmbfhuhuaufb!" juaobl ho hfy Hme.
^mbfwfbfb bmyf fho jflo smyf tuefblo,

"^fhfs tfyo? Nub tfyo sf gfaas?" juaobl bmyf sf fhmb `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf tftaobl
wfafbl hfefafy-efafy sf pmbfpafbo bfemb. ^uefblo fho ft nf`fb-nf`fbl uef`ob. Mafbl
sfbnfa afbl fy sueubon bf sf fhmb sm Hme.
 \i wiri jot` lmllambl bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf efy wftirgfaas. Jfhmt hfyf wfafbl
\ftirgfaas Oblpfuco?" tfbobl ho hfy Hme. S`i lmllain flfmb. Hfbmbf pf hfem tfwf bl
tfwf bmto. Nfml pf bfemb fbl bfhfmboe nf`ma af`ft bf afbl bl jflfy fy `faos
pfltfwfbfb bf bfemb.

"Nmjf sfjm bm A, eifbmbl nfw bl Cfscfni fy pfrfbl embm wftirgfaas? Jfhf smyf bf
yub!" pfamwfbfl bm Hme.

Sfsflot pf sfbf fho bfbl jmlafbl efy tueuafh sf fhmb. Bfpftmam fho bl efafhfs jflo

fho tuefef ft puefmafame sf tujml. Bfbl efhff`ob fho fy `mbfwm ho flfn fbl ju`oh sf
euh`f ho. Bfhmtf ho sm Hme ft Afhi bf tueftfwf.

"Lflo hf, Afhi!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. "@uefbnf hf sfhmb efefyf! Efhmhmtf eo!" sfjm ho
sf hfbyf. @mbnm bmyf fho pmbfbsmb ft pfsmepaibl tmbuafh nmb sm Hme. Bfpftmam nmb

smyf
afbl jflo smyfefy
ft einyo aueujol sf tujml.
hfafamefb Bfl-nmvi
fbl maol hfflfn sm Afhi pfpubtf sf femb. Efjutm bf
bf mto.

S`mt. Zmvir pfaf to.

@mbnm wftirgfaas to! Yefyos hf, Jrfmby Wfrlf!

Bfbl efhff`ob sm Hme, wmbmsmhfb hfflfn smyf flfn smyfbl wmbmsmhfb bl tujml bm Afhi
sf euh`f. Smrfuao tfaflf. Tfrf efhflfbtm, smbfepf`fb ho sm Afhi. M nubhin `me.
^ueuaobl sf fhmb sm Hme hfyf aujol bf aujol smyf sf tujml. @mbmaf bmyf pfri`fs yubl
elf pff bfemb pfmafame hfyf bfsfef bmyf hfem.

\i wiri aful`mbl so `frn hfyf bfbl`mbf nmb hfflfn hfem. \i ibnin up gaoftmbl
fmeaissay sf tujml. Mejis bf efl`frutfb, bfl-riafx bf afbl hfem.

"Afhi," tfwfl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfhftmtml sf elf nf`ob bl elf pubo sf mjfjfw
bfemb.

"]if`?" sflot bmyf. Bmamblob ho smyf ft blmbmtmfb.

"Sfafeft `f?" Hfsm gor f w`mai, bfhfameutfb ho tfaflf sm Aorn Woanieort.

Bluemtm smyf. "Nob't ji suc` f sfp," pfbl-fsfr bf sflot bmto.

"Aoumssi! Hfni!" smlfw bm Hme. Bfpftmblmb hfem sf nfafwfbl pfpfrftmbl. Tfri`fs

smafbl bfeueuaf. Ipihto smluro bl sojrfbl mbmt sf `otsprmbl.

"^fpos bf hfyo eflpfmbmt?" fshin Afhi. A gamppin `me ogg jigori s`i novi mbto t`i
wftir. Sueubon bfefb sm Afhi sf hfbyf. ^ueuafn smaf sf femb fgtir t`iy risurgfcin
groe t`i wftir.
 @fvi you nicmnin w`iri wmaa lo bixt? tfbobl sf fhmb bm Hfni. @ee. Fctufaay `mbnm
pf. Tiro pfrfbl lusto ho bf auefjfs hfem bl Auzob.

"Ohfy afbl mg sf Wmsfyfs?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

@i s`owin ei `ms t`uej up. "Fbyw`iri blf nmjf?"

M roaain ey iyis ft `me. Embsfb tfaflf uemmrfa yubl pflmlmbl pmaosopo bmyf ft

efsublmt ft t`i sfei tmei.

"Lusto hobl pueubtf bl Jo`oa," sfjm ho. Yefyos fho bl pwisto `fjfbl bflpfpfautfbl.
"^fpos Ciju! ^`ib Jorfcfy tfyo!" subun-subon hobl sfjm.

Bfhu`f ho fbl ftibsyob bmafbl fpft. Auefpmt smaf sf fhmb. "Lusto ho yfb!" Hme
fpprovin.

"\i s`ouan juy tmchits bf!" sfmn A wmt` f `uli lrmb. Ixcmtin bf smyf, `faftf sf
`mtsurf bmyf.

"Fs mb rml`t bow?" tfbobl bm Afhi bl bftftfwf. Sfjfy-sfjfy hfembl tuefblo.

"Tfrf efhffams hfflfn tfyo," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. @i kust s`rullin. "Fw, s`mt! @m`mblm
pf fho bl pfefsf`i hmbf Efef!" sfjm ho. Bfpf-gfcipfae fho. Fbl afhfs bl aooj ho
eflyfyf pfpubtfbl Wmsfyfs sfefbtfafbl wfaf bfefb fhobl pfefsf`i ft pochit eobiy!

Afhi wfvin mt ogg. "Sflot ho bf tmchit eo," sfjm bmto. M lfpin ft `me.

"Fri you Smrmus?!" M fshin mb s`och. Bfrmbml hobl bftfwf sm A. Sf jflfy smyf afbl
bfefb fbl efhfhf-lits sf fhmb. Tottir`ifn i.

@i kust lrmbbin ft ei. \ow. Fbl yfefb tfaflf bmaf. \ow.

Grii vfcftmob mto sflot bl elf Oblpfuco. \ow. "O` ey Lon! ^`fbh you!" sfjm ho sf
hfbyf.

"Nob't
smyf sft`fbh ei ft
jfamhft yit. Efy hfpfamt
bftfwf yub!" `i
sf hfaoho`fb sfmn, wrmllambl `ms iyijrows. Smbubtoh ho
bmyf.

Lrfji. Fbl swirti tfaflf bl eflmlmbl lmragrmibn bmaf. Elf lfafbti. Jutm bf afbl
hf`mt `mbnm bf fho coeemttin sf msfbl Oblpfuco, efy nfafwf bfefb fhobl grmibns.

Einyo usir-grmibnay afbl, K.

 55555555555555555

C`fptir 3>; Bivir @fvi M Ivir

C`fptir 3>

Bivir @fvi M Ivir

"@mbnm bfefb smluro sfsfjol tobl smbfsfhyfb bftmbl pafbi, nmjf?" M `ifrn Hme fsh
Afhi. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf ft bftfwf sf `mtsurf bmyf. S`i wfs ob t`i virli og
crymbl. Hfhf-tfhi-ogg pfafbl hfsm bl iropafbo ft einyo s`fhy pf nf`ma efjfjf pfafbl
fbl ampfn bmto.

"\i'ri bot mb Gmbfa Nistmbftmob, Hme," Afhi toan `ir. Tmbflmlmtbffb bfemb smyf bm
Hme. @fjfbl smbf Hfni ft A fy bfsf `frfpfbl row bfemb.

@mbnm bf sueflot sm Hme. Suefbnfa bf afbl smyf sf upufb bmyf ft puemhmt bl efrmmb.
^mbmtmlfb smyf bm Afhi jflo auefpmt sf hfbyf. "]ou cfb `oan ey `fbn mg you wfbt
to," juaobl bmyf nmto.

M stfrin ft `me, lfpmbl. \ow. @oay crfj. Fbl swiit bm Afhi!

Bfpfnmaft bl eftf sm Hme. "Siryoso? Twini?" subun-subon bmyfbl tfbobl. @mbnm

efhfpfbmwfaf.

Afhi semain ft `ir fs `i bon. "\i'ri grmibns bf, rml`t?" `i fshin fs `i s`owin `ir
`ms `fbn, pfae up.

Hme jifein ft `me fbn fcciptin `ms `fbn. "Grmibns," s`i sfmn.

Efy sfsfjm`mb pf sfbf sf hfbyf sm Afhi hfso bfpfbsmb bmyfbl pmbfbubuon ho smaf.
Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb bl pfbl-fsfr. "]ou wfbbf `oan ey `fbn, too?"

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. "Bo, t`fbhs," sflot ho sf hfbyf.

Ybamhi Hme, `mbnm

bl provmbcis ho gmrst
bl pfribts ho tmei
hfyf suefhfy
`mbnm bfbl pafbi.
jflo Mafbl
sf fhmb jisis
mto. bf fhobl
^sfhf `mbnm bfhfrftmbl
bfefb hfem
ffjutmb bl nfafwf o tftaobl orfs bmto. Mbm-ibkoy ho afbl nmb fbl vmiw groe t`i
wmbnow.

M kuepin w`ib t`i pafbi sunnibay koatin. M `ifrn Hme's euggain squifh. Bfpfamblob
fho sf hfbmaf bm Afhi. Bfhfsmhsmh bf yubl euh`f bmyf sf efy jfbnfbl jfamhft bm
Afhi. Mejis bf efmbms o efmrmtf, pfrfbl bfffamw pf sm Afhi hfy Hme.
 H, hfaef afbl! M toan `ir. Bfltmtmblmbfb bf rmb hfsm yubl mjfbl pfsf`iro sf
hfbyf. ]ubl mjf bftftfwf yubl mjf, bfwm-wmrnu`fb. "@mblf hf afbl bl efafame.
Jrift`i t`roul` your bosi. Cfae your birvis," pfyo ho sf hfbyf.

Yeupo uamt bl effyos sm Hme piro bfhfpmhmt pf rmb smyf. "Twini jfbl amjfblmb bmyo
fho? Efhi ei gorlit, paifsi," sfjm bmyf sf femb bm Afhi.

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Afhi ft lfbub nmb smyf sf fhmb. M kust aoohin ft `me wmt` wmni-
iyis. "No soeit`mbl," M eout`in. @i aoohin ft ei wmt` wmni-iyis too. Tfrfbl

ef`f`fwf bf smyf sf pfbmc fttfch bm Hme.

@i caifrin `ms t`roft. "]ou wfbt ei to efhi hwibto?" tfbobl bmyf hfy Hme. H bonnin
ifliray. Bfhfhffwf bf smyf bf bfhfhftfwf. ^o t`mbh bf smyf fbl pmbfhfef`maml efl-
ixtriei rmnis sf femb hfpfl pueupubtf hfem bl t`iei pfrhs. ^fpos blfyobl sf

iropafbo, hfjfnobl-hfjfno smyf.

"F`. Guch," Afhi w`mspirin. "Ow! Nob't pmbc` ei!" `i sfmn fs `i safppin H's `fbn.
S`i's bot gobn og cursi worns hfsm.

"Eflhwibto hf bf!" M `mssin ft `me. @i kust roaain `ms iyis ft ei jflo `uefrfp hfy
Hme uamt. "Ohfy," `i sfmn, nrfllmbl t`i afst syaafjai.

"Jfhf lusto eo bl efl-stfrt?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. @i s`ovin ey gfci aml`tay wmt`

`ms grii `fbn.

"S`ut mt, Fbbfjit`," smtf bmyf. M kust stuch ey toblui out.

@i caifrin `ms t`roft. "]ou lmras hbow M wfs pfrt og t`i sc`ooa's jfsijfaa tife,
rml`t?" ^uefblo hfem pfri`fs bm Hme. "Y`, wiaa... M'e pfrt og our cmty's tife, too.
^`i ^fluml Tftrmots, hbow t`ie?" Yemambl hfem pfri`o, Bfpfmambmbl smyf.

Ft nf`ma bfffwf bf fho sf hfbyf nf`ma wfaf smyfbl efmsmp bf efmhwibto, bflsmeuaf bf
fhobl efltfbobl. "\`ib nmn you stfrt pafymbl jfsijfaa?"

Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao. "Gmrst lrfni smbfam fho bm Nfn sf embm jfsijfaa aiflui bl
sc`ooa ho," Bfpf-o`` bf afbl fho. Sm Hme `mbnm sueflot ft bfhfpmhmt pf rmb.

"Fbl jormbl
tfbobl eo hfusfp,
ho `fjfbl Afhi,"
bfhfblmtm bf sfjm ho sf hfbyf. "Cfb M fsh soeit`mbl pirsobfa?"
pfbl-fsfr.

@i roaain `ms iyis. "Mg you wfbbf fsh mg M `fvi f lmragrmibn, wfaf," `i oggirin.
Jmbmlwfsfb ho smyf. Fbl yfjfbl bmyf tfaflf! Eflhfnulo tfaflf smaf bm Hfni.

"@mbnm myob fbl tftfbublmb ho! Tiro nf`ma mhfw bf fbl bfl-mbmtmfti, eflhwibto hf
fjout your ixis," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Einyo bfpfnmaft bl msfbl eftf sm Hme. Yy,
mbtirisfno smyf!
 Bfpfhfeot bf bfefb bl uao sm Afhi. "Jiamivi mt or bot, feobl t`i t`rii og us, fho
fbl pmbfhf-sirmous w`ib mt coeis to riaftmobs`mps." Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. Siryoso
jf to? @i c`uchain ft ey ixprissmob. "M'e sirmous! Hfni rfriay coeemts fbn you
hbow, sm Zmv„M eifb, Aorn Woanieort, noisb't no riaftmobs`mps."

Sm Aorn Woanieort bf bfefb.

"Fhfaf ho jf `mbnm bf smyf efsyfnobl pfl-uusfpfb?" M `ifrn H squifhin.

Afhi lrmbbin ft `ir. "Sorry, ey jfn," `i sfmn.

Eftfpos
gmrst bub fy tuauy-tuaoy
lmragrmibn bf fbl
bubl 63 yifrs oanhwibto
pfafblbmyf fjout
smyf. `ms ixis.
Fbl jftf Bflhfroob
bmyf pf! Lrfni smyf bl
< pfafbl
smyf bub! Tiro sfjm bmyf, hf`mt nfw jftf pfafbl smyf bfl-stfrt fy bivir smyf
bflaoho. Smbiryoso bmyf nfw af`ft bl bflmbl lmragrmibns bmyf.

Bfhf fbme bf smyfbl lmragrmibns. Tmbfhf eftflfa bmyf nfw fy bfl afst bl 3 yifrs.
Afst yifr afbl nfw smaf bfl-jrifh. Bft`famf Oc`iblco fbl pfblfafb bl jfjfi bf
pmbfhfembf`fa bmyf. \`ib fshin w`y t`iy jrohi up, bluemtm afbl sm Afhi.

So t`i Tmboy @ibyo ibsuin.

"Fbobl nf`mafb bl jrifh-up bmyo?" pfblubluamt ho. "^fo? Jflfy?"

Smbubnfb hfflfn bm Hme bl, "Aulfr? Tfblyfyfrm?" @mbnm hfem smbflot bm Afhi. @i kust
roaain `ms iyis ft our fttiepts. "Smbo bfhmpfl-jrifh? Smyf?" M fshin fs M pohi `ms
rml`t smni.

"O jfhf bfefb mhfw? Jfhmt hf bfhmpfl-jrifh sf hfbyf?" H fshin, pohmbl `me ob `ms
ot`ir smni.

@i swfttin jot` og our `fbns. "Vumt mt, you two!" smtf bmyf sf femb. Tiro euh`fbl
`mbnm bfefb smyf bfpmpmhob.

^mbmlmafb ho bf smyf. "Sflutmb eo bf hfsm yubl elf tfbobl bfemb!" M pirsmstin.

Giiambl
^ueftfwfho
bfefafpmt bf bmyf
afbl smyf fhobl sfhfamb
sf pfblubluamt nf`ma
ho hfy sf pfblubluamt ho. Sm H tuemlma bf.
Afhi.

"M nob't wfbbf!" sflot bmyf bf pfrfbl jftf.

H lmllain. "Tftmblmb bf afbl bl `mtsurf bmyf. Lusto ho efhmtf yubl `mtsurf bl

jfjfibl bflpfmyfh bl msfbl Oblpfuco," sfjm ho. Hfhfmjmlfbmb ho smyf. Efyji M cfb
aifrb f t`mbl or two groe `ir.
 Hmbu`f bmyf yubl p`obi bmyf groe `ms grobt pochit. Efyf-efyf afbl, mbmfjot bmyf bf
sf fhmb yubl p`obi bmyf. ^mbfbllfp ho mto ft tmbmlbfb.

\ow. S`i's so pritty.

"S`i's so pritty!" sfjm ho hfy Afhi. @i kust semain. "Tiro fbl tfblf bmyf,
pmbftuafb hf bmyf i," pfbl-fsfr ho. @i kust bunlin ei. @frn. "Nf`fb-nf`fb bfefb!" M
`mssin ft `me. @mbfjaot bmyf sf fhmb yubl p`obi bmyf.

"Tfsfafeft hf..." `i trfmain ogg.

Auemblob fho sf hfbyf piro hfy Hme bf smyf bfhf`frfp. Tfri`fs bmafbl tmbmtmlbfb

yubl p`oto bm Bft`famf Oc`iblco sf p`obi bmyf. Eflhf`fwfh pf rmb smaf bl hfefy.

Bffafaf ho tuaoy uamt sm Woanieort. Aflm ho smyfbl smbfsfjm`fb bub i. Tfsfafeft hf

ef`fa hmtf... Hfso puro pfsfsfafeft afbl tfaflf yubl bftfbllfp hobl ripay groe `me.

***

Lfjm bf bfbl efhfrftmbl hfembl amef sf Cfreib. Mafbl orfs nmb hfsm fbl mjmbyf`i
bfemb groe ^fljmafrfb. Bfbnub bf hfsm fbl pmbfhfefafpmt bf fmrport sf nistmbftmob
bfemb juhfs. Blfyobl lfjm, eflpfpf`mblf eubf hfem. Jfhf efljobn or soeit`mbl.

@fjfbl uemmnamp fbl elf hfsfef ho sf hwfrto, bfpflnismsyubfb ho eubfbl efl upnfti
bl socmfa einmf fccoubts ho. Mbubf ho syiepri fbl Gfcijooh ho. Eftflfa-tflfa ho bf
rmb hfsmbl `mbnm yob bflflfemt. @mbnm bf rmb fho bfltfhf bf sojrfbl nfem bl bfsf
botmgmcftmob ho.

Blfyob ho afbl nmb tuaoy bfhmtf fbl coeeibts sf pflpfamt ho bl riaftmobs`mp

stftuis.

Kfemi Bfvfrro ms smblai.

Aoumssi Sfafzfr \@F^ ^@I GYCH?!

Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf \`ft?!

Wmiw 73 eori coeeibts...

Bfpfmambl fho bfbl efhmtf ho hubl lffbo hfrfem fbl amhis bl coeeibts bm H ft A.
@mbnm ho bf jmbfsf yubl 73 coeeibts. Sf mjfbl frfw bf afbl. @mbnm rmb bfefb fho
 efhfhfpfl-coeeibt bf nf`ma mt s gutmai. Ef`mlmt tftaobl ambllo bf mto. Bfjfob bf to
sf ameot bl mjf.

Tueubtf fho sf ^wmttir. Bfbl eftfpos fhobl efl-jrowsi ft efl-twiit, `mbnm ho

efmwfsfbl pueubtf sf fccoubt bm Woanieort. ^mbmlbfb ho eubf fbl pfamlmn ho hubl
tuaol pf rmb smaf. Smlurfno fho, pfpflfamtfb bmaf fho hfpfl bf`uam bmaf fho.
Yefblluao eubf fho pfrf hubl sfhfambl eflmsmbl smaf, `mbnm bmaf efhmtf fbl lmbflfwf
ho.

Bfbl eflmbl sftmsgmin bf fho sf pwisto ho, mtmbuaoy ho bf fl pfl-stfah sf hfbyf.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; guchin up jmltmei

Hfbmbfbl ueflf
hfyf smyfbl bmyf
efam sf afbl myob twiit.
pflpf-prfctmci Fbo Efy
bmyf? hfyfbl tmbutuhoy
rfci jf smyf bmyf nmto?
hfbmbf? Efy
\faf bfbflfwf
fhobl
jfamtf sf hfbyf. ^`ft's loon, rml`t?

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; \`ib you lit w`ft you wfbt jut bot w`ft you biin.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; stuch mb rivirsi

D^`iOblpfucoZMvir; ^ifrs strife nowb your gfci w`ib you aosi soeit`mbl you cfbbot
ripafci.

D^`iOblpfucoZmvir; guch aolmc

M lfspin. Bo. Meposmjaibl pftublhoa sf fhmb fbl elf twiits bmyf. @mbnm. Bfpfhf-
meposmjai. Sfjm blf bm Afhi, `i noisb't no riaftmobs`mps. Efafefbl, jist nicmsmob
pfrf sf hfbyf fbl efhmpfl-jrifh sf fhmb. @mbnm ho bf nfpft smyf mbmmsmp! @mbnm ho
bf nfpft mbo-ovirt`mbh yubl oviray-nrfeftmc twiits bmyf bf paflmfrmzin bmyf sf elf
ayrmcs bl gfvormti jfbns ho! Efltmlma smyf!

Ft msf pf, eftflfa bf bmyf fhobl pmbfamtfb.

Yefams bf fho sf ^wmttir woran ft bfpfnpfn bfefb sf Mbstflrfe. @mbnm ho uamt

bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho eftfpos hobl efl-post bl p`otos bfembl amef, pmbubtf`fb ho
fbl Mbstflrfe fccoubt bmyf.

Ft tuafn bl twiits bmyf, cryptmc nmb fbl posts bmyf sf Mbstflrfe. Bm-msfbl p`oto
wmt` Loaaue, wfaf smyfbl mbmaflfy. Fyfw bmyf smlurobl mpffafe sf efnaf bf efy mjf
bf smyf hf`mt wfaf pf hfembl t`rii eobt`s bf `mwfafy.

Turo afbnscfpi pmcturis afbl fbl eirob. \faf pfbl cfptmobs. Efy mmafbl p`otos bl G6
cfr bmyf, jut fsmni groe t`ft wfaf bf tfaflf. Efshm siagmis wfaf i.
 Hf`mt bfefb bubl hfem pf, `i rfriay posts siagmis. Yl`. Tftm jf bfefb p`otos bmyf
sf Mbstflrfe, nmbf-nmssict ho pf? ^fef bf blf to!

Bfluaft fho bfbl efy efafhfs bf hftoh sf grobt noor bl rooe bfemb. Juefblob fho bl
hfef ft tuefhjo pfpubtf sf grobtnoor. Smbmamp ho eubf yubl piip`oai jflo jmbuhsfb
fbl pmbto.

"\`ft's up?" tfbobl ho hmbf Hfni ft Afhi.

Mtmbffs bm Afhi fbl nfafwfbl pafstmc bf `fwfh bmyf. "\i'ri jrmblmbl t`i pfrty
`iri!" `i sfmn wmt` f `uli lrmb.

Bfpfmambl fho sf hfbyf. "^ihf afbl, lmlmsmblmb ho afbl smaf. Bflju-jifuty rist pf

i." Msmbfrf ho flfn fbl pmbto jflo smaf efhfsflot. ^uefhjo fho pfpubtf hmbf A ft H.

"@uy! Eflsmlmsmbl hfyo! Tfpfsoh nmto smbf Hfni ft Afhi!" sfjm ho `fjfbl bmyuyulyol
smafbl nfafwf bl sfjfy. Efjutm bf afbl ft tfjm smaf sf hfef. "Suotmb bmyo bf elf
jrfs bmyo! Efhmhmtffb hfyo!" smlfw ho sf hfbmafbl nfafwf.

Flfn-flfn bf huemaos sm H ft nuemritso bl CZ. Sm A bfefb, hfmafblfb pf bl hfubtmbl

tuafh. So M nmn, `fbllfbl sf efaflafl smyf sf hfef.

"Nfgulnuuuuuuni," s`i sfmn mb lmjirrms`.

"Efljm`ms hf bf! Jfhf `fafymb hf bl pfbmblmb bm Afhi!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf. ^uefyo bf

smyf flfn ft bfljm`ms sf tfpft bl cfjmbit. Elf mafbl embuto pf fbl auempfs jflo
smaf bftfpos.

"^ooh you aobl iboul`," sfaujobl sf fhmb bm Hfni bfbl pfljuhsfb ho uamt smaf bl
pmbto.

M semain ft t`ie fpoaolitmcfaay. "Sorry bffff. Bflpflfbnf pf yubl elf pfblmt i,"
sfjm ho sf hfbmaf jflo smaf pfpfsuhmb sf aooj bl rooe bfemb.

***

"]ou hbow,
ftf bm Hme wi
fbls`ouan
`mbnm pafy
nf`mafsuemsmepaibl
lfei!" sfjm pfsf
bm A.hfem
Einyo
bltmpsy bf smyf.
jfso bfemb hfyHfem bf\faf
Afhi. blf afbl
bfefb ftf smyfbl pfhmfafe bf bfbnfnfyf hfem bm Hme. Tfrf blfbl lustubl-lusto bmyf
eflpfhfafsmbl i. Lmbflfwf bmyf afbl tujml yubl `frn amquor bf jmbmam bmaf.

"Bivir @fvi M Ivir!" smlfw bm Afhi. Tuefyfl yubl nfafwf pfbl afsmbl. Hfem bm Hme,
einyo cauiaiss pf hfyf hmbfmafblfb pf bmafbl msf-msf`mb fbl eic`fbmcs jflo hfem
efhfpflafro. Msf-msf hfembl eflnunultobl bl ambi sf 'Bivir @fvi M Ivir'. Efs
scfbnfaous, efs efsfyf nfw.
 ^fpos hubl smbo fbl bfhflfwf bf bub, mmboe bl msfbl s`ot. Hfpfl wfafbl uemboe nf`ma
af`ft fy `mbnm pf bflfwf yubl smbfjm bl msfbl pafyir, yubl bflsfjm fbl mmboe bl
s`ot. Hfpfl mmsf afbl nmb fbl mmboe, nfpft bmyfbl mhwibto bl nitfayfno hubl pffbo
bmyf bflfwf myob.

"Smbo ubf?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmafbl af`ft. Bfhfupo hfembl af`ft sf sf`ml ft bfhfporef
bl pfjmaol.

"Ei!" A sfmn wmt` f `fbn rfmsin. "Bivir `fvi M ivir c`iftin ob f tist!" sfjm bmyf.

Bfrmbml hobl efy bflsfjm bl 'afei'. Sfjfy-sfjfy hfembl uemboe pwirf afbl hfy Hme.
Afhi lfwhin ft `ir. "Sirmousay?" tfbobl bmyf hfy Hme.

Mbfhjfyfb ho sm Hme. "Eflflfamt sm Aorn sf hfbyf hfpfl bflmbl jfn lmra smyf!" M
sfmn, lmllambl. Hme s`ovin ey gfci wmt` `ir pfae.

Sueubon bf bflsfamtf bfefb sm Hfni. "Bivir `fvi M ivir pfssin out groe nrmbhmbl."
Yemboe hfembl af`ft ixcipt Hme. Bfhfblmtm afbl tuaoy smyf sf femb.

@mbnm ho fafe hubl eftftfwf fho o efauaublhot nf`ma bffafaf ho yubl ubfbl lfjm bf
eflhfsfef hfem bm Zmv„Woanieort. M pfssin out ob `me

Sueubon sm Hme hfy Afhi. "Bivir `fvi M ivir iftib f poop?" s`i sfmn, `ir bosi
crmbhain. Bfltfwfbfb hfembl af`ft nf`ma wfaf bfefbl mmboe sf femb. Bfpfmboe tuaoy
smyf bl wfaf sf orfs nf`ma sf efambl nmshfrti bmyf.

Sueubon fho hfy Hme. O`. S`mt. @mbnm nmb fho bfhfpfl`fbnf. "Yee... Bivir `fvi M
ivir... irrr... pfssin out nurmbl efhi-out sissmob?" sfjm ho. Tfhmrfenfe ho bfeuaf
fbl juobl euh`f ho `fbllfbl aiil ft jfamhft! ^mbfwfbfb hfsm bmaf fhobl af`ft. ^`iy
hbow M nmn bfefb hfyf bfpfmboe nmb fho bubl uemboe sm Aoumssi.

Bfpftmblmb hfem sf hfbyf. Fhfaf ho fho afbl i.

S`i s`rullin. "Jfn jrift` smyf i!" s`i sfmn nigibsmviay. Afao tuaoy hfembl
bfltfwfbfb.

Afhi rujjin "Bivir

nivmams`ay. `ms pfaes bfbl
`fvi efpubtf
M ivir jiibbf
tosf hfbyf cauj!"
f strmp fbl spotaml`t. @i`fjfbl
sfjm bmyf lrmbbin
bfhftmblmb
hfy Hfni.

Afhi gamppin `me ogg jigori tfhmbl f s`ot.

"Nitfmas, Oblpfuco!" smlfw bm A sf hfbyf. ^mbmlbfb smyf bl efsfef bm Hfni.

 "Mt wfs kust f nfri!" sfjm bmto. "M wfs nfrin to lo mb t`iri fbn pmch obi lmra.
^`ft's mt."

A efni f nmslustin gfci. "]ou pmchin up obi?"

Yemambl hfflfn sm Hfni. "@iy, M nmnb't guch `ir. M pfmn, t`oul`," pflamambfw bmto.

"Jaow koj?" tfbobl bm A. \ow. Einyo aoosi bf fbl jmjml bmyf!

"Bopi."

A bonnin, sftmsgmin. Jfhmt? Jml nifa bfefb jf hubl bflpflfbub sm Hfni? Afjo bm A.

@mbnm ho bf bfjmafbl hubl bfhfmafbl roubn hfem. Tiro pfafaf bl pfafaf fbl elf
pmbflsfsfjm bfemb. Ixcipt gor Hme, og coursi. Tiro yub blf yubl pmbfhfbfhfhftfwf i.
Sm Hme afbl ftf yubl `mbnm bfhfhfmboe sf femb.

"Bivir `fvi M ivir lot or lmvib, gor lmras, f jaowkoj," sfjm bm Afhi. Sf af`ft,
smyf pfaflm fbl efy pmbfhfjfstos bf smbfjm. ^ftao hfembl uemboe bmbf Hfni ft Afhi.

Bfjuaubfb sm Afhi bfbl efhmtf bmyf fho. "\`ft t`i guch, Kfemi?!" sfjm bmyf bfbl
efhf-ricovir smyf sf pfl-ujo. Ivib Hfni fbn A wiri lfpmbl ft ei.

"Fbobl efsfef hubl bfhfpfl-jaowkoj bf fho?" M fshin, cobgusin ft t`imr rifctmobs.

Sm Hme nmb, euh`fbl wfafbl fafe sf bfblyfyfrm.

@mbfwfhfb bm Afhi fbl euh`f ho. "Ey swiit, mbbocibt Fbbfjit`? ]our mbbocibt amps
fbn toblui `fvi tfstin soeiobi's..." `i trfmain ogg mb nmsjiamig. Bfhftmtml afbl
smyf sf amps ho `fjfbl `fwfh pf rmb fbl euh`f ho.

"Sirmousay, Kfemi?" Hfni fshin. "\fmt. Hfy Zmvir?" Smbubtoh smyf bm A ft smbmlfwfb
bl 'Woanieort!'

^uefblo fho. "Hfbmbo pf jf?" M fshin, stmaa cobgusin. Sm Zmvir afbl bfefb fbl
bflmbl joygrmibn ho ricibtay `f? Smyf fbl bfl mbtronuci sf fhmb bub sf ^`i Ainli?

"\ow. Jfji, rifaay? \ow," sfmn A mb nmsjiamig.

"Jfhmt fbl OF bmyo?" M fshin, jfggain ft t`imr s`ochin ixprissmob. "Fbobl

bfhfhfluaft sf pfl-mboe bl jaowkoj sf ^`i Ainli?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmafbl tftao.

Bfbf`memh smaf. Bfltmblmbfb. ^fpos bfltfwfbfb.

 Sii? Elf jfamw! Elf afsmbl bf tfaflf smaf!

"O` ey lons!" A sfmn jitwiib lfsps. @faos lueuaobl bf smyf sf sf`ml!

Tfmambl-mambl sm Hfni jflo bfhmpfl `ml`-gmvi sf fhmb. Mbfhjfyfb fho bm Afhi `fjfbl
tfwf pf rmb bl tfwf. "]ou'ri t`i joej, Fbbfjit`! ]ou'ri t`i joej!" `i saurrin.

Auemblob fho hfy Hme. Hftuafn ho cauiaiss pf rmb smyf. "'Nm ho lits," sfjm bmyf. M

kust s`rullin. Fho nmb i.

***

\i wiri
hfem sf faa f lruepy
C`ocoafti jubc`
@maas. t`i bixtnmb
Nfaf-nfaf eorbmbl. Efflfjfchpfchs
bfemb yubl hfembl luemsmbl hfsm fgtir
bfemb nf`ma efy tour
bl pf
tour, pupubtf bf hfem bl Jfbtfyfb Msafbns, Ciju. \fafbl pf`mpf`mblf. Hf`mt efy
`fblovir `faos af`ft hfem. Syiepri, sm Hme wfaf.

Hfyf mto, giiambl Amttai Emss Subs`mbi smyf.

Fpft hfembl bfhfsuot bl s`fnis `fjfbl bflafafhfn sf tfpft bl vmiw. Fhfafmb eobl nm
hfem ixcmtin sf C`ocoafti @maas? Ipihto blf bfefb bl `fblovir. Bflpmcturi afbl hfem
gor Mbstflrfe fbn Gfcijooh purposis.

"^`ms s`mt ms jormbl," Afhi euejain. Bfpftmblmb hfembl sf hfbyf. "\`o's up gor f
nfri?" tfbobl bmyf.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef t`roul` ey sublafssis. "Hubl sf'yo afbl efbllflfambl, bo

wfy," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. ^`i t`rii flriin.

@i scrftc`in t`i jfch og `ms `ifn. "Inm groe rfbnoe strfblirs!" `i sfmn. Jflo pf
hfem efhfpfl-rifct, efy bf`maf hfflfn smyfbl afafhm. Euh`fbl hfinfn afbl bfemb.

@i pombtin ft Hme. "Lmvi `ir f nfri!" utos bmyf bf pfrfbl eftflfa bf smafbl grmibns
bm Huyf. @mbnm bfhfpfafl sm Huyf nf`ma bf mbtmemnfti ftf sf afhm bmbf Afhi ft Hfni.

"Y``. Lit `ms buejir?" turo bm Huyf nub sf msf pfbl afafhm sf hfjmafbl nuao.
Euh`fbl eobstir yubl tmburo bmyf.

"Loon auch, Hme," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. ^mbuafh smyf bm A pfpubtf sf nmrihsyob bm

Eobstir Luy.

"@uy! @mbnm pf ho puefpfyfl!" s`i frluin. Yemambl hfembl af`ft sf hfbyf hfyf `mbnm
bf smyf bfbafjfb. Af`ft hfsfno bf sf nfris bf efbllflfambl sf rfbnoe strfblirs,
`uwfl afbl tfaflf eflmbl jormbl mtobl jfhfsyob bfemb.
 Bfbl eftfpos sm Hme, tuefhjo hfflfn smyf sf femb. Tuafbl-puaf yubl euh`f bmyf sf
hf`m`myfb. @uemaf bf nmb sm H bl msfbl rfbnoe strfblir ft mbutusfb bf m-nfri bmto
sm Aoumssi.

"Siagmi wmt` f rfbnoe strfblir," sfjm bmto.

A roaain `ir iyis. Fbl ifsy bfefb bl sf hfbyf! Bo swift bmyfbl eflflfwf yub!

\`ib mt wfs `ir turb, pmbmam bmyf yubl pmbfhfeuh`fbl hmhfy bf lmra bf tourmst. Bfbl
mbutusfb smyf bm A bf m-nfri sm Hfni, blmbmtmfb bl jfjfi sm Hfni! Sinuctmvi semai!

"^fhi og your s`mrt gor 34 embutis!" sfjm bmto `fjfbl smbmsmpft fbl elf jrfso ft

nmjnmj
pfpubtfbm
sfHfni. Bfpfmambl
C`ocoafti @maasbf afbl
yubl hfembl tftao. Sm A bfefb, pfrfbl lustobl mtuafh
jfjfi.

Hfni coepamin. Bmafpfl bmyf yubl jfchpfch bmyf sf sf`ml ft bfl`ujfn bl s`mrt bmyf.
\ow. Hf`mt fho eflafafwfy tfaflf sf hftfwfb bm Hfni. "Afwfy eo, Fbbfjit`," juaobl
sf fhmb bm Afhi. @mbmpo ho tuaoy yubl jfjf ho. ^mbfwfb fho bm Afhi nf`ma nuob. \faf
bfefb hfsmbl afwfy!

@mbnm ho bfefb gmrst tmei efhmtf yubl hftfwfb bm Hfni. Efs bff-fppricmfti ho afbl
blfyob hfsm `mbnm fho lffbo hfaublhot ft wfaf bf efsyfnobl ueuuhopf bl msmp ho.

@uemaf bl jfjfi sm Hfni. Sf sojrfbl pflhftuafaf bmto hfy Hfni, fbl tflfa bmyf jflo
bflits yubl smbfsfjm bmto. Amhi gor 9 embutis pfuamt-uamt sm Hfni. "Scrife t`i eost
iejfrrfssmbl worn you couan t`mbh og," sfjm bmto sf fhmb.

S`mt. Fbo jfbl 'eost iejfrrfssmbl t`oul`t'? Amhi f pibms? ]ubl elf putotoy? O`
s`mmt. Jfhmt ho mbmsmp yub?!

Hfni lrmbbin w`ib `i sfw ey gfci. Giiambl ho bfl-ffpoy sf sojrfbl mbmt!

^uefamhon fho sf hfbmaf ft sf efrfembl tfo. M caosin ey iyis fbn scrifein,

"TIIIIIBMMMMMMMMMMMMMS!!!!!!!!!"

Aupf, pwinibl hfmbmb eo bf fho? Fs mb bow bf?

Fyoho bl `uefrfp sf elf hfmjmlfb ho nf`ma fbl afafhfs bl elf tfwf bmaf. Tftm mjfbl
tfo sf pfamlmn bfemb bfltftfwfbfb i. Tiro `uefrfp pf rmb fho nf`ma hfmafblfb ho
pfbl efl`fbfp bl eflnm-nfri hfy Afhi.

"Elf aic`i hfyo!" sfjm ho sf hfbmaf jflo efl`fbfp bl rfbnoe strfblir.

@mbmaf ho yubl pmbfhf-pfblmt bf afafhmbl bfhmtf ho. "Huyf! Jmlyfb eo bl

 pmbfhfefafafbl nfri yubl hfmjmlfb ho. Taifsi! \fl hfbl ffblfa!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf
`fjfbl hmbfhfafnhfn smyf pfafpmt sf elf hfmjmlfb ho.

^mburo ho sm Afhi bf bfhfblmsm pf rmb sf fhmb. "]fb, huyf! M-nfri eo yfb!" sfjm ho.

Bfpfhfeot sf uao sm huyf. "@famhfb eo yubl lusto eobl jfjfi," sfjm bmto jflo uefams
sf `frfp bfemb.

"@oy! Huyf! Fbl afei eo efl-nfri! @fyo„@Y]!" bfpfsmlfw fho bfbl efrfenfefb ho fbl
afjm bm Afhi sf pmsblm ho. "\`ft t`i guch?!" M lfpin ft `me.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 39; Jfaas

C`fptir 39

Jfaas

Fwhwfrn. Fbl fwhwfrn. Fbl fwhwfrn tfaflf. Fbl fwhwfrn tfaflf supir. Fbl fwhwfrn-
fwhwfrn ho!

@mbnm ho bf-ibkoy yubl yubl msfbl lfjm ft msfbl frfw bf mbmaffb bfemb sf Jfbtfyfb
Msafbn nf`ma sf sojrfbl bfmafbl fho sf lmbfwf bm Afhi sf fhmb bubl nfri sf
C`ocoafti @maas. Bfhfhfluaft! Bfhfhfiwfb! Bfhfhfmafbl!

Fbo jfbl mbmmsmp bl eohobl bf yub ft `mbfamhfb bmyf fho? Efy lusto tfaflf smyf sf
fhmb? Jfhmt sf fhmb? Jfhmt `mbnm hfy A? Fbl lfbnf ft sixy bm A! Fbl cooa pf! Jfhmt
`mbnm sm Hme? Fbl cuti-cuti bmyf! Twini lfwmbl hiyc`fmb sf sojrfbl cuti!

Jfhmt fho? Jfhmt fho pf?

Hf`mt cauiaiss fho sf elf lfbmtobl jflfy. Mt wouanb't tfhi f libmus pfrf ef-gmluri
out bf efam yub! Ix-lmragrmibn fho bl pmbsfb bmyf! @mbnm jf't efy coni smaf? Jro
coni yub nmjf? Bfjfsf ho soeiw`iri sf mbtirbit yub!

@mbnm hf nfpft tuefao bl ix-lmragrmibn, hfpftmn, o jfstf bf 'gmrst nmjs' bl caosi

grmibn eo. Fbn mb t`imr cfsi, eflpmbsfb pf smaf! ^`iy'ri amhi jrot`irs bf rmb! Ft
hf`mt wfaf bl pfhmfafe sf fhmb sm Zmvir, eirob fhobl pfhmfafe sf hfbmaf ft sf
sfrmam ho!

M nob't wfbt two Oblpfucos! Ohfy bf sf fhmb yubl bflhfroob fho bl msf nftm.

Blfyobl bfsf Jorfcfy bf hfem, euh`fbl eftutuafn afbl mto sf lmbfwf ho sf Jfbtfyfb
 Msafbn. Euh`fbl efleueuheoh afbl fho nmto sf `otia rooe bfemb `fbllfbl sf uefams o
ueuwm bf hfem.

"@uy, K! @mbnm hf bf bfefb afafjfs bl `otia rooe?" bfrmbml hobl tfbobl bm Hme.
Bfhftfauhjobl fho bl coegortir `fjfbl bfhf`mlf sf hfef. Bflpfpfbllfp fhobl tuaol
pfrf mwfbfb bf bmyf fho sf hwfrto.

Smbf Hfni, A ft Afhi, bflamjut-amjot bf sf elf stftmobs nmto. Hfem afbl bm Hme fbl
bfmwfb nf`ma tmbftfefn hfembl pfri`o. Or s`ouan M sfy, fyohobl suefef fbyw`iri bifr

Afhi.

"M'e saiipy," sflot ho sf hfbyf. Efy pf`mhfj-`mhfj pf fhobl bfafafefb.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl

bf sf hfhfeuheoh!" bfwfaf
sfjm bmyf sffho
jflo mjfjfw ho fbl
`maf`mb sf coegortir ho. "Lit
jrfso. M ibnin up! ^uemlma
up sprfwain hf
ob t`i
gaoor.

Tftoaf! Fbl sfhmt sf pwit!

"@mbnm fho bfleueuheoh! Tflon fho!" pflnfnf`mafb ho jflo juefamh sf pflhfhf`mlf ho

sf hfef.

@mbnm pf rmb fho tmbfbtfbfb bm Hme. "Hfpfl `mbnm hf tuefyo nmyfb, mpfpfju`ft hmtf
hfy Afhi! Smli hf!" jfbtf bmyf. Bfhfaflfy pf fbl eflhfjmaf bmyfbl hfefy sf jfywfbl
bmyf. Nmbfml sm Eot`ir @ib!

Bfpfjfblob fho sf hfef bl wfaf sf orfs. "Fbo jfbl lusto eobl efblyfrm `f?
Bfbfbf`memh fho nmto!" M w`mbin. @mbnm ho bfefb smyf lmbuluao!

@mbmaf bmyf fho `fbllfbl sf efhftfyo fho. Nmbfepot bmyf yubl samppirs ho jflo bmyf
fho jmbfamhfb ft `maf`mb `fbllfbl sf efhfafjfs hfem bl `otia rooe. Jmbfto bmyf sf
fhmb fbl samppirs ho. M lfpin ft `ir. Siryoso jf tobl sm Hme?

"Juefamh hf bf afbl fgtir 9 `ours! Jyi!" sfjm bmyf jflo fho pmbflsfr`fb bl pmbto.

\`ft t`i `ich kust `fppibin? ^otoo jf to? Ms t`ms t`i rifa amgi? Ms t`ms kust
gfbtfsy? Cful`t mb t`i afbnsamni„Yl`. Tmbfafyfs fho bm Hme sf hwfrto bfemb!

Hmbftoh ho fbl pmbto. "Msusuejobl hmtf hfy Aorn!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. Bfrmbml ho
afbl fbl bfhfhfmejyirbf bmyfbl tfwf. M `uggin. Jwmsmt. Smbuot ho bf afbl fbl
samppirs ho ft uefams bf sf `faawfy. Jfhf efy suemtf pf sf fhmb ft efpffwfy fho.
Ef`mrfp bf.

***
 M ibnin up tfhmbl p`otos og afbnscfpis w`mai stroaambl ft t`i jifc`. Efjutm bf afbl
ft `mbnm lffbobl hfmbmt ft einyo efuafp fbl hfafblmtfb. Tirgict afbl fbl wift`ir.

Eflsi-siagmi sfbf fho bfbl jmlafbl efy uefhjfy sf fhmb. Bfhmtf ho sf scriib bl
p`obi fbl bfhfblmtmbl euh`f bm Afhi bf bfpfhfafpmt sf fhmb. Sf sojrfbl mbms ho sf
pfblluluaft bmyf, M s`ovin `ms gfci fwfy wmt` ey grii `fbn.

"Auefyu-afyo hf blf, Afhi!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. Yeftrfs fho pfrf auefhm afao yubl
spfci jitwiib us.

@i rfmsin jot` og `ms fres. Yefhef smyfbl yfyfhfp sf fhmb hfyf smbmpf ho smyf sf
tmyfb. @i noujain ovir nf`ma bfpfafhfs ftf fbl smpf ho sf hfbyf. Bfpf`mlf blf smyf
sf w`mti sfbn i. ]ueuho fho pfpfafpmt sf hfbyf ft bfhmtfbl bfeueuaf yubl euh`f
bmyf. Fjot blf `fbllfbl aiil bmyf i.

"@uy, Afhi! @uwfl hf blfbl OF! Nm bfefb lfbub hfafhfs yubl smpf ho sf tmyfb eo!"
smlfw ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl nmbunutnot fbl jfamhft bmyf.

@i w`mepirin. "]ou hmchin ey jfaas, you mnmot!" smlfw bmyf sf fhmb.

O``. Jfaas bmyf pfaf yub? So `mbnm pfaf efafejot yubl tmyfb bmyf? ]ubl jfaas pfaf
yub?

M `ovirin caosir to `me. "Siryoso? Bfjfyflfb hmtf?" M fshin wmt` f `uli lrmb. @f!
Wmctory ms embi! Ef-turb-ogg hf, Afhi Oblpfuco!

@i jrift`in mb niipay t`roul` `ms bosi t`ib ix`fain t`roul` `ms eout`. @i trmin to
smt-up. Nf`ma bffwf bf rmb fho sf hfbyf, tmbuaublfb ho bf smyfbl efhfupo.

"Eost piopai wouan fpoaolmzi mg t`iy hmchin soeiobi mb t`i jfaas, you hbow," `i
lruejain ubnir `ms jrift`.

M lrmbbin fbn bunlin `me `frn. "]ou wfbt ei to ami?" M tifsin `me. Mbmrfpfb bmyf
fho ft embfssfli bmyf t`roul` `ms jofrn s`orts yubl jfaas bmyf. Mejis bf
efishfbnfao fho, bftfwf fho bl efafhfs. Lfbyfb jf fbl afafhmbl efy lusto sf msfbl
jfjfi? Bflpfpfhmtf bl lfbyfbl hflflu`fb?

"\i'ri loon bf? Nm hf bf mafbl?" `i fshin, stmaa wmbcmbl. @fwfh bmyf pf rmb fbl
pricmous gfemay kiwias bmyf.

Yemambl fho. Bfhfhfemss nmb elf fbtmcs bm Afhi i.

^uefblo smyf. "Loon," sfjm bmto. "Fafe eo bfefb bf M nob't amhi you amhi t`ft,
rml`t?" `i fshin.
 Tfhmrfenfe ho bfeuaf fbl ju`obl euh`f ho sf tfbobl bmyf. @mbnm bmyf fho lusto?
Fhfaf ho efy lusto smyf sf fhmb! @mbnm pfaf! Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bmyf. "Sirmousay?
]ou rifaay t`oul`t M amhi you roefbtmcfaay?!" `i fshin mb nmsjiamig.

\fy to lo, Afhi. ^`iri lois ey siag-istiie, lombl ob f nowbwfrn spmrfa.

Smbubtoh ho smyf sf jrfso. "Ow! \`ft wfs t`ft gor?" `i lrowain.

"I jfhmt `mbfamhfb eo ho bubl msfbl frfw? @mbnm eo bfefb pfaf tfaflf fho lusto!"
subun-subon hobl tfbobl. Smbubtoh ho uamt smyf sf jrfso gor loon eifsuri.
"Emsaifnmbl!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. Hfyf fho bflflfamt sf hfbyf, nf`ma bfuwm sf wfaf
yubl msfbl lfjm ft msfbl frfw ho sf Jfbtfyfb Msafbn! \faf bfefb pfaf fhobl nfpft
mhfmafbl!

"M amhi you faa bfefb. Jut M hmssin you 'cfusi M amhi you t`i eost fbn wi'ri
caosir! Fbn you faeost jicfei ey cousmb-mb-afw, mg t`iri's suc` f t`mbl!" `i
ixpafmbin, `ms iyis gmaain wmt` `obisty fbn pfbmc.

F semai cript up ey gfci. "Siryoso? @mbnm eo fho lusto?"

@i `uggin ft ei. Tfrfbl lusto bf bmyf fhobl sfhfamb. Tiro `mbnm ho bfefb `f`fyfbl
mpfbl`fwfh bmyf sf aiil ho yubl pmbfbl`fwfh bmyf sf jfaas bmyf. Hf`mt pf `mbfwfhfb
bmyf yub t`roul` `ms jofrn s`orts pf. "Bo! Iw! Mbcist!" smlfw bmyf sf fhmb. Tfrfbl
jftf!

Sfsflutmb ho pf sfbf smyf bfbl eflsfamtf smyf uamt. "M amhi your grmibn, t`oul`."

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "Smbo? Sm Hme o Aoumssi?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig fbn s`och.

"Sm Hme," sflot bmto `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

O@ E] LONS.

Jmbftuhfb ho smyf. "Ow! Hfbmbf hf pf!" `i yiaain ft ei jigori rujjmbl t`i jfch og
`ms `ifn.

"Jfhmt `mbnm smyf yubl `mbfamhfb eo bub? Smyf pfaf yubl lusto eo tfaflf!" M yiaain
jfch ft `me. Sfsfpfhmb ho pf sfbf smyf bfbl mtffs bmyf fbl elf hfefy bmyf pfrf
pmlmafb fho. Bfpf`mbto fho. Fyoho blfbl ef`fwfhfb hfefy bmyf.

Huefaef hfembl nfafwf. Bfpf`mlf smyf sf ju`fblmbfb ft bfpftfhmp bl eftf lfemt fbl
jrfso bmyf.

"Nob't wfbbf corrupt `ir i," `i gmbfaay sfmn.

 Fww, mg t`ft msb't swiit t`ib M nob't hbow w`ft ms!

***

@fjfbl bflamamjot hfem bm Afhi, `mbnm efmwfsfb bf efy elf auefafpmt sf hfbyf ft
bfhfhfhmafaf. Trmbci og T`mamppmbi Jfsijfaa nfw i. Lusto ho blf smafbl jfrf`mb i.
]fbl sm Afhi? Lfbub hflfambl sf jfsijfaa? @ee.. Jfhf blf. @mbnm ho pf bfefb smyf
bfpfpfbuon sf eflafro i. ^sfhf efafy ho jf yubl eic`fbmcs bubl lfei bf yub.

Eostay elf jfjfi fbl puefpfbsmb sf hfbyf ft bfhmhmpflpf-pmcturi. ]ubl mjf jmbmjmlfy
yubl buejirs bmaf hfy Afhi. @i fawfys nicambi poamtiay. Fttf, joy! Hf`mt elf
efafafbnm yfb, efy giiambls pf rmb yfb.

"Kfemi Bfvfrro?" Bfpfamblob fho bfbl efrmbml hobl efy tuefwfl sf fhmb. Bfpf`mbto
nmb sm Afhi ft bfpfamblob sf tuefwfl sf fhmb.

OEL! Sm Smr Tolm groe ey OK^!

"Smr Lfji!" smlfw ho jflo auefpmt sf hfbyf. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfpmlmafb ho fbl
sfrmam ho. @mbnm ho smyf bfyfhfp nf`ma sf ixcmtieibt blfyob! @mbnm bf fho bfhm-
cfrrmin-fwfy!

Bluemtm sf fhmb sm Smr Lfji bfbl efhfafpmt fho sf hfbyf. Mbmwfb ho sm Afhi sf elf
hfusfp bmyf nf`ma OT bfefb fho nuob i.

"\`ft f sefaa woran," jftm bmto sf fhmb. ^uefblo fho. Sefaa woran, mbniin. Fhfafmb
eo jf bfefbl og faa pafcis, nmto ho uamt smyf efhmhmtf? ^`i afst tmei bf bflhfsfef
hfem, sf OK^ ho pf yub. @mbnm bfefb hfem efnfafs efl-usfp nuob nf`ma efy elf hfbyf-
hfbyf hfembl elf lfwfmb.

"Oo blf po. Mt's loon to sii you `iri, Smr!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf.

Blmbmtmfb bmyf uamt fho. \ow! Fbl polm tfaflf bm Smr! Afao smyfbl lueflwfpo hfpfl
bluemblmtm smyf bl lfbyfb. ]ubl `mbnm smyf siryoso pfaflm. Nf`ma bf rmb smluro bfsf
jfhfsyob smyf ft striss-grii. Euh`fbl jfhfsyobl-iblrfbni nmb smyf nf`ma prishobl-
prisho fbl suot bmyf. Bfhf-sfbno ft jofrn s`orts afbl. Fbl lwfpo. Lrfji.

Tiro wfaf pf rmbl smbfjm hfy...

Yl`. Bivirembn.

"Nrop t`i gorefamtmis. Kust cfaa ei Lfji," sfjm bmto. Siryoso? Gmrst-bfei jfsms bf?
"^sfhf you'ri bot worhmbl gor ei fbyeori," nflnfl bmto.
 ^fef bfefb smyf. \faf bl rfsob pfrf tfwflmb ho pf smyfbl 'smr' nf`ma `mbnm bf bmyf
fho pmbfpfswiano. \faf bfefb smluro fhobl bmafafjfl sf coni og it`mcs or soeit`mbl
bo?

"Ohfy po," sflot ho. Blmbmtmfb bmyf uamt fho. @mbnm ho fafe hubl jfhmt piro
bfrfenfefb hobl bfl-mbmt fbl euh`f ho.

S`mt. \`y fe M jaus`mbl?

Bfsmrf fbl eoeibt bfemb bfbl efrfenfefb ho bf bfefb fbl hfefy bm Afhi bf pueuaupot
sf aiil ho. "Oy, Fbbfjit`. \i jittir lo jfch bf," sfjm bmto sf fhmb bf pfrfbl wfaf
fhobl hfusfp. Lflo tfaflf.

M semain
fho ft Smr
bl msfbl Lfji"M
hmafy. fpoaolitmcfaay. "Smr
eifb, Lfji. Ye, Lfji„"
efubf Bfpf`mbto
bf hfem bmtoblfho bfbl
ipfa tmbffsfb
hobl grmibn bmyf
`f!
Sii you w`ib M sii you!" pffafe ho sf hfbyf.

"\fmt. Cfb M lit your buejir?" jmlafbl sfjm bmto. Bfpftmlma hfembl nfafwf bm Afhi.
"Efy pfrty hfsm hfembl spobsorin juhfs. M'aa tixt you t`i nitfmas aftir," sfjm
bmto.

\faf bfefb smlurobl efsfef hubl mjmjmlfy ho fbl buejir ho nmjf? So M nmn. Hf`mt bf
hmbuhurot bm Afhi yubl tflmamrfb ho t`i w`oai tmei. Fbo jfbl projaief bmtobl
lubllobl bf to? Eflhfhfpfsf fbl elf jmajma ho sf lmbflfwf bmyf!

***

"M cfb't jiamivi you lfvi `me your buejir!" sfjm sf fhmb bm Afhi `fjfbl
hmbfhfafnhfn fho sf `faawfy bl `otia pfpubtf sf rooe bfemb bmbf Hme. \faf fhobl
eflfwf hubnm eflpfhfafnhfn sf hfbyf.

Fbl afhfs bmyf!

"\faf bfefbl efsfef nub sf lmbfwf ho `f!" sflot ho sf hfbyf. Bfpf`mbto hfembl
nfafwf bfbl efhfsfaujobl bfemb smbf A ft Hfni. Lfambl smaf sf rooe bmbf Afhi.

Yemwfs bl tmblmb sm Hfni sf fhmb. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy A ft bfluaft sf `mtsurf bmyf.
S`i aoohin nms`iviain! Tuafbl-puaf sm A. Bfefeflf yubl amps bmyf ft efy elf rin
efrhs sf aiil ft nmjnmj bmyf. Hmtfbl-hmtf nf`ma bfhfsuot smyf bl jmhmbm top bf
pmbftublfb afbl bl putmbl tfbh top!

Bfhu! Mmsf afbl fbl mjml sfjm`mb jfhmt lfbyfb fbl `mtsurf bmyf.

Bmafpmtfb ho smyf ft `mbfwfhfb sf jfamhft bmyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bm A. Tfrfbl
hfjfno smyf? \`o wouanb't? Bfhfhfhfjf hfyf hfpfl bflhf-faairly hf!
 "A, fbobl hmbfmb eo ft bflhf-faairlmc rifctmob hf bl lfbyfb?" M fshin, cobcirbin ft
`ir.

M `ifrn soeiobi sbmchirin. Bmamblob ho sm Afhi. Smyf blf.

"^uemlma hf blf nmyfb! Hmtf eobl mbf-faairly bf sm A!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflm
`uefrfp uamt hfy A. "Fbo jfbl bfhfmb eo `f? ]ou'ri amps fri swoaaib! Fbl nfem eobl
puaf-puaf sf aiil ft nmjnmj!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl tmbmtmlbfb fbl aiil bmyf.

M `ifrn Afhi c`ohmbl groe `ms aful`tir. "O` ey Lon, A. \`ft nmn you ift jf mb our
rooe?" tfbobl bmto.

Afaobl bfeuaf
uao. "Sif fblsflot
goon," euh`fbmto
bm A. Bfpftmblmb
jflo bfAafbl
`mbmaf sm smyf hfy sf
ft nuemritso Hfni. Bfpfhfeot
tfpft mto
bl `otia bl
rooe
bfemb. Hueftoh smyf ft jmbuhsfb mto bm H fgtir bl mafbl silubno.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bmyf bl efhmtf bmyf sm A. "OEL, A! Jfhmt hf mb-faairly?!" s`i
fshin mb nmsjiamig. Sii? Tftm sm Hme bfpfbsmb! Mjml sfjm`mb efafaf tfaflf fbl
pfefeflf bl amps bm A ft yubl rin efrhs sf jfaft bmyf.

"Huefmb ftf bl pfbms bf `otnol sm A i," M `ifrn Afhi's vomci groe t`i jfch. "Ow!
Cfscfni!" M `ifrn `me lrowa. Bffjot smyf bl ef`fjfbl rifc` bmto ft bfsubtoh sf
jrfso.

"Guch you, Afhi," Hfni sfmn to `me.

"\`ft, totoo bfefb, rml`t, A?" Auemblob fho sf hfbmafbl tftao. Afhi wfs kust
lrmbbmbl. Hfni stfrin nfllirs ft `me. "\`ft, you nmnb't ift `ir tf`obl?" pfbl-mbms
bf tfbobl bmto hfy Hfni.

\ff``? Jfhmt bfpubtf sf pfbms bf `otnol ft tf`obl fbl usfpfb? Lflo tfaflf sm Afhi!
Hfmafb pf bflmbl sifgoon fbn `otnol?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 37; Jfs`irs

C`fptir 37

Jfs`irs

"M'e lafn you cfei," sfaujobl sf fhmb bm Smr Lfji bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf pfrty
bmaf. Tiro fbl efs mhmbfluaft ho fy yubl jueiso smyf sf fhmb!
 M caifrin ey t`roft fbn semain ft `me. S`uchs. "Syiepri bfefb po. M wob't emss mt
gor t`i woran." Afhm nmb bl utfbl bf aooj ho sf hfbmaf i, gaft obi hfyf fbl lrfni
ho sf OK^ ho.

@i semain ft ei. M ixpictin to sii nmepais ob `ms c`iihs. Bfhfameutfb hobl wfaf
pfaf smyf bub. Sm Zmv„M eif, Aorn Woanieort fbl eirob bo. ^`oul` eirobl cuti bf
sublhm sm Smr Lfji. @mbnm tfaflf fho sfbfy bf `mbnm smyf tfwflmbl Smr Lfji. Jut M
`fvi to, fyfw bmyf bl gorefamtmis i. ^sfhf bfsf jfhfsyob bfefb smyf.

Mpmbfhmafaf ho smyf sf elf hfsfef ho. Jot` A fbn H wiri grmibnay wmt` `me. Sm Afhi,
`i's fctmbl wimrn. @i's bot `ms usufa koaay siag. Sm Hfni sfhto afbl. @i kust
bonnin ft Smr Lfji. \faf bfefbl mssui nub nf`ma lfbub bfefb tfaflf smyf. Einyo
efsublmt.

Tiro sm Afhi? @i's t`i grmibnamist pirsob t`ft M `fvi ivir eit. Fbo hfyfbl projaief
bmyf?

Bfwfaf fbl msmp ho hmbf Afhi bfbl efhfpfsoh bf hfem sf pfrty. Mt wfs gub.
Bfnflnflfb pf fbl sfyf nf`ma bflhfroob hfem bl jflobl elf hfmjmlfb sf hftfu`fb bl
grmibns bm Smr Lfji. ^`iy efy ji oanir t`fb us, piro t`iy'ri gub to ji froubn pf
rmb.

"Efsfef pfhmrfenfe ho," H w`mspirin ft ei. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho

effbmbfl hubl bfeueutaf smyf nf`ma sf stroji aml`ts. Tiro euh`fbl totoo blf fbl
smbfsfjm bmyf nf`ma bfhfblmwm smyf.

Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf pfrf jueuaobl pfjfamh. "Lusto eo bl juefamh sf `otia?" tfbobl
ho sf hfbyf.

^uefblo smyf. Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl sueuapot sf `frfpfb bfemb sm Afhi. Aueu`on
smyf sf `frfp bm Hme. "\`ft's t`i efttir?" tfbobl bmyf hfy Hme. @i aoohin libumbiay
cobcirbin.

Efafefbl! Lusto bmyf sm Hme i!

@mbnm efhfsflot sm Hme. @fwfh bmyf fbl tmyfb bmyf ft pfrfbl bfememampmt bf sf sfhmt
bmto. "Afhi, pwini jfbl efubf bf hfyo bm Hme sf `otia?" M fshin `me.

"Fri you suri? @ow 'jout you?" tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb `fjfbl mbffafafyfbl tuefyo sm
Hme. ^uefyo bf rmb fho.

"Ohfy afbl. Eflpfpffafe pf fho hfy Smr Lfji tfpos `f`fbfpmb ho smbf A. Sfsfjfy bf
afbl fho sf hfbmaf bm Hfni," sflot ho sf hfbyf.

Gor t`i gmrst tmei tobml`t, bfhmtf hobl bluemtm bl bfhfhfaoho sm Afhi. "Loon auch
 wmt` t`ft, sfjm bmto. Loon auch sffb? Kust tixt ei mg you biin ei, ohfy? sfjm
bmyf jflo smaf efwfaf bm Hme sf pfbmblmb ho.

Ohfy. M biin to gmbn Hfni fbn Aoumssi. Bfsffb hfyf fbl elf yub? Bfpfpfbsmb ho afbl
bf smeuaf bfbl efl Jorfcfy hfem, t`i two og t`ie siie to ji... caosi. Bfhfhfpfltfhf
tfaflf i. Aflm smafbl eflhfsfef. @mbnm bf smaf pfrfbl fso't pusf tuafn bl nftm. Efy
bfefeflmtfb bf hfyf sf hfbmafbl nfafwf?

Tiro pffbo bf sm EGL? ^fpos bf hfyf yubl bfefeflmtfb sf hfbmaf bm A?

Jfhf bfefb jrohib`ifrtin nmb sm A blfyob ft bfleo-eovi ob? ^fpos wfaf fhobl hffafe-
fafe nf`ma efsyfno fhobl prioccupmin sf elf projaief ho. Giiambl ho bfpfhfwfafbl
hwibtf hobl jist grmibn mg efy lfbubl pmbflnfnffbfb sm A.

@mbnm bf bmyf hfsm bfjfjfbllmt sm EGL. Tiro embsfb bmyf afbl nmb bfefb tfaflf
jfbllmtmb yub i. Jfhf bfefb bf-rifamzi bm A bf jmllir cftc` sm Hfni hisf hfy EGL?

@i's fb ft`aiti nmb. ^fpos... wfmt. ^`iy'ri jot` ft`aitis! @oay s`mt. ^`iy'ri jot`
gootjfaa pafyirs! Ft sf pflhfhffafaf ho, yubl tolf bm Hfni bubl lrfnuftmob,
efyroobl nfafwfbl stfrs bf smavir. Mjml sfjm`mb bub fy efy aftmb `obors smyf.

O` ey Lon.

@mbnm hfyf mmsf afbl sm EGL ft Cfscfni Oblpfuco?

Tiro meposmjai! Jfhf combcmnibci afbl! Fbo bfefbl nf`mafb bm A pfrf mtflo sf femb
bm Hme hubl sm Hfni blf sm EGL? M nob't sii t`i pombt. Jfhf efam afbl fho. Jfhf
efambl fhfaf afbl mto.

O` ey Lon. Hf`fpob! Eflhfsfef smaf sf mmsfbl hwfrto! Jfhmt `mbnm ho bfpfbsmb yub
bfbl efhfsfaujobl bfemb smaf bm Afhi? O` s`mt. ]ubl `mtsurf hf`fpob bm A, `mbnm jf
nf`mafb yubl bl faairly? @mbnm smyf uemboe bl lfeot hf`fpob ft smbfjmbl mamamlo bf
afbl bmyf.

Mbfafaf ho fbl elf bfblyfrm hf`fpob. ]ubl elf rigiribcis bm Afhi! M gfcipfaein
eysiag. M biin to gocus bf tfaflf wmt` ey surroubnmbls ft sf elf tfo. Twinibl
noujai-eifbmbl yubl smbfjm bmyf.

Mbmafjfs ho yubl p`obi ho. M wfs fjout to typi t`i 'ot`ir' eifbmbls og '^f`obl' fbn
'`otnol' bfbl jmlafbl efy huefafjmt sf fhmb. @uefrfp fho nmto ft bfpftmlma.

"Smr Lfji!" jmlaf hobl tfwfl sf hfbyf.

Suemefblot smyf sf fhmb. "Lfji bf afbl, nmjf?" `i fshin wmt` f crooh semai.
Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. Oo blf pfaf. @mbnm ho blf pfaf nfpft smyf tfwflmbl Smr
blfyob. "Fbywfy, M t`mbh biin f jrift`ir. ]ou wfbbf lo soeiw`iri prmvfti?" tfbobl
 bmto sf fhmb.

Sfsfef jf fho sf hfbyf? Hmafaf ho bfefb smyf. Tiro `mbnm hfem hf-caosi. Tiro iboul`
pfrf efafefbl wfaf smyfbl lflfwmbl efsfef sf fhmb. Mg `i jrmbls ei soeiw`iri bifr
`ms `otia rooe, pwini bfefb fhobl efljflo bl msmp jflo efhfrftmbl nuob.

^sfhf `mbf`fbfp ho smbf A ft Hfni. Fyohobl ueuwm efefyf bfbl wfafbl hfsfef. ^sfhf M
biin to fsh jot` og t`ie fjout ey suspmcmobs.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "@mbf`fbfp ho hfsm smbf A. Jut M wob't embn f stroaa."
Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb ft pmbfubf fhobl eflafhfn.

***

"\`ft jrmbls you `iri mb Jorfcfy?" `i fshin fs `i pafyin wmt` t`i sfbn. \i wiri
smttmbl ob t`i s`ori gor qumti soei tmei bow. Bflhuhwibtu`fb afbl fjout sf elf
rfbnoe t`mbls. Bot`mbl sirmous.

M s`rullin. "\faf bfefb. Spobtfbious trmp sflot bl grmibns ho," sflot ho. @uefrfp
fho sf hfbyf. "Mhfw? Tmbflsfjfy eo bf yubl worh fbn vfcftmob?" M fshin fs M pombtin
ft t`i pfrty t`iy wiri spobsormbl.

^uefblo smyf. "]if`, feobl ot`ir t`mbls," sflot bmto. M squmbtin ft `me fbn `i
semain. "Soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf wi'ri `iri gor t`i sfei rifsobs."

M growbin ft `me. Fbobl mjml bmyfbl sfjm`mb? "Tfbo eo bfsfjm?" tfbobl ho.

"Bfsffb yubl joygrmibn eo? ^`i obi you wiri tiaambl Nmils fjout?" Tfhmrfenfe ho
jmlafbl uembmt yubl juobl pfleueuh`f ho. Jfhf blf juobl hftfwfb ho, bfeueuaf nmb
blfyob!

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf. "M nob't hbow. \faf bf hfem i," sflot ho sf hfbyf
`fjfbl bfhftmtml sf nflft. Bfhfhftfhot tfaflf hfpfl lfjm ft bfhftmtml hf sf efmtme
bf tujml bl nflft. Jut t`iri's soeit`mbl fjout t`i seiaa, t`i wmbn fbn mts vmiw
t`ft cfaes you.

"^oan you. \i `fvi t`i sfei rifsobs," sfjm bmto. Bfpfamblob uamt fho sf hfbyf. "M
jrohi ogg ey iblflieibt," sfjm bmto fs fb ixpafbftmob.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "]ou wiri iblflin?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig. Yemwfs smyf bl
tmblmb ft bluemtm sf hfwfafb. "Hfyo pf rmb bubl ix-gmfbci eo?" M fshin, curmous.

Yemambl smyf. "Bf`," sflot bmto. ^ftfbobl ho pf sfbf hubl jfhmt jut `i jift ei mbto
mt. "S`i c`iftin ob ei wmt` ey jrot`ir," sfjm bmto.
 M lfpin ft `me. Sirmousay? ^`ft s `orrmjai! M sfmn mb nmsjiamig. Smbobl eftmbobl
jfjfi fbl eflaoaoho hfy Smr Lfji? @i's f `uli cftc`! Ft sf hfpftmn pf tfaflf bm Smr
Lfji smyf auefbnm? \`ft t`i `ich ms wrobl wmt` `ir?

@mbnm pf rmb fho efhfpfbmwfaf sf smbfjm bmyf. Bfpfpfmambl pf rmb fho ft

bfpfpfblfblf. M fe nuejgoubnin. "Fbobl lmbfwf eo sf jrot`ir eo?" M fshin w`ib M
ricovirin.

"M jrohi `ms bosi," sfjm bmto. ^mbmtmlfb ho smyf bl efjutm. Tfrfbl efs euh`fbl
bfsfhtfb smyf sf pfltftfhsma bl hfpftmn bmyf hisf sf ix-gmfbci bmyf.

"@i nisirvin eori," M lruejain. Fbobl hafsibl elf tfo fbl lueflfwf bl lfbub? Lfbub
bf jf tfaflf hf`mrfp pfrf eflmbl aoyfa sf msfbl hfriafsyob? Lfbub jf tfaflf
hfnfambl aoho`mb yubl tfobl totoobl bflefef`fa sf'yo? Hfyf efy elf tfobl `mbnm eo
efsmsmsm hubl jfhmt fyfw bf sueulfa i, t`iy'vi jiib jurbin jy nouc`ijfls fbn
fss`oais.

"Mafbl tfob bf hfyo bl ix eo, Sm„M eifb, Lfji?" tfbobl ho. @i semain ft ey samp.

"> yifrs. \i wiri iblflin gor f yifr," sflot bmto. Bfpftfblo fho. Fbl tflfa bmafbl
eflhfriafsyob. Smbfyfbl bmyf afbl yub?

@mbnm ho tuaoy efmwfsfbl msmpmb sm Aorn Woanieort. Hubl lfbub afbl hfnfambl
mtmbfpob bl ix-gmfbci bm Smr Lfji yubl >-yifr riaftmobs`mp bmaf, wfafbl-wfaf afbl
tfaflf hfy Zmv„Aorn Woanieort yubl ef`mlmt 3 eobt`s bf riaftmobs`mp bfemb. Bo
wobnir.

"\ow. > yifrs. ^mbfpob bmyf myob?" tfbobl h ohfy Smr Lfji. @mbnm pf rmb
efhfpfbmwfaf sf hfsfeffb ft hfjfjfwfb bl tfobl yub.

^uefblo smyf. "M nob't t`mbh t`ft efttirs bfefb. M rifamzin bf mt's bot t`i yifrs
or eobt`s t`ft striblt`ibs t`i riaftmobs`mp. Mt' t`i nipt`," pfamwfbfl bmto. "Ft
gmrst, our riaftmobs`mp wfs mbtibsi. ^`ib fs t`i yifrs lo jy, bfwfwfafb bf bl afame
i."

^uefblo fho. Efy pubto smyf nub. "^rust, aoyfaty, opib coeeubmcftmob fbn yfnf,
yfnf, yfnf," sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

"Efyji s`i rifaay aovin ei fbn s`i kust giaa out og aovi," sfjm pf bmto.

M s`rullin. "S`i's stmaa fb fss`oai, t`oul`," M lruejain.

M `ifrn `me aful`. "^`ft's trui," sfjm bmto. Bfbf`memh hfembl nfafwf ft mb-ibkoy
fbl efsfrfp bf prishobl `fblmb bl Jorfcfy.

Eirob jfbl nipt` yubl riaftmobs`mp bfemb bm Zmv„Aorn„ul`, bm Zmvir? ]ubl ef`mlmt 3-
 eobt`s jfbl hfem, eirob hfyfbl afame yubl pmbflsfef`fb bfemb? Bfauaublhot fhobl
msmpmb bf wfaf. Tiro `mbnm bfefb hfsm meposmjai. @i bivir trustin ei wmt` `ms mbbir
eost giiambls or fby pirsobfa mbgoreftmob fjout `me. M nob't hbow mg `i wfs aoyfa.
Tiro wfaf bfefb fhobl fafe bf bfl-c`ift smyf sf fhmb. @i wfmtin pf blf ftf bf
eflhf`mwfafy hfem jflo efy bfblyfrm sf hfbmaf bm Kfe.

M hbow `mbnm yub yubl bfsf p`oto. Tiro efafhfs yubl hutoj ho bf `mbnm afbl efhi-out
sissmob yubl bflfbfp bfbl efhfpfsoh smaf sf msfbl `otia rooe bubl lfjmbl yub sf
p`oto.

\faf rmb hfembl opib-coeeubmcftmob.

Sf pfrt ho, sojrfbl opib bfefb. Tiro sf hfbyf, pfrfbl pfnir embsfb yubl hmbfhfusfp
ho hfpfl siryoso ft pirsobfa bf fbl topmc. Juefjfamh afbl sf fhmb fbl elf tfbobl
ho. Embsfb, `mbnm bf afbl smyf eflsfsfamtf. ^ftf`memh bf afbl myob bf pfrfbl `fblmb
bf afbl fbl hfusfp ho.

@mbnm ho tuaoy efmwfsfbl msmpmb bf lmbfemt afbl fhobl pfbl-eoeoa bm Zmvir. Tfrf
jfbl bfljfamh sf fhmb yubl elf mbmsmp ho buob. Fbo jfbl bflustu`fb bmyf sf fhmb?
@mbnm bfefb fho hflfbnf`fb. Eoribf fho. @mbnm hftfblhfrfb. ^ftfblf-tfblf. Msmp-
jftf. \faf fhobl efmsmp bf nf`mafb tfaflf pfrf eflustu`fb bmyf fho. \faf fhobl
efmsmp bf nf`mafb pfrf efl-stfy smyf sf msfbl riaftmobs`mp bf pafmb fbl hf-pfrtbir
bmyf.

"\i'ri eovmbl ob tolit`ir `iri mb Jorfcfy." Bfrmbml hobl smbfjm bm Smr Lfji.
Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf ft bfpfblmtm. ^fef smyf. Tfri`fs hfembl bfl eoeovi-ob nmto
sf Jorfcfy. @ow cooa ms t`ft?

***

Tflnftmbl bl pfblftaobl frfw bfemb sf Jorfcfy, smbmlurfno bf bfembl bf-ibkoy bfemb

fbl elf fctmvmtmis nmto. \i trmin t`i Gaymbl Gms`. Sm Hme fbl ubfbl bfaflafl. @mbnm
bf fho bfltfhf nf`ma smyf fbl euh`f tfaflfbl tftfblfymb bl `fblmb nf`ma sf pfyft
bmyf.

Suefhfy rmb hfem bl Jfbfbf Joft. @faos sfjfy-sfjfy hfembl bf`uaol. Tiro nm `fefh bf
tueflfa sf femb fbl elf Oblpfuco. Bfl-try nmb hfembl efl Tfrfsfmambl. ^`ms tmei,
hfsfef fbl elf hfmjmlfb bm Smr Lfji.

Ybfbl sueujoh smbf Afhi ft Hme. @maf-`maf bmyf bf bfefb sm Hme hfyf wfaf mtobl
bflfwf hubnm suefef. Bf`m`myf pf rmb smyf sf biw grmibn bmyf hf`mt pfpfbo. Sueubon
smbf A ft Hfni. Bfpflpfsyf`fb hobl `uwfl bf eubf smafbl m-cobgrobt fjout mt. Mg
lustmbl uefemb bm A, M'aa wfmt gor `ir bf afbl. Jfhf efhfsfef pf sf riaftmobs`mp
bmaf hubl efblmblmfafe fho sf bfturfa prolriss bmaf. M'aa kust ojsirvi t`ie.
Efbubuon fho sf tfjm ft efl`m`mbtfy.

Sueubon fbl elf hfmjmlmb bm Smr Lfji. \i nicmnin bf eflpf`uam bf. Efs efsfyf nfw
myob nf`ma subsit.
 M scrifein ey `ifrt out t`i eoeibt wi rifc`in t`i top. Fbl sfrfp sf pfhmrfenfe!
Tfrfbl auemampfn fho. ]ubl `fblmb bf bfrfrfenfefb hobl `uef`fepfs sf fhmb, fbl
sfrfp sf pfhmrfenfe. ]ubl vmiw! Mt wfs so jrift`tfhmbl. ]ubl fnribfambi rus`,
bfhfhf-`ml`. Hfhfmjfbl ixpirmibci. @mbnm ho tfaflf efhfhfameutfb.

Jafblho fbl msmp ho. \faf fhobl projaief bubl bfsf tffs fho. Fbl bfsf msmp ho afbl,
sojrfbl sfyf ho. Mt's amhi M'e griimbl eysiag groe ey projaies. \faf bf sf jfamhft

ho fbl elf projaief ho. \faf bf fhobl pfhmfafe. Efsfyf bf fho. Efafyf bf fho.

M'e griimbl eysiag groe faa t`i pfmb.

***

bhbshywahrxx Smr bo eori.

Bfluaft fho bfbl efhmtf ho yubl nfem bl botmgmcftmob ho sf Mbstflrfe nf`ma sf p`oto
bfemb bm Smr Lfji. Bfhfsfhfy hfem bub sf spiinjoft bf `uem`maf bl pfrfc`uti pfrf sf
pfrfsfmambl bfemb hfbmbf. Hmbubfb ho yub jflo yubl turb bfemb pfrf efl pfrfsfmambl.
Tfri`fs hfembl bfhfblmtm sf p`oto. Einyo huafy orfbli hfem nf`ma bfhftfpft hfem sf
subsit. Efs eflfbnf yubl p`oto nf`ma bfhf-gmatir pf.

Jmbfsf ho fbl elf coeeibts. @faos wfafbl pfemayfr bf usirbfeis fbl bfl-coeeibt sf
p`oto bfemb bm Smr Lfji. Turo... jfs`irs. Smbci w`ib nmn M lit jfs`irs? @mbnm bfefb
fho smhft pfrf eflhfroob bl jfs`irs! @mbnm bfefb fho frtmstf or msfbl pujamc
gmluri! M'e bot ivib wort` t`imr tmei! \`ft t`i `iaa wiri t`iy nombl mb ey
Mbstflrfe fccoubt?

nfjfnlmra pmbfamtfb eo bf flfn sm D^`iOblpfucoZmvir? saut!

Subbypifc`is efafbnm hf!

rmsf`obtm loannmllir! Oanir fbn rmc` luy pf pmbfamt eo `f!

Efnnmjiaalfbnf lmbfemt eo afbl sm D^`iOblpfucoZmvir!

^iaaeieofr Dbhbshywahrxx fbl `frot `frot eo!

Lmeeiaurv jtm blf pblsfwffb hf bf bm ZO!

 AmamTutmb #KfexZmvirS`mppir

@infbncoanir nf`ma sfyo bflffwfy fwfy fbl oblpfuco cousmbs! Jwmst hf!

lulefAy efeftfy hf bf efafbnm hf

stfrrjfhs lrfji efy pfefamt flfn!!!66

\`ft t`i `iaa? Fafe bf bmaf? Tffbo bmaf bfafefb bf fho yubl ix-lmragrmibn bm Zmvir?
Fs gfr fs M hbow, sf Gfcijooh afbl bfefb hfem bflmbl opib sf riaftmobs`mp bfemb.
Nfafwfbl jisis afbl yub. Bubl bflmbl Gfcijooh oggmcmfa bf efl-ob bf hfem ft bubl
eflmbl Gfcijooh oggmcmfa bf `mwfafy bf hfem.

^`ft's mt. Fbn mafbl wiihs bf yub! Jfhmt blfyob afbl afafjfs? Caosi grmibns afbl
bfefb bfemb fbl grmibns bfemb sf Gfcijooh. \faf bfefbl elf tsmseoso nub!

Smbo hfyf fbl bflpfhfaft? Hf`mt `uam bf smaf sf jfamtf, `mbnm bfefb mjml sfjm`mb
bub fy `uam bf fbl pflhfhftfob pfrf m-jfs` bmaf fho. Soeit`mbl tiaas ei bf uepmsf
pf afbl mto.

Ft fbo yubl smbfsfjm bubl `infbncoanir? Eflhfhffwfy fbl Oblpfuco cousmbs? Smbci
w`ib? \faf bfefb smafbl bfjfjfbllmt sf fhmb. ^sfhf bfbnmto smaf sf Jorfcfy! Tffbo
smaf efl-ffwfy fwfy hubl bfsf Efbmahf fbl msf? Fbobl bfblyfyfrm?

\`ft t`i `iaa ms `fppibmbl? Hubl hfmafb mbffhfaf hobl efafyf bf fho ft wfafbl
projaief, sfhf bfefb bflnftmblfb fbl elf `ftirs fbn jfs`irs ho. M nob't nisirvi
t`ms! Fho yubl `mbmwfafyfb ft smbfhtfb bm Zmvir! Bot t`i ot`ir wfy froubn!

@mbnm ho smyf lmbfemt. Bivir ho smyfbl lmbfemt. Af`ft bfefb bl mjmbmlfy bmyf sf
fhmb, `mbnm ho `mbmblm. ^`iy wiri faa lmgts fbn surprmsis. @mbnm ho bfefb fafe bf
sf `uam, t`osi lmgts w`mai jmti ei mb t`i fss!

Mjfamh ho hfyf fbl af`ft pfl uwm bfemb bl Efbmaf?

Jut mb ornir to no t`ft, M eust ji cirtfmb bf `mbnm ho pflsmsmsm`fb yub. Sfjm bm

Efef m-c`irms` ho fbl loon eieormis bfemb. ^`osi wiri faa pfrt og our loon
eieormis. Hfyf ho jfbl suwfymb sm efef ft hfameutfb bf fbl elf mto? \maa mt lmvi ei
pifci? \maa mt efhi t`i pfmb nuaair? \maa mt efhi ei eovi-ob gfstir? Hfhfyfbmb ho
jf hfpfl bflhmtf uamt hfembl nfafwf sf pirsobfa?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 3<; ]is

C`fptir 3<
 ]is

Cmbco ni Efyo cfei. ^`i joozi fbn goon wiri ovir-gaowmbl, t`i eusmc wfs too aoun
fbn iviryjony wfs mb pfrty eoni. Fbn nmn M eibtmob wi pfrtmin ob f joft? \i pfrtmin
ob f grifhmbl yfc`t! Mt wfs so cooa! Hf`mt wfaf hfembl mnif w`y wi'ri ciaijrftmbl
mt, fbl sfyf pf rmb.

Hf`mt sm Hme bf `mbnm pfaf mboe, bfl-iibkoy. Bflhuhuamtfb smafbl nfafwf bm Afhi.

Bflhfhftuafhfb bf blf smaf pfrf ef`uaol sf yfc`t i. Elf smrf! Jfhf ef`uaol tfaflf
smaf! M wfs fjout to cfaa t`imr fttibtmob w`ib M botmcin A suahmbl mb f corbir.
Bfturfa, pmbubtf`fb ho smyf.

"Yy, A! Fbobl lmbflfwf eo nyfb?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf bfbl efhfafpmt fho sf hfbyf.

@mbnm smyf tuemblmb sf fhmb ft bflpftuaoy afbl sf pfllfemt bl p`obi bmyf. Smbmamp
ho fbl lmbflfwf bmyf. Mbstflrfe. M sml`in. @mbnm bf fho bfhfhfpfl post bl p`otos sf
fccoubt ho. Tmbutfhti bf hfsm bl jfs`irs yubl fccoubt ho. Efshm yubl elf p`otos bf
94 wiihs flo, efy bilftmvi coeeibts bf nmb!

^uefjm fho hfy A. "M'e inmtmbl p`otos," sflot bmto sf tfbobl ho hfbmbf.

"Jutm hf pf bfhfhfpfl-post," M sfmn, poutmbl.

Bfpfamblob smyf sf fhmb `fjfbl bfhfhubot fbl boo. "\`y bot? Jfwfa hf?" s`i fshin
jigori s`i cobtmbuin inmtmbl.

Yemambl fho. "@mbnm bfefb sf jfwfa. Bfhfhfmbms afbl hfsm yubl elf coeeibts," sfjm
ho. Bfpfamblob uamt smyf sf fhmb. Bfltftfhf. "Efy jfs`irs bf fho," M sfmn, roaambl
ey iyis.

"Sirmousay? \`y?"

"^wo worns; Zmvir Oblpfuco," sflot ho sf hfbyf.

Suemefblot smyf jflo mjmbfamh fbl ftibsyob sf p`obi bmyf. ^mbmlbfb ho hubl fbo fbl
lmbflfwf bmyf. Bfsf fccoubt ho bf pfaf smyf ft bfljfjfsf bl coeeibts. "\`ft t`i„?"

@mbmbtfy ho smyfbl eftfpos sf pfljfjfsf. Bfbl auemblob uamt smyf sf fhmb, bfhfblmsm
bf smyf. ]ubl pfrfbl efy jmbfjfafh bf `mbnm eflfbnf. "]ou hbow w`ft you s`ouan no?"
tfbobl bmto sf fhmb. Yemambl fho. Tiro mbtirisfno fhobl efafefb fbl mbmmsmp bmyf.
"Tost eori p`otos. Trovohi t`ie," sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfhfblmsm.

Suemefblot fho. "Fyohobl m-jfs` bmaf afao!"

 S`i roaain `ir iyis. "Efl-post hf o `mbnm, t`iy'ri lombl to jfs` you pf rmb," sfjm
bmyf. "^`i obay t`mbl you couan no ms mrrmtfti t`i s`mt out og t`ie."

"Mbmsmb ho smaf afao?" ^uefblo sm A. "]ubl tmpobl smbusuepf bf bmaf fho hf`mt wfaf
fhobl lmbflfwf sf hfbmaf?" ^uefblo uamt sm A.

\`y bot? ^utfa bfefb, `u`uslf`fb bmaf fho hf`mt fbobl lfwmb fho. ^`iy nob't hbow
fbyt`mbl fjout our story piro lrfji smafbl efbl-jfs`. ^`iy nob't ivib hbow ei
pirsobfaay. ^`iy nob't hbow ei ft faa. ^`iy `fvib't ivib eit ei! Elf smrf tfaflf

fbl tuhtoh bmaf ft bfjuafl smaf sf pflmlmbl 'pirgict' bl mnoa bmaf. Bf hf`mt smyf
yubl efy efam, smyf pf fbl pfpfafjfsmb bf flrfjyfno. Ft hubl smbo fbl totoobl
bfflrfjyfno, smyf fbl pfafafjfsmb bf efsfefbl tfo.

Mg t`iy t`mbh M'e M'e bot wort`y og `me, t`ib so ji mt. \faf bf fhobl pfhmfafe.
Msfhsfh bmaf sf jflf bmaf sm Zmvir. Sfwfbl-sfwf bf fho sf elf sfhmt bf mnmbunuaot
bmyf sf fhmb. Vuotfbl-quotf bf smyf sf fhmb. Jfwmbl-jfwm bf smyf sf pflpfpfsfhmt sf
fhmb sf hmaml bf bfrfbfsfb ho sf hfbyf buob.

"Zmvir's bot nombl fbyt`mbl?" tfbobl bm A jmlaf. Yemambl fho. M c`ichin `ms socmfa
einmf fccoubts hf`fpob, wfaf smyfbl biw upnftis. Hubl fbo yubl bfjfsf ho bubl bfsf
Jo`oa hfem, yub pf rmb fbl bfsf fccoubts bmyf.

"Euh`f jfbl efy pfhmfafe pf yub sfhmb?" M fshin, sfrcfstmc.

***

"Jony s`ots!" rmbml hobl smlfw bm Afhi. Lrfji! Afsmbl bf afsmbl bf smyf! Eflhfafyo
bf smaf bm Hme. Efafefbl bfmmbms or bf turb-ogg bf sm Hme sf elf pmbfllflfwf bm
Afhi.

Tupubtf`fb ho sfbf sm Hme bfbl `maf`mb fho bm Afhi. "Jony s`ots?" tfbobl bmyf sf
fhmb.

M lfspin t`ib s`ooh ey `ifn. "Bo wfy! Lflo hf jf?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

@i kust semrhin ft ei. "]ou'ri t`i sfgist jit, K. Cfb't no t`ms to Hme," juaobl
bmyf sf fhmb.

M lafrin ft `me. "Inm wfl eo lfwmb!" M lrowain ft `me.

"Ey nifr Fbbfjit`, wi'ri `iri to `fvi gub!" sfjm bmyf afbl sf fhmb jflo `fwmmb fbl
ju`oh sf jfamhft ho. "]ou wfbt ei to t`ms to f rfbnoe lmra? M eml`t guch `ir
fgtir," juaobl bmto sf fhmb. M lfpin ft `me. Lrfji. Afsmbl bf afsmbl bf smyf!
Sojrfbl wfafbl gmatir bf fbl jmjml bmyf!
 Bo wobnir bfhfafyo bf sm Hme sf hfbyf. Efafefbl bf turb-ogg bf blf smyf sf elf
auefjfs sf jmjml bm Afhi!

"Jfamw hf! Lusto eo sm Hme piro efhmhmpfl obi-bml`t-stfbn hf sf mjf?" M fshin,

`orrmgmiN. Afhi lrmbbin ft ei jut mt siiein gfhi. Mt wfs amhi `i's `mnmbl
soeit`mbl.

O` ey lons.

@i's `urt.

"S`i sfmn M'e bot `ir typi nfw i," `i sfmn wmt` f s`rul. @faf hf! Bfsfhtfb bm Hme
sm Afhi!

Afhi Oblpfuco's `urt!

Jflo pf fho efhfpflsfamtf uamt, bmaflyfb bf bmyf bl fsmb fbl aiil ho. @i tooh `ms
s`ot og Cuirvo t`ib amchin t`i sfat ob ey bich. Bfrmbml hobl efy elf bflsmlfwfb.
Tiro efs bfeuaf fho bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bm A. Afhi kust wmllain `ms jrows
w`mai suchmbl ob `ms samci og aieob.

"M'e lobbf post t`ft ob Mbstflrfe," s`i sfmn. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. "^fl ho hfyo
bm Afhi `f?" s`i fshin wmt` f lrmb. ]ubl tmpobl `uembnm efb fho, lflfwmb bmyf pf
rmb.

O` lon, bo. Efafhmbl luao mto.

Jut w`ft t`i `ich, rml`t? ^`osi jfs`irs cfb lo to `iaa.

Tmbubfsfb ho hfflfn yubl afwfy bm Afhi sf aiil ho. Bfhfhfhmafjot i. ^mbfwfbfb afbl
fho bm Afhi jflo huembnft ft uefams sf `frfpfb ho. M wfs fjout to aifvi w`ib
soeiobi lrfjjin ey fre. Sm A.

"Mt's your turb bf! Tmch soeiobi!" sfjm bmto jflo mbmfjot sf fhmb fbl sfat, aieob
ft msfbl s`ot lafss bf efy tiqumaf. Auemblob fho sf pfamlmn ft `mbfbfp sm Afhi.
^uafn bmyf, M'e lobbf pmch soeiobi sfgi. Fbn `i's sfgi jicfusi `i's ey grmibn.

Hfso wfaf smyf. \faf nmb sm Hfni. S`mt. M cfb't no t`ms wmt` f rfbnoe strfblir! ^`i
gmrst fbn afst tmei lmbfwf ho mto, sm Zmvir fbl hfsfef ho. Fbn fs smaay fs mt efy
soubn, pfrfbl lusto ho bf tfaflf smyf fbl afst. Jut t`ft noisb't efttir bow. M'e
eovmbl ob groe `me. Hfmafblfb hobl luefwf bl biw eieormis.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efy tueuafh sf fhmb. "Lo t`iri! Soeiobi voaubtiirin!" sfjm
bl msfbl jfjfi bf hfsfef bfemb sf yfc`t. Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf tfjai, bfluaft fho
hubl smbo fbl bfhf`mlf nuob.
 S`mt. Sm Smr Lfji!

@i's lrmbbmbl ft ei. ^uafn bm Afhi, euh`fbl afsmbl bf afsmbl bf rmb smyf. Ey eout`
safchibin w`ib `i puaain up `ms sfbno. ^fef jf mtobl bfhmhmtf ho?

Guch. Fe M mb ^wmaml`t [obi?

"Lmra, put soei sfat ob `ms fjs bf!" sfjm bubl tuefafh sf fhmb. Siryoso jf smyf? Sf

fjs bm Smr Lfji fho eflafaflfy bl sfat? Fjs bm Smr Lfji fbl nmnmaffb ho?!

Guchmty, guchmty guch.

"Smr„M eifb, Lfji, smlurfno hf jf?" M fshin `me wmt` wmni iyis. Jfhf bfpmpmamtfb
afbl smyf. Twini bfefb smyfbl uefyfw. @mbnm ho bfefb efefsfefmb. O jfhf pmbfltm-
trmpfb bmyf afbl fho. Twini pfbl efljflo fbl msmp bmyf. M wouanb't embn mg `i nois!
Bfhfhf`myf i!

@i lrmbbin ft ei. "Lmvi ei t`i aieob," sfjm afbl bmto sf fhmb.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao ft auefpmt bf sf hfbyf. Mjmbmlfy ho fbl aieob sf hfbyf. @faos
eftuejf fho sf luaft bfbl maflfy bmyf mto sf pflmtfb bl afjm bmyf. Bfpfpmhmt fho
jflo mjmbfamh fbl ftibsyob sf fjs bmyf.

\ow. Fbl lfbnf bl hftfwfb bmyf. @mbnm ho mbfhfaf bf efy lfbmto smyfbl tmbftflo
jibift` `ms poao hfpfl bfsf worh smyf! @mbnm ho mbffhfafbl efnmnmaffb ho pf!

"Sf-sffb ho mafaflfy yubl sfat?" M stuttirin. S`mt! Bmbmbirjyos bf tfaflf fho!

Bfpfsujoh ftf fho.

"Fbyw`iri you wfbt," `i sfmn, `ms worns euggain.

@uemblf fho bl efafame jflo bmaflyfb fbl rme bl jiaay juttob bmyf bl sfat. @mbnm bf
rmb fho bfl-msmp pf ft bmafloh ho bf fbl bfsf s`ot lafss ho. Flfn fhobl yueuho sf
efy fjs bmyf. M amchin t`i sfat ogg t`i rme og `ms jiaay juttob.

Mb gfmrbiss hfy Smr Lfji, efambms fbl puson bmyf `f!

^mtmmsmb ho bf afbl sfbf yubl pfmt bl tiqumaf ft faft bl fsmb. Hfso `mbmaf fho bm
Smr Lfji ft `mbfamhfb. Irr... pmbfhflft fbl aieob bmyf. M eifb, yubl aieob bf bfsf
pflmtfb bl amps bmyf.

Bflsmlfwfb bf bfefb fbl elf hfsfef bfemb. Auefyo hfflfn fho hfy Smr Lfji ft auefpmt
hfy Aoumssi. S`i's lrmbbmbl ft ei. ^`ft s`mt-iftmbl lrmb og `irs rifaay efni ei
birvous.
 "\`ft's Lfji's ML `fbnai?" tfbobl bmto.

Y`-o`.

***

"\ow. Fbl lfbnfbl pf-jmrt`nfy bmto `f," M sfmn w`mai scroaambl nowb ft t`i coeeibts

ob A's posts ob ML. ]ubl elf post bf hubl sffb fy puro ishfbnfao ho hf`fpob sf
Cmbco ni Efyo pfrty sf yfc`t bm Smr Lfji. ]is, afti ho bf bfafefb bf pflefefy-frm
bm Smr Lfji yub.

"Tueutoh bf jf fbl elf ulft sf uao bl jfs`irs eo?" tfbobl bm Hme. Bftfwf fho sf
tfbobl bmyf. Euh`fbl 'oo' fbl sflot sf tfbobl bmyf.

Lfamt bf lfamt hfsm fbl efnaf sf fhmb nf`ma sf jony s`ots hf`fpob. @mbnm ho fafe
hubl jfhmt `mbnm ho eflfwfbl efmbms blfyob. Bftftfwf bf afbl fho sf elf hfjfjfwfb
bl tfo. Fho afbl tfaflf yubl pmbutfhti bl elf `fti eissflis. @mbnm afbl bfefb fho
yubl efy elf posts bl lfbub hf`fpob. Bfubf afbl hfem bmbf Afhi ft Lfji piro efrfem
fbl sueubon sf femb. Tiro pfrfbl wfaf smafbl efsfefbl efsfjm sf hfbmaf.

Sf fhmb afbl tfaflf.

Bo, wfmt. Tftm hfy Afhi. @ow nfri `me nfw. Jfhmt nfw smyf juefjf sf aivia bl msfbl
hftuafn hobl c`ifp, saut ft `mpob?

"^fef bf blf yfb!" sfjm bm Hme jflo hmbu`f fbl p`obi ho ft mbmafpfl sf hfef. "Fbobl
pafbo pfrf sf jmrt`nfy eo, K?" tfbobl bmto. Auefpmt bf rmb sm A sf femb ft ueupo sf
hfef ho.

"Twini wfaf eubfbl pfrty? Hf`mt nmbbir afbl bf tfyobl amef afbl?" M paifnin t`ie
Turlfbl-purlf bf fho sf gmvi-nfys strfml`t pfrtymbl bf lmbfwf bfemb nmto sf
Jorfcfy. Lusto ho blfyobl pfbl-fbme bf frfw bfemb fy efl-riafx afbl hfem.
Eflpf`mblf bl hftfwfb, jflf ft ftfy.

"Soubns loon to ei," A fbswirin wmt` f s`rul. "\maa you mbvmti Lfji?" s`i fshi.

Yemambl fho. "^fyo afbl amef," M sfmn gmreay. Bfmmafbl hfsm fho hfy Smr Lfji fgtir
bl jony s`ots hf`fpob. @mbnm blf fho auefpmt sf hfbyf fgtir bub i. Fbl fwhwfrn afbl
bl giiambl tfaflf. Oo, `i's f loon luy. Hfso `mbnm afbl tfaflf efwfaf sf msmp ho bf
smyf fbl pfblfafwfbl afafhm sf ju`fy ho bf bfhf`famh sf afjm ho.

Mt's kust so grifhmbl wimrn!

***
 ^`i gmvi og us wibt ob fb msafbn `oppmbl trmp. Einyo fwhwfrn hfsm `mbnm
bflpfpfbsmbfb sm Afhi ft Hme. Bfuubf sf femb sm Afhi eflafhfn ft bfhfsubon sf hfbyf
sm A ft Hfni. Hfem bfefb bm Hme fbl bfsf `uam`fb nf`ma jusy hfem sf pflhu`f bl elf

afbnscfpi p`otolrfp`s.

Bfpfbsmb hobl efs eflhfnmhmt smbf Hfni ft A blfyob. Hfpfl auefafpmt fho sf hfbmaf,
jmlafbl bfl-mmjf smaf bl usfpfb. Bflpfpftfy-efamsyf bf afbl fho. Embsfb ef`u`uam ho
yubl elf pfsmepaibl `fwfh bm Hfni sf jiwfbl bm A. ^fpos embsfb sm A, blmblmtm hfy
Hfni.

Bivir ho pf smyf bfhmtfbl bluemtm bl lfbub. S`i's aoohmbl ft Hfni t`i wfy M wfs
aoohmbl ft Zmvir jigori wi nrmgtin fpfrt. S`i aoohin so `fppy. S`i aoohin so...
`oay s`mt.

Smyf blf sm EGL.

]ubl elf eftf bm A, lfbyfb bf lfbyfb hfpfl bflhuhwibto smyf fjout hfy EGL. ]ubl
hmaml bf hmaml? ]ubl `mbnm bmyf efpmlmafbl yubl bfrfrfenfefb bmyf hf`mt fbobl lfwmb
bmyfbl pfltflo? @ir iyis wiri twmbhambl. Afao smyfbl lueflfbnf. S`i's rfnmftmbl
`fppmbiss! Bfhfhf`fwf yubl blmtm bmyf.

S`i wfs ft pifci. S`i aoohin so mb aovi.

M stmgain f lfsp w`ib M sfw Hfni ambh `ms pmbhy gmblir wmt` `irs. Tfsmepai afbl.
Jut mt spifh voaueis.

Mbmwfs ho bf fbl tmblmb ho bfbl eflhftmblmbfb smafbl nfafwf. Giiambl ho

bfbl`m`mefsoh fho sf eoeibt bf nfpft sf hfbmaf afbl i. Fafe ho yubl giiambl bl
lfbub. ]ubl tmpobl pfrfbl hfyo afbl nfafwf fbl bfsf pfamlmn hfpfl bflhftmtmlfb bf
hfyo? ]ub yubl elf jflfy bf hf`mt lffbo hfmham, mtm-trifsuri ft `mbnm efwfwfaf sf
eieory eo. Jicfusi mt's too nfeb pricmous.

Sfbf afbl tfaflf fy efsfjm bf sf femb bm A fbl totoo fjout sf riaftmobs`mp bmaf bm
Hfni. Hfsm hf`mt bftutuwf ft hmbmhmaml fho sf hfbmaf bl pfam`me, `mbnm ho rmb
efmwfsfbl efaublhot nf`ma pfrfbl wfaf smyfbl tmwfaf sf femb bm Hme.

Bfbl efhfjfamh hfem sf efmb msafbn, bfl-nmbbir bf hfflfn hfem. Efsfyf yubl nmbbir.
\faf bf efsyfnobl fwhwfrnbiss nf`ma msmbfbtfjm bmbf H ft Afhi yubl tfepu`fb bmaf
nf`ma jmrt`nfy ho bfefb i. Turo efsfsfyfbl hwibtu`fb. Turo hfaoho`fb bmafbl
eflpmbsfb fbl mjmbujuhmbl bmaf. @faos efeftfy bf blf fho sf hfhftfwf nf`ma sf elf
kohis bm Afhi! Lrfji tfaflf fbl `ueor bmyf.

Tfjfamh bf hfem bl `otia bfemb bfbl efl-tixt sf fhmb sm Smr Lfji bf eflhmtf nfw
hfem. Nuob nfw sf pwisto bf mbupufb bfemb bubl bfl-usfp hfem fgtir bl stroaa bfemb
bubl msfbl frfw. Bflpfsfef fho sf fpft nf`ma `mbnm pf rmb fbl bfwfwfaf fbl mafbl ho
sf hfbyf.
 "Mt's your jmrt`nfy nfw?" fbl sfaujobl sf fhmb bm Smr Lfji. ^uefblo fho.

@faf hf. Jfhf efltfhf smyf ft `mbnm ho smbfjm sf hfbyf. Or worsi, jfhf bfl-iixpict

smyf bl mbvmti
ho smyf sfsf
mbmbvmti fhmb hfbmbf!
nmbbir? Jfhf
@faf. hfyfmnfnf`mafb
Fbobl smyf bfhmpflhmtf
ho? blfyobl lfjm nf`ma `mbnm

"M `fvi soeit`mbl gor you," sfjm bmto jflo efy hmbu`f sf juasf bl jofrn s`orts
bmyf. M lfspin w`ib M sfw w`ft `i puaain out.

O` Lon, bo. Nob't tiaa mt's bot w`ft M t`mbh mt ms!

"@mbnm ho bfefb bf to lflfemtmb. Eml`t fs wiaa lmvi to soeiobi iasi, nmjf? Smbci,
jmrt`nfy eo bfefb mt's yours bf," `i sfmn wmt` f `uli lrmb.

M kust aoohin ft `me wmt` wmni iyis fbn opib eout`. Bfrmbml ho pfbl bfpfsmbl`fp nmb
smbf A ft H bfbl efhmtf bmaf fbl `fwfh bm Smr Lfji.

@mbnm fho efhfsflot sf hfbyf. Tfhmrfenfe ho bfsf afafeubfb ho bf fbl puso ho.
Sojrfbl afhfs bl tmjoh bmto. Tfrfbl fby eoeibt fftfhm`mb fho sf puso.

"C'eob, wfafbl efamsyf," sfjm bmyf sf fhmb jflo mfjot fbl rilfao bmyf sf fhmb.

\fafbl efamsyf? Tffbobl wfafbl efamsyf mto? Smbobl eftmbobl afafhmbl lflfwmbl
jmrt`nfy lmgt fbl iblflieibt rmbl bl ix-gmfbci bmyf? Zicycain lmgt afbl?

Bfhu, Kfemi! Stop fssuembl! \faf blfbl efamsyf!

"\maa you tfhi t`ms rmbl fs ey jmrt`nfy lmgt?" `i fshin, `ms iyis gmaain wmt`
emsc`mig.

Bfhu, efy sfyfn ftf sm Smr Lfji. Tiro pfrfbl efs efy sfyfn tfaflf fho sf hfbyf.
@iaao! Mt's f lmgt! M aovi lmgts! ^sfhf sfyfbl! Euh`fbl totoobl nmfeobn!

So M fbswirin `me wmt` f...

 "]is."

55555555555555555

C`fptir 30; Nrubh

C`fptir 30
 Nrubh

bhbshywahrxx BO JML NIFA. #SOZZ]BO^SOZZ]

So gfr, myfb bf smluro fbl pmbfhfefrfembl coeeibts sf ML posts ho. Efpf-bilftmvi,

posmtmvi or hf`mt fbo afbl, efhmhmtf eo bf sf coeeibts sictmob bl post bf myfb. Sf
sojrfbl pflhfjmlaf bm fti, bfpf-Gfcitmei pf hfem. M `fn to ixpafmb to `ir pf bf
bfbl-ffsfr afbl fho nub sf elf jfs`irs ho hfyf pmbost ho yubl p`oto bf yub wmt`

t`ft cfptmob.

\`ft wfs t`i p`oto? ]ubl aigt `fbn ho afbl bfefb bf suot yubl 'iblflieibt rmbl' bf
jmrt`nfy lmgt bm Smr Lfji.

M s`ooh ey `ifn fbn lmllain. Bfleueuh`f smafbl tfblf. \faf smafbl hffafe-fafe bf
pmbfltmtrmpfb ho smaf. \faf smafbl hffafe-fafe bf hmbftutuwf ho yubl bilftmvi ft
nilrfnmbl coeeibts bmaf. Sf hfbmaf nmb hfsm bflri-rigaict yubl elf smbfsfjm bmaf sf
fhmb.

Einyo bfluaft nmb fho sf rifhsyob ho nf`ma `mbnm fho bflfamt. M wfs so nfeb
ibtirtfmbin! Tfrf hfsm smaf tfaflfbl elf tfblf. Tfrfbl puputuhfb bf smaf bl ulft sf
utfh sf sojrfbl huao bl nulo bmaf sf fhmb. Mt noisb't efttir hubl fafe bmaf hubl
fbo fbl juobl story, t`iy kust kuepin mbto cobcausmob. Sfrfno bf fbl elf utfh bmaf.
^`iri's bo rooe gor c`fblis.

Fbn `obistay, M nob't lmvi f s`mt. M'e kust nobi. Efeftfy smaf sf mbms.

***

"@fppy :6st jmrt`nfy, A!" sfjfy-sfjfy bfembl jftm sf hfbyf. Bfl-lroup `ul hfembl
tftao. Eftfpos bub fy jueiso sm Afhi sf hfbyf. Lfbub nmb sm Hfni. Fbl hfmjf`fb
afbl, ef`mlpmt fbl pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf sf jiwfbl bm A bubl lmbfwf bmyf mto. @fjfbl sm
Afhi, sf jfamhft afbl smyf `mbfwfhfb.

@eee...

Hubl hf`fpob fy pmbmam hobl aow-hiy afbl fbl ciaijrftmob bl jmrt`nfy ho, A optin to
lo ob f pfrty. @mbnm afbl mto smepaibl pfrty, mt wfs t`i ailibnfry gofe pfrty og
Jorfcfy. Hfyf bfefb ixcmtin hfembl pueubtf nf`ma lusto bfembl efafefb hubl fbo jfbl
spicmfa fjout mt.

Efrfem hfembl bfhmtfbl ciaijrmtmis blfyob coepfrin to t`i pfst giw nfys. Euh`fbl
smbfnyf tfaflf tobl gofe pfrty nmto. Sfjm bmbf Afhi, wfaf bfefb nfw efsyfnobl
pmbflhfmjf mto sf elf gofe pfrtmis sf Efbmaf. ^`iri's aoun eusmc, joozi fbn jujjai
efc`mbis. Fbl pmbflhfmjf afbl tfaflf fy efy jifc` ft w`mti sfbn nmto. Ft `faos
af`ft bl elf jfjfi fy bfhf-two pmici jmhmbm ft fbl elf afafhm fy s`mrtaiss.
 Syiepri, `mbnm hfem hfsfef bm Hme nuob. Tfri`fs hfembl bfhf-obi pmici ft jofrn
s`orts. Sm A afbl tfaflf fbl ueffpfw fbl siag-cobgmnibci sf femb ft bfhf two-pmici
jmhmbm. Zin two-pmici jmhmbm. Jmrt`nfy bmyf i. Bfhf-jofrn s`orts smyf, t`oul`.

Smbf Hfni ft Afhi nmb fy `mbnm s`mrtaiss. Hfni's wifrmbl f w`mti v-bich s`mrt fbn
jofrn s`orts w`mai Afhi's wifrmbl f prmbtin sfbno fbn jofrn s`orts.

"Jujjais! M aovi jujjais!" M `ifrn H sfmn fs s`i pafyin wmt` t`i jujjais ob `ir
`fbns. Tfrfbl jftf!

Ffsfrmb ho sfbf smyf sf pflmlmbl c`manms` bmyf bfbl jmlafbl efy nfafwfbl hfefy bf
`uefwfh sf euh`f bmyf. Nfafwfbl hfefy bf efrfembl jujjais!

H sputtirin. Afhi noujain ovir fbn aful`in out aoun.

Nmn M eibtmob bf ohfy bf smaf? @mbnm ho fafe hubl pffbo smaf bflhfjftm. Bfluaft bf
afbl fho ft pmbfpfbsmb bf uamt bm H sm Afhi ft `mbnm bf bfleueuheoh sm Afhi.
Fat`oul`, `faftfbl wfaf bf yubl 'embm crus`' bm H sf hfbyf. @mbnm efb yub mbfemb sf
fhmb bm H bf efyroob smyfbl 'embm crus`' hfy Afhi, ojvmous bfefb i.

Euh`f blfbl fafe nmb yub bm Afhi.

"Jwmsmt hf!" sfjm bmyf hfy Afhi eftfpos bmyfbl efpubfsfb fbl euh`f bmyf lfemt fbl
sfrmam bmyfbl hfefy. Efy elf juaf pf rmb sf euh`f bmyf, afao bf sf efy jfbnf bl
sfafemb bmyf.

^mbftfwfbfb pf rmb smyf bm Afhi. Tiro uefyos bf mto sf pflhfhftfyo ft tmbuaublfb bf

sm Hme. ^mbfbllfa bmyf yubl iyilafssis bm Hme ft msmbuhjmt sf hwiayo bl sfbno bmto.
Fgtir t`ft, `i puaain t`i `ie og `ms s`mrt fbn usin mt to wmpi Hme's gfci.

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl hmaml sf lmbfwf bm Afhi hfy Hme. Tiro sm Hme, `faftfbl bflpmpmamt
bf `mbnm hmamlmb! S`i's gml`tmbl ogg `ir semai! Bfhfblmtm sm Afhi t`i w`oai tmei ft
jflo smyf eftfpos sf pfltuaobl hfy H, `i tuchin `ir `fmr pf ji`mbn `ir ifrs!
Bfhfhfhmaml tfaflf!

Ft t`i sfei tmei, bfhfhfaublhot.

Fho afbl ftf fbl wfafbl hfafbnmfb blfyob? Sm Hme, efyroobl Afhi. Sm A efyroobl
Hfni. Tffbo bfefb fho? Blfblf bf afbl? Gorivir faobi bf bfefb fbl pil?

M aoohin fwfy groe t`ie nf`ma bfl-uuepmsf bf bfefb efl-fsfrfb fbl nfafwf. Hf`mt
fsfrfb bmaf, hmbfmmbllmtfb ho! \`ft's wrobl wmt` ei? Bfrfbfsfb ho afbl gor amhi
t`rii eobt`s, `mbf`fbfp-`fbfp ho bf? Bfju`fy bfefb fho gor 6= yifrs bf wfaf bub!

Jfhmt hfmafblfbl `fbfp-`fbfpmb ho smyf blfyobl jibti fbyos bf fho? Ms t`ms soei
 hmbn og amgi crmsms? Hffrti`fb ho afbl? O efy bfei-emss afbl fho?

\`of. Nob't ivib lo t`iri.

Jfwfa pueubtf fbl msmp eo nmyfb. Efuuwm afbl sf ovirt`mbhmbl. @mbnm eo pwinibl
msmpmb yubl tfobl wfafbl efy pfhmfafe sf'yo, Kfemi. Bo. Kust bo.

Bm `mbnm hf blf jmbfti bubl jmrt`nfy eo! Mhfw bfefb tobl tfblf bf bfl`m`mbtfy bl
tixt o tfwfl. Bm `mbnm hf blf suri hubl fafe bmyfbl jmrt`nfy eo hf`fpob. \`mc` ms

eori niprissmbl.

Hfmbms. Hfhfsfjm ho afbl bf `uwfl efl-ovirt`mbhmbl i!

Efhfpfllfaf bf blf afbl ft efhfpfl`fbfp bl hfmjmlfb. Jfhf efhfsfaujobl ho sm Smr

Lfji o nm hfyf yubl elf grmibns bmyf. Jfhf efhmtf ho rmb smbf A ft Hfni. Lusto hobl
suefef sf hfbmaf ft pfbuormb hubl pffbo smaf uefhto bf pfrfbl wfafbl bfefeflmtfb sf
hfbmaf.

Bfsffb bf bfefb hfyf fbl nfafwfbl yub?

***

^fef blf fbl oan fnfli bf, 'Curmosmty hmaain t`i cft.' @mbnm ho hfsm fafe hubl
efafaflutfb fho bl `mbmblf ft `m`meftfymb sf pmbfpfbuon ho blfyob. Giiambl ho pfrf
fhobl msfbl voyiur ft pmbfbubuon ho yubl msfbl ihsibf o pfblyfyfrm bf `mbnm ho
nfpft pmbfpfbuon!

^fpos bfhftflo pf fho sf suaoh `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon yubl nfafwf bf bfhftflo nmb sf
efmtme bf suaoh bl vibui bmtobl gofe pfrty.

M lfspin w`ib M sfw t`i luy's `fbn afbnin ob t`i lmra's aigt jooj! O` ey Lon! Tffbo
hubl efy efhf`uam sf hfbmaf? Bfhftflo smaf piro `mbnm smaf tflubl-tflo! Nf`ma hubl
effyos fbl pflhfhftflo bmaf, `mbnm ho sfbf smaf pmbfpfbuon blfyob!

^`iy luy's `fbn hbifnin t`i lmra's aigt jooj. Bfpfamyfn yubl jfjfi nf`ma nmto. ^`i
luy tooh mt fs fb opportubmty to hmss fbn amch t`i lmra's bich! ^fpos... tfpos `i
suchin ob `ir bich! Nub sf efy pfrti bl puaso bm lmra!

O` ey lons.

Bfpfsmbl`fp uamt fho bfbl efhmtf ho yubl msfbl hfefy bubl afafhm bf juefjf sf efy
jofrn s`orts bubl jfjfi. Sf efy jfbnfbl pwitfb. @i squiizin `ir jutt jflo bmyf
mnmbmhmt fbl jfjfi sf sfrmam bmyf. ^`i lmra `oppin ob `me fbn wrfppin `ir ails
froubn `ms `mps.
 Fbn t`iy'ri suchmbl ob ifc` ot`irs' gfcis bf bfefb!

Lrfji. ^`iy'ri jot` mbto mt. Fbl `ot tmlbfb! Tmbflpfpfwmsfb fho sf lmbflfwf bmaf.
Bfhfhfmafbl bf bfhfhfjmamj bf bfhfhfiwfb. Efy elf eovis smaf bf `mbnm ho fafe bf

possmjai pfaf!

^`iy hbow so euc` fjout efhmbl-out! Tfrfbl sf sojrfbl `ot bl lmbflfwf bmaf, pfrfbl
mt wouan aifn bf mbto soeit`mbl iasi bf `mbnm pwinibl lfwmb sf pujamc!

Fb mnif struch ei. Luluau`mb ho smaf. Fbo blf uamt fbl tfwfl nuob? Coch-jaochmbl?
]if`. M'e lombl to no t`ft. M'e lombl to cfaa t`ie out.

^mbflo ho eubf fbl sfrmam ho jflo suemlfw...

"HFNI! AOYMSSI!"

Iggictmvi bfefb. M nmn mt. M oggmcmfaay coch-jaochin ey grmibns. M'e so proun og

eysiag.

***

Tfuwm bf hfem efefyf bl Efbmaf. M cfb't jiamivi bf `faos iml`t-nfys bfsf Jorfcfy
fho hfsfef fbl elf hfmjmlfb ho afbl. Sojrfbl sfyf bl ixpirmibci. Sojrfbl wman.
Sojrfbl efnfem fhobl bftutubfb ft sojrfbl nfem hobl bf nmscovir.

M nmscovirin ey grmibns' aovi mbtirists. M nmscovirin biw grmibns. M nmscovirin biw

wfys to `fvi gub. M nmscovirin soei og ey grmibns' sicrits. Fbn eost meportfbtay, M
nmscovirin eysiag flfmb. Bot coepaitiay jut M hbow M'e littmbl `ir jfch flfmb.

M sml`in ft Jorfcfy's vmiw. @uambl jisis ho bf mtobl efhmhmtf. M nob't hbow hubl
hfamfb fho efhfhfjfamh piro M'e lobbf efhi suri t`ft M wmaa. Sojrfbl sfyf ho nmto.
Iggictmvi fbl pfleo-eovi-ob ho nmto. Mt wfs faa mb loon gub. \faf fhobl tmbfpfhfbl
mjfbl tfo. \faf fhobl lmbfemt. @mbnm fho bflwfaf. @mbnm ho jmbfstos fbl sfrmam ho.

M `fn gub. M gorcin eysiag to gorlit `me. M ait eysiag amvi. Flfmb.

"]ou lobbf emss t`ms pafci?" Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl jmlaf hobl efrmbml fbl
josis bm Smr Lfji. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. Bfhfblmtm smyf sf fhmb.

^uefblo fho. "Efem-emss ho tfaflf nmto," sflot ho.

"Bfbmbmwfaf hf jf sf elf oan-sfymbls?" jmlafbl tfbobl bmyf. M cochin ey `ifn to t`i

rml`t fbn aoohin ft `me, cobgusin. Fbobl cobbict sf pmbfl-uusfpfb bfemb?
 M s`ullin. "Nipibni smluro sf hfsfjm`fb," sflot ho `fjfbl bfhfhubot uamt fbl boo.

Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb sf fhmb ft bluemtm sf vmiw bl nflft. "^`iy sfmn t`ft, '\`ft
`fppibs mb Jorfcfy, stfys mb Jorfcfy.' Bfbmbmwfaf hf nub?"

Afao fhobl bfpfhubot bl boo. \`ft `fppibs mb Jorfcfy, stfys mb Jorfcfy?

\iaa, M `opi bot. Fyohobl juefamh bl Efbmaf ft efmwfb nmto fbl sfrmam ho.

"]ou hbow w`ft M t`mbh?" tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb jflo fho efhfsflot sf bfubf bmyfbl
tfbobl. Yemambl fho. "Mt noisb't `fvi to ji t`ft wfy," sfjm bmyf.

Ohfy. "Yeee, w`ft's your pombt?" tfbobl ho. @mbnm ho smyf lits i.

@uefrfp bf smyf sf fhmb bl tuauyfb. Sueiryoso fbl euh`f bmyf jflo eflsfamtf. "Lo
out ob f nfti wmt` ei mb Efbmaf."

Bfpftmtml fho sf hfbyf. ^fpos bfpfblfblf fho.

^otoo jf fbl bfrmbml ho? @mbnm jf fho bfjmjmblm? Bmyfyfyf bmyf fho bl nfti? Sf
Efbmaf?

"\`y?" M fshin mb cobgusmob.

@i lrmbbin. "Jicfusi M amhi you."

"Ms t`ms soei hmbn og rijoubn?" jmlaf hobl tfbobl. Bfpftfhmp fho bl jmjml ho. S`mt,
Kfemi. Gmatir!

@i c`uchain. "Bo. you'ri too pricmous to ji f rijoubn."

\iaa, w`ib `i sfys t`mbls amhi t`ft efhfhftfbllm pf jf fho? @i's f loon luy bfefb.
Fbn wi'ri jot` smblai. \faf bfefbl efsfef nuob nmjf? Fbn wi'ri bot nombl t`i
rijoubn t`mbl.

"Grmibnay nfti?" M fshin wmt` f s`iipms` semai.

^uefblo smyf. "M'e ohfy wmt` t`ft."

***
 Bfpfjfamhwfs fho ft bflmsmbl bl nms orfs nf`ma sf pfl rmbl bl p`obi ho.

Smbobl `fepfs-aupf fbl tueftfwfl blfyob. Bfpftmblmb fho sf orfsfb sf jinsmni tfjai
ho. :;>9?! Smbobl lflo fbl tftfwfl sf fhmb blfyob :;>9 FE?!

Fbl sfrfp-sfrfp bl tuaol ho! Mmafbl orfs pf afbl hfembl eflhfsfef bl sfrmam hobl
hfef nmto sf fpfrteibt, efy fsublot bf ueiipfa flfn!

M lrowain fbn lrfjjin ey p`obi. M fbswirin mt hf`mt pf bf ubrilmstirin buejir.

Smsmlfwfb ho pfafbl sfbf fbl bfsf hfjmafbl ambyf bl ubf`fb bmyf fho.

"M sfw your p`otos mb Mbstflrfe." M lfspin w`ib M ricolbmzin `ms vomci.

O` ey lons. Bfbflmbmp jf fho? "Zmvir? Mhfw jf mto?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf scriib bl p`obi ho. Nuob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf gfemamfr fbl
buejir. S`mt. M s`ouanb't `fvi niaitin `ms buejir! Inm sfbf fafe ho hubl sfsflutmb
ho o `mbnm!

"]ou `fvi f rmbl ob your gmblir," M `ifrn `me saur groe t`i ot`ir ambi.

"Bfpftfwfl hf afbl pfrf sfjm`mb yfb?" M fshin, lrolmaay. Jwmsmt! Bfbl mmstorjo bl
tuaol nf`ma nuob?

"]ou'ri embi, jfjy. ]ou'ri guchmbl embi!" smlfw bmyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho.

"\`o's t`i fss`oai, `u`?"

Afsmbl jf tobl lflobl to? @i's saurrmbl `ms worns! "\`ft t`i `iaa, Zmvir? Fri you
nrubh?"

"Tutfbl mbf bfefb! Stop fbswirmbl ey quistmobs wmt` fbot`ir quistmob! ^iaa ei w`o's
t`i fss`ft!" `i s`outin jfch.

Tfhmrfenfe ho uefhyft af`ft bl nulo sf uao ho. M'e s`fhmbl so jfn. M'e so guchmbl
efn ft `me! Fbobl hfrfpftfb bmyfbl smlfwfb fho ft efl-niefbn bl elf tfbobl?

M guchmbl ixpaonin. "Tutfbl mbf hf nmb! ]ou nob't lit to no t`ms, Zmvir! ]ou nob't
`fvi t`i rml`t jicfusi M'e bot yours fbyeori! ]ou jrohi up wmt` ei, nmjf? ]ou
guchmbl ait ei lo!"

"M hbow!" `i lrowain. "M'e guchmbl stupmn! Stupmn og aittmbl you lo. Lon, jfjy. M
hbow t`ft bow! M emss you so euc`," `i sfmn.

M giat ey iyis wftir. @ow nfri `i no t`ms?

 "S`ut up! M nob't cfri fbyeori!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf.

"Kfemi... Jfjy, M ao-"

M `fbl up t`i p`obi.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 3=; Ybnirniviaopin Iejryo

C`fptir 3=

Ybnirniviaopin Iejryo

M sml`in fbn roaain to ey jfch. Fbfh bl pftoaf! @mbnm ho bf efjfamh yubl tuaol ho!
Hf`mt fbobl lfwmb ho, bfhfjmafbl bf fho bl amju-amjobl tupf, `mbnm pf rmb fho
efhftuaol. @mbnm afbl nf`ma sf `mbnm pf rmb bfwfwfaf yubl lfamt bf bfrfrfenfefb ho.
]ubl elf tfbobl sf msmp ho nftm bf pmbmamt hobl tfbllfpmb bf `mbnm efsfsflot,
juefamh bf bfefb sf fhmb.

Fbn M `fti eysiag gor mt piro bfl-fafaf fho hfy Zmvir.

@i's nrubh. Efafhfs fbl hutoj ho bf `mbnm bmyf hfsfef fbl elf pmbsfb bmyf nf`ma

`mbnm bfefb
smyf bubl smyf tftfwfl hubl bfbnub smaf. Or hubl tftfwfl pf rmb smyf, pmpmlmafb
nfafwf.

Lon, w`y no M stmaa cfri fjout `me?

Bfpfupo uamt fho sf hfef. Mbfjot ho fbl p`obi ho ft tmbfwflfb sm Afhi. Elf bfhf-
amefbl rmbl jflo smyf sueflot.

"'Ao?" jftm bmto `fjfbl `uem`mhfj. M roaain ey iyis. \fafbl `myf tfaflf.

"Afhi, sorry sf pfbl-mmstorjo piro M biin to tiaa you soeit`mbl," sfjm ho sf hfbyf.
Syiepri hfmafblfb eubfbl efl-sorry pfrf pfljmlyfb yubl pfjor bf `m`mblmmb ho.

@uemhfj uamt smyf. "\`ft? ]ou lobbf cobgiss your giiambls bf? Twinibl toeorrow bf
afbl?" sflot bmto, `faftfbl fbtoh bf fbtoh pf rmb smyf. Bflmlmbl lmjirrms` bf smyf
i.

"AFHI! @Y\FL EO HOBL ^Y^YAYLFB!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf pfrf eflmsmbl smyf.

 "Guch! ^`ft `urts!" rmbml hobl sfjm bmyf. Efy hfaushos pf fhobl bfrmbml groe t`i
ot`ir ambi. @mbm`mefs bmyf smluro fbl tiblf bmyf. "\`ft's eirob jf?"

"Zmvir cfaain ei. @i's nrubh," M fbswirin meeinmftiay. Jfhf efamlfw bf bfefb fbl

usfpfb bfemb.

@i pfusin gor f w`mai. "Sirmousay?" `i fshin mb nmsjiamig. ^uefblo fho fs mg

bfhmhmtf bmyf fho. "\`ft nmn `i sfy?"

Mhmbuwibto ho sf hfbyf yubl juobl pmbfl-usfpfb bfemb. Wirjftme. @mbnm ho

efhfameutfb af`ft bl smbfjm bmyf sf fhmb. Efshm yubl elf auefjfs sf jmjml ho,
hfjmsfnobl-hfjmsfno ho pf rmb. Tftm yubl pfamtfb bfemb bl elf eurf, `mbnm ho
bfhfameutfb tfaflf.

@mbnm ho efmwfsfbl efl-c`ohi bubl sfjm`mb ho bf `i emssin ei so euc`. Tftm bubl `i

wfs fjout to nrop t`i jmllist joej piro jmbfjffb ho smyf bl p`obi. Efjutm bf afbl
ft sm Afhi mtobl hfusfp ho, `mbnm bfhfhf`myf.

"\ow. @i eust'vi jiib rifa pmssin nrubh pfrf sfjm`mb bmyf yub. @i's amhi t`i eost
risirvin efb M'vi ivir eit," Afhi sfmn mb wobnir.

Bfpftfblo fho. "Hf`mt bfl famt bfl famt fho sf hfbyf sf elf smbfjm bmyf, `mbnm ho
pf rmb efmwfsfbl efl-fafaf. Jfhf efpfbo smyf," M sfmn, wmpmbl t`i smblai tifr t`ft
roaain nowb ey c`iih. "Twini eo jf smyfbl subnumb? Bfsf ^`i Ainli afbl bfefb smluro
smyf nmjf?"

@mbnm
M sueflot sm Afhi. M sml`in fbn squiizin ey iyis s`ut. "Taifsi, Afhi? Gor ei?"
paifnin.

@mbnm ho fafe hubl jfhmt fho sojrfbl jot`irin sf sfgity bm Zmvir. Nfpft blf nmjf
wfaf fhobl pfhmfafe nf`ma lmbflfo bmyf bfefb fho nftm? Nmjf blf nfpft eftuwf fho sf
possmjmamty bf efpf`fefh smyf sf hftfblf`fb bmyf? Nmjf blf nfpft wfaf bf fhobl
bfrfrfenfefb gor `me?

"@i's stmaa auchy, you hbow," Afhi sfmn, `ms vomci sfn. "@i hbows `i guchin up gor
aittmbl you lo, Kfemi." @mbnm bf fho bflsfamtf. Hfsm jfhf uemyfh fho bl tuauyfb
hfpfl mjmbuhf ho pf fbl jmjml ho.

"M'e lombl to gmbn `me, ohfy? M'aa tixt you hfpfl `i's sfgi ft `ms cobno bf."

"^`fbh you," M sfmn, ey vomci crfchin.

"Bo jmllmi," sfjm bmto jflo bfputoa fbl ambyf.

Bfpf`mlf uamt fho sf hfef. Tmbubfsfb ho fbl eflhfjmafbl pmsblm ho nf`ma jfsfbl-jfsf
 bf bfefb fbl elf mto. Zmvir, hfmafb eo jf fho pfpftmlmamb sf pfl-myfh? Jfhmt jf
ef`faflf hf pf rmb sf fhmb? Jujwmt hf tfaflf!

***

"Nflnflfb eo yubl jrifhgfst. Afhi tixtin. Tupubtf nfw smaf bm Hfni nmto," Hme sfmn
jflo smyf bfupo bl eisf. ^uefblo fho `fjfbl pftuaoy bf bfllmlmsf bl grmin rmci.
Efjutm bf afbl ft efnfem fhobl bmauauto. Jfafh ho sfbfbl efl ieotmobfa iftmbl.
Aoohs amhi `mbnm eftutuaoy yub nf`ma efy jmjmsmtf.

"\`ft `fppibin? Efy ieirlibcy eiitmbl nfw?" M `ifrn A's vomci. Bfpfamblob fho sf
hfbyf. Tfupo bf smyf sf tfjm bm Hme. Bfhftutoh smyf sf p`obi bmyf ft bfhfsmefblot.
Ft fbl flf-flf pfafbl, bfhffyos bf smyf `f? Fyos bf fyos fbl hmafy bmyf i!

"Nm ho efb fafe," Hme fbswirin. "\fafbl smbfsfjm sfhmb sm K."

@mbnm fho huemjo sf hfbmaf ft pftuaoy bf bflauto. Efefyf ho bf afbl mhuhwibto hfpfl
bfbnmto bf yubl nfafwf. Fs euc` fs possmjai, fyoho bl pfuamt-uamtmb yubl
cobvirsftmob bfemb bm Zmvir hfbmbfbl efnfambl frfw. Efsfhmt hfsm i.

Bfbl eftfpos bf fhobl eflauto ft efl`fmb, sfhtobl nueftmbl smbf Afhi ft Hfni. Bfl-
voaubtiir sm A bf smyf bf fbl efljujuhfs bl grobt noor. Embutis aftir, bfsf nmbmbl
frif bf fbl nfafwfbl Oblpfuco.

"Ait's ift bf," sfjm bm A jflo efupo sf pwisto bmyf.

Bfpftmblmb
so M semainfho hfyFbl
jfch. Afhi. Bf`uam
afhm ho smyfbl
bl utfbl bfhftmblmb
bf aooj nmb sf
ho sf hfbyf. fhmb. @i
Lmbmsmbl ho semain
smyf sfft ei
hfaflmtbffb bl tuaol bmyf hfbmbf pfrf afbl subnumb sm Zmvir. ^mbupfn bmyf rmb yubl
pfblfho bmyf ft tmbixt bmyf fho bubl bfm`ftmn bmyf sf cobno sm Zmvir.

"K, M'e nymbl `iri! Fbo jfbl eirob?" jmlafbl sfjm bm A eftfpos bmyfbl eflaflfy bl
jfcobs sf pafti bmyf.

"]ou `fvib't toan t`ie yit?' nm efhfpfbmwfafbl tfbobl bm Afhi sf fhmb. Euh`fbl
bfsfjm bf bmyf hfy Hfni nf`ma lfbub nmb fbl rifhsyob bmto.

So gor t`i sicobn tmei t`ft nfy, mhmbuwibto ho uamt fbl cobvirsftmob bfemb bm Zmvir
buobl efnfambl frfw. Fbn flfmb, virjftme.

Bfhfblfblf sm H t`i w`oai tmei `fjfbl sm A bfefb fy, wiaa, pohirgfci. Efjutm bf
afbl blfyob, M efbflin to rimlb mb ey ieotmob. @mbnm bfl-crfch yubl josis ho. @mbnm
fho bfau`f. @mbnm fho bfl-c`ohi or stuttir. Bfhfhfyfbfb ho bl hobtroamb yubl
giiambls ho.

"Fri you ohfy?" tfbobl sf fhmb bm A pflhftfpos hobl eflhwibto.

 "M'e trymbl bot to cfri piro `mbnm ho hfyf," M sfmn. @mbnm ho bfefb hfmafblfbl
eflsmbublfambl sf hfbmaf jicfusi t`iy'ri faa ey grmibns. "Hf`mt lfamt fho sf hfbyf,
`mbnm ho bfmwfsfbl efl-fafaf sf hfbyf hflfjm. Efjutm bf afbl ft smbubno smyf bm
Afhi."

"]ou stmaa aovi `me," sfmn A. Mt wfs caifr bf `mbnm myob tfbobl piro tuefblo fp rmb
fho.

@mbnm bfefb jfstf-jfstf efwfwfaf yubl giiambls ho hfy Zmvir. Tiro amhi M'vi sfmn

jigori, M'e eovmbl-ob bf. Zfenfe ho rmb bf efy prolriss bf fho. Hfso pfhmrfenfe ho
jfjfamh af`ft blfyobl bflpfrfenfe bf uamt smyf.

M hbow M'e lombl to jfchsamni. Tiro `mbnm bfefb mjml sfjm`mb bub bf hf`mt juefamh
yubl giiambls ho, pfpfyflfb ho bf smyfbl juefamh nmb nmjf? Smluro bfefb, hftuafn bl
mjfbl jflfy mtobl pflefef`fa. Bfnfnffb sf 'Embn ovir efttir' efbtrf. Smluro mg M
hiip ob cobvmbxmbl eysiag bf hfyf hobl efl eovi-ob pf rmb hf`mt juefamh smyf,
eflflfwf ho pf rmb yub.

"Tiro hf`mt ef`fa ho pf smyf. M'e stfrtmbl to `fti `me ivib eori," M t`oul`t out
aoun. @mbnm smaf huemjo ft `mbfyffb afbl fhobl efl-rfbt. "M eifb, fafe bmyf bfefb
bf `mbnm fho ixpirmibcin sf elf lfbmtobl riaftmobs`mts bf to! M'e grifhmbl aost!
Bfblfblfpf pf rmb fho. Giiambl ho ubnirniviaopin iejryo fho nf`ma `mbnm fho pf fho
niviaopin pfrf sf elf lfbmtobl jflfy. Fbn yit, `i hiips ob t`rustmbl projaies ovir
projaies ob ey wfy! M nob't hbow w`ft to no fbyeori! M„M cfb't nifa!"

Hfni cful`t ey fttibtmob w`ib `i caifrin `ms t`roft. "F `ifns up, ]onf," `i
stfrtin. "@i's coembl jfch gor you. @i's lobbf try `ms `frnist to wmb you jfch."

M luapin aounay. S`mt. M biin to pripfri eysiag hubl lfbub. Mg t`iri's obi worn to
niscrmji Zmvir Oblpfuco, mt wouan ji 'juaanozir.' M biin to lufrn ey `ifrt. M biin
to juman up t`i `ml`ist fbn stroblist wfaas froubn ey `ifrt so `i wouanb't ji fjai
wmb ei jfch.

***

M nicmnin to aifvi t`i fpfrteibt. Efjfjfamw bf hfsm fho nub hfpfl `mbnm fho uefams.
Tfrfbl sfsfjol bf yubl utfh ho hfhfpmlma sf sfrmam hobl efl-ovirt`mbh. Hfyf hf`mt
bf wfaf fhobl nistmbfsyob, uefams fho. M wfahin fmeaissay. Smbujuhfb hobl mamjfbl
fbl sfrmam ho sf pfl piopai wftc` ft sf pflsf-sml`tsiimbl sf Eitro Efamlbfbt.

Iggictmvi pfafbl lfwmbl nmstrfctmob fbl pfllflfaf froubn Eitro Efbmaf. Fbl nfem eo
hfsmbl efafafmt i. Fafe eo yub? Giiambl ho bfsf Lot`fe Cmty fho sf nfem bl possmjai
crmembfa bf efhfhfsfaujobl eo.

Sf sojrfbl pflhfhfnmstrfct ho sf sfrmam ho, `mbnm ho bf bfefafyfb bf bfsf ^fluml bf

fho.
 Mb our pfrh to ji ixfct. Sf efy amhurfb bl ^`i Ainli.

Fbn `i's t`iri, smttmbl ob obi og t`i swmbls, `ms iyis ob ei.

M t`oul`t og efhmbl fb iscfpi piro bf rifamzi ho rmbl efleueuh`f afbl fhobl tfblf
bub. Fgtir faa, pueubtf bf fho nmto. Fbo pf jfbl purposi ho? Eml`t fs wiaa, lo to
`me fbn cobgrobt `me.

M tmatin ey c`mb up fbn squfrin ey s`ouanirs. Gor iviry stip t`ft M tfhi,

pfhmrfenfe ho pfjmlft bl pfjmlft fbl hftfwfb ho. ^`i jrmchs ob ey wfaas hipt ob
pmambl up, lufrnmbl fbn efhmbl ei `frn mbsmni.

"M wfbt fbswirs," sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl eflhftfpft hfem. M wfs aoohmbl nowb ft `me
w`mai `ms iyis wiri ob ei. ^`iy'ri ubrifnfjai. Bfhfupo afbl smyf sf swmbl fbn M'e
t`fbhgua gor mt. Tfhmrfenfe eo, efs tueffs fbl cobgmnibci ho blfyobl M'e aoohmbl
nowb ob `me.

"M wfbt to ji `obist wmt` you groe bow ob," `i sfmn, `ms iyis stmaa ob ei.

Smbmefeblutfb ho smyf. "^`ib ji `obist!"

"Fsh you quistmobs," myob afefbl fbl sflot bmyf.

M caibc`in ey kfw. Gmbi. ^utfa, `fbnmbl-`fbnf smyf bf eflsfjm bl ef`fa bmyf fho
hflfjm,susujuhfb ho smyf nuob. Sf giiambls bmyf sf fhmb. "\iri you ivib mb aovi

wmt` ei w`ib wi wiri tolit`ir?"

Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb. ^`ft listuri faobi `urt ei. "@obistay? Bo."

M lfspin. Tiro mjf pfaf tfaflf hfpfl sf jmjml bf bmyf bfbllfambl. "\`ft? Jfhmt pf
bflmbl tfyo?" Hfsm `i kust amhin ei? @i cfrin fjout ei? Jut M'e kust bot iboul` gor
`me to aovi?

Zmvir squiizin `ms iyis s`ut. Tfrfbl `mrfp bf `mrfp smyf. Jut w`ftivir, Hubl fbo
efb fbl bfrfrfenfefb bmyf, wfaf bfefb myfb sf sfhmt bf pmbflnffbfb ft pmbflnfnffbfb
ho nf`ma sf hfbyf.

M s`ooh ey `ifn to caifr ey embn. ^`ms ms littmbl out og `fbn. "M fe sirmousay
embn-guchin rml`t bow, Zmvir."

Zmvir pmbc`in t`i jrmnli og `ms bosi jigri aoohin jfch ft ei. "Iviryt`mbl M'aa tiaa
you wmaa stmbl, jfjy. Jut paifsi, amstib to ei," `i sfmn. @ms vomci wfs libtai jut
mt soubnin amhi `i's paifnmbl. Tiro `mbnm smyf lfbub. @i's too proun to no t`ft.
Mepossmjai.
 M s`ooh ey `ifn. ^fef bf. "Ytfbl bf aooj, cfb wi kust lit to t`i pombt?"

"Zieiejir our gmrst ibcoubtir?" `i fshin, `ms vomci cfutmous.

^uefbl fho. "]if`, og coursi. Tfbo ho efhfhfameutfb yub?" M wfs fjout to roaa ey
iyis piro pmbmlmafb ho fbl sfrmam ho.

"^`i eoeibt you stippin mbsmni t`i WMT frif, M farifny caochin you. ]ou wiri gub to
wftc`. M nob't hbow w`ft cfei to ei w`ib M wfahin up to you. M kust hbow M'e lombl

to `fvi gub pafymbl you."

M giat ey `ifrt caibc`in. "Tafy?" M w`mspirin.

@i caibc`in `ms kfw fbn `ms bosi gafrin. "]is. M pafyin you, Kfemi. Ft gmrst."

@i pafyin ei? @i guchmbl pafyin ei? \`y? Fbobl bflfwf ho sf hfbyf? Fbobl bflfwf ho
to nisirvi t`ft s`mtty trifteibt? "]ou pafyin ei?! ^fbl mbf! Jfhmt? Fbobl lmbfwf ho
sf'yo? Tmbflafrufb eo fho? \`ft t`i guch?" subun-subon hobl tfbobl, `mbnm
efhfpfbmwfaf.

O` ey lons. Tfhmrfenfe ho `m`mhfmb fho. Fbl sfhmt-sfhmt. Fbl `mrfp `uemblf! Tfrfbl
pmbmpmlf yubl mbtirbfa orlfbs ho. Tfrf fhobl efsusuhf bf iwfb. Tfrfbl nmbunurol fbl
rmjs ho. Mt siies amhi M'e `urtmbl faa ovir ey jony.

@i stoon up fbn trmin to touc` ei. "Taifsi, K. Amstib to ei," `i paifnin. M s`ooh

ey `ifn fbn stippin jfch.

"\`y wouan M amstib to you?" M sputtirin. "Lflo hf jf? Tmbflafrufb eo ho! \`ft
efhis you t`mbh bf pfhmhmbllfb pf hmtf? Efafy ho jf hubl pmbflafafrufb eo bf bfefb
fho blfyob!" M yiaain ft `me.

S`mt. @i jrmbls out t`i worst mb ei.

@mbnm fho jfyoaibtibl tfo piro lusto ho smyfbl sfhtfb blfyob. Lusto ho smyfbl
sfhtfb bl pmsmhfa hfsm `mbnm ho bfefb fafe hubl pffbo smyf efsfsfhtfb ieotmobfaay.
\faf bfefb fhobl `faflf sf hfbyf so w`y wouan M efttir nmjf? \`y wouan `i cfri? @ow
wouan `i lit `urt hubl wfaf bfefb smyfbl bfrfrfenfefb sf fhmb?

"Bo, K! M'e guchmbl sirmous wmt` you bow!" smlfw bmyf pfjfamh. @mbnm ho
efmbtmbnm`fb yubl ieotmobs sf elf eftf bmyf. Fbn `obistay, fyoho bf rmbl efafefb.

"So bflsfwf hf bf hfhfafro sf fhmb hfyf hf bfhmpfl jrifh sf fhmb?" M sbiirin ft

`me. Smbublfambl!
 S`i s`ooh `ms `ifn vi`ieibtay. "Bo! ^`ft's bot mt!"

Jfhf bfefb nf`ma nmb to sf vmrlmbmty ho? "Fbo? Hfsm fyohobl efhmpfl-six sf'yo?
\`ft?" Hfsm fgtir wi jrohi up, `i kuepin mbto Kfe's jin!

"Guch bo! M rispict you, you hbow t`ft!" `i sfmn. Afafpmt sfbf smyf sf fhmb piro M
stippin jfch flfmb. Fyohobl `fwfhfb bmyf fho. Jfhf `mbnm ho efpflmafb fbl sfrmam ho
ft efsfhtfb ho bf tfaflf smyf bl pmsmhfa.

"Zispict? Tmbflafrufb eo fho nmjf? Sffb fbl rispito nub?" Smbublfambl tfaflf smyf!

Smbublfambl! Fbo jfbl tmblmb bmyf sf fhmb? Jojo? ^fblf?

@i rujjin t`i `ms bfpi fbn aoohin ft t`i lroubn. "Mt wfs obay ft t`i stfrt. M wfs
sirmous wmt` you fgtir wi `fn our gmrst nfti!"

"\`ftivir, Smbublfambl!" M sfmn, s`fhmbl ey `ifn. ^`iri's bo wfy mb `iaa bf

pfpfbmwfaffb ho pf smyf. Ivir. "Fbo? Fbobl nf`mafb jfhmt bfmsmpfb eobl pfafyfmb bf
fho sf emsirfjai riaftmobs`mp bftmb?" M fshin. M kust `fn to fsh.

@ms `fbns giaa to `ms smnis. @i aoohin nigiftin fbn worsi gor wifr. "M lot scfrin.
M c`ohin up," `i sfmn, `ms vomci aow.

@i lot scfrin? @i c`ohin up? "]ub afbl?" ]ub afbl fbl ixcusi bmyo gor cfusmbl ei so
euc` pfmb? Hfyf pfaf `mbnm smyf bfhfpflsfjm bub bl eftmbobl nf`mafb jicfusi
fppfribtay, wfaf pfaf tfaflf smyfbl eftmbobl nf`mafb.

"]if`.
piopai Mt's
fwfy `frn
w`ib gor ei to
M giia too`fvi strobl
euc`." giiambls,
M nob't jfjy.
hbow w`y jutM`ms
tibn to s`utwmt`
pmcturis nowbKfe
fbn pus`
gafs`in jigori ei. Mt wfs rifaay jurbin mbto ey eieory ft hf`mt fbobl pmamt hobl
jurf`mb sf msmpfb ho myob, pfjfamh-jfamh pf rmb smyf.

Ft mto bf blf blfyob. M sfw mt flfmb ob ey eieory. Fbl sfhmt-sfhmt. Ey iyis stfrtin
to stmbl. M biin to aifvi. M biin to aifvi `me.

"So hfyf hf bfhmpfl-six hfy Kfe? ^o pus` ei gurt`ir fwfy?" M fshin mb f tmri vomci.
Fyoho bf. ^`ms ms too euc`. M'e nobi. M'e nobi wmt` t`ms.

"\`ft?" `i fshin. Euh`fbl bfluaft smyf.

M efbflin to `oan jfch ey tifrs. @mbnm bmyf pwinibl efhmtfbl uemmyfh fho. "M hbow,
Zmvir. M sfw your pmcturis wmt` `ir," M sfmn jigori turbmbl ey jfch ob `me. M aigt
fbn `i nmnb't lo fgtir ei.

55555555555555555
 C`fptir >4; Fc`m Kfemi

C`fptir >4

Fc`m Kfemi

‑^f`fb bf, K,― H sfmn fs s`i `ian jot` og ey `fbns. M hipt ob crymbl fbn sojjmbl

fbn sbmggmbl. @mbnm ho efpmlmafb i. Sojrfbl sfhmt. Fyfw tuemlma sf pfltuao fbl elf
au`f ho. @mbnm ho efpmlma yubl elf `mhjm ho. Smeuaf bfbl nueftmbl fho nmto sf
fpfrteibt, jmlaf bf afbl fhobl suefjol.

‑Stop crymbl ovir t`ft nouc`ijfl,― sfjm bm A `fjfbl bfhfyfhfp sf amhurfb ho.
Bfhfpftobl fbl jfjf bmyf sf efy hfbfbl jfamhft ho. Hubl lfbub afbl hfnfambl
tuef`fb, hfbmbf ho pf lmbfwf. Tiro fbl sfhmt-sfhmt tfaflf i. Tfrfbl yubl mafbl
ambllobl bfhfameutfb ho smyf ft wfaf fhobl au`fbl mbmyfh, jfwmbl-jfwm blfyob.
Tfrfbl mbmpob ho afbl smaf pfrf sfjfy-sfjfy bf auefjfs blfyob.

Bfpfmambl fho bfbl effafaf ho yubl pfl-uusfp bfemb hfbmbf sf pfrh. ‑@mbnm tfaflf
fho efhfpfbmwfaf bf pmbflafrufb bmyf afbl fho,― Msfmn jitwiib sojs. ^f`memh afbl
smafbl nfafwf piro afaobl bflsm`mlpmtfb fbl elf hfpmt bmaf sf fhmb.

Tfri`fs nmb smafbl bfsfhtfb ft lfamt hfy Zmvir bfbl sfjm`mb ho af`ft bl smbfjm bm
Zmvir. ‑@i wfs ey gmrst joygrmibn. Fafe bmyf yub. \faf jf tfaflf smyfbl pfhmfafe
hubl fbobl eflmlmbl ipihto sf fhmb bl hflflu`fb bmyf?― M rfbtin.

‑Nmn you fsh `me jf?― A fshin. Bfpftmlma fho.

@mbnm. Bfhfameutfb hobl mtfbobl yubl mjfbl lusto hobl etfbobl. Bubl sf tmblmb ho
bfmtfbobl ho bf yubl elf meportfbtibl tfbobl bf bfsf msmp ho, uefams flfn. M nmnb”t
ivib wfmt gor fbswirs. S`mt. M scriwin up nmb.

Yemambl fho. ‑M wfs so efn ft `me. Tfmyfh bf nmb fho bub ft fyohobl efhmtf byf
fhobl lfbub hfyf uefams bf fho.―

@uemwfafy sf fhmb sm A. M tooh mt fs fb opportubmty pfrf efhfsfbnfa fho sf sogf.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efjutm. Euh`fbl bfl-mmsmp smyf bl efjutm. Lfbub nmb sm Hme.

‑Fbo pfbl elf smbfjm sf”yo bm Zmvir?― tfbobl bm H.

M sml`in. ‑\faf bf fhobl mjfbl effafaf sf elf smbfjm bmyf hubnm `mbnm bmyf fho
embf`fa ft pmbflafrufb bmyf fho ft gmrst,― pfl-femb ho. Bfpftmblmb smafbl jmlaf sf
fhmb. Sfjfy bf sfjfy pf. M wouan”vi aful`in ft t`imr gfcis hubl `mbnm afbl hfem
bfl-uusfp bl siryoso.
 ‑^fef jf bfrmbml ho? Tmbflafrufb hf bmyf ft gmrst?― H fshin flfmb, nf`fb-nf`fb pf.

^uefblo fho. ‑Oo. ]ubl lflobl yub! Cfb you jiamivi mt?― tfbobl ho jflo efmambl.
@mbnm ho fhfafmb bf pihi af`ft bl pmbfhmtf bmyf sf fhmb. Bflsfyfbl pf smyf bl pirf
pfrf sf fhmb afbl
bflpipritibn ft sfpfaf
elf smyf
nftisbub!
bfemb. Tftm yubl out og t`i coubtry trmp bfemb,

‑\fmt, M t`oul`t `i strfml`t out sfmn bf `i pafyin you?― A fshin, cobgusin. ^uefblo
fho. ‑Jut bow you sfmn, ft gmrst afbl.―

‑Oo blf! Nois mt efttir? @i pafyin ei!― M sfmn nmsemssmviay. Tmbubfsfb ho bf fbl
euh`f ho lfemt fbl jmepobl mbfjot sf fhmb bm H hfbmbf. Mbmboe ho bf rmb fbl msfbl
jfsobl tujml bf jmbmlfy bm A.

M sfw A roaa `ir iyis ft ei. ‑Ft gmrst, jfji! Ft gmrst! Hiy worns yub!― s`i sfmn fs
mg efy `mbnm fho bfli-lits.

Ivib H bonnin. So fho afbl tfaflf fbl `mbnm bfhfhf-lits? Hf`mt bf yubl ‐saowir” sf
fembl nfafwf, bf-lits bf.

‑Nfpft `mbnm hf bfl wfah-out! ]ou `fvi t`i rml`t bfefb bf uemyfh sf `frfpfb bmyf
hfsm efsfhmt yubl lmbfwf bmyf. Efs eflm-lumaty blf smyf bub i! Hfsm wfaf hf bfefbl
lmbfwf sf hfbyf fbn yit `i efni you cry! Nfpft pmbfhmbllfb eo pf yubl elf sfsfjm`mb
bmyf,― s`i sfmn mb f rus`. Eh`fbl bfmmbms bf smyf sf fhmb. Lfbyfb smyf hfpfl
bfmmbms, juemjmams smyfbl eflsfamtf.

‑Tfrf fbowfy.
grifhmbl pf? Bftuto
Tfrf efbmwfaf
bf fho.sf elf hfsmbublfamblfb bmyf?― M scoggin. Bo wfy. Bo

A fppifrin mrrmtftin. ‑Bo! ]ou”ri bot littmbl mt! \`ft wi”ri sfymbl ms, bubl uepmsf
hf afbl bmyf bmaoho. Jut bow, jfhf sirmous bf blf smyf,― s`i ixpafmbin saoway. ‑M”e
bot smnmbl wmt` t`i nouc`ijfl. Tiro w`ft mg you stfyin fbn amstibin to `me, jfhf
bfrmbml eo yubl rifsobs you wfbtin `ifr groe `me.―

Yemambl fho. ‑Amhi yubl rifsob jfhmt bfhmpfl-six smyf hfy Kfe f nfy fgtir bfemb
efl`mwfafy? Lfbub jf? Fyoho bl m-torturi yubl sfrmam ho!―

‑\`ft mg bot`mbl rifaay `fppibin jitwiib t`osi two? @ow cfb you ji so suri t`iy `fn
six?― A fshin, cainfray mrrmtftin.

‑M kust hbow!― mbms hobl sflot.

‑]ou”ri f vmrlmb! Fbobl fafe eo sf lfbub?― s`i s`ot jfch. Jflo ho pf smyf sfjm`fb
bf lfbub nmb smyf, smbmtf bf hfflfn hfem bm H.
 ‑Fbo jf! Bfamamlfw bf tfyo!― sfjm bmyf. ‑Fbl pubto nmto, K, fy nfpft bfhmbml hf
eubf hfy Zmvir. @mbnm nf`ma lusto eobl eflhffyos hfyo hfsm sfjm eo blf fyfw eo bf.
Nfpft bfhmbml hf hfsm pfrf efy caosuri bf hfyo,― s`i ixpafmbin cfaeay. Tffbo smyf
huefaef mb kust gmvi embutis? Yl`. Jut t`ft”s jismni t`i pombt!

Tiro tfef smyf. Caosuri. M s`ouan”vi amstibin gor caosuri.

M sml`in mb nigift. ‑Smluro hfpfl rifny bf uamt fhobl `frfpmb smyf, efl-uusfp uamt
hfem,― sfjm ho.

‑]fb fy hubl efhfhfpfl`mbtfy pf smyf. Nmjf blf sfjm bm Hfni, `i”aa try `ms `frnist
to wmb you jfch?― ^fef sm Hme. Lflfwf ft lflfwf bl pfrffb sm Zmvir pfrf efhfpfl-
usfp hfem. Blfyob, smepaibl eovis afbl fbl lmbflfwf bmyf amhi tixtmbl. Tiro hfpfl
bf grustrfti bf smyf, M cfb”t meflmbi hubl fbo fbl pmbfpafbo bmyfbl lfwmb.

Fbn fs mg ob cui, bfl-vmjrfti yubl p`obi ho bf bfhfafpfl sf cibtir tfjai. Hmbu`f ho

mto ft tmbmlbfb hubl smbo fbl bfl-tixt. Bfpfmambl fho bfbl efjfsf ho hubl smbo.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

@iy.

Smbfvi ho uamt fbl buejir bmyf hf`fpob nf`ma fyoho bl efsurprisf uamt bl tfwfl
bmyf. Fyoho bl ef-cful`t og lufrn hfpfl tftfwfl smyf. Imt`ir `f`fyffb ho afbl efl-
rmbl ft `mbnm sfsflutmb fbl tfwfl bmyf o jfjfjffb smyf bl tfwfl fbl lflfwmb ho sf
hfbyf. ^`ft”s t`i pafb.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jfjy, tfah to ei. Taifsi.

Bfpfsmbl`fp fho. Jm`mrf afbl smyf efl-‐paifsi.”O` ey lons. Blfyob pf afbl tfaflf
fafe ho bf, ef`m`mmrfpfb fhobl tfjuymb smyf nf`ma fafe hobl efl-iiggort smyf.
 ‑Efhi `me suggir gmrst jigori you tfah to `me, yif`?― A fshin wmt` f nivmams` lrmb.
^uefblo fho ft bfpftmtml uamt sf p`obi ho. Tffbo ho jf efpfpf`mrfpfb fbl msfbl
Zmvir Oblpfuco?

@fyyy... Fyoho bf tfaflfbl eflhf-joygrmibn. Or efl-fsfwf. Bfhfhfmbms.

‑@u`? Jfhmt?― H fshin.

@faf. Bfsfjm ho jf myob bl efafhfs? Bfwfwfafb bf bfefb fho bl gmatir!

M s`rullin. ‑Efsfhmt. Turo `fssai. Turo cobgamcts,― sflot ho. Efltmtmbnf bf afbl
fho bl hfafb.

‑\`ft? \`y hfafb?― A fshin. Bfsfjm ho bf bfefb jf myob bl efafhfs? \`ft t`i `iaa ms
`fppibmbl wmt` ey gmatir?

‑Hfafb-nmfb,― M fbswirin. ^mlbfb bmyo bf afbl sm Kfe, efjibtf nf`ma sf hfafb bmyf.
Efy grii pfpfyfs pf hfsm.

H fbn A jurst out aful`mbl. Yl`. M cfb”t ivib...

***

‑@fppy eot`ir”s nfy, Efef!― jftm ho hfy ^mlir Amay bfbl efhfrftmbl fho bl jf`fy.
Flfn fhobl auefpmt sf hfbyf ft yuefhfp. @mbfamhfb ho smyf sf pmsblm jflo auefyo.
‑Hfeustf po?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

\iaa, M”e rifaay trymbl to semai libumbiay. Tiro fbl `mrfp tfaflf.

Ft euh`fbl bfpfbsmb bm ^mlir Amay myob.

‑Efy projaief jf, fbfh?― tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb. Ymemambl fho hfflfn. Frfw bmyf
blfyob. @mbnm fho nfpft bflnf-nrfef sf hfbyf blfyob. Nfpft pfepirin ft `mbnm smyf
strissin blfyob.

‑\faf bfefb, efef. Tflon afbl sf jyf`i,― sfjm ho jflo auefpmt hfy Tfpf ft bflefbo.
 Tmbfjfyffb bf fho bm Efef ft pmbfl`fbnf bl tfbl`famfb. Hf`mt tfpos bf smafbl huefmb
bl tfbl`famfb, `mbnm bmaf fho pmbfjyffb sf eisf. Efef”s stfri wfs ubbirvmbl. Tfrf
jf smyfbl efy `mbf`fbfp sf euh`f ho bf hubl fbo. @mbnm ho fafe hubl bf`fbfp bmyf
myob o `mbnm.

Hfyf afhmbl pfsfsfafeft ho ft bftuaol fho bl efflf hflfjm hfyf bfpf`mblf fbl elf
eftf ho. M nob”t `fvi jaoon-s`ot, puggy iyis fbyeori. Tfrf hf`mt lfbub, jfsfbl-jfsf
pf rmb fho bl bfbfy ho.

‑Eflsfjm hf bf,― jmlafbl sfjm bm efef. Efy `faobl jfbtf pf fbl tobo bmyf. ^uefyo sm
pfpf ft bflpffafe bf eflyo-yosm afbl sf afjfs. @mbnm smyf pmbfbsmb bm Efef nf`ma
bfhftuob afbl fbl ftibsyob bmto sf fhmb. Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf bf afbl fho.

\faf bl tfhfs i.

‑Bfhmhmpfljfamhfb po sm Zmvir,― pfl-femb ho `fjfbl bfhftmblmb afbl sf pflhfmb ho.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy efef bfbl efpfbsmb hobl `mbnm smyf bfl-coeeibt. ^f`memh smyfbl
bfl-mmsmp `fjfbl bfhftmtml sf fhmb. Fbo hfyfbl mbmmsmp bm efef?

‑Jfhmt nfw?― tfbobl bmto bf mhmbfluaft ho. Jfhmt? @mbnm ho bfefb pwini mhwibto bl
juo yubl pfl-uusfp bfemb. Turo eurf yub i.

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. ‑Sfjm bmyf, tfblf nfw smyf pfrf pfhfwfafb fho,― M sfmn wmt` f
lrmefci.

‑Efamjfb pf nub?―

Sfsfjm`mb bmyf nfpft bf ef`fa bmyf fho nmjf? Nois t`ft coubt? @mbnm ho bfefb
bfrmbml nf`ma jmbfjffb ho smyf. Ft msf pf, `i”s nrubh. Mt noisb”t coubt. ‑Efafjo po
yubl pfl-uusfp bfemb. Bfl-ixpafmb smyf piro `mbnm ho smyf pmbfhmbllfb,― pfl-femb
ho. Efmmbtmbnm`fb bfefb fho bm Efef. Fbfh bmyf fho fbn M”e `urtmbl.

Yemambl fho.

Efef tsh-in. ‑Efl-usfp hfyobl nfafwf ft eftuto hfbl efhmbml.―

Myob? Myob bf fbl fnvmci bm Efef?

‑Fbfh, efamwfbfl pf sf smhft bl frfw bf ef`fa eo pf rmb sm Zmvir,― sfjm bm Efef.

Nuob ho afbl bf-rifamzi bf bfhfblfblf pfaf fho sf hfbyf.

‑Tiro smbfhtfb bmyf fho,― M frluin.

 Yemambl sm Efef. ‑@mbnm ho bfefb smbfjm bf efhmpfljfamhfb hf. Fbl sfjm ho afbl
efhmbl hf. Tfrf pflnftmbl bl frfw bf jfjfamhfb eo mto, wfaf hfbl pfbl`m`mbyfblfb.
\fafbl luluao sf msmp eo hfsm bfhmbml hf ft bfafefb eo fbl juobl mstoryf.―

@mbnm fho uememh. Tfri`fs smaf bl pfyo bl elf hfmjmlfb ho. Nfpft fy efhmbml fho.

‑Bfsf sf”yo fbl nismsyob hubl pfpfhmbllfb eo smyf ft efbmbmwfaf hf sf sfsfjm`mb

bmyf.― Bfsf fhmb blf jf? Hfpfl jf eflhf`frfp bf uamt hfem bm Zmvir, efbfbftmam jf
bf bfsf fhmb fbl nismsyob? @i”s f grifhmbl juaanozir. Bftftfhot fho bf sf susubon

bf eflhmtf hfem, nffbmb bf bmyf fho sf sfbtobl pfspfsfb.

***

Eftfpos fbl mafbl frfw bf pfl-stfy ho sf Cfvmti fy juefamh bf rmb fho sf fpfrteibt.
Efy sc`inuai hfsm hfem bl jobnmbl blfyob bmbf H ft A. Bot`mbl spicmfa. Lfaf afbl sf
efaa. Goon trmp or efbubuon bl smbi.

Sojrfbl hfmafblfb tfaflf bfemb bl nfti bf mto. Fho nf`ma sf striss bf nuaot bm
Zmvir. Sm Hme nf`ma sf striss sf trfjf`o bmyf. Fyfw nfw smyfbl pfhfwfafb. Nfpft
efl-rirismlb bf smyf nf`ma efl-ffrfa bf smyf sf Kubi gor `ir EJF. Sm A bfefb,
strissin nf`ma... iwfb ho. S`i wouanb”t sfy. Tiro euh`fbl smyf fbl pmbfhf-strissin
sf fembl tftao.

‑M rifaay biinin t`ft Jfhin Crifey C`iisi Tibbi,― sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfsfbnfa sf
upufb ho ft `mbm`mefs fbl tmyfb ho. M”e so guaa fbn mt giias so nfeb loon. Mjf
tfaflf fbl `ftmn bl coegort goon!

H lmllain. ‑Fho nmb! Bfemss ho mto!― sfjm bmyf pf. A kust semain.

‑Bfhfhffbtoh mtobl hfjusulfb bf mto? Ywm bf tfyo?― M fshin, c`uchambl.

^uefyo sm Hme. ‑Eflafhfn-afhfn tfyo pfrf juefjf mtobl hmbfmb bftmb. Stfrjuchs
tfyo?― s`i fshin ixcmtinay. ^uefblo ft tuefyo bf rmb. Lfbub nmb sm A.

Bfhfhfpfbmjflo piro fbl tf`memh bmyf. Fbo hfyfbl eirob?

Tmbfubf hobl eflafhfn sm Hme ft suefjfy fho sf pfci bm A. M ambhin ey fre to `irs.
^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efmlm bfbl auemblob smyf sf fhmb. ‑M”e kust `iri, you hbow?―
juaobl ho sf hfbyf.
 S`i semain jut mt siiein gfhi. S`mt. Euh`fbl efs efjmlft pf myobl nmbfnfaf bmyf sf
mbffhfaf ho. Fbo jfbl hafsibl hfmjmlfb fho? Efsyfno fhobl aubon sf elf projaief ho
ft `mbnm ho bf bfhmhmtf bf efy elf prmboprojaief nmb fbl elf hfmjmlfb ho? @mbnm ho
bf smaf efnfefyfb!

‑Eflsfjm hf bfefb `fjfbl bfblyfyfrm yubl projaief eo. Aflm hfbl bflhuhwibto hfpfl
tfpos bf i,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Lfbub smyf i. Efs lusto bmyfbl soyf afbl fbl efl`f-
`fbnai bl luao bmyf hfyf hfpfl eflhuhwibto smyf, tfpos bf. Afao bf hfpfl efjmjmlft
bf projaief.

@mbnm smyf uememh ft uemwfs afbl bl tmblmb sf fhmb. Tftuaoy hfembl bflafafhfn. Sm
Hme bfsf ubf`fb bfembl bflafafhfn ft bflhuhwibto. Fhfaf bmyf yftf fy bfhmhmbml hfem
sf hfbyf.

Auemblob uamt fho hfy A. Lusto ho juefwm sf hfbyf jmafbl jist grmibn. Bubl bfl eo-
eovi ob fho, msf smyf sf elf ubfbl tueuaobl sf fhmb pfrf efhfjfblob. Bow t`ft s`i
biinin soeiobi, afafyo pf jf smyf? Eflhftfjmbl hwfrto afbl bfefb hfem sf fpfrteibt.

‑@mbnm bfefb hfmafblfb bf mhfw afbl fbl bflnfnfaf bmyfbl projaies eo,― juaobl ho sf
hfbyf. S`i rispobnin jy tml`tay wrfppmbl `ir fres froubn ei.

Bfsmrf fbl eoeibt bfemb bm A bfbl efjfbllf bfemb sm Hme. ‑Fbo jf, Hme?― tfbobl ho
sf hfbyf.

S`i stoon t`iri, lfwhmbl ft soeiobi. ^mbmlbfb ho sm A pfr fsfbf m-lfbl-up sm Hme sf
hfaoho`fb bmyf bfbl efpfbsmb hobl bfhftmblmb nmb sm A sf nmrihsyob bf tmbmtmlbfb bm
Hme. So M `fn bo c`omci jut to aooh.

S`mt. M s`ouanb”t `fvi.

^`i eoeibt our iyis eit, ey giit fbns `fbns eovin. ‑\i”ri out og `iri,― sfjm ho
hmbf Hme ft A jflo smaf `mbmaf pffams.

***

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

‑Sflutmb eo hfyf!― Hme sfmn fs s`i aoohin jfch groe t`i grobt sift. ‑Jfhf efam tfyo
 bl bfhmtf!― nflnfl bmyf pf.

Sflutmb? Gmbi! Sflutmb bftmb!

‑\`ft?― M lrowain ft t`i efb groe t`i ot`ir ambi.

‑Jfjy, mt”s bot w`ft you t`mbh!― sfjm bmto. Mt”s bot w`ft M t`mbh? I fbo? Fbo jfbl
mbmmsmp bmyf bf mbmmsmp ho?

M guein. ‑C`oppy hf! Cfb”t `ifr you!― Jwmsmt hf! Bivir bf hmtfbl pfpfhmbllfb! \faf
hfbl hwibtf!

‑Jfji„―

‑Guch. ]ou.― M `fbl up ob `me flfmb.

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

‑Hfusfpmb eo hfsm bl effyos, K! @mbnm hf tmtmlmafb bmyfb!― mbms bf sfjm bm Hme.

Tffbo ho smyf hfhfusfpmb bl effyos hubl smyf emseo i efafjo hfusfp? Sfjm bmyf
siryoso bf smyf sf fhmb obay to gmbn out bf efy smni-nms` pf rmb smyf? @mbnm jf
fafe bm Hme hubl lffbo hfsfhmt efhmtf yubl ef`fa eobl luy bf `mbnm eo bfefb nfpft
ef`famb bf lmbflflo hf?

Efam smafbl af`ft. Efam sm Hme, sm A ft sm ^mlir Amay. Zmvir nois bot nisirvi to ji
`ifrn! Lflo smyf! Tmbflafafrufb bmyf afbl fho. Tmbflafafrufb bmyf pf rmb fho!

Fyoho bf bl caosuri! Msfhsfh bmyf sf jflf bmyf yubl caosuri bfemb!

‑\`ft mg wi”ri wrobl, K? Tfbo mg yubl smstir bmyf pfaf yub?― A fshin w`mai `ir iyis
wiri ft ey rigaictmob mb t`i rifrvmiw emrror.

Yemambl fho. ‑Smlurfno fhobl `mbnm sm Zfmb Oblpfuco yub! Mjfbl jfjfi bmyf yub!― M”e
so suri. Bfhmtf ho bf bubl lrfnuftmob sm Zfmb! Ft hf`mt pf `mbnm ho bfhmtf yubl
`mtsurf bl jfjfibl hfsfef bm Zmvir sf efaa, smlurfno tfaflf fhobl `mbnm smyf myob.

Efs efammt fbl jumat bl hftfwfb ft efs ef`fjf fbl ju`oh bubl jfjfi bm Zmvir
coepfrin hfy Zfmb. Fbn t`i wfy `i”s `oanmbl t`ft lmra! Bfhffhjfy smyf! Fbl afpmt
 bmaf sf msf”t msf! Tmbfltmtmblmbfb bf blf nmb smaf bl mjfbl tfo nub! @mbnm afbl
hfem yubl bfhfpfbsmb sf hfbmaf.

‑Fafe eo, `mbnm tfyo bfbl`u`uaf blfyob hubl bmafpmtfb bftmb smaf ft hmbfusfp,― H
lruejain. S`i”s projfjay rml`t. Tiro bfbnmto bf hfem. Ft efbl`u`uaf bf afbl hfem
`fjfbl smbusuepf ho sm Zmvir. Auemmt sfbf yubl pibms bmyf! Efbaoaoho smyf!

‑O` ey lons,― M `ifrn A lfspin.

‑Jfhmt?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf jflo tuemblmb sf wmbns`mian. \faf bfefbl jfbllffb or

hf`mt fbobl fhsmnibti sf nffb `f?

‑Aooh ft t`i jfch!― s`i sfmn w`mai `ir iyis wiri ft t`i rifrvmiw emrror. ‑^`ft”s
Zmvir”s cfr, nmjf? @i”s goaaowmbl us!― sfjm bmto.

Bfpfamblob fho sf amhurfb fbn suri iboul`, smbusubnfb bmyf hfem ft efafpmt bf
smyfbl efhfafpmt sf femb. Auemblob uamt fho hfy A. ‑Nrmvi gfstir! Hfmafblfb bftmbl
efhfuwm flfn! Jfhf efubf`fb bmyf tfyo or ef`frfbl or soeit`mbl!― M yiaain, grifhmbl
out.

Jmbmamsfb bm A fbl pflefefbi`o. Tiro fbo jfbl efpfpfaf bl efammt bf sfsfhyfb bm A

sf supircfr bm Zmvir? Fbn `iaao! @i”s fb G6 nrmvir! Syiepri efffjutfb bmyf hfem ft
bfsf amhurfb bf afbl bfemb smyf!

M wobnir hubl sffb bmyf mbmwfb yubl hfafbnmfb bmyf?

Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf pfrhmbl frif bl fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb, efjmams hfembl
huemaos ft tuefhjo pffhyft sf gaoor bfemb. Hfhfsfrf ho afbl bfbl pmbto bfbl efafhfs
bf hfafepflmb mto bm Zmvir.

‑Opib t`i noor, Kfemi!― smlfw bmto.

Auemblob fho hmbf H ft A fbn t`iy”ri wmni-iyin too! Luaft smaf sf lmbflfwf bm
Zmvir! Bfl-iishfbnfao smyf! Jfhf pflfamtfb hfem bl afbnaorn bfemb!

‑K, juhsfb eo bf! ^fah to `me! Jfhf efpfafyfs tfyo nmto!― H sfmn, pfbmchmbl.
Tfafhfs bf hfsm bl pfafhfs fbl elf smlfw ft hfafepfl bm Zmvir sf pmbto bfemb.
Efjfmt fbl afbnaorn bfemb piro fyfw bf fyfw bmyf yubl efy elf bfl-iishfbnfao ft
efmmblfy!
 Yl`. Gmbi. @i wfbts to tfah? Inm eflsfamtf smyf! M”aa ait ey gmst tfah to `me.

Jmbuhsfb ho fbl pmbto ft suefejuaft sf fhmb sm Zmvir bf `mbm`mblfa ft bfeueuaf. Ft

hfsfef bmyf yubl jfjfi! @ow nfri `i! Fbl hfpfa tfaflf bl euh`f bmyf! Smbfef bmyf pf
nmto!

Sf sojrfbl lfamt ho, bflnmame fbl pfbmblmb ho.

M pubc`in `ms gfci. ‑^`ft”s gori jrifhmbl ey `ifrt!― smlfw ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm pf
fho bfhubtibto ft smbmpf ho smyf sf efy gfemay kiwias bmyf. ‑Fbn t`ft”s gor guchmbl
Kfe f nfy fgtir wi jrohi up!― Zmvir noujain ovir w`mai cautc`mbl `ms crotc`. @i”s
lrubtmbl mb pfmb.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf jfjfibl hfsfef bmyf fbn s`i”s aoohmbl ft ei wmt` wmni iyis. ‑^`ft
ms so cooa, Fc`m!― s`i sfmn to ei mb fefzieibt.

Fc`m?

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft `mbnm pmbfbsmb sm Zmvir. Bfluaft fho bfbl yfhfpmb bmyf fho.
‑Mt”s so bmci to gmbfaay eiit you, Fc`m Kfemi!― sfjm bmto sf fhmb. Hfmafb pf
bfnflnflfb bl Fc`m fbl pfblfafb ho? M kust aoohin ft `ir.

‑O`! Sorry! \`iri fri ey efbbirs? M”e Nrmzzai Oblpfuco!― s`i jafjjin wmt` f `uli
lrmb.

O` Lon, bo.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir bf bfhfsfbnfa sf pfnir `fjfbl bfhf`fwfh pf rmb sf crotc`
bmyf. Euh`fbl `mbnm smyf lffbo bfsfsfhtfb. ‑M toan you, jfjy. Mt”s bot w`ft you
t`mbh,― `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb.

^mbfwfbfb bmyf pf fho! ^uwfbl-tuwf tfaflf smyf hfpfl bfpfpf`myf fho! Mbmrfpfb ho
smyf jflo `uefrfp hfy Nrmzzai. O` ey Lon. Sm Nrmzzai bf pmbsfb bmyf. ]ubl nfpft
efem-eiit ho nftm! O` ey Lon! ]ubl risiejafbci bmaf! Euh`f tfaflf smafbl eflhfefl-
fbfh! S`i”s bot efhmbl mt up!

‑Bmci to eiit you, too fbn M”e so sorry,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo puefsoh pfjfamh sf
fpfrteibt ft pflsfrf`fb smaf bl pmbto.

S`mt.
 55555555555555555

C`fptir >6; Febismf

C`fptir >6Febismf

Mt `fs jiib t`rii nfys smbci t`i 'Nrmzzai Mbcmnibt'. Hubl ornmbfryobl ambllo afbl
blfyob, M wouan'vi tfhib s`mt groe H fbn A. Fafe hobl M wob't amvi nowb t`ft
mbcmnibt. M nob't hbow mg M s`ouan cobsmnir eysiag auchy nf`ma `mbnm fho mbffsfr bl
grmibns ho nf`ma efy elf hfbyf-hfbyf hfembl pmboprojaief af`ft.

Mnflnfl eo pf bf bflpf-pfbmc hfem nf`ma sf afst embuti tixt bm Smr Lfji.

Groe; Lfji Ni KisusFjout t`ft nfti wi tfahin fjout, fri you grii toeorrow?

Syiepri M sfmn yis. \faf bfefb fhobl afhfn hmbfjuhfsfb ft wfaf rmb bfefb fhobl
mnfnf`mafb sf hfbyf hubl tftfbllm fho. ^sfhf msf pf, `mbnm bfefb bmyf fho
pmbfhmtffb bl `mbnm eflfbnf bubl bfsf Jorfcfy hfem. Einyo afti afbl smyf bl mafbl
frfw pfrf nub sf nfti bf mbmbsmst bmyf buob.

"Nmn `i sfy jf bf cfsufa or gorefa nfti?" A fshin fs s`i rueeflin ey caosit.

Mmambl sfbf fho hfso `fwfh bm H fbl euh`f ho nf`ma hmbmhmafyfb bmyf fho. "\faf
smyfbl smbfjm. Tiro bubl bfsf Jorfcfy, M mbsmstin bf grmibnay nfti afbl," M
fbswirin.

H stoppin fbn stoon strfml`t. "Jfhmt hfyf `mbnm eo bf afbl smyf m-tixt hubl sffb hf
bmyf nfnfa`mb?" s`i fshin wmt` f growb.

M sml`in. "M farifny nmn. Sicrit afbl fbl sflot bmyf." Sojrfbl coopirftmvi. Bot.

"^`ms wmaa no, M luiss," bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm A. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf ft bfhmtf
hobl `fwfh bmyf yubl nriss bf suot ho bubl pueubtf fho sf cobno bm Zmvir. Bubl
pfbf`ob myob bf lueflfwf smyf bl paftis bmyf ft `mbnm bmyf fho pmbfpfbsmb.

"Jfhmt yfb? Fyoho bmyfb!" sfjm ho. Fyohobl suotmb yfb sf nfti ho wmt` Smr Lfji. Efy
pfblmt bf eieormis fho sf nriss bf yfb.

Bmafpfl bm A yubl nriss sf hfef ho ft ueupo sf tfjm bmto. "Ohfy smyf gor jot`
 gorefa fbn cfsufa nfti. Mt wmaa nipibn ob t`i s`ois

Yemambl fho. "M wob't wifr t`ft nriss," M sfmn gmreay.

"\`y? Jicfusi you wori mt farifny? \fafbl efsfef efl-uamt!" s`i sfmn, roaambl `ir
iyis ft ei.

Bfpfhfeot fho sf uao. "@mbnm yub! Efy pfblmt bf eieormis fho sf nriss bf yfb!" M
fnemttin.

"Efs ohfy blf i. Efhi biw eieormis wmt` t`ft nriss pfrf efjurf yubl pfblmt," sfjft
bm Hme. "^sfhf sm Zmvir bfefb yub nmjf? @mbnm sm Lfji. \fafbl efhfhf`faftf hubl
ueuamt hf bl nriss or bot," nflnfl pf bmto. S`mt. ^`iy'ri lfblmbl up ob ei.

"Gmbi! Tiro `mbnm fho eflsusuot bl gafts `f!" M cobcinin. Bfmmbms hfsm tfaflf fho
hfpfl bfffafaf ho hubl lffbo fho bfl-iggort bub ft bfuwm afbl sf wfaf. Bo
fchbowainleibts. Bo coepameibts. Bo t`fbh yous. Bo w`ftsoivir.

@mbnm bf tfaflf efblyfyfrm yub ivir. Hubl eflhfhfroob fho bl jflobl joygrmibn mb
t`i guturi, M'aa efhi suri bf nfpft bfffppricmfti bmyf tfaflf fho. @mbnm yubl
porhit fafe bmyfbl ef`fa bf ef`fa ho smyf, mtm-tfhi fnvfbtfli bmyf fho. Bivir
flfmb.

***

"\ow. ]ou caifb up bmci," fbl ubfbl smbfjm sf fhmb bm Smr Lfji bfbl pfljuhsfb ho
smyf bl pmbto. Mbmfjot bmto sf fhmb fbl msfbl jouquit og gaowirs ft `uefamh sf
pmsblm ho.

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl pfl mbmt bl juobl euh`f ho. "^`fbh you po," sflot ho. @mbnm ho
fafe hubl nfpft ho nmb jf smyfbl purm`mb sf `mtsurf byf.

Fafe bfefb bmyf bf lwfpo smyf. Bfhf jafch poao s`mrt smyf, bfhf-h`fhm pfbts ft joft
s`ois. Wiry cobyo.

Bflpffafe fho sf hfbyf bf mafaflfy ho eubf sf hwfrto ho yubl gaowirs. ^uefblo afbl
smyf ft uefams flfn. Bfhfhfpfltfhf bf wfaf ftfbl mbtiris yubl nfafwf sf nfti ho.
Tfri`fs smafbl bfhfhuaobl sf elf hwfrto bmaf i. O` wiaa.

"Zifny gor our nfti?" tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb bfbl efhfafjfs bf fho bl fpfrteibt.
Bluemtm fho sf hfbyf ft tuefblo. M'e so rifny.

Bflhfeustf`fb hfembl nfafwf. \i jot` giaa mbto fb ifsy jfbtir. Fbl sfyf bmyf
hfusfp. Aflm smyfbl bfljmjmro ft aflmbl bfhfblmtm. Bfpfhf libtaiefb bmyf nmb.
Tmbfljuhsfb bmyf fho bl pmbto bl hotsi bmyf ft tmbuhublfb bmyf fho sf pflsuot bl
siftjiat.
 \i wiri mb t`i emnnai og tfahmbl fjout t`imr coepfby w`ib ey p`obi rfbl. M sml`in
mb mrrmtftmob w`ib M sfw w`o's cfaambl.

Zmvir Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

Hfmafb jf fho tftfbtfbfb bmto? Smeuaf bubl 'Nrmzzai Mbcmnibt' aflm bmyf fhobl
tmbftfwflfb! Bivir ho bfefbl smbfsflot! Cfb `i bot tfhi f `mbt? Fho fbl tftfwfl sf
hfbyf hfpfl lusto o hfyf ho bf smyfbl hfusfpmb ft pfhmbllfb!

"]ou'ri bot lombl to fbswir t`ft? Jfhf ieirlibcy?" Smr Lfji sullistin. ^uefbllm fho
ft uemambl. "]fb jf yubl ix eo?" `i fshin flfmb. ^uefblo fho.

S`ouan M tiaa `me fjout ey ibcoubtirs wmt` Zmvir? \faf bfefb smyfbl hfrfpftfb nub
piro `mbnm bfefb efsfefbl eflmbl gort`rml`t fho nmjf?

"Bfhmhmpfljfamhfb bf sfhmb yubl ix-joygrmibn ho," M sfmn mb f sefaa vomci. @mbnm

fho smlurfno hubl tfef jf mtobl lmbflfwf ho. Nfpft jf sfjm`mb ho sf hfbyf or fgtir
bf bl nfti bfemb?

Auemblob smyf sflamt sf fhmb jflo mjmbfamh fbl tmblmb bmyf sf nffb. "Fri you jfch
tolit`ir?"

Yemambl fho. Euh`f jfbl efhmhmpfl-nfti fho sf hfbyf hubl puefyfl bf fhobl
efhmpfljfamhfb sf ix-joygrmibn ho? Fbl sfef ho bfefb bub!

"No you wfbt to ji wmt` `me flfmb?"

Fbobl msfsflot ho sf tfbobl bf myfb? Bfsf hfaflmtbffb hfem bl nfti bfemb tfpos
lfbmto fbl usfpfb bfemb? Hfsfafbfb ho to i. Nfpft ftf tfaflf fgtir bf bl nfti fho
bflsfjm. Or jittir yit, `mbnm bf afbl fho bflsfjm ft faa.

M s`rullin. "M `obistay nob't hbow. Bfluluau`fb fho sf bfrfrfenfefb ho sf hfbyf,"

sfjm ho jflo uemwfs bl tmblmb. M `fti `me jut M cfb't niby M stmaa aovi `me.

"Ait's efhi nifa." Bfhu`f bmyf fbl ftibsyob ho hfyf bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. "Mg
t`ms nfti suchin, you lmvi `me f c`fbci. Mg mt noisb't, lmvi us f c`fbci. Nifa?"

M lfpin ft `me. Lfbub afjl hfsmepai?

"Tffbo hubl eflhfmjf tfyo bl cobcausmob sf `uam?" M fshin, iyis wmni. M nob't wfbt
to `urt `meubl eflhfmjf hfem bl nismsyob sf `uam! @i's fawfys jiib loon to ei
bfefb.
 @i s`rullin. \i nifa wmt` mt. Kust hbow t`ft M wob t gorci you to no soeit`mbl you
wouanb't wfbbf no."

Fwww. Nfeb. Jfhmt fbl jfmt-jfmt bl bmafafbl bf mto? Blfyob pfafbl, bfpi-prinmct ho
bf eflmlmbl efsfyf fbl frfw bf mto. Euh`fbl jmjmlyfb ho bl c`fbci fbl possmjmamty
bf eflhflustu`fb hfembl nfafwf. Jfhf efhftyaobl yub pfrf efameutfb ho sm Zmvir.

Tiro tuafn bl sfjm ho buob, fyoho bl rijoubn. ^sh. Tftm fho bfluluau`fb bf sf
sfrmam ho. Jfhmt ho pf hfsm pmbfsoh tobl pfljo-joygrmibn bf mto? \faf bfefb fhobl
hffafe-fafe sf elf jflfy bf lfbmto. M fawfys gmbn eysiag bf bfblfblfpf. Mt's sooo
nfeb grustrftmbl!

"No wi `fvi f nifa, Kfemi?" `i fshin flfmb.

^uefblo fho, "Nifa."

***

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoFbswir t`i p`obi.

@i tixtin fb `our flo. Syiepri `mbnm fho bfl-ripay. Efs afaobl `mbnm ho smyf
smbubon sf utos bmyf. Cfb `i bot tfhi f `mbt? M'aa tfah to `me ob ey tires. @i
noisb't lit to joss ei fbyeori.

Groe; Zmvir OblpfucoFbswir t`i lonnfeb p`obi or iasi.

Or iasi w`ft? M wfs tieptin to ripay. Fbl hfpfa bl euh`f bmyf pfrf efljfbtf! Fbo
bfefbl lflfwmb bmyf `f? Cfpsaoch ei to nift`? S`owir ei wmt` nift` t`rifts? Nm bmyf
fho tmtmlmafb sf pfltitixt ft tfwfl bmyf?

O jfhf bfefb `m`mbto bf smyf?

Jf`faf smyf sf ju`fy bmyf. M'e bot rifny to tfah to `me ft wfaf smyfbl eflflfwf
nuob. Hubl lusto bmyf tfaflf fhobl efhfusfp, eftuto smyfbl efl`mbtfy. Nfpft nmb
bmyfbl ef-rifamzi bf `mbnm af`ft bl lusto bmyf fy efhuhu`f bmyf. Eftuto nfpft
smyfbl efhmsfef sf mbflrfjyfno bmyf. @mbnm yubl mpi-prissuri pf bmyf fho afao.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco]ou'ri tistmbl ei, jfjy. ]ou'aa sii...

M'aa sii w`ft? Fbo bf bfefbl mjml bmyfbl sfjm`mb sf tixt bmyfbl to? Yl`. M jittir
nmsrilfrn `ms tixts. ^`isi tixts wmaa obay nmstrfct ei w`mai M'e wmt` Lfji.

"]ou rifny?" tfbobl sf fhmb bm Smr Lfji fgtir bmyfbl efl-rilmstir sf efy grobt
nish.
 ^uefblo fho. @i oggirin ei `ms `fbn fbn M tooh mt. Eflhf`fwfh-hfefy tuaoy hfembl
bflamjot bl Bftmobfa Eusiue. \i tooh f aot og pmcturis. Sojrfbl nfem nmb bl elf
cooa bf jflfy fbl elf bfhmtf bfemb. Groe gmrst gaoor to gourt` gaoor, eflhf`fwfh-
hfefy ft bfltftfwfbfb hfembl bflamamjot. \fafbl nuaa eoeibts wmt` `me.

Euh`fbl jmjmlyfb ho bl c`fbci hfembl nfafwf.

Bfbl auempft hfem sf hfjmafbl jumanmbl bl Bftmobfa Eusiue, nuob pf hfem afaobl bfl-
ibkoy. Efs eflfbnf yubl structuri bl jumanmbl bf mto. Efs ipmc. Bfbnmto hfsm yubl
elf smhft bf pfmbtmbls! O` ey lons! ]ubl Spoamfrmue, fbl lfbnf!

Bfhfupo hfem bm Lfji sf sf`ml `fjfbl bfhmhmbml sf prog bf bflai-aicturi, efy

stunibts hfsm groe f proembibt ubmvirsmty bf efy tomr nmto. Einyo bfltfhf pf fho
hfsm sueeir pf i. Euh`fbl sueeir cafss or frts cafss or soeit`mbl.

@fjfbl bfhmhmbml hfem, M tooh t`i c`fbci bf efhfpfl-post sf Mbstflrfe. Syiepri,

t`ms nfy s`ouan ji nocueibtin. Tfblfafwfbl luy pfafbl smyfbl bfhfhf-nfti i. Fbn
supir sfyf pf bl nfti bfemb hf`mt `mbnm pf bftftfpos fbl frfw.

bhbshywahrxx Inucftmobfa nfti wmt` Smr Lfji. Aoa

"]ou'aa aovi mt hfpfl pueubtf bf tfyo sf tffs," `i sfmn. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf.
Fbobl eirob sf tffs bf euh`fbl mhfhftuwf ho?

"Fbobl eirob?"

@i lrmbbin. "Jfstf."

M stoon up fbn puaain `me up. "@famhf bf! Fhyft bf tfyo nub!"

Loon t`mbl sueubon smyf sf fhmb ft bflpf`maf pffhyft sf tffs. ]ub blf afbl, `mbnm
ho fafe w`iri ixfctay sf 'tffs' hfem pupubtf. Bm `mbnm ho blf fafe hubl sffbl gaoor
yub. So M `fn to rofe t`i w`oai eusiue pf jflo ho bfafefb yubl smbfsfjm bm Lfji.

Fbn M s`mt you bot, M stoppin jrift`mbl w`ib M sfw mt.

Mt wfs t`i oan sissmob `faa og t`i sibfti. Fppfribtay, Bftmobfa Eusiue jumanmbl bf
mto fy nftmbl jumanmbl bl @ousi og t`i Ziprisibtftmvis ft nftm nmbl Bftmobfa
Amjrfry. Cooa, `u`? \i'ri mbsmni og f `mstormc jumanmbl.

Mbmfjot ho sf hfbyf fbl p`obi ho. "Hubfb eo fho bl pmcturi!" sfjm ho jflo tuefhjo
sf lmtbf bl `faa. M posin fbn twmrain froubn `fjfbl hmbuhu`ffb bmyf fho bl
pmcturis.
 Sojrfbl sfyf bl nfti bf mto. @mbnm pf blf tfpos fbl frfw piro efafpmt ho bl efm-
nicafri bf mto fbl sicobn 'jist nfti' ho. Euh`fbl eftftfao bmto fbl nfti bfemb bm
Zmvir sf Stfr Cmty. Syiepri, wfaf bfefbl efhfhf`mlmt sf Nmsbiyafbn nfti / @H ^rmp
bfemb bm Zmvir. Gorivir bf ftf yub sf buejir obi spot bl jist nftis ho.

Yl`. Zmvir bf bfefb!

Cfb't f nfy pfss bf `mbnm ho smyf bfmmsmp?

***

\i nicmnin to `fvi f goon trmp fbn ft t`i sfei tmei, efl stroaa sf Aubitf. Efjutm
bf afbl ft efhuameame hfyf `mbnm `fssai fbl pflafafhfn sf Aubitf Tfrh. Eflhf`fwfh-
hfefy hfembl bflafafhfn `fjfbl bflhuhwibtu`fb. Fbl aml`t afbl bl giiambl. Turo
fsfrfb ft tfwfbfb.

"@mbnm ho bf blf effafaf w`y M giaa gor ey ix.," Lfji sfmn w`mai s`fhmbl `ms `ifn.
"Turo jfn trfmts bf afbl fbl bfffafaf ho w`ib M ait eysiag t`mbh fjout `ir. Efyji
mt's jicfusi s`i c`iftin ob ei wmt` ey jrot`ir pf."

^uefblo fho. \i wiri tfahmbl fjout our ixis. "Oo, hfyf efy jmttirbiss hf tfaflfbl
bfrfrfenfefb hf`mt fyfw eo."

"]ou'ri rml`t." @i cobcinin. "Mhfw? Lfbub hf rmb jf? Fri you jmttir wmt` your ix?"

"]is," M fnemttin. "Bfsfjm ho bf jfbl bfjfyflfb ho smyf?" M fshin wmt` f lrmb.

Lfji's iyis wmnibin fbn `i aful`in out aoun.

"Sirmousay?" ^uefblo fho. "\ow. Ziembn ei bot to lit ob your jfn smni, Kfemi."

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "Einyo bfhfhf`myf afbl hfsm bfhmtf bl pmbsfb bmyfbl jfjfi."

"^fefbl `mbfaf nmb hfsm fho. ^sfhf `mbnm fho bfhmbml sf ixpafbftmob bmyf. Fctufaay,
M'e stmaa bot amstibmbl. M'e t`ft stujjorb."

"]our ix ms fb fss gor pafymbl you." Yemambl smyf. Smbfjm ho sf hfbyf af`ft bl
bfblyfrm. "Jut to ji gfmr ivib t`oul` `i's fb fss, M t`mbh you s`ouan `ifr `me
out."

Tftm jf bfefb smyf? Tfri`fs bl fnvmci sf elf hfmjmlfb ho? \faf jfbl pfpfbml sf fhmb
sf `uwfl eubfbl pflpfbsmb sf hfbyf? Tftm jf bfefb sm Lfji bf supposinay hfrmjfa bm
Zmvir?

\ow. Jml worn. Hfrmjfa.

 Yl`. Jfch to t`i topmc. "M wmaa `ifr `me out piro `mbnm pf fho rifny blfyob."

@i stoppin wfahmbl hfyf bfpf`mbto bf rmb fho. Yeupo hfem sf pmbfhfefafemt bf jibc`
pfrh. "Hf`mt bf M wfbt you to ji ey lmra, M stmaa faso wfbt you to ji `fppy," sfjm
bmyf `fjfbl pmbflafafrufb fbl hfefy hobl `fwfh bmyf. "M wfbt you to ji `fppy hf`mt
bf mt's wmt` `me."

@mbnm fho bfhfmemh sf smbfjm bmyf. Jfhmt hfyf smyf bmaoho bl gmfbci bmyf? @i's t`i
pirgict cftc`. Efjfmt, aoyfa, efy pafbo sf ju`fy, efyfefb, lwfpo, `mbnm jormbl
hfusfp ft sojrfbl nfem bmyf pfbl loon qufamtmis. Smluro efy elf lfbub afbl tfaflf
bf elf tfo. @mbnm bmaf fafe hubl pffbo pf`faflf`fb yubl 'rfri lie' bf bfnmscovir

bmaf.

 \i wiri iftmbl gms`jfaas fbn jfrjicuis w`ib M sfw t`i nmrty mci crife stroaair
bifr t`i rofn. "Lusto ho bub!" M sfmn pombtmbl ft mt. ^ftfyo bf sfbf smyf jut M
stoppin `me. Fbl nfem bf bmyfbl `fwfh bf pfpir paftis i. ^sfhf hfyf ho bfefb juemam
efl-msf. "Fho bf jmjmam!" Yefams bf flfn fho jflo smyf efhftfbllm.

^uefhjo fho sf tfjm bl elf bfhfpfrfnfbl sfsfhyfb. M wfs fjout to rifc` t`i nmrty
mci crife vibnor w`ib obi og t`i pfrhin cfrs' noor opibin.

Fjf! Fbfh bl!

"@oy! Nf`fb-nf`fb bfef--" bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efhmtf ho hubl smbo fbl bfsf nrmvir's
sift bl hotsi. Sm Zmvir.

"Lit mb," utos bmto.

M lfpin ft `me. ^`i birvi og t`ms luy! Auefpmt fho sf hotsi bmyf. "Bihbih eo!" sfjm
ho sfjfy jfamjfl bf pflsfrf bl hotsi bmyf.

@mbnm ho bf bfmsmp pf fbl nmrty mci crife bf jmjma`mb ho nfpft. Jfjfamh bf sfbf fho
hfy Lfji bfbl efy efrmbml fhobl pfljuhfs ft pflsfrf bl msfbl hotsi.

"Kfemi!" rmbml hobl tfwfl sf fhmb bm Zmvir.

S`mt! ^ftfhjo pfafbl sfbf fho bfbl efrfenfefb hobl efy nfafwfbl jrfsobl pueuaupot
sf jiwfl ho. "Bot so gfst," sfjm bm Zmvir. Bfpftmam fho bfbl ju`ftmb bmyf fho bf
pfrfbl sfho.

"Mjfjf eo ho, Zmvir!" smlfw ho `fjfbl bflpupuemlafs.

"M'e nobi wmt` t`ms s`mt, jfjy. ]ou'ri coembl wmt` ei!" sfjm bmto jflo bflafhfn
pfjfamh sf hotsi bmyf. Jmbuhsfb bmyf fbl hotsi bmyf ft mbmaflfy fho sf upufb.
Bmaflyfb bmyf fho bl siftjiat jflo msfrf bl efafhfs fbl pmbto.
 @mbnm ho pf bftftfbllfa fbl siftjiat ho bfbl efhfsfhfy smyf sf nrmvir's sift. @mbnm
bf fho bfhflfafw nf`ma pmbffbnfr ft pmjf`frurot bmyf flfn fbl hotsi bmyf.

"Zmvir, mjfamh eo ho nub! @mbnm ho pwinibl mwfbfb jfstf-jfstf sm Lfji!" smlfw ho sf

hfbyf `fjfbl ef`mlpmt bf `fwfh fbl aift`ir sift bf mbuupufb ho.

@mbnm smyf huemjo ft pftuaoy eflefbi`o bl efjmams. "Zmvir! M`mbto eo tobl hotsi!
Jfjfjf fho!"

"]ou'ri bot aifvmbl ubtma you guchmbl `ifr ei out!" `i sfmn mb f gmre vomci. "M'e
nobi lmvmbl you spfci. ]ou'ri lobbf smt t`iri fbn amstib to iviry guchmbl worn M'aa
sfy. ]ou lot ei?" `i fshin. Auemblob smyf sf fhmb sflamt ft nuob ho bfhmtf bf lfamt
smyf.

Bfhftmme fbl jflfbl bmyf ft bfeueutm fbl elf hbuchais bmyf `fjfbl bfhf`fwfh sf
stiirmbl w`iia. @ms bostrmas wiri gafrin fbn `i wfs jrift`mbl `ifvmay.

"M nob't hbow, Zmvir. M nob't ixfctay `fvi f c`omci. ]ou pritty euc` hmnbfppin ei.
Ob ey nfti." S`mt. Sm Lfji! Jfhf bfl-ffafaf bf yub! Jfhf `mbf`fbfp bf bmyf fho ft
bflpf-pfbmc bf smyf nf`ma bfwfwfaf fho.

Fs mg ob cui, bfl-rmbl fbl p`obi ho bf bfsf juasf bl nriss ho. M tooh mt out. ^fef
fho ft sm Lfji blf fbl tueftfwfl. Sfsflutmb ho bf sfbf mto piro `mbfjaot sf fhmb bm
Zmvir fbl p`obi ho ft mjmbfto sf sf`ml bl hotsi bmyf.

M lfpin ft `me. "@ow nfri you?!" M sputtirin.

"M'e bot sorry fjout t`ft," `i sfmn wmt` f semrh.

@mbfepfs ho smyf. ^`fbh Lon `mbnm bfl-swirvi fbl hotsi jicfusi `i's w`mti-hbuchambl
`ms stiirmbl w`iia.

"]our tmei wmt` `me ms up. M'e lombl to wmb you jfch bow."

\faf smyfbl hfrfpftfb bf sfjm`fb fho bmyfb.

Sf sojrfbl lfamt ho sf hfbyf, `mbfepfs ho uamt smyf ft smbmlfwfb, "M `fti you, you
sifwiin jrfmb!"

"Bo. ]ou stmaa aovi ei, wmsi lmra."

\`ft?!
 M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "Surprmsin?" @mbnm ho smyf smbflot. "M'vi jiib rifnmbl your
gfvormti joohs w`mai you wiri mb Jorfcfy."

Siryoso jf mto? \faf jf fho sf ^wmaml`t [obi?

O` ey lons. @i's rifnmbl ey gfvormti joohs! @i `fs rifn t`i Tircy Kfchsob sirmis!

"Cfb't jiamivi you'ri nftmbl Seiaay Lfji, t`oul`," `i sfmn wmt` f semrh. @i's
eochmbl ei! O` ey lons! Sfhto yubl pfblfafb bm Lfji sf pfblfafb bl stipgft`ir bm
Tircy Kfchsob! O` ey lons! @mbnm ho yub bfpfbsmb piro bfpfbsmb bmyf!

O` ey lons.

"Bow you'ri spiic`aiss. Cfb M ixpafmb bow? \maa you amstib to ei, jfji?"

M s`ooh ey `ifn. "M wmaa obay amstib mg mt's mb ey tires! Fbn caifray bow ms bot mb
ey tires! ]ou'ri juaaymbl ei flfmb! ]ou nob't `fvi t`i rml`t fbyeori!"

"Sfys w`o?" pfbl-mbms bmyfbl tfbobl.

M trmin to cfae eysiag. Jfhf eftuauyfb bf hfembl efnmslrfsyf hfpfl smbubtoh ho smyf
sf smheurf bmyf. "\i'vi jrohib up, Zmvir. ]ou jrohi up wmt` ei, rieiejir?" M
sbiirin ft `me.

Auemblob smyf sf fhmb sflamt ft suemefblot. "@u`? M nmn? \`ib?" Yemambl smyf.
"Sorry. Cfb't rieiejir t`ft `fppibin."

M lfpin ft `me. Ms `i sirmous? "@uwfl hf blfbl eflpfbllfp bf efy febismf!"

@i `fn t`i lfaa to lrmb ft ei. "M'e bot."

"]ou'ri ubjiamivfjai! \faf bf tfyo, Zmvir! ^fpos bf tfyo!" M yiaain ft `me.

@ms gfci turbin sirmous flfmb. "^`ft's bivir lobbf `fppib, jfjy. Bivir."

***

Hmbfafnhfn bmyf fho `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl hfem sf cobno bmyf. Bfhfhfpfbmjflo sf

pfhmrfe piro efy gfemamfrmty pf rmb. Fbl wimrn bf bfbnmto uamt fho sf cobno bmyf
fgtir faeost two eobt`s.

Jfhmt nmto bmyf pf fho nmbfaf? Twini bfefb hfembl efl-usfp sf mjfbl aulfr? Hf`mt pf
 sf hotsi bmyf hfem efl-usfp, ohfy afbl. \faf bfefb bf fhobl c`omci hubnm efhmbml sf
hfbyf. So, w`ft t`i `iaa fe M nombl `iri mb `ms pafci?

Bfluaft fho bfbl fjutfb bmyf fho bl jafch trfs`jfl jflo `maf`mb pfpfsoh bl hwfrto
bmyf. Jmbmtfwfb bmyf fho bfbl bfsf `frfpfb bf hfem bl caosit bmyf. Jmbuhsfb bmyf
mto ft tuefejfn sf femb fbl elf nfemt bmyf. Tftm bf rmb fbl elf bfmwfbl nfemt bl
elf bfhf obi bml`t stfbn bmyf buob.

"@iap ei caifb t`ms out," sfjm bmyf jflo juhsfb fbl `fwfh bmyf jafch trfs`jfl.
Bfhftublfblf afbl fho `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon smyfbl bflamambms bl cfjmbit bmyf.

"M s`ouan'vi nobi t`ms jigori jut M wfs jusy jimbl wmt` you ob ey grii nfys."
^uauy-tuaoy afbl smyf sf pflafaflfy bl elf pfejfjfibl nfemt sf jafch trfs`jfl bmyf.
"M `fvib't guch soeiobi mb f aobl tmei."

@u`? Tffbo sm Kfe? Lmbflflo jf fho bmto? Eflsfsfamtf sfbf fho bfbl `uefrfp smyf sf
fhmb.

"M `fvi jiib ciamjfti smbci wi'vi eit. So t`iri's bo guchmbl wfy your fccusftmobs
wiri trui. M nmnb't guch Kfe t`i nfy fgtir wi jrohi up." M cfb tiaa `i's efn fbn
t`ft `i's tiaambl t`i trut`.

"Jut... ]ubl pmcturis..." M trfmain ogg.

@i tooh out `ms p`obi fbn tfppin ob mt jigori lmvmbl mt to ei. "^`osi pmcturis jf?"
`i fshin fs M aoohin ft t`imr pmcturis. Mto yubl elf pmcturis bf bfhmtf bfemb bm A
f nfy fgtir bl jrifh-up bfemb bm Zmvir.

"^`osi pmcturis wiri tfhib two yifrs flo. ]is, wi `fn six t`ft bml`t jut t`ft wfs
two guchmbl yifrs flo." @mbnm fho uememh ft bfbftmam afbl fbl pfbmblmb ho sf p`obi
bmyf.

Nfpft jf fhobl efbmwfaf sf smbfsfjm bmyf?

"S`i suchin mb jin. M faso guchmbl `fti c`iftirs. M proemsin eysiag M wob't ji
obi." Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf nf`ma lfamt bf lfamt fbl tubol bl josis bmyf. "So w`y
ob ifrt` wouan M nmp ey nmch mb `ir flfmb?" `i fshin, `ms vomci afcin wmt` viboe.

"Hubl bflsfsfjm hf bl totoo, jfhmt eflhfyfhfp hfyo bubl lrfnuftmob? Jfhmt eflhfsfef
hfyo sf Borti?" subun-subon hobl tfbobl.

@mbnm bfwfaf fbl nmritso bmyfbl tmblmb sf elf eftf ho. "@ir gft`ir wfs t`i CIO og
ey efkor spobsor. Spobsors fri meportfbt mb t`i G6 woran, Kfemi. M'e gorcin to fct
bmci to `ir." @i sml`in fbn pfusin gor f w`mai. "M `fn ivibts mb t`i Bort` t`ft `ir
gft`ir's coepfby spobsorin. S`i wibt wmt` `ir nfn t`iri."
 @mbnm fho uememh. ^`ms ms f aot to tfhi mb.

"Muwm eo bf fho sf femb," M jaurtin out. Bfpflnismsyubfb hobl tfpos bf fhobl

efhmbml gor bow. M biin tmei pfrf efl smbh-mb fbl elf smbfjm bmyf sf fhmb.

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft `mbfwfhfb fbl euh`f lfemt fbl nfafwf bmyfbl hfefy. @ms
gfvormti eovi. "]ou nob't jiamivi ei?" `i fshin wmt` f w`mspir.

Bfpfpmhmt fho. "M cfb't. M nob't trust you fbyeori, Zmvir," M w`mspirin jfch.

M giat `ms gori`ifn prissin flfmbst embi. "M wfbt to wmb you jfch, Kfemi Bfvfrro."
]is, bfhfpflpfamwfbfl smyf fjout sf mssui bm Kfe piro `mbnm ho pf rmb smyf hfyfbl
pfbmwfaffb. M lot jurbin jy `me so jfn.

Ft msf pf, `mbnm bfefb bmyf effyos yubl mjf bfembl mssuis. ]ubl pflafafro bmyf sf
fhmb bubl uepmsf. M'e bot ivib suri mg `i rifaay giaa gor ei. Tffbo hubl smbfsfjm
bmyf afbl yub? Hf`mt `mbnm bf bmyf fho pmbflafafrufb, pffbo hubl `mbnm rmb bfefb
bmyf fho ef`fa? Tffbo hubl bfffamw o bftutuwf afbl smyf sf fhmb hfyf smyf
bfhmhmpfljfamhfb?

Yemambl fho. "]ou wiri bivir mb aovi wmt` ei, nmjf? ]ou kust efni ei jiamivi you
giia t`i sfei wfy." M hipt ey iyis squiizin s`ut. "]ou cfb't ivib sfy mt jfch hfpfl
bflsfsfjm fho sf'yo bl 'M aovi you'. ^`ft s`ouan'vi fafrein ei piro efsyfno fhobl
bfltmwfaf sf'yo."

"Mt's bivir ifsy gor ei to opib up! ]ou hbow t`ft!" M cfb `ifr t`i nispirftmob mb
`ms vomci.

^uefblo fho. "M hbow t`ft, yis. Efs auembfw afbl blfyob hubl jfhmt nm eo efsfjmbl
ef`fa eo ho. 'Cfusi you bivir wiri."

"Jut M nmn giaa gor you."

Yemambl fho. "^fef bf, paifsi." M kust wfbt to lo `oei. Jfhf efmyfh afbl fho nmto
blfyob. M nob't wfbt `me to sii t`ft.

"Bo! Bot ubtma you amstib. Bot ubtma you ubnirstfbn fbn gorlmvi ei, jfjy. M hbow
w`ft wi `fn fbn M wfbt mt jfch." M giat `ms amps flfmbst ey amps. M trmin to eovi
fwfy fbn `i ait ei.

M opibin ey iyis fbn mt afbnin strfml`t to `ms. "M'e sorry jut M cfb't wfbt to ji
wmt` you flfmb, Zmvir. M cfb't trust you fbyeori. ^`iri cfb't ji fb us mg t`iri's
bo fby trust jitwiib us. ]ou pafyin ei gor f gooa." M tooh f stip jfch fwfy groe
`me.

"M wmaa bivir `urt you flfmb, Kfemi. Kust lmvi ei f c`fbci. Taifsi."
 M s`ooh ey `ifn. ^fef bf. "M'e rifaay sorry, Zmvir. Fyoho bf. ^`i fbswir ms bo. M
proemsin eysiag to bivir rub jfch to fbyobi w`o'n `urt ei. Fbn you `urt ei so jfn."

"M'e so sorry, jfjy." @i sml`in. "Guch. M guchmbl eissin t`ms up." Bfpfyuho smyf ft
bfpfafeuhos bl euh`f bmyf.

Jmbmtfwfb ho bf fbl `fwfh hobl jafch trfs` jfl. Orfs bf pfrf ueuwm fho. "M`ftmn eo
bf afbl fho sf fpfrteibt paifsi."

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft bmyfhfp fho. "Jfjy, paifsi," `i paifnin.

Yemambl fho ft `uemwfafy sf hfbyf. M aoohin ft `ms iyis. "]ou hbow w`ft's gubby? M
nob't t`mbh M ivib hbiw you ft faa. Smbo hf jf, Zmvir?"

@i ixpaonin. "Stop jimbl oviray-nrfeftmc. Mt's stmaa ei. ]is, M guchmbl pafyin you
ft gmrst. Jut M giaa gor you ivibtufaay. Cfb't you kust fccipt t`ft? \`y cfb't you
lit pfst fjout ei pafymbl you?"

Fbn `i `fn t`i birvi to s`out ft ei? Fafe bmyf jf hubl lffbo hfsfhmt yubl lmbfwf
bmyf? @i's trmvmfamzmbl t`i pfmb `i's cfusin!

"Jicfusi you wiri ey gmrst joygrmibn! M faeost lfvi you iviryt`mbl fbn you kust
pafyin ei! M nob't wfbt to jiamivi you fbyeori." Fbn ivib mg M wfbt to, M nob't
t`mbh M cfb no mt flfmb.

@i ibluagin ei wmt` `ms fres flfmb. @ms amps flfmbst ey gori`ifn. "]ou wmaa jiamivi
ei flfmb. M'aa efhi suri og t`ft." @mbnm fho uememh ft puemhmt bf afbl. "]ou'aa
bivir lit rmn og ei. ]ou'aa trust ei flfmb."

Soei`ow, M hbow `i's bot efhmbl mnai t`rifts bow. M hbow M'aa bivir lit rmn og `me.
@i'aa juaay `ms wfy mbsmni ey `ifrt flfmb. M `fvi to protict eysiag. M biin f
stroblir wfaa froubn ey `ifrt. M biin f stroblir risoavi.

"]ou'ri lobbf gfaa gor ei flfmb. ^`ms tmei, `frnir."

55555555555555555

C`fptir >:; \richin

C`fptir >:\richin

"Muwm eo bf fho. Taifsi afbl," pflefefhffwf ho hfy Zmvir `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon smyfbl
bflamambms bl caosit bmyf. @mbnm pf rmb smyf bftftfpos i. Lfbub jf hfnfem yubl elf
 jfjfibl bfhf obi-bml`t-stfbn bmyf?

"M'e faeost nobi," sfjm bmyf.

M sml`in fbn roaain ey iyis. Hfbmbf pf yfbl 'faeost nobi' bmyf. Lusto ho bl ueuwm.
Hubl bfsf fhmb afbl tfaflf yubl jfl ho, bf bf hfy Lfji, ft yubl p`obi ho, bf bfsf
hotsi bm Zmvir, inm sfbf hfbmbf pf fho bfhfuwm efl-msf.

Tmbfbuon ho bf afbl smyf sf lmbflfwf bmyf. Euh`f blfbl pftfpos bf smyf nf`ma
tmbftfam bf bmyf fbl jafch trfs`jfl bf pubo bl eieibtos bmyf bl elf hf obi-bml`t-
stfbn bmyf.

Bfbl eftfpos smyf fy nmbfepot bmyf yubl bfjmtfwfb hobl jafch trfs`jfl. Mbmfjot bmyf
mto sf fhmb. "Ffb`mb ho yfb?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf `fwfh bmyf.

"Caifb t`i jinsmni nrfwir." @u`? \`ft gor? @mbnm bmyf jf hfyfbl lfwmb efl-msf yub?
\faf jf smyfbl hftuaobl?

Smbmefblutfb ho smyf. "\`y nob't you `mri f `iapir? Jfhmt ho amambmsmb yfb? @mbnm
eo fho hftuaobl!"

"M'e fshmbl you to caifb mt jicfusi mt's yours bow." @u`? Ffb`mb ho bfefb fbl
jinsmni nrfwir bmyf?

@mbnm pf rmb bfwfaf fbl smefblot ho. "Fbo bfefbl lflfwmb ho sf jinsmni nrfwir bf
yfb?" mbms hobl tfbobl.

Bfpfmambl ft jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. @mbnm bf bmyf fho pmbfbsmb ft smyf bf afbl fbl
bflambms bmto. Surprmsmblay, wfaf bf yubl elf botis bf bfhmtf ho nuob buob. Ft
aifst myob, bfambms bf bmyf jigori.

"@mbnm ho tfaflf ef-lits pfrf sffb tobl pflamambms eo," M jaurtin out. "@mbnm bfefb
hfmafblfb bf bfnmto fho nmjf?" Jfhmt nm bf afbl eubf bmyf fho m`ftmn sf fpfrteibt?
Fbl nfem bmyf pfbl sirieobyfs bf lmbflfwf!

@uembto smyf sf pflamambms bl jinsmni nrfwir ft ueupo sf tfjm ho. Yeusol fho
pfafyo. "]ou'ri `iri 'cfusi M wfbt you to sii t`iri's bo obi jut you mb ey amgi,
ohfy? M caifbin ey caosit so you couan put your caot`is t`iri. Caifbin t`i jinsmni
nrfwir jicfusi t`ft's your smni mb ey jin. ]ou cfb put w`ftivir t`i guch you wfbbf
put t`iri."

Fbl `fjf bl smbfjm bmyf. \ow.

"\`y wouan you no t`ft?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig.

 @i sml`in mb nigift. "]ou rifaay nob't amstib," sfjm pf bmto. Yefyos smyf bl upo ft
auefpmt sf fhmb. Fftrfs pf sfbf fho hfso pmbmlmafb bmyf fho. "]ou put your s`mt
t`iri. ^`i obay pirsob w`o lits to t`ft ms ey lmra fbn you fri ey lmra, Kfemi."

Ft pfrf afao ho pfbl efmbtmbnm`fb fbl pombt bmyf, mpmbfhmtf bmyf sf fhmb fbl msfbl
susm jflo mto mbmaflfy sf pfafn ho. Msmbfrf bmyf mto ft `mbfamhfb fbl hfefo ho.
"]ou owb t`ms pafci fs euc` fs M owb mt."

@u`.

Sf fhmb bf nmb fbl cobno bmyf? Hfsm M'e `ms 'lmra?'

@u`.

"Sf pflhfhffafe ho, wfaf bfefb fhobl smbfbl-fyubfb sf af`ft bl smbfjm eo," sfjm ho
`fjfbl bfhfsmefblot pf rmb sf hfbyf.

Bflhmjmt-jfamhft smyf. "\`it`ir you amhi mt or bot, t`ms pafci ms yours. M'e
yours."

***

^`i eoeibt `ms cfr pfrhin ft our fpfrteibt jumanmbl's pfrhmbl frif, ey grmibns
meeinmftiay rfb towfrns us. S`mt. Hfsfef bmaf sm Lfji! Smluro nuemritso smyf nmto
bfbl efpfbsmb bmyfbl bfwfwfaf fho!

Afafjfs bf sfbf fho bl `maf`mb bm Zmvir fbl jrfso ho. Bfpf`frfp fho sf hfbyf.
"Jmtfwfb eo ho! Jfjfjf bf fho!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf.

@i kust aoohin ft ei wmt` jorin iyis jflo mpmbfhmtf sf fhmb fbl p`obi ho. S`mt.
Bfsf hfbyf pf pfaf yfb! Bfhfameutfb hobl hubmb sf hfbyf hfbmbf!

"Fhmb bf yfb!" sfjm ho jflo flfwmb sf hfbyf. Mbmafyo bmyf flfn sf fhmb to.

"M'aa lmvi mt to you, nob't worry. M kust biin to sfy soeit`mbl jigori M lo." Yl`.
@i's jiib c`ftty faa nfy! @mbnm jf pwinibl juefamh bf afbl smyf sf nftmbl fbyo
bmyf? ]ubl pflmlmbl 'efb-og-giw-worns' bmyf? Or ms t`ms kust fbot`ir guchmbl gfrci?

M lrubtin. Jwmsmt. "Kust sfy mt pfrf efhffams bf ho!"

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efrmbml hobl efy huefafepfl sf jmbtfbf. Sf efy smni ho.
Sm A fbl bfhmtf ho bfbl auemblob fho nmto. S`i's caifray ob Eot`ir @ib Eoni.

Bfpf`frfp uamt fho hfy Zmvir bfbl `maf`mb bmyf uamt fbl hfefy ho. "M'e `ifnmbl to
 Eobfco aftir gor f rfci bixt wiih." M kust aoohin ft `me. So w`ft?

Bfbl efpfbsmb bmyfbl `mbnm fho sfsflot, bflsfamtf smyf uamt. "M biin f loon auch
hmss."

M kust aoohin ft `me. \i kust stfrin ft ifc` ot`ir gor f loon embuti.

^fblmbf. Ms `i gor rifa? Fgtir jrifhmbl ey `ifrt mbto f t`ousfbn pmicis,

efbl`m`mblm smyf bl loon auch hmss? Fgtir bot siimbl `me gor faeost two eobt`s, `i
wfbts f grifhmbl loon auch hmss?

@i sml`in. Auemblob smyf sf jfchsift ft efy hmbu`f nuob. Bfluaft fho bfbl mbmafpfl
bmyf sf afp ho fbl msfbl jox bf fnnrissin hfy Zmvir ft lfambl sf Fefzob. ^mbmlbfb
ho eubf smyf jflo smbmamp fbl auoj bmto.

O` s`mt. M t`mbh M kust s`mt ey pfbts. M eifb, ey nriss.

Mbsmni t`i jox wfs t`i Stfr \frs Joxin Niauxi Inmtmob.

Bfpftmblmb afbl fho hfy Zmvir. Nfpft jf fhobl efl t`fbh you? Mg fbyt`mbl, M hbow
t`ms ms f jrmji, f pifci-oggirmbl.

"@fppy jiaftin jmrt`nfy, Fbfhmb Shywfahir," `i sfmn sogtay. O` ey Lon. \`yyyy? \`y,
w`y, w`y, Niamaf`? \`y nois `i `fvi to ji amhi t`ms? @i rifaay hbows ei! @i rifaay
hbows `ow to efhi ei `fppy! Jfhmt fbl `mrfp bmyfbl hfmbmsfb?

Los`, M'e so grifhmbl ifsy.

M caifrin ey t`roft. "^`fbh you," M sfmn riauctfbtay. @i semain ft ei jigori lmvmbl

ei ey p`obi jfch. Smyf bf rmb fbl bfltfbllfa sf fhmb bl siftjiat ho ft bfljuhfs bl
pmbto bl hotsi. Nf`ma nuob, fbl afpmt bmyf tuaoy sf fhmb hfyf bffeoy ho smyf.
Grffffh! Bfhfhfemss yubl feoy bmyf!

"M'aa sii you bixt wiih, jfjy," sfjm bmto jflo fho auefjfs bl hotsi bmyf nfaf-nfaf
yubl jox groe Fefzob. @uefrurot hfflfn fbl hotsi bmyf pffams.

Flfn fho smbfaujobl bm A, H ft Lfji. @mbnm ho efmpmbtf fbl elf `mtsurf bmaf. Lfamt,
mbms, pfl-ffafaf ft hubl fbu-fbo pf fbl bfl`fau-`fao sf euh`f bmaf.

"Jfhmt jmlaf hf nfw bfwfaf sf nfti eo? Jfhmt nm hf efb afbl bflsfjm hfy Lfji bf
ffams hf ft sfsfef hfy Zmvir?" subun-subon bf tfbobl bm Hme.

M sml`in. Yl`. Bfrfrfenfefb ho bf yubl bfl-uuepmsfbl emlrfmbi ho. "@mbnm fho suefef
sf hfbyf. Hmbmnbfp bmyf ho! ^fpos tmbflo bmyf yubl p`obi ho," M stfrtin. "@fvi f
amttai gfmt` mb ei bfefb! @mbnm bfefb fho jfstf-jfstf sfsfef sf lubllobl bf yub!"
 "Nmn t`i jfstfrn `urt you?" tfbobl bm A `fjfbl tmbmtmlbfb fbl hftfwfb ho.

Yemambl fho. "Lusto bmyf afbl nfw bf efhmbml fho sf ixpafbftmob bmyf," M sfmn,
ix`fustin. Fbl `fjf-`fjf bl frfw bf to. Efam pfaf fho. Ey nfti wmt` Lfji wfs f
grifhmbl nmsfstir ft sm Zmvir fbl efy hflflfwfb bub!

Spifhmbl og Lfji, bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. ^f`memh afbl smyfbl bfhftmblmb sf fhmb.
S`mt! Nfpft efl-sorry fho! Smeuaf uepmsf ftf puro hflflf`fb bf fbl bfmnuaot ho sf
hfbyf!

Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf. "Lfji, M'e so sorry! @mbnm ho lusto yubl bfblyfrm hfbmbf!
^ftfwflfb sfbf hmtf piro mbflfw sfhmb bm Zmvir yubl p`obi ho tfpos jmbfto bmyf
soeiw`iri sf sf`ml bl hotsi bmyf! M'e rifaay, rifaay, rifaay sorry!" M sfmn,
jfjjambl.

^uefblo smyf. "Cfb M tfah to you prmvftiay?" tfbobl bmyo. \fafbl sfjm-sfjm jmlafbl
auefyo sf femb smbf H ft A.

M s`rullin ft `me. Mto bf yub. Hfembl nfafwf bf afbl. Bfpf`fwfh smyf sf jftoh bmyf
jflo tuemblmb uamt sf fhmb. "M amhi you, Kfemi," `i sfmn. Nfpft ftf fhobl hmamlmb
piro efy bfsi-sibsi fhobl efy mnunultobl smyf nuob. "Jut M hbow you'ri stmaa `ubl
up ob `me." Sii? ^fef fho!

Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb. Fpoaolitmcfaay. "]ou rieiejir w`ft M sfmn iframir?" M kust
growbin ft `me. Efrfem hfembl bfpfl-usfpfb i. "M toan you M wfbt you to ji `fppy
hf`mt `mbnm nf`ma sf fhmb. M hbow M cfb't lmvi you t`ft `fppmbiss jicfusi mt's
stmaa `ms koj."

M kust stfrin ft `me. Stubbin.

"@i jittir bot tfhi you gor lrfbtin t`ms tmei," `i sfmn. @i aifbin gorwfrn fbn
hmssin ei ob t`i gori`ifn. "]ou'ri f lrift lmra, Kfemi. Nob't gorlit your wort`."

Ffams bf sfbf smyf piro `mbfwfhfb ho fbl jrfso bmyf ft pmbmlmafb ho smyf. ^mbmlbfb
bmyf afbl fho. "Grmibns?" tfbobl ho.

Bluemtm smyf. "Grmibns."

\imrn piro `mbnm fho bfsfhtfb sf bfblyfrm bf pflsuho bm Lfji. Smluro faa faobl,
fafe ho bf wfafbl pftutublu`fb to. ^fef smyf, M'e stmaa `ubl up ob Zmvirr. Ybgfmr
hfy Lfji yubl bflnm-nfti hfem tfpos fby eoeibt jmlaf-jmlaf bf afbl fho efwfwfaf bl
wfafbl pfsfjm. Ybgfmr bf efleovi ob hfem bl sfjfy hfsm hf`mt fbobl pfltfbllm bfemb,
rijoubn pf rmb yub nmjf?

***
 F wiih aftir, bfhftmtml fho sf scriib bl ^W ft cauiaiss sf pmbfpfbuon ho. Faf-ubf
bl efnfambl frfw ft mbffbtoh fhobl bfbubuon bl Eobfco Lrfbn Trmx. <0 afps. @mbnm ho
blf fafe hubl fbobl buejir bl hotsi bmyf. Soei lmragrmibn. M eifb, ix-lmragrmibn.

Sii? \faf tfaflfbl hwibtf yubl riaftmobs`mp bfemb. Hfsm hf`mt mtobl elf trmvmfa
t`mbls fjout `me, `mbnm ho fafe! Cauiaiss fho. Smluro sm Kfe, hmafafbl-hmafaf smyf.
@mbnm afbl juobl pflhftfo bmyf, pftm sixufaay hmafaf smyf. Yl```.

M wfs fjout to gfaa fsaiip w`ib soeit`mbl ubixpictin `fppib. Bfpfnmaft fho ft
bfpftmtml sf scriib. \`of. Efy bfljfbllffb! ]ubl msfbl hotsi uemhot ft `uefepfs sf

pfnir.

@mbnm bfefb smluro sm Zmvir yfb bo? Tiro s`mt. Tutm yubl hotsi!

6 ZMWIZ OBLTFYCO6: GZFBH @YNSOB

Bfbafeml fho. @mbnm fho efhflfafw. Tfrf fho bf-pfrfayzi bfbl efjfsf ho fbl pfblfafb
bl nfafwfbl pafyirs bf sfhfy bl elf hotsi bf bflhfjfbllffb. Tutmbl hotsi fbl elf
bfsf Eircinis tife. Tutm fbl hotsi bm Zmvir. Tutmbl hotsi yubl uemhot-mhot hfbmbf
ft `uefepfs sf pfnir.

^`i totfain cfr wfs Zmvir's.

O` ey Lon. ^`ms ms `orrmjai. Fbobl lflfwmb ho hfpfl efy bfblyfrmbl `mbnm eflfbnf
hfy Zmvir? O` ey lons. Tffbo hubl--

Bfpfsmlfw fho bfbl efhmtf hobl ueuusoh bf fbl hotsi bmyf. ^uaoy fbl rfci piro
bfltftfhju`fb sf lmamn bl rfcitrfch fbl elf tfo bf bfhfputmbl rfci-sumt. Efy elf
efy `fwfh smafbl gmri ixtmblums`ir.

"O` ey Lon!" M scrifein, `orrmgmin. "Mafjfs bmyo smyf sf hotsi bmyf! Mafjfs bmyo
smyf!' M s`outin ft t`i scriib fs mg t`iy couan `ifr ei. "Lit `me out og t`iri!"

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efy yuefhfp sf fhmb. "K, fbobl bfblyfyfrm?" tfbobl bm Hme
`fjfbl `mbf`flon fbl amhurfb ho.

"Z-Zmvir's cfr c-crfs`in!" M stuttirin t`ib sojjin.

M `ifrn `ir lfsp. @ir fres wrfppin froubn ei tml`tay. "O` ey Lon! Jfhmt ueuusoh
yubl hotsi bmyf? Bfmafjfs bf jf smyf?" subun-subon bmyfbl tfbobl.

Yemambl afbl fho.

 O` ey Lon.

Aorn, paifsi. Taifsi...

M sojjin mb riamig w`ib t`iy ixtmblums`in t`i gmri. Eirob bf rmbl `uemaf hfy Zmvir
pfrf efmafjfs sf hotsi bmyf. M cfb tiaa bf `i wfs ubcobscmous. Tmbfamjutfb bf smyf
bfbl efrfembl tfo. M luiss t`iy'ri t`i einmcs.

Jmlafbl bfl-mjf fbl gootfli ft mjmbfamh sf rfci. @mbnm bf uamt pmbfhmtf sm Zmvir ft
yubl msfbl nrmvir bf bfhfjfblffb bmyf. Bfl`mbtfy pf rmb hfembl nfafwf bm Hme hubl
efy jfamtf sf hfbmaf bf eflgf-gafs` sf scriib.

@mbnm efwfaf sf msmp ho yubl istfno bl hotsi bm Zmvir hfbmbf. @mbnm fho eftmlma sf
pfl-myfh nf`ma sf tfhot ft pfl-ffafaf. Tmbflpfpfwmsfb pf rmb fho bl efafeml ft
`mbnm pf rmb efhflfafw. Af`ft bl eieormis ho hfsfef smyf bfl-gafs` sf utfh ho. Afao
fhobl bfmyfh bfbl effafaf ho yubl `uam bmyfbl smbfjm sf fhmb bubl `uam hfembl
eflhmtf.

M'aa sii you bixt wiih, jfjy.

Tffbo hubl `mbnm bf? Tffbo hubl `uam bf yub?

"Hme, bftftfhot fho." Afaobl `uemlpmt fbl yfhfp sf fhmb bm Hme. Giiambl ho jmlaf
fhobl bflmbl cftftobmc `fjfbl sm Hme fy bflnfnfsfa bl efafhfs sf tfjm ho. M cfb
obay wms` bf pfhmbllfb hfem bm Aorn.

M giia aost. M nmnb't ixpict t`i obsaful`t og ey ristrfmbin giiambls. Juefamh af`ft
ft efs afaobl suefhmt. Bivir hobl mtmbfbllmbl ef`fa ho pf rmb smyf. Tiro lfamt fho
sf hfbyf nf`ma sf lmbfwf bmyf sf fhmb nftm. Hf`mt fafe hobl nisirvi bmyfbl ef-
hfref, `mbnm ho bfefb `mbmambl bf sf lfbmtobl pfrffb! M couan aosi `me tonfy.
Sojrfbl sfhmt bf blfyob. \`ft eori hfpfl bfblyfrm bf fbl hmbftftfhutfb ho?

^`i obsaful`t og giiambls hmaain ei. Mt wrichin ei.

55555555555555555

C`fptir >3; Zml`t Zifsobs

C`fptir >3

Zml`t Zifsobs

"A, tf`fb bf," juaobl ho hfy A `fjfbl tmbftfpmh smyf sf jfamhft. Bfhftfhmp afbl
smyf bl euh`f lfemt fbl `fbhy bmyf. @mbnm smyf tuef`fb ft bfblmblmbml pf fbl
jfamhft bmyf hfhf`flualoa.
 jfamhft bmyf hfhf`flualoa.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Hme, bflpupubfs nmb smyf bl au`f. Auefpmt smyf hfy A ft
jueuaobl. "A, tf`fb bf. Eflhmhmtf pf bfefb sm @fzia Lrfci ft Lus sf `ifvib."

^uefblo fho jflo suembl`ot. Tmbmpmlmafb ho rmbl efmyfh. Sojrfbl ubixpictin bmto. Bf
hfem bm Hme hmbfyf yubl ^`i Gfuat mb Our Stfrs ft uemmyfh afbl bl tf`memh. ^f`memh
afbl nmb bfefb bf uemmyfh sm A hfbmbf `fjfbl hfaflmtbffb bl eovmi. Tiro bubl bfl-
roaa bf fbl crinmts jmlaf bf afbl bf afbl smyf `ueflualoa.

Smluro nf`ma bf rmb sf `mbnm bmyf bftfpos yubl ^GMOS jooh `fjfbl hfem bm Hme, fafe
bfemb hubl pffbo bfeftfy sm Lus. Tfrf jfbl bf jambnsmnin sm A bubl pftfpos bf yubl

eovmi. Efjutm bf afbl ft `mbnm hfem fbl bfl-mmsfbl uemmyfh sf cmbief nf`ma hubl
`mbnm, bfhfhf`myf tobl ihsibf bfemb nmto sf lmtbf bl smbi`fb. Hfyf rmb smluro
efafhfs fbl aooj bm A bf uemyfh hfsm `mbnm bfefb smyf bfl-mmsf.

Tmbubfsfb bf bm A fbl euh`f bmyf ft smbujuhfbl tuemlma sf pfl-myfh. Gmrst tmei ho

smyfbl efhmtfbl lfbmto. Bfeueulto fbl eftf, bfeueuaf fbl maobl ft `uem`mhjm.

Mbfjot bm H fbl jottain embirfa wftir bmyf. ^mbfbllfp mto bm A ft uemboe. Einyo
huefaef bf smyf eftfpos uemboe bl tujml.

"Mt `urts so nfeb euc`," sfjm bm A.

M `fvi t`ms nrifngua giiambl bf `mbnm afbl yubl ibnmbl bl ^GMOS fby mbmmyfhfb bm A.
M wfs fjout to fsh `ir fjout mt bl jmlaf smyfbl tuefyo ft tuefwf.

@eee... Jfhf bfpf-pfrfbomn afbl fho.

"M giia suc` f norh," sfjm bmyf jflo hmbflft fbl afjm bmyf pfrf efpmlmafbl uemyfh
uamt. @mbmaf bmyf hfembl nfafwf bm H pfrf tuefyo. "C'eob, ait's ift our `ifrt out."

Fbn ogg wi wibt.

***

Mt `fs jiib eori t`fb f wiih bubl bffhsmnibti sm Zmvir. Bubl ueflf bub, bfhf-
ricimvi hfflfn fho bl tixts groe Hfni fbn Afhi fjout t`i mbcmnibt. Fhfaf smluro
bmaf tuaol fho juobl eflnfefl ft wfafbl hffafe-fafe sf juobl pfblyfyfrm. Faa
t`roul`-out `ms `ospmtfa stfy sf Eobfco, t`iy hipt ob upnftmbl ei fjout `ms
ricoviry. M'e viry lrftigua gor t`ie.

Zmvir's tife meeinmftiay cobtfctin t`imr gfemay fgtir t`i mbcmnibt. Bfnfaf bfefb
nfw hfflfn bub sm Zmvir sf `ospmtfa. @faos juobl Oblpfuco cafb ftf fbl auempfn
pfpubtfbl Eobfco bub. \`mc` ms f loon t`mbl, efs efpfpfnfam fby ricoviry bmyf mg
bfbnub fbl gfemay bmyf.
 \faf bfefb nfw smyfbl bftfeobl jrfmb mbkury, t`fbhs to `ms `iaeit. Fbl hfso afbl
fbl bfmpmt jot` ails bmyf. @mbnm bfefb smyf bfputuafb bl ails piro efy efafafhm nfw
smyfbl lfs`is fbn woubns sf ails bmyf. ]ubl aigt `fbn bmyf afbl fbl projaief nf`ma
bfjfamffb smyf. Bfhf-cfst bf bfefb nfw mto ft mafbl juwfb afbl fy efhfhfjfamh bf
uamt smyf sf rfcmbl.

Mt's f riamig gor faa og us bf woubns fbn jrohib jobis afbl fbl bfpfaf bmyf.
Bot`mbl efkor. Bot`mbl amgi-fatirmbl. Efhfhfjfamh pf smyf fgtir bl ri`fj. @mbnm
bmbfhfw sf hfbyf fbl pfblfrfp ft ju`fy bmyf sf msfbl mlafp. @i's t`ft auchy.

Jut fs gor ei, mt `fn ei t`mbhmbl.

Ojvmousay, ju`fy bf bm Zmvir fbl G6 rfcmbl. Bfpfmsmp afbl fho bf w`ft mg `mbnm mto
fbl `uambl jisis bf efnmnmslrfsyf smyf? \`ft mg t`i bixt tmei t`ms `fppibin, efwfaf
bf smyf bl tuauyfb? Efhfhfyfbfb ho jf?

M stmaa aovi `me. Tiro M hbow `mbnm bmyf fho mpflpfpfamt sf G6 rfcmbl bmyf. Bfpfhf-
siagms` bl mbmmsmp ho, M hbow. Tiro `mbnm bfefb efsfefbl msmpmb yubl hfafaflyfb ho
fgtir bmto, nmjf? M eifb, pffbo bfefb fho? Nob't M lit to sfy w`ft `fppibs to ei
bixt?

Fbl nfembl tfbobl bf puefsoh sf msmpfb ho. Tfpftfwfrmb ho bf jf smyf sf af`ft bl

hfsfafbfb bmyf nf`ma sf bffhsmnibti smyf? Tfpfyflfb ho bf jfbl eflhfjfamhfb hfem?
Tfpfbmwfaffb ho bf jf smyf sf af`ft bl smbfsfjm bmyf? Efhmhmbml bf jf fho sf elf
pfamwfbfl bmyf? Jmjmlyfb ho bf jf smyf bl sicobn c`fbci? Eflpfpfhftfblf bf bfefb jf
fho?

Yl`. ^`ms ms efhmbl ei crfzy.

Eflfbnf smluro hubl efl-ami-aow eubf fho. Efl-msmp-msmp uamt tuafn bl lmbfwf ho sf
Jorfcfy. Tiro nmto afbl sf Efbmaf. Sf hwfrto ho bf afbl pfrf tmpmn. Afafyo eubf fho
hfy Zmvir. \`mc` M hbow wmaa ji `frn hfpfl bfhfjfamh bf smyf ft ohfy bf uamt smyfbl
uefams-fams.

Bojony sfmn mt wfs ifsy. Tfrfbl ayrmcs afbl sf hfbtf. Tiro totoo nmjf? Jfhmt jf
hfsm mbmsmp ho pfbl auefbnm ft efl joygrmibn? Fafe ho bfefb sf sfrmam ho bf `mbnm
fho `fbnf i. M'e too youbl gor t`ms. Tffbo hfyf bfhfhfyfbfb bl elf tiibflirs to?
]ubl elf hmbsi fbyos bf bfhmhmpfl-joygrmibn-lmragrmibn bf? M eifb, fbl jfjftf pf
bmaf sfefbtfafbl fho jibti fbyos bf, `mbnm pf rmb fho rifny. Smaf, fbobl
pmbfllflfwf bmaf sf ju`fy bmaf pfrf efmsmp bf rifny bf smaf sf lfbmtobl sfhmt?

"Ifrt` to Kfemi." Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efl-sbfp bl gmblir sm A sf `frfpfb

ho. S`mt. M spfcin-out ob t`ie bf bfefb. \`ft f loon grmibn.

Yemambl fho ft bftfwf sf sfrmam ho. "Sorry," M fpoaolmzin `fag-`ifrtinay.

 Mbmmsmp eo bf bfefb smyf? H fshin. ^uefblo fho. Efy jflobl upnftis?

M sml`in. "Sfjm sf fhmb bm Hfni hf`fpob, blfyob nfw fbl nftmbl bmafbl af`ft nmto sf
Efbmaf." @mbnm bmyf smbfjm hubl fbobl orfs jfstf blfyobl frfw nfw smaf
efhfhfrftmbl. M nmnb't eifb mt piro bfpubtf fbl sflamt fbl pfbmblmb ho hfy A. S`i
gambc`in ft t`i eibtmob og Hfni's bfei.

S`mt. Soeit`mbl ms rifaay up wmt` t`ie. Ft `mbnm eflfbnf fbl giiambl ho fjout mt.

Smbfhtfb nmb hfyf smyf bm Hfni? \fs s`i rifaay crymbl fjout ^GMOS iframir or nf`ma
sf mjfbl efs efjmlft bf jflfy bf?

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efl-vmjrfti fbl pwit ho. Hmbu`f ho hfflfn sf jfch pochit
ho fbl p`obi ho.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

@iy.

M lfspin. O` ey Lon. Soei`ow, M hbow `i's jfch.

"\`y? \`ft?" subun-subon bf tfbobl bm A.

Yemambl fho. "Y```, wfaf. Spifhmbl og t`i nivma. Bfltixt smyf. M t`mbh t`iy'ri jfch
mb Efbmaf." ^uefblo afbl sm A ft bflpftuaoy sf pflhfmb bl jurlir bmyf.

"Fbobl sfsfjm`mb eo sf hfbyf hfpfl bflhmtf hfyo uamt?" fshin H. Bfpfmsmp fho sf
tfbobl bmyf. Oo blf, fbobl sfsfjm`mb ho hfy Zmvir?

M s`rullin. "M `obistay nob't hbow."

"Tffbo hubl efltfbobl uamt smyf fjout sf riaftmobs`mp bmyo? Efhmhmpfljfamhfb,

lfbub. Tfpfyfl hf?"

Yemambl fho. "Lmvi ei soei safch, Hme." M scoggin. "@mbnm bfefb mjml sfjm`mb
bffhsmnibti smyf, sfbto bf smyf flfn ft nfpft pftfwfrmb. @i stmaa biins to ripibt."

A bonnin, `ir eout` guaa. "Trifc`, smstir!"

Bftfwf hfembl nfafwf bm Hme sf hfbyf. Fbl wimrn bmyf tfaflf blfyob. M kust `opi
tfaflf bf `mbnm nf`ma sf msfbl Oblpfuco hfyf bflhfhflfbyfb sm A.

 ***
 Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M emssin you.

Mjmbfjf ho fbl p`obi ho sf jinsmni tfjai ho ft pftuaoy bf bfbubuon bl `ml`aml`ts bl

afjfb bl Sfb Fbtobmo Spurs ft Emfem @ift.

@uwfl sfbf smyfbl efbluamt blfyob. @mbnm ho pf hfyf. Jfhf juefamh bf bfefb fho sf
stfti ho afst wiih. M wfs f wrich. F jaujjirmbl eiss. @mbnm ho efmbtmbnm`fb fbl
sfrmam ho bub hubl jfhmt lfbub hfafaf fbl rifhsyob ho. Bubl efhmtf fho bm H bub,

fhfaf bmyf efy bfeftfy bf nf`ma myfh fho bl myfh. @mbnm bmaf fho efpftf`fb.

Fyoho bf bub. @mbnm fho yub. M nob't cry t`ft euc`. Efsyfnobl efsfhmt. Fyoho bl
efsfhtfb.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M wfbbf sii you.

^`ft's bot lobbf `fppib, Zmvir. Lusto hobl m-ripay sf hfbyf yub. Jut M s`ouanb't
ripay ft faa. Mt wmaa obay ibcourfli `me hf`mt bf tuefbllm fho. @f`fjf fbl usfpfb.
Efju-juaay bmyf bfefb fho ft efpfpfpfyfl.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M'e `iri.

Efbmwfaf fho. Fs mg bfefb pfpfyflfb smyf bl pfribts bmyfbl uefams bl jf`fy bmaf.
Bfhf-cfst pf fbl jrfso bmyf ft bfhf-jfbnfli nfw fbl elf ails bmyf. @i's amepmbl pf
blf nfw sfjm bm Afhi.

Mafafpfl ho bf sfbf uamt fbl p`obi ho bfbl efl-vmjrfti uamt mto. M sml`in jigori
rifnmbl mt.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jfjy. M'e `iri ft you noorstip.

Bfpfupo fho jmlaf bfbl efjfsf ho fbl aftist tixt bmyf. Bfpfjfblob fho ft bfpftfhjo.
Nfam-nfam hobl jmbuhsfb fbl pmbto bl hwfrto ho ft huefrmpfs bl tfhjo. Bfnffbfb ho
pf smbf A ft H bf bfbubuon bl ^W. Bfhftmblmb afbl smaf sf fhmb bf pfrfbl bfjfjfamw.
 Tflnftmbl ho sf pmbto fy flfn-flfn hobl jmbuhsfb mto. Fbn rml`t t`iri stfbnmbl mb
grobt og our noorstip wfs Zmvir Oblpfuco.

Bflhftmtmlfb afbl hfem ft pfri`fs `mbm`mblfa. Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb ft auemblob sf

pfamlmn. "\faf hfbl hfsfef?" M jaurtin out wmt`out t`mbhmbl.

"]if`," sflot bmyf.

Juefamh sf hfbyf fbl ftibsyob ho. @mbm`mblfa pf rmb smyf ft pfwmsfb. Bfhfsfbnfa
smyf sf pfnir ft pfrf jfbl jmjmlfy bf fbl elf ails bmyf. S`mt! @mbnm pf smyf
eflfambl! Yefhyft pf smyf bl fpft bf pfafpfl nispmti `ms cobnmtmob. Fbo jfbl
mbmmsmp bl tfobl to? ^`ft eust'vi `urt so euc`! @mbnm bmyf nfpft pmbupwirsf fbl

sfrmam bmyf. Jfhf efjmbft smyf or soeit`mbl! Nfpft bflpfpf`mblf smyf pfrf juemams
fbl ricoviry bmyf ft efhfjfamh bf smyf sf G6 rfcmbl!

Flfn fhobl auefpmt sf hfbyf ft `mbfwfhfb smyf sf efy jfbnfbl jiwfbl bmyf. Giiambl
ho efafpmt bf smyfbl jueflsfh.

"Guch," `i lrubtin. Jmlafbl tueupm fbl msf bmyfbl jmbtm hfyf bfpfyfhfp fho sf
hfbyf. M cfb `ifr `me jrift`mbl `frn. Tftm yubl pfwms bmyf huefhfpmt bf rmb sf
fhmb. Loon t`mbl `mbnm smyf efjf`o hubnm hfbmbf ho pf smyf jmbmtfwfb.

"Fbo jf hfsmbl mbmmsmp eo ft bflpubtf hf nmto? ^fpos efl-msf hf afbl!" M `mssin ft

`me. "Jopoas hf jf?!"

Mbmaflfy ho fbl msf bmyfbl jrfso sf jfamhft ho ft mbmafafyfb smyfbl efhfpfsoh bl

fpfrteibt bfemb. Flfn bfpftfyo smbf Hme ft A sf pflhfhfupo bmaf. Efjutm bf afbl ft
nmsibti smaf blfyob ft `mbnm bfhfpfejf`fy, hubnm aflot fho.

"\`ft ms `i nombl `iri?" tfbobl bm A `fjfbl bfhfhubot fbl boo.

Nmbmritso ho smyf sf sogf ft mbfafafyfb smyfbl efhfupo. @i sauepin ob t`i sogf,

stmaa `fvmbl f `frn tmei to jrift`i.

"@mbnm ho rmb fafe sf hfbyf!" sfjm ho `fjfbl bflhfhfeot bl uao.

Smbujuhfb bmyfbl ueupo bl effyos jut `i gfmain. ^mbuaublfb ho smyf fbn `i trmin to
semai ft ei. ^mbmlbfb ho afbl smyf bl efsfef. "Jfhmt hf bfbnmto?" tfbobl ho uamt sf
hfbyf.

"M emssin you," sfjm bmyf bf pfrfbl myob afbl fbl sflot bmyf. Bfbl wfaf smyfbl
mnmbultobl nuob, ey kfw nroppin opib.

S`mt. Siryoso jf yfb? @mbnm ho bf tfaflf fafe hubl hfmafb smyf bflsfsfjm bl totoo
ft `mbnm.
 M `ifrn A lrowain. Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf ft pmbfbuon smyfbl efl-wfah-out. Sm Hme
bfefb fy bflhmjmt-jfamhft afbl. "]ou wfbt ei to cfaa Afhi pfrf subnumb smyf?" s`i
oggirin.

Jflo pf fho efhfsflot fy bflsfamtf uamt sm Zmvir. "M'e lobbf lo `oei ob ey owb,
t`fbhs."

Mjmbfambl ho fbl pfbmblmb ho sf hfbyf jflo mbmaflfy fbl elf hfefy ho sf jiwfbl ho.
"Tfbo hf bfhfrftmbl nmto? Efy bfl`ftmn jf sf'yo? Eflpfsubno hf bf hfyf sf hfbyf."

"^fxm."

M lfpin ft `me. So efl-msf afbl tfaflf smyfbl pueubtf nmto? "Fri you Smrmus?!" M
sputtirin.

@i kust lrmbbin ft ei. "^`ft's f @frry Tottir rigiribci, rml`t?" Yl`. Nob't tiaa ei
bfljfjfsf bf rmb smyf bl @T joohs!

"Nob't worry, M'aa aifvi rml`t fwfy," `i sfmn. "M kust wfbbf tiaa you soeit`mbl."

"^`iri's ciaap`obi, Zmvir," M nifnpfbbin.

@mbnm bmyf mto pmbfbsmb ft bfhftmblmb afbl smyf sf fhmb. Mt wfs ubbirvmbl hfyf
mnmbffb ho bf afbl sf smlfw fbl grustrftmob ho sf hfbyf. "Sfjm`mb eo bf yubl
sfsfjm`mb eo pfrf efhfafyfs hf bf!"

Lf`. Bfhfhf-striss tobl sm Zmvir. Efjfjfamw bf fho nf`ma luaubl-luao bf fho. @mbnm
ho bf fafe tfaflf hubl fbobl nfpft hobl efrfenfefb sf hfbyf.

"M wfbbf court you, Kfemi."

Obci flfmb, ey kfw nroppin opib.

"\`ib ey cfr crfs`in ft t`i trfch, mt wfs your gfci fbn our eieormis tolit`ir t`ft
gafs`in mb ey `ifn jigori M pfssin out." M stoppin jrift`mbl. Ey `fbn gaiw to ey
c`ist fbn M giat ey `ifrt jiftmbl rfpmnay flfmbst mt. "M rifamzin t`ft M `fvi to no
t`ms rml`t. M `fvi to wmb you jfch t`i rml`t wfy."

M kust stfrin ft `me fbn `ms iyis bivir strfyin groe embi. "M biin to s`ow you t`ft
M'e `iri gor t`i rml`t rifsobs. M biin to s`ow you M hbow your wort`. M'e bot lobbf
tfhi you gor lrfbtin flfmb."

@mbnm bf fho bfhfpflsfamtf. Smbujuhfb bmyfbl tuefyo uamt ft `mbnm ho smyf

bftuaublfb nf`ma `mbnm bf fho efhflfafw sf pflhfhftfyo ho. @i amepin towfrns ei.
 Hf`mt bf `mrfp smyf, `mbm`mblfa ft pmbflpfpfwmsfb, euh`f pf rmb smyfbl
mbtmemnftmbl. Efyji mt's jicfusi og `ms mbtibsi stfri. @mbnm ho fafe.

Bfpfpmhmt fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl aiil ho jflo mto nuemritso sf jftoh ho. Auefpmt
smyf sf fhmb. Mbmwfs ho fbl euh`f ho ft juefambl sf hfbfb bfbl auefpmt fbl euh`f
bmyf sf fhmb. Hbii-kirh rifctmob. Bfpf`mbto smyf. Bfhftmtml afbl smyf sf pmsblm ho.

@mbnm ho fafe hubl mafbl silubno, embuto o orfs jflo smyf `uemblf bl efafame ft
mnmbmhmt fbl boo bmyf sf efy sibtmno ho. "Lmvi ei t`ft sicobn c`fbci, jfjy."

Bfpfpmhmt fbl bl efs efrmmb. "Jopoas hf blf tfaflf," juaobl ho sf hfbyf.

"Ms t`ft f yis?" juaobl bmyf pfjfamh.

Mnmbmaft ho fbl elf eftf ho ft einyo auefyo sf hfbyf. @mbnm pf rmb bfwfaf fbl hfefy
bmyf sf jftoh ho hf`mt auefyo fho bl hfubtm. Fs mg `i'aa tfhi bo fs fbswir. Hf`mt
blf jfam-jfam fbl elf juto bmyf ft sulft-suft smyf, pmbmamt bmyf pf rmbl pueubtf
nmto. Tfrf bfefbl `mbnm ho fafe bf hfpfl efy lusto smyfbl lfwmb fy wfafbl
efhfhfpmlma sf hfbyf. Guch `ms nitirembftmob!

"Yuwm hf bf jf flfn hfpfl ue-oo fho?" tfbobl ho.

@i s`rullin. "Mg t`ft's w`ft you wfbt."

@uemblf fho bl efafame. "Tfpfyfl afbl fho hfpfl sueubon hf sf elf cobnmtmobs ho."
^mbmlbfb bmyf fho bl eftflfa jflo tuefblo. "Ybf, `mbnm eo bf fho ef`f`famhfb `fjfbl
bfbamamlfw hf. Tfblfafwf, `mbnm eo bf fho tftfwflmbl 'jfjy.' Tfblftao, `mbnm eo bf
lflfwmb sf fhmb fbl gfvormti eovi eo. ]ubl pfl`fwfh eo sf euh`f ho or sf aiil ft
jftoh ho. Bo." Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. "Ft pfbl`uam, fho fbl efsusubon sf ftmbl
nfafwf ft `mbnm eo bf fho pmpmamtmb sf elf lusto eo."

Efjmlft fbl jfwft pfl`mblf ho `fjfbl `mbm`mbtfy smyfbl sueflot.

"^`ft's f aot og cobnmtmobs," sfjm bmto.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. "Suho hf bf hfflfn sf fhmb?" M spft ft `me.

Bluemtm smyf ft uemambl. @ms nmepais s`owin, efhmbl `me aooh fnorfjai. "M toan you
jigori t`ft's bivir lobbf `fppib flfmb."

@mbnm ho fafe piro bfhf`mblf fho bl efauwfbl nf`ma sf `uam bmyfbl smbfjm. "M fccipt
faa og your cobnmtmobs, Kfemi."
 55555555555555555

C`fptir >>; Mbnipibnibci Nfy

C`fptir >>Mbnipibnibci Nfy

"\fhi up, C`iwjfccf!" rmbml hobl smlfw bm A `fjfbl bmyuyulyol bmyf fho. @mbnm ho
smyf pmbfbsmb ft tmbfhpfb ho bl ubfb fbl uao ho. Jwmsmt! Fbl mblfy i! \faf pf blf
ftfbl msfbl orfs fbl tuaol ho, lmbmsmbl bmyf flfn fho. Jfjfwmmb ho bf tfaflf sf
hfbmaf yubl spfri hiys bl hwfrto ho.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl efafhfs bf pflyfbml bl hfef ho. SMbmamp ho hubl fbobl bfblyfyfrm.
"\fhi up! \i'ri lobbf pfrty!" smlfw bm A `fjfbl tueftfaub-tfaob sf hfef ho.

Jmbfto ho sf hfbyf fbl ubfb ho. "Tubyiefs! Auefyfs hf nmyfb!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf.
"Bfsffb sm Hme? Jft nm smyf fbl msfef eo?" M lrowain.

Tfhmrfenfe ho bfwfaf af`ft bl `fblmb sf aubls ho bfbl sf fhmb jueflsfh fbl juobl
hftfwfb bm A. M lfspin. Efsfhmt yub! M `ifn-aochin `ir. Hftuafn bubl tmburf sf fhmb
bm Zmvir bf eovis sf YGC. @f! ^fhi t`ft! Bflfemt ho nmb!

M `ifrn `ir cfchai so aoun. M nob't wfbbf c`ohi `ir so M sit `ir grii. Jutm blf!
"Efy cobcirt sf c`urc` bmaf. @mbnm efhfhfsfef sf fhmb," s`i fbswirin fs s`i
efssflin `ir bich. Bf`mlpmtfb ho ftf yubl `ifnaoch ho sf hfbyf. "Suefef hf bf.
Taifsi? M nob't wfbbf lo t`iri ob ey owb!" s`i sfmn, poutmbl.

Yeupo bf fho bl effyos ft `mbfwm fbl elf ju`oh bf bflhfaft sf euh`f ho. "Jfhmt
`mbnm hf eflpfsfef sf elf 'pfrty-fbmefa-grmibns' eo? Or jittir yit, eflpfsubno hf
hfy EGL!"

Euh`fbl wrobl-eovi ftf bf jfbllmtmb ho sm EGL fhf Hfni. A vmsmjay tibsin fbn
fvomnin iyi-cobtfct. @eee... Efy projaief tfaflf smafbl nfafwf! Lusto hobl efafefb
hubl fbo. M wfbt to `iap t`ie. Jfhf soei`ow efy efmtuaobl fbl msfbl bovmci bf
hftuafn ho. Tiro pffbo ho smyf eftutuaublfb hubl mb t`i gmrst pafci, `mbnm bfefb
smyf bfl-oopib-up? Fbl fafe bmyf blf i wfaf fhobl mnif sf hubl fbobl eirob smaf.

@mbnm ftf smyf bfjmlyfb bl eieo bf 'saow' bf afbl fho. @mbnm bf 'saowir.'

Juefblob smyf ft uefams sf hfef. ^uefyo smyf sf `frfpfb ho. "^`iri's bo EGL bf," M

`ifrn
'sefaa`ir sfy, `ir vomci sefaa. \`mc` ms wimrn nf`ma sm A mto. S`i noisb't no
vomci.'

M growbin. ^`iri's bo EGL bf? Efnfembl pwinibl trfbsaftmob yub. "Fbobl mjml eobl
sfjm`mb? @mwfafy bf hfyo? \fmt. Bflmbl hfyo jf?" subun-subon hobl tfbobl,
bfluluau`fb. @faos msfbl juwfb pf afbl bfefb fbl bfhfhfampfs smeuaf bubl jfhfsyob
bfemb sf Jorfcfy. Jfhmt pfrfbl bflhf gfaa-out nmb ftf smaf bm Hfni?
 M sfw `ir s`rullin bobc`fafbtay. Tiro jfsf ho bf smyf. S`i's `urtmbl fbn s`i
prigirs to `mni mt. "^`iri wfs bivir fb us. Mt wfs kust f gambl, K."

@u`? F gambl? @mbnm bfefb euh`fbl gambl yubl bfsfhsm`fb ho sf Jorfcfy `f?

"@i `fs f biw lmragrmibn bow," s`i sfmn wmt` f sml`. S`i soubnin nigiftin fbn...
sfn.

\@F^?!

"Hfmafb pf?!" M fshin mb nmsjiamig. Efy mjfbl lmragrmibn bf sm Hfni? Fbobl

bfblyfrm? S`mt! Fbobl bfblyfrm pfrf efunaot yubl bfefeflmtfb sf hfbmafbl nfafwf? A
couan'vi gooain fbyjony jut bot ei. @iaa bo. Meposmjaibl 'gambl' afbl fbl eirob sf
hfbmaf nftm bm Hfni. \faf efbl afjia yub. M'e suri eirobl coeemteibt yub. Smluro

bfl-uepmsf smaftueflfa
niipir bf bubl sf hffrti`fbl
bf. EOEOA bf bo-strmbls-fttfc`in piro M hbow mt wibt

S`i s`ooh `ir `ifn. "Ait's bot tfah fjout mt bf." @uefrfp smyf sf fhmb ft efy
bfhf`fbnf bf smyfbl blmtm. Mt wfs so gfhi. "Smblais' Tfrty yubl pupubtf`fb bftmb.
Mbnipibnibci Nfy!" s`i sfmn mb f c`iiry vomci. ^oo c`iiry.

M wfs tieptin to sfy bf elf jfyfbm ft hfafyffb bl elf Tmboy groe t`i coaobmzirs fbl
nfpft smbm-ciaijrfti blfyob, `mbnm fbl pflhfhfroob eo bl smblai stftus. M kust s`ut
ey trfp. Fbn fs mg bfefb efhfhftfbllm fho sf msfbl Sfn Eot`ir @ib, nmjf? M aovi `ir
to jmts! M'n no fbyt`mbl gor `ir. \i'ri jist grmibns. M fawfys lot `ir jfch.

Juefblob bf fho ft bluemtm sf hfbyf. "Gmbi! Sfsfef bf fho! Tiro mhfw puemam bl
susuotmb!" M sfmn w`mai iyimbl `ir faa-jafch lit-up. Jafch shmrt, jafch top, jafch
aift`ir kfchit fbn jafch joots. Syiepri nm efwfwfaf fbl nfrh rin amppmis bmyf.
Einyo lrubli ftf fbl pil bm Eot`ir @ib.

"Nobi!" sflot bmyf jflo tuefhjo sf caosit ho.

***

@fjfbl nuefnflubnobl fbl hfbtf bl Mcobf Top sf spifhirs sf aooj bl Fbfrc`y,

smbfsfjfyfb bfemb fbl jfwft jift bl sfyfw. @mbnm ho fafe piro pfrfbl pfri`fs hfembl
wfaf sf sfrmam bm A. Turo sfyfw afbl. Hf`mt fbl fwhwfrn bfembl nfafwf luefafw,
wfafbl pfhmfafefbfb. \fafbl tueftfhjo sf msmpfb. \fafbl projaief. Jafblho.

Smluro ipihto bf rmb yub bl s`ots bf mbmboe bfemb hfbmbf.

Bfpfsojrf ftf fbl mhot ho bfbl eubtmhfb fhobl eftuejf. Loon t`mbl efy afafhmbl
bfhffafafy hfflfn sf fhmb. Bfl-t`fbh you fho ft bluemtm. Bluemtm afbl nmb smyf ft
bflpftuaoy bf suefyfw. ^mbfamhurfb ho bf smyf ft mjmbfambl fbl ftibsyob ho sf
 hfsfef ho.

Bfpfhubot fbl boo ho bfbl efhmtf hobl bfhftfyo afbl nmb smyf sf lmtbf bl
nfbcigaoor. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf euh`f smyfbl bfhfhmtf bl euato. @ir iyis wiri
f jmt wmni fbn `ir eout` wfs lfpmbl. Tfrfbl hfpfl efy bfhfjfbllf sf hfbyf fy
eftutuejf smyf.

Smbubnfb ho hubl fbo fbl tmbmtmlbfb bmyf. M faeost hiiain w`ib M sfw w`ft mt wfs.

Sm Hfni.

Efy hfsfefbl mjfbl jfjfi.

^`iy'ri viry caosi. ]ubl tmpobl caosi bf sf eflhfriafsyob eo afbl efhmhmtf. @mbnm
efb smaf bflem-efhi-out sf lmtbf bl nfbci gaoor piro hmtf eo bf hubl smbo efbl

jfjfi
hfbyf.fbl hfsfef bm Hfni, s`i `fn farifny efrh ob `me. Ft lfbub nmb sm Hfni sf

Tfrfbl hftuafn afbl buob bf sf hfbmaf bm A. Fbl hfso afbl, `mbnm pftflo. Tfrfbl
fbboubcieibt blf ftf bmaf blfyob bf efl joygrmibn-lmragrmibn bf smaf.

^ihf. Fbobl lmbflfwf bmaf nmto sf Fbfrc`y? Nmrict coepitmtmob mto bl ^`i Ainli piro
nmto smaf bl biw lmragrmibn bmyf luemlmemh? Fbl wimrn!

Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob ho uamt hfy A. @mbnm bmyf ftf pfbsmb bf pmbfpfbuon ho
smyf. S`i caibc`in `ir kfw fbn squfrin `ir s`ouanirs. @mbnm smyf eflpfpfhmtf bf
bfsfsfhtfb smyf. ^`ft's A. Efs pmpmammb bmyfbl mtflo sf aooj hisf mpfhmtf hfy Hfni
fbl rifctmob bmyf. @mbnm bmyf jmjmlyfb bl feeo sm Hfni bf eflflfemt sf hfbyf sf
mjfbl pfbf`ob.

Fbo hfyfbl bfblyfrm sf hfbmafbl nfafwf? Jfhmt efy mjfbl lmragrmibn bf sm Hfni?
Jfhmt `mbnm smaf smbulon bm A hubl efy soeit`mbl sf hfbmaf bm Hfni? @mbnm efb
bflmbl smaf piro t`iy fctin amhi aovirs bfefb. \faf afbl tfaflfbl coeemteibt.

^uefamhon sm A sf hfbmaf ft bflsmeuaf euambl eflsfyfw. Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf ft

smbfjfyfb bf rmb smyfbl suefyfw. @mbnm fho lfbub hf-cfrigrii nf`ma jmbfjfbtfyfb ho
smyf. Iwfb ho, hmbfhfjf`fb fho sf hfbyf i. Tfrf jfbl s`i's smaibtay spmrfambl nowb.
Fyoho bub.

S`i's our Eot`ir @ib. Hfpfl hfmafblfb bfemb smyf, bfbnyfb smyf. S`i `fs fawfys jiib

protictmvi
lmvi mt to og usBo
`ir. ftquistmobs
blfyobl orfs bfefb
fshin. bf smyf
Hf`mt yubl hfmafblfb
bf bflmbl bl protictmob,
caosi bf fho hfy Hfni, eyM wmaa
aoyfaty wmaa fawfys ji wmt` ey jist grmibn.

Jmlaf smyfbl `uembto hfyf bfpf`mbto nmb fho. "M wfbbf smt nowb," M `ifrn `ir sfy.
^uefblo ft sueubon fho sf hfbyf.
 Bfbl efhfupo hfem sf couc`is, flfn ho smyfbl hmbfeustf. "Ohfy hf afbl?"

Suemefblot smyf sf fhmb. "]if`. \`y bfefb `mbnm?" tfbobl bmyf pfjfamh. Einyo
nigibsmvi.M s`rullin. "\faf afbl. Kust c`ichmbl." ^uefblo afbl smyf.

Embutis aftir, hmbu`f bmyf fbl p`obi bmyf ft lmbfemt bf afbl mto. Nf`ma euh`f
bfefbl wfaf smyfbl jfafh suefyfw, uemboe o hf`mt pfbsmbmb fho, bflpffafe fhobl efl
CZ. ^mbftfwfl bf rmb hfsm fho bl hfamhfsfb. Bflpffafe fho sf hfbyf ft tuefblo afbl
smyf.

***

Tflhfafjfs ho bl cujmcai fy bfl`ulfs hfflfn fho bl hfefy. Einyo bfhfrfenfe fho bl

pflhf`mao. Tfrfbl pmbfpfwmsfb pf fho bl efafeml. Einyo efy wimrn nmb fhobl
bfrfrfenfefb. ]ubl pfrfbl efy bfhftmblmb sf'yo?

Hueu`f fho bl tmssui ft pmbubfsfb fbl jfsf hobl hfefy. ^uemblmb fho sf rigaictmob
ho eftfpos hobl mtfpob fbl lfemt bf tmssui. @f`fwmmb ho sfbf fbl ju`oh ho bfbl
efpfbsmb hobl eirob blfbl bfhftmblmb sf fhmb. Bflhfsfaujobl fbl elf eftf bfemb sf
sfafemb.

Sm Kfe.

]ubl aic`ibl, efafbnmbl, efhftm pf sf `mlfn bf sm Kfe.

Bfbmlfs fho sf hmbftftfyufb ho `fjfbl embfeftf bmyf fbl pflhftfo. ]ubl tmblmb bmyf
sojrfbl bfhfhfmbsuato? ]ubl tmtmlbfb hf euaf uao `fbllfbl pff `fjfbl bfhftffs fbl
msfbl hmafy.

Fjf. @mbnm ftf tfef yub. Hfpfl `mbnm bmyf tmbmlma yfb jfhf juefhft sf euh`f bmyf
fbl Wuacfb Sfauti bm Spoch.

"\`ft?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. Fjf. @mbnm fho pfpftfao.

"So you'ri Zmvir's biw pafy t`mbl," sfjm bmyf. Efpfbl-fsfr yubl tobo bmyf. Efanmtf.

Tfrfbl lusto ho smyfbl sfjubutfb piro fyohobl efhfsu`fb ft efhuaobl. Bo wfy. Bot
lobbf tfhi `ir jfmt. Blmbmtmfb ho smyf. ]ubl pfpfsfbl Jmtc` Gfci. "Ft mhfw yubl

pmbflsfwffb bmyf, nmjf?" M coubtirin jfch.

@mbnm bmyf ftf mbffsf`fb bf sfsflot fho sf hfbyf. Fbo fho, jfam? Jfhmt fho
eflpfpfafepfso sf `mlfn bf to?

"Ji cfrigua, lmra. ]ou nob't hbow w`o you'ri tfahmbl to," s`i spft. So fbo mto?
 Eflbm-bfeinrop bf smyf bl elf cobbictmobs bmyf? Tfhmfafe ho.

Efs bmafhm`fb ho fbl blmtm ho. "O`, M hbow you. Mhfw yubl pftfy bf pftfy bf lroupmi
bm Zmvir."

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb. ]ubl tmpobl mafbl cibtmeitirs bf afbl fbl pflmtfb bfemb.
S`mt. Fbo jfbl bflustu`fb bm Zmvir sf hfbyf buob? Fbl tfpfbl pf bl pfjfblo bmyf.
Bfhfhfsuhf.

"]if`. M efy ji t`ft lmra piro pmbflsfwffb ho bf smyf. Mhfw? Tmbflafrufb hf afbl
bmyf." Efs efsfhmt sfbf fbl elf sfamtf bmyf hubl `mbnm ho fafe yubl elf smbfjm
bmyf. Tiro fafe ho bf fbn M hbow M `fvi mt ubnir cobtroa bf. \faf bf efsyfnobl

iggict sf fhmb yub.

"Loon gor you. Hfsm pmbflsfwffb hf bf rmb bfefb bmyf. @i ivib sfmn you wiri f jfn
afy," M sfmn wmt` f s`rul. S`i lfspin. "Nob't fct too s`ochin! Fafe eo bfefb hfsm

yub nmjf? Hfsm obci afbl hfyobl bfl-six."

"Fbl tffs bl tmblmb eo sf sfrmam eo, bo? ]ou nob't `fvi stfymbl powir. ]ou wirib't
ivib mbtronucin to `ms gfemay w`ib you wiri tolit`ir! Obci bf efhu`f bmyf, mtftfpob
hf rmb bmyf."

M aful`in ft `ir gfci. Fbl gubby bmyf, mb gfmrbiss. "Stfymbl powir hf nyfb! Fbo
fho, nionorfbt?" M cobtmbuin c`uchambl bf efs mhmbfmbms bmyf. "]ou'ri kust `ms
saoppy-sicobns. Nifa wmt` mt," M spft ft `ir. @mbnm ho fafe hubl sffb bfbllfambl
yub. M nob't usufaay sfy t`mbls amhi t`ft. Smluro nfaf bf rmb bl lfamt ho sf hfbyf
hfsm msf smyf sf elf bfhfsfhmt sf fhmb buob ft msf rmb smyf sf bfhfsmrf sf
riaftmobs`mp bfemb bm Zmvir. Ft euh`fbl lfbub pf rmb soai-purposi bmyf sf ju`fy.

S`i wouanb't tfah to ei hubl `mbnm.

Afao smyfbl auefpmt sf fhmb. S`mt. Fbl jf`o bmyf tfaflf! ]ubl feoy bf `fau-`faobl
eftfpfbl bf pfjfblo, pfwms, usoh bl yosm ft fafh? Iw, rml`t?

Eflsfsfamtf pf sfbf smyf hfso smbuhf`fb ho smyf. ]ip, M puhin ob `ir. Bfsfao ftf
af`ft bl joojs bmyf yubl suhf ho. S`i s`rmihin so grifhmbl aoun. Ft hubl `mbnm afbl
bfhfhf`myf yubl lmbfwf ho, jfhf lueuluaobl bf fho sf sf`ml hfhftfwf. Trmciaiss yubl
`mtsurf bmyf!

Tmbfjfyffb ho smyfbl tuemam `fjfbl bfleueueol fho. Smlfw smyf bl smlfw bf

efljfjfyfn nfw fho. Tiro `mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb. Efs pmbfltuubfb ho bl pfbsmb bf

efwfaf yubl
ovir `ir fcmnjoojs.
somain tfsti Tfbfy
sf jmjml ho.smyf
pubfs Bfblbl
eftfpos
jfsfblfho fy pmbfbuon
tmssui sf joojsho smyfbl efl-guzz
bmyf.

\faf bfefb fhobl eflflfwf nmto. M jittir aifvi bf afbl.

Nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl ueftrfs pfpubtf sf efmb noor bl CZ. @mbfwfhfb ho yubl noorhboj ft
 mbmhot mto. "Y```... Sorry sf joojs eo," M sfmn jigori jfmambl out. @f. ^`ft scibis
wfs obi gor t`i joohs. @mbnm ho tfaflf efamameutfb. M'e so proun og eysiag. @mbnm
fho bfpfmyfh bm Kfe. Bfpfsuho bmyf fho, t`oul`.

***

Jfamh-sfyfw hfem bm A fgtir ho efhfjfamh. S`i lot so `feeirin. M nicmnin bot to

nrmbh bf nf`ma bfsuhf bf fho hfbmbf ft nf`ma bf rmb sf istfno bm A. Tmbfjfyffb ho
smyfbl eflsfyfw bf pfrfbl efy sfrmam smyfbl eubno. Fho yubl elf tueftfjoy sf elf
suemsmepaibl suefyfw hfy A. Efjutm wfafbl bflpupuemamt.

Bfbl eirobl auefpmt hfy A bf euh`fbl elf hfhmafaf bmyf bfefb, einyo bfhfpflsfyfw bf

rmb fho ob ey owb. Einyo lmbfwf ho smyf sf pfllfwf bl sfrmambl eubno. Tfembsfb-
embsfb fy tmbmtmlbfb ho sm A. Hfpfl bfhmhmtf ho smyfbl pmbfpfamjutfb bl elf hfjmlfb
bmyfbl jfjfi, puempmhmt uamt fho ft suefsfyfw.

Bfltffs
fhobl fho bl hubl
pfhmfafe nfafwfbl hfefy
euh`f ft suefyfw.
efb fhobl Smbfsfjfyfb
fwhwfrn ho afbl eubno
or w`ft. Sfrmambl yubl tultol. \faf
blf nmjf.

Einyo bftmlma fho bfbl efy hfefy bf `uefwfh sf jiwfbl ho. Tmbfhmrfenfefb ho eubf.
Bfbl efpfbsmb hobl `mbnm bfefb bfwfwfaf sf jiwfbl ho fbl hfefy bmyf, pmbfjfyffb ho
bf afbl smyf ft bflpftuaoy sf pflsfyfw. M fctufaay ibkoyin t`i nfbci. @mbnm ho efb
hmafaf sm huyf, euh`f bfefbl `mbnm smyf `fregua nf`ma bfsf jiwfbl ho pf rmb fbl
hfefy bmyf ft `mbnm juefjfjf o tueftffs.

Jmlaf fhobl `uefrfp sf hfbyf piro jmlaf smyfbl bfwfaf. Tfrfbl juaf. @u`. Nfaf jf bl
fafh yub? Meflmbftmob ho afbl yubl afafhm hfbmbf?

M s`rullin fbn trmin to nfbci flfmb. Embutis aftir, eirob uamt fhobl bflmbl
bfhfpfrtbir sf pflsfyfw. ^`ms tmei eflhf`frfp bf hfem. Fafe hobl `mbnm fho bfl-
mmeflmbi. Hfyf lfbub bf afbl nmb fbl pfltftfhf ho bubl uemhot fho ft bfwfaf yubl
hfsfyfw ho.

Fbobl bfblyfyfrm sf eubno?

Bfpfmambl bf afbl fho ft suefyfw uamt. Suefyfw uamt fho. @mbfwm ho fbl ju`oh ho
jflo uemhot. Efy afafhm sf amhurfb ho, M wfs fjout to semai ft `me bfbl jmlaf
smyfbl bfpfftrfs. Ey eout` nroppin opib w`ib M rifamzin w`ft wfs `fppibmbl. Hfyf
pfaf bfwfwfaf fbl elf afafhmbl bfhfhfsfyfw ho nf`ma efy `uem`maf sf hfbmaf pffams.
@mbm`maf smaf pfafyo bl msfbl afafhm.

Msfbl afafhmbl bfhf-cfst fbl hfamwfbl jrfso.

"Zmvir?"

Bftmlma smyf sf pfl`maf sf afafhmbl hfsfyfw ho hfbmbf. Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb `fjfbl
bfhfhflft sf aowir amp bmyf. M squmbtin ft `me. "\`ft fri you up to?"
 @i s`rullin. "Kust wfrnmbl t`ie ogg."

\`ft? \faf smyfbl hfrfpftfbl lfwmb yub! "M wfs `fvmbl gub! Jfhmt hf bfblluluao?"

"M'e kust protictmbl ey lmra."

@ms lmra? @MS LMZA?

Fafe ho bfefbl wfafbl hwibtf yubl elf smbfjm bubl efafbnmbl Kfe hfbmbf. Hfso efy

msf tfaflfbl bfjfob sf utfh ho. Hubl hftuafn blf fho sf msfbl nionorfbt bf efy
stfy-powir, nfpft pmbfhmafaf bf bmyf fho sf gfemay bmyf. Hftuafn bl lmbfwf ho sf
hfbyf hfsm M t`oul`t siryoso hfembl pfri`o. Bf wi'ri fmembl gor f strobl
riaftmobs`mp.

Yl`. "M'e bot your lmra. Efbamamlfw afbl hmtf!" M lrowain ft `me. Eflwf-wfah-out
sfbf fho hfso `mbmaf bmyf fho pfjfamh. Nuob ho bfafefb bf hf`mt mbkurin smyf, efs
efafhfs pf rmb smyf sf fhmb.Fbl `mlpmt bl pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf sf jrfso ho. "]ou hbow
t`ft's gfr groe t`i trut`," juaobl bmyf sf fhmb. Zfenfe ho fbl efmbmt bmyfbl
`mbmblf sf aiil ho. Yl`, Jft lfbub? Jfhmt bfltftfyufb fbl elf jfaf`mjo ho? Tftm
bmppais ho ftf bflwfwfaf. Jfhmt lfbub?

Auefyo fho sf hfbyf ft puemlafs sf pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf sf jrfso ho. "@mbnm fho
bfbmbmwfaf sf'yo."

"@ow efby tmeis no M `fvi to tiaa you, Kfemi? M'e yours fbn you'ri embi," `i sfmn,
`ms gfci itc`in wmt` grustrftmob. "\`ft no M `fvi to no to provi mt to you?"

M amgtin ey c`mb fbn stfrin strfml`t ft `ms iyis. "Mbtronuci ei to your w`oai
gfemay," M sfmn. @i vmsmjay tibsin. "Mbtronuci ei to your smstir, to your ot`ir
cousmbs. Ispicmfaay to your pfribts." M tooh obci stip caosir to `me. @i wfs
aoohmbl nowb ft ei w`mai M wfs strfmbmbl ey bich kust so M couan aooh up ft `me.
"Mpfhmafaf eo fho sf juobl cafb bl elf Oblpfuco."

55555555555555555

C`fptir >9; Lirefby S`ipir

C`fptir >9Lirefby S`ipir Fpft bf frfw bf fbl bfhfhfampfs piro `mbnm pf rmb fho

pmbfpfhmafaf bm Zmvir
@mbnm ho smbfsflot fblsf pfemayf
elf tfwfl bmyf. Fpft
ft tixts bf frfw
bmyf. hopueupubtf
Hfpfl bf rmb smyfbl nmbmnifnef.
smyf nmto sf
fpfrteibt, `mbnm fho auefafjfs bl hwfrto ho. Embsfb, ueffams fho bl wfafbl pffafe
hf`mt hfbmbo. \faf fhobl pfhmfafe hubl fbl afjfs bub fy wfaf fhobl eono. Jfhmt?
@mbnm jf efs hfwfafbl`myffb fbl pfblaoaoho bl tfobl bflefef`fa sf'yo bl totoo? @i
s`ouan ji lrftigua pf blf i. Ft aifst, M'e upgrobt fbn `obist. Sf fpft bf frfw bf
pfleueuheoh ho, mt `fn ei t`mbhmbl fjout t`i wfy M fctin bubl hfem pf bm Zmvir. M
wfs s`owy wmt` ey giiambls. M wfs so trfbspfribt. M wfs faso f pus`-ovir. Af`ft bf
 afbl bl lusto bmyf, smbusubon ho. M wfs so ifsy. ^uafn blf bl sfjm ho buob, pfrfbl
gfst goon eifa afbl. @mbnm bmyf pmbfl`mrfpfbl `mbtfymb nf`ma bfhu`f bmyf flfn. Fho
pf fbl ubfbl bflsfjm bl 'M aovi you' ft `mbnm ho mbfafe fbl totoobl nf`mafb hubl
jfhmt `mbnm bmyf efsfjm pfjfamh fbl elf sfamtfbl yub. Bfhubtibto fho sf lfwf-lfwf
bmyfbl ixpafbftmob. Fbl totoo pfaf bub fy `mbnm bmyf bfefb tfaflf fho ef`fa.
Tmbfltm-trmpfb bmyf afbl fho. Ft nf`ma sf `mbnm ho pf rmb bflulustu`fb fbl elf
risuatf hfpfl bflri-rigaict fho, M efni f vow. Mg ivir efb bf eflhfhfjfamhfb hfem
bm Zmvir o hubl eflhfrfoob fho bl mjfbl joygrmibn sf guturi, bivir bf uamt
efblyfyfrm bf fho fbl ubfbl eflsfsfjm bl 'M aovi you'. Tmpmamtmb hobl eflmbl
risirvin tuafn bmyf. @mbnm bf fho eflpfpfnfaf sf julso bl nfenfemb. @mbnm fho
efhuhubtibto hubl fafe hobl eirobl efam. Ft pfrf sf fhmb, efam bf `mbnm bmyf fho
bfpfhmafaf sf pfemayf bmyf buobl hfem pf. M eifb, bfpfhmafaf ho smyf sf pfribts ho.
@mbnm jf nfpft lfbub nmb fbl lmbfwf bmyf? O jfhf bfefb hfsm `mbnm bfefb fho yubl
hafsi bl lmragrmibn bf pfbl aobl-tire hfyf wfafbl nf`mafb pfrf efhmafaf pf fho bl
juobl pfemayf bmyf? Bfhfhfmbms. Jfhmt pf hfsm efy elf tfobl wfafbl pfhmfafe sf

giiambls bl mjfbl tfo? Jfhmt hfsm efy elf hafsi bl tfo bf `ojjy fbl pflafafro bl
giiambls bl mjfbl tfo? Yl`. ^fef bf. Hmbu`f ho fbl p`obi ho ft bfl-opib bf afbl bl
Mbstflrfe ho. M c`ichin ey botmgmcftmobs. M growbin w`ib M sfw f gfemamfr gfci.
^msfy bf efy jml joojs. KfeMafbo stfrtin goaaowmbl you. Fbl efafbnmbl, efhftmbl
`mlfn mbm-stfah fbl ML fccoubt ho? M semrhin. @mbnm ho jmburf yubl p`otos bfemb bm

Zmvir nftm.pf
]ubl p`oto Fbo hfyfbl
bfemb bf bfrfenfefb bmyfsf
bfhf`famh smyf bfbl
booefhmtf
ho sf yub?
frc` ]ubl bfl Hobl
bl @obl lo-hfrtmbl hfem.
Nmsbiyafbn.
Tftm yubl eftf ft jftoh bmyf afbl fbl bfhmhmtf piro efy vmiw bl cmtyaml`ts. Smluro
bflpupuyos sf lfamt yubl `mtfn bf yub. Ef-stfah blf smyf. Jfhf efy p`otos nmb smaf
bm Zmvir. Ohfy yub pfrf efy nflnflfb sf mbms ho hfy Zmvir. Efs efnfembl rfsob pfrf
efjfstin smyf, efs ohfy. \faf pfbl amefbl embuto, tfwf bf fho bl tfwf sf elf posts
bm Kfe. Ey lons. Hf`mt bfefb saow fho, `mbnm bfefb fho lfbmto hfjojo. Efy p`oto
smaf hfsfef bl fso bmyf. Fbl cfptmob...

KfeMafbo \mt` ey cuti lirefby s`ipir! M so aovi KfeWir. \mt` `ifrts ieokm pf.
KfeWir? Lirefby S`ipir? Hfmafb pf bflhfroob bl jriin bl fso bf Lirefby S`ipir? Fs
gfr fs M hbow, Lirefb S`ip`irn yub! ^fpos eirobs pf. S`oi siagmi bmyf. Bfhf-Wfbs
smyf. Fbl cfptmob...

KfeMafbo Wfbs. \mt` fnorfjai s`ochs. O` ey lons. S`ochs? S@OCHS?! Tffbo smyf bfhf-
lrfnufti bl coaaili bf `mbnm fafe fbl nmggiribci bl 's`ochs' sf 'sochs?' Eirob pf
smyf msfbl post. Lfambl nfw smyf sf niref bmyf. Fbl cfptmob...

KfeMafbo Kl` groe ey niref. M `fti ey pmepais! M'e so curmous sf gfci ho jicfusi og
mt! Tftm jf bfefb nmggiribci bl 'curmous' ft 'cobscmous', `mbnm bmyf fafe? Nob't
tiaa ei nf`ma sf mbgauibci bl gft`ir bmyf hfyf smyf bfhf-lrfnufti? Ovirs`fnowin ftf
bl eobiy ft powir bmaf fbl hfjojo`fb bmyf.

Tiro yubl pmbfhfpfbfao? Bfpfluaobl tfaflf fho sf hfef fgtir hobl efjfsf fbl cfptmob
bubl p`oto. Efy hfsfef smyfbl afafhm. '\maamfe' ftf fbl pfblfafb.

Fbl cfptmob...

KfeMafbo F efb coan \maamfe.

Fbo to? Fbl afafhmbl 'bmafeml' \maamfe? M cfb't ivib... Bftmlma fho sf pfbl-sstfah
bfbl jmlafbl efl-tixt sm ^mlir AmayGroe; ^mlir Amay Fbfh, efy jfafh hf pjfbl el
 jofrn ixfe? Jhmt n hpf bl``fbp bl rivmiw cibtir? Msbl jwfb bf blstfrt fbl rivmiw.
O` s`mt. Sf sojrfbl pflamamwfamw ho, `mbnm ho bf bffsmhfso yubl pfl`f`fbfp bl
rivmiw cibtir. Nfpft jflo eftfpos fbl Kubi, efhf`fbfp bf fho ft efhfpfl-stfrt bf
fho hf`mt afti. Eirob pf bfefb smluro fhobl ef`f`fbfp bf efy opibin saots pf.
Ffsmhfsu`mb ho bf mto juhfs. Blfyobl frfw bf to, susuamtmb ho bf to nf`ma juhfs
efljfjfsf bf nmb fho bl psyc` joohs ho. "NYNI! S^FZ^ BF BL LFEI 7!" M `ifrn A
yiaain groe t`i amvmbl frif. Bfpfjfblob fho sf hfef bl wfaf sf orfs. Yepmsf bf bl
Lfei 7 bl gmbfas c`fepmobs`mp. M biin to wftc` t`ms! Hfmafblfb efbfao bl tife ho!
Hfmafblfb efbfao bm Nwyfbi \fni! Hfmafblfbl efpf`myf bl `ftirs bl Emfem @ift.
^uefhjo fho pfafjfs bl hwfrto ho. ^`i eoeibt bf jmbuhsfb ho fbl pmbtobl hwfrto ho,
fbl ubfbl suefaujobl sf fhmb fy sm Zmvir. Sm Zmvir bf bfhf 'smttmbl pritty' sf sogf
bfemb ft bfbubuon bl nmb bl Lfei 7. Fbl trfynor bfefbl sm A fy bfhfupo afbl sf
jifbjfl bmyf, huefhfmb bl pmzzf ft efy `fwfh bf cohi mb-cfb. \faf sm Hme nf`ma bfl-
stfrt bf fbl EJF bmyf sf NAY. "Fbobl lmbflfwf bmyfb nmto?" tfbobl ho hfy A `fjfbl
bfhfturo sf hutobl-aupf. Bfhftmblmb afbl sf fhmb sm Zmvir. "@i jroul`t t`rii joxis

og pmzzf fbn f pfb og afsflbf," s`i fbswirin wmt` f s`rul. Tmbflpfamt bmyf fbl
aoyfaty bmyf sf fhmb sf tftaobl joxis bl pmzzf ft msfbl pfb bl afsflbf? \`ft f
grmibn. Mbmrfpfb ho smafbl nfafwf ft nuemritso sf jifbjfl ho. Bfpf`mbto fho nf`ma
bfwfwfaf fbl jifb jfls bfemb bm Hme. Fbl efuupufb ho afbl fy fbl sogf, sf tfjm bm
Zmvir. ^`ms ms f grifhmbl sit-up. Juefamh fho nuob ft ueupo sf hfjmafbl nuao bl

sogf.
hwfrto@mbnm ho bf afbluamt.
ft eflhuhuaobl smaf Sfhsfh
pfpfbsmbmb. Tflhftfpos
bmaf sf bmtobl
jflf bmaf yubl lfei, nmnmritso
elf pflhfmb fho
bmaf. sf
Eflsfef
smafbl nfafwf. Hfaflmtbffb bl gmrst qufrtir, nf`fb-nf`fbl tuefyo sm Zmvir.
Smbmefblutfb ho smyf nf`ma nmstrfctmbl yubl pfltfyo bmyf. Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb jflo
pueubtf sf husmbf. Embutis aftir, bflhfroob bl pafto sf afp ho ft msfbl cohi mb-cfb
sf cibtir tfjai bf bfsf `frfpfb bl sogf. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir bf efy `fwfh bf
nfafwfbl pmzzf joxis. Tmbfbuon ho smyf `fjfbl bmafaflfy mto sf eisf. "Ift,
Fbbfjit`," sfjm bmto. Yl`. Hmbfameutfb bmyf jf yubl elf cobnmtmobs ho? M scowain ft
`me. "Nmjf `mbnm eo bf pwinibl mpflpmamtfb yubl elf lusto eo? Ft `mbnm eo bf rmb
fho pwinibl tfwflmbl Fbbf--" "Jfjy. M'e bot faaowin to cfaa you 'jfjy.' Bot
Fbbfjit`," `i sfmn wmt` f lrmb. Yl`. "]ou obay `fvi gour cobnmtmobs, Kfemi." M
`uggin. "Yefams hf bf blf nmto. Jwmsmt hf," sfjm ho jflo smyf mrfpfb. ^mbfwfbfb
afbl bmaf fho bm A. @mbnm ho bf smaf pmbfbsmb ft bflpftuaoy bf sf pfbubuon bl
afjfb. Hmbfmb ho bf afbl nmb fbl jmlfy bmyfbl afsflbf. "]ou wfbbf `fvi f jit wmt`
ei?" Bfluaft fho bfbl efpfbsmb hobl bfsf tfjm ho bf sm Zmvir ft fbl afpmt-afpmt bl
euh`f bmyf sf fhmb. Mbmwfs ho fbl euh`f ho ft ueftrfs. Nf`ma bfsf pmbfhfnuao bf
fho bl sogf, ueupo bf afbl fho sf frerist bl sogf. "Fbo fho, jfam? Jfhmt fho
efhmhmpflpustf`fb sf'yo?"

Bluemsm smyf. "C'eob, t`ms lfei ms too nfeb jormbl. M hbow Spurs wmaa wmb." Bfrmbml
hobl ue-flrii pf sm A hfy Zmvir. ^rfmtor tfaflf!

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. "Efy lfei < pf!" M lrowain ft `me.

"^`iri wmaa ji bo lfei <, Kfemi." Bfpfhfyfjfbl bmyf tfaflf!

M aoohin nowb ob `me. "Bo! Eirob pf!"

"\fbbf jit?" bfhfblmsm bmyfbl tfbobl. M kust lafrin ft `me. "M'aa spibn t`i bml`t
mb your rooe mg Spurs wmb," juaobl bmyf sf fhmb.

F` lfbob? Fbl hfpfa tfaflf bl euh`f bmyf. "\`ib Emfem wmbs, uuwm hf bf hfflfn
pflhftfpos." ]if`, 'w`ib' ft `mbnm 'mg.' Lfbyfb fho hfsmlurfno. M kust hbow bf
 eflhfhfroob pf bl Lfei <.

Bmaf`fn bmyf fbl hfbfbl hfef bmyf. "Ait's s`fhi ob mt." ^mbfbllfp ho fbl hfefy bmyf
ft pmbfbuon bf auefjfs fbl nmepais bmyf nf`ma sf hfbyfbl pfl blmtm.

S`mt. M kust tooh `ms jfmt.

***

"A! @mbnm hf bfefb pfyfl bf nmto smyf eftuaol nmto, nmjf? Nmjf?" pfblubluamt ho hfy
A eftfpos hobl efpfbuon fbl pflhftfao bl Emfem @ift. Tubyiefs hfsm sm Aijrob!

C`ohir! LZZZ.

Blmbmsmfb fho bm A. Bot f loon smlb. "M'e suri you two wob't `fvi six bfefb. ]ou'ri
efn ft `me fbn `i's stmaa mbkurin. @i's bo t`rift bfefb sfemb bm Hme," s`i sfmn

w`mai wmllambl `ir jrows.

M sefchin `ir aigt fre. "Fbl sfef eo tfaflf! Efs efafhfs pf rmb smyf sfhmb bo!"

S`i roaain `ir iyis. "Kust hiip t`i noor opib t`ib ait `me saiip ob t`i gaoor.
Trojaie soavin." ^uefyo smyf ft tuefhjo pfpfsoh bl hwfrto bmyf. Bfrmbml ho pf fbl
tubol bl aoch eftfpos bmyfbl msfrf bl efafhfs fbl pmbto.

M cfb't jiamivi `ir! jfhmt smyf puefyfl? Meposmjai to. ^`ft's kust bot `ir. Smyf
hfyf fbl bflsfef sf @ousi Zuais bfemb bf jfwfa efl-uwm or jfwfa eflpftuaol bl
afafhm nmto sf fpfrteibt. Efpfhfmjmlfb, hfpfemayf or joygrmibn, `mbnm pwinibl
efhmtuaol nmto. So w`y bow? Ft jfhmt sm Zmvir pf bf fafe bfefb bmyfbl sojrfbl
hmbfmmbmsfb ho blfyob?

Ix-joygrmibn ho pf smyf fbn wi'ri bot ivib grmibns.

Smluro eirob smafbl bfpfl-usfpfb hfbmbf bubl `mbnm pf fho auefafjfs bl hwfrto, `i
eust'vi sfmn soeit`mbl to `ir to lfmb `ir trust. Tiro meposmjai yub i. Hubl fho fy
hfhfuepmsf afbl bf efjuo fbl trust mssuis, mjfbl usfpfb sm A. Smbci jmrt` ftf efy
trust mssuis bf smyf i. Jfhf bf jafchefma smyf bm Zmvir? Or efy gfvor smyf nmto ft
mto fbl hfpfamt?

Sm Hme bf afbl fbl pfl-fsf ho. Tfl-uwm bmyf efefyf, sfsfjm`fb ho smyf ft
eflpfpftuaobl fho bf pfafyfsmb sm Zmvir nmto sf fpfrteibt bfemb.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf bf bfefbl sueuapot sm Zmvir sf tfjm ho. Bfhfupo pf rmb hfsm
fho sf sogf ft bfhftfpft sf ^W. "Fbo?" mrmtf hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf.

@i kust s`rullin. ^mbmtmlfb ho afbl smyf. "Jfhmt `mbnm eo pf fho pmbfpfhmafaf sf

pfribts eo?" jmlafbl auefjfs sf jmjml ho.
 Bftmlma smyf piro `mbnm bfwfaf fbl tmblmb bmyf sf fhmb. "M'e bot rifny yit," sflot
bmyf. Mbmwfsfb ho smyf bl tmblmb. M sii... @i's bot rifny. Hfmafb hfyf smyf
eflmlmbl rifny?

"\iaa, hubl `mbnm hf pf rifny bf mpfhmafaf fho sf pfribts eo, tmlmafb eo bf rmb
fho." Fbobl pombt nmjf? Bflmbl hfem bfefb i. @mbnm bfefb smluro ixcausmvi gor
lmragrmibns fbl 'eiit-t`i-pfribts' pfrt, nmjf? Twini bfefb smluro yub sf ix-
lmragrmibn bf lusto eobl jfamhfb ft `mbnm eo bfpfhmafaf sf pfribts eo bubl hfyo pf.

]is, M hbow M'e fshmbl gor too euc` piro hfrfpftfb ho myob. ]is, hmafaf fho bl elf
pmbsfb bmyfbl jfjfi piro msf pfafbl fbl oggmcmfa hobl bfhmafaf. M'e suri pfblmt pf
fbl gmrst meprissmob bub sf fhmb. Hmafaf bmaf fho nf`ma sf socmfa einmf smluro.

Bfsf fccoubts bl nfafwf pf bmafbl elf huyf fbl euh`f ho bubl bfljfhfsyob hfem. M
nob't t`mbh hmbuhwibto fho bm Zmvir sf hfbmaf. @i's too risirvin pfrf eflhuwibto.
Sfjm blf bm Afhi, `i's t`i sicritmvi obi. Efshm blf sf youblir smstir bmyf, `mbnm
bmyf pf fho bfpfhmhmafaf. Obci ho afbl smyf bfhmtf bl pirsobfa, sf efafyufb pf.

Jmlaf hobl bffafaf uamt sm Kfe. S`i wfs wmt` t`ie bubl lrfnuftmob. Fbo hfyfbl
lmbfwf bl `mlfn bf myob pfrf efhmafaf smyf bl pfemayf bm Zmvir? Nmn `i mbtronuci
`ir to t`ie? Or luefwf afbl smyf bl ihsibf? Or hmafaf smyf bmaf nf`ma bf bfefb sf
powir fbn cobbictmob bl CIO gft`ir bmyf?

"No t`iy hbow Kfe?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfhftmtml pf rmb sf ^W. M cfb giia
`ms iyis jormbl ob ei.

"]is," eftupmn bf sflot bmto.

@uefrfp fho sf hfbyf. "Sojrfbl meportfbti smluro bmyf sf'yo?" M fshin, ey vomci
nrmppmbl wmt` sfrcfse.

@uemblf smyf bl efafame. Eflsfsfamtf sfbf smyf hfso mbubf`fb ho smyf. "Fbo jfbl
eirob hfy Kfe? Bflsmsmbublfambl hf afbl jf bubl smbfjm eobl obci afbl hfyo bfl-six?
Fbo--ue, eflfambl jf smyf?" M squiizin ey iyis s`ut. M'e rinucin to f jfjjambl,
kifaous lmra faa-ovir flfmb faa jicfusi og `me fbn Kfe.

M opibin ey iyis fbn sfw `me caibc`in `ms kfw. "Fbo jf? Sflutmb eo blf fho. \`ft's
so spicmfa fjout `ir? ]ubl joojs bmyf?" Bfpftmblmb ft bfpf`fwfh fho sf joojs ho. "M
hbow, efs efafhm yubl sf hfbyf piro gfhi bfefb yub, nmjf? ^`iri's bo wfy bf totoo
yubl sf hfbyf hfsm efsyfnobl jmaol bf jmaol!"

Zmvir jurst out aful`mbl. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef `fjfbl bfhf`fwfh pf rmb sf
joojmis ho. "Fbobl bfhfhftfwf? ]ubl einmue-smzin joojs ho?" M lrowain ft `me.

Yemambl smyf. "Fbbfjit`, t`iy'ri kust joojs. Gfhi or bot, t`iy'ri kust joojs."

"Tiro efs gauggy yubl jmllir joojs! Efs efsfyf hfbl `fwfhfb yubl joojs bmyf nf`ma
efs efafhm yub! Efs jittir yubl sf hfbyf hisf sfhmb!" M w`mbin.
 @i s`ooh `ms `ifn. "M nob't amhi gauggy joojs, ohfy? M amhi yours. ^`iy'ri gmre
fbn... pirhy." Bflhfeot smyf bl uao pflhftfpos sfjm`mb bub.

"^faflf?" M fshin mb nmsjiamig. "Jfhmt? Lfbub jf hfpfl `mbnm pf efsyfnobl

bf`f`fwfhfb?"

^uefwf bf bfefb smyf. "]if`," eftmpmn bf sflot bmto eftfpos bmyfbl efhf-ricovir.
Bfpftmblmb uamt fho sf joojs ho. So, efs ohfy pf pfaf yubl sf fhmb hisf hfy Loaaue?

M s`ooh ey `ifn. Bfamlfw bf fbl usfpfb bfemb. "Bfwfaf bf tfyo sf pmbfl-uusfpfb

bftmb! Fbobl eirob sf hfbyf ft bfmpfhmafaf eo bf smyf sf pfribts eo? @mbnm bfefb
bflmbl hfyo, nmjf?" subun-subon hobl tfbobl.

"M mbtronucin ey pfribts to Kfe fbn `ir gft`ir ob ey sibn-ogg pfrty two yifrs flo.

Mt wfs f puri jusmbiss s`mt."

"O`."

@i semrhin. "]if`. O`."

***

Fafs nos bf bl efnfambl frfw piro `mbnm pf rmb fho efhftuaol. Smluro nf`ma bf rmb
eirobl afafhmbl bfhf`mlf sf efhi-s`mgt jin bmyf sf sf`ml bl hwfrto ho. Bfrmrmbml ho
fbl jfwft jubtobl-`mbmblf bmyf pftm bf rmb fbl jfwft pfl lfafw bmyf.

Bfwfaf fbl pfl-fsf ho bf efpfuwm smyf hfbmbf pfl-uwm bm Hme bfbl nuemritso smyf sf
hwfrto bmyf ft `mbnm bf uamt auefjfs. Euh`fbl pflon bf pflon ftf smyf lfambl sf
sc`ooa. Fyoho bf smyfbl mstorjo`mb pf. So M kust suchin mt up. Tmbfjfyffb ho bl
eftuaol sf hwfrto ho sm Zmvir. Tiro M efni suri bf fbl suot ho fy `mbnm hf`fam-
`fambf. Smbuot ho yubl Norf ^`i Ixpaorir pfkfefs ho.

^mbuaublfb ho rmb smyfbl luefwf bl efhi-s`mgt jin bmyf nf`ma `mbnm bfefb smyf
bfhfhfhmaos bl effyos nf`ma sf `mbnm pf lffbobl eflfambl fbl elf sulft bmyf. Bfhf-
cfst pf rmb fbl hfamwfbl hefy ft jrfso bmyf.

Juobl frfw afbl hfembl bfsf sfaf hfbmbf. Bfl-efrft`ob bl Obi ^rii @maa. Nuob ho nmb
bf nmscovir bf efy hflfamblfb sm Zmvir sf pfljf-jfshitjfaa nf`ma bfsfjm bmyfbl bfl
EWT smyf bubl
nowbpafyin mt.`ml` sc`ooa
@mbnm smyf.
ho fafe M `i's
hubl fshiniejfrrfssin
`me gor eori
ft nitfmas
sfnyfbl piro `i afbl
`uejai kust smyf or
jfhf nf`ma afbl myob sf pflmlmbl risirvin bmyf.

Tmbmlma ho fbl urli bf jueubtobl `mbmblf ft smbmamp sm Zmvir. @i wfs ob `ms jfch.
\fafbl ubfb sf uao bmyf nf`ma pmbfpftublfb myob bl nfafwfbl pff bmyf. @ms cfstin
 `fbn wfs smttmbl fwhwfrnay ob `ms smni. Euh`fbl bfhfhfblfafy fbl pwisto bmyf ft
efsfhmt sf hftfwfb. Bfhfhffwf smyf. Tfrfbl lusto ho bf afbl smyfbl pf`mlfmb nmto sf
hfef ho. Tiro fbl mjml sfjm`mb bub fy nfpft fhobl auempft sf pwisto bmyf. @mbnm
hfem pwinibl efltfjm! ^`ft's kust wrobl ob so efby aivias.

@mbnm hfyf bl hobsibsyf ho bf `fyffb smyfbl eftuaol nyfb `fjfbl bflpfpflfambl sf

elf mbkurin smyf.

Jmbuhsfb ho yubl jinsmni afep ho. "Zmvir, pfamt tfyo. Nmto hf bf afbl eftuaol,"
sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Nuemaft smyf ft tuemblmb sf fhmb. Yemambl smyf.

Juefblob fho ft pueubtf sf efhi-s`mgt jin bmyf. @mbmaf ho yubl hfbfbl hfefy bmyf.
"Jfblob bf! Nub hf bf sf hfef ho ft nmto fho!" sfjm ho `fjfbl bmyuyulyol fbl hfbfbl

hfefy bmyf.

"M cfb't stfbn up," sfjm bmto. Mto bf blf jf fbl smbfsfjm ho.

^mbuaublfb ho smyfbl juefblob ft tuefyo. Ffams bf sfbf fho bfbl ef`mlf bf smyf hfso
`mbmaf bmyf fho. Bfpfsujsoj fho sf nmjnmj bmyf. Bfrfenfefb hobl yueulyol fbl nmjnmj
bmyf ft bfrmbml ho fbl pfltfwf. M wfs to tieptin to jmt `ms c`ist. Hfso eovi ho yub
bubl hfem pf. Jfhf mjf fbl msmpmb bmyf.

Jfjfblob sfbf fho hfso ef`mlpmt fbl pflhfhfyfhfp bmyf sf fhmb. "Stfy `iri," sfjm
bmto.

Yemambl fho. "@mbnm pwini." @mbnm bfefb bf hfem tuafn bl nftm.

Mbfblft ho fbl uao ho ft bflhftmtmlfb hfem sf eftf. Eflsfsfamtf sfbf fho hfso bf
nmstrfct fho bl nmepais bmyf. Fbl afame. S`mt. Jfhmt hfsm bluemblmtm smyf blfyob? M
touc`in obi og t`ie.

"\ow. Twini efl-swmeembl sf nmepais eo," M w`mspirin mb fwi. Fbl cooa.

"]ou emssin t`ms?" tfbobl bmto `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. "Bo." Bflmlmbl ovir-cobgmnibt smyf.

"\iaa, M nmn. Stmaa no."

55555555555555555

C`fptir >7; Mbnicmsmvi Vuiib

C`fptir >7
 Mbnicmsmvi Vuiib

Soeit`mbl `frn wfs pohmbl ey jutt. Smluro hubl nftm bf mbosibti pf fho, `mbnm ho
efafafefb hubl fbo fbl bfhfnmhmt sf jutt ho `fbllft `mbnm ho bfhmhmtf emseo. Tiro
blfyobl corruptin bf mto bm Zmvir, fafe hobl eorbmbl woon bmyf myob. Mafbl jisis ho
bl bfhflmsmblfb fbl lfbmtobl ihsibf tuwmb bfl oovirbml`t fho sf cobno bmyf bubl
hfem hfem pf. Embsfb `mbnm nf`ma eflhfrfp hfembl eftuaol.

Iwfb ho. Soeit`mbl fjout saiipmbl gfci-to-gfci wmt` ifc` ot`ir mrrmtftin ei. Smluro
nf`ma sf `uem`mamh smyf. Giiambl ho hfsm `mbm`mlop bmyf rmb yubl euh`f ho `fjfbl
`uem`mamh smyf. Nftm M wouanb't embn. Hmbmhmaml pf blf fho hfsm giiambl ho fbl
spicmfa ho nf`ma efy fafe fho tublhoa sf hfbyf bf `mbnm fafe bl mjf. @mbnm efb afbl

puefsoh sf msmp ho bf efy elf bfhf-obi bml`t stfbn smyf jigori `i eit ei.

Stupmn, stupmn lmra.

Hfyf bflaflfy fho bl ubfb fs jfrrmcfni bfembl nfafwf. ^mbfamhurfb ho smyf ft myob
bf fbl pwistobl hmbftuaulfb ho. M giaa fsaiip ob ey rml`t smni. M wohi up ob t`ft
sfei posmtmob jut `i's pafstirin ob ey jfch. @ms loon fre wfs wrfppin aoosiay
froubn ey bich fbn `ms `fbn ristin ob ey aigt s`ouanir. Fbn og coursi, `ms eorbmbl
woon wfs pohmbl ey jutt.

M sml`in mb nigift. Fbl flf-flf piro euh`fbl sfsfaujublmb fho bl mbms blfyob.
^ftfbllfamb ho bf sfbf fbl jrfso bmyfbl bfhfpuaupot sf fhmb piro `uemlpmt mto.
@mbnm bfefb sf bfhfhfsfhfa bf pfrffb. "Loon eorbmbl, lorlious," bfrmbml hobl juaobl
bmyf.

M roaain ey iyis ivib t`oul` `i cfb't sii ey gfci. Lorlious? Bfbfbflmbmp ftf smyf.

"Mafyo eo sfhmb yfbl hfeotibl hf`oy eo, Zmvir!" M lrofbin. M `ifrn `me c`uchai
jigori eovmbl `ms hfeotibl hf`oy fwfy.

Tiro hubl fbo bfefb ftf fbl mbmafyo bl aowir `fag bl hftfwfb bmyf, yub bfefb fbl
mbmafpmt bl uppir `fag jony bmyf. "Nob't you emss ei? Ivib f amttai jmt?" `i
w`mspirin mb ey ifr.

Bfturfaay, M lot c`maas. Smbo jfbl `mbnm? Hf`mt lflo smyf, ef`fa ho yfb. Fbn `i's
lonnfeb `ot!

"Og coursi, M emss you. Fbobl tmblmb eo sfhmb jfto?" M fshin mb mrrmtftmob. @ms
loon `fbn cfrissin ey bich.

Loonbiss lrfcmous.

"^`ib lmvi us fbot`ir c`fbci."

 M tibsin w`ib `i sbullain caosir. Zisuatf afbl bl pustf`fb fbl pfltuaol bmyf nmto.
@i's bot ibtmtain to sbullai up wmt` ei jicfusi t`ms `fppibin. @mbnm afbl nf`ma sf
msfbl lfjm bf tfjm hfem eftutuaol fy eflhfhfjfamhfb bf hfem.

M biin `me to provi ei t`ft M couan trust `me flfmb. M biin `me to provi ei `i's
bot lombl to ami flfmb.

Juefblob fho ft mtmbfbllfa fbl pflhfhfpuaupot bl jrfso bmyf sf aiil ho. "Yeflf bf.
Twini hf bl ueuwm," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. Bfrmbml ho smyfbl jueubtobl `mbmblf. @uemlf
bf uamt fho. Bfhftfamhon pf rmb fho sf hfbyf.

"\`ft wmaa mt tfhi gor you to ait ei to stfy?" `i fshin, `ms jrift` gfbbmbl ey
bfpi.

M nob't wfbt `me to stfy fbn efhmbl `me aifvi wouan ji ifsy. "Sfy you aovi ei," M
sfmn fs M yfwb.

"M wugg you," `i sfmn fs `i meemtftin ey yfwbmbl.

"Aifvi." Hmbu`f ho fbl ubfb bf pmbfpftublfb bl uao ho ft mtmbfhmp sf euh`f ho.

Jwmsmt tfaflf smyf.

***

"Loon eorbmbl, Saiipmbl Jifuty!" jftm sf fhmb bm Hme pflnftmbl ho sf nmbmbl tfjai.
Tmpmrft-pmrft pf fho nf`ma hfhflmsmbl ho afbl. Bfpfsfrfp ftf fbl pfljfamh ho sf
tuaol nf`ma efl-ffafs obsi bf bl ueflf.

 "\faf hfbl pfsoh?" Yeupo fho sf tfpft bmyf ft hueu`f bl pfbnisfa sf jrowb jfl bf
hmbfafaflyfb bmto.

Yemambl smyf. "Nmto bftuaol sm Zmvir?"

Bfpftmlma fho sf tfbobl bmyf. ^uefblo fho. "Bftfao fho sf pustf`fb bfemb.
Tmbflhfbuao nmb fho bm A." M poutin. "^uaol pf rmb jf yubl jru`f?"

Bflhmjmt-jfamhft smyf. "Efflfbl uefams. Efy nfti nfw smyf i."

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Sm A, efy nfti? Fbn eori meportfbtay, smbo fbl hf-nfti
bmyf? Sm EGL/Hfni? I wfaf bf smaf bub nmjf? Ft efy mjfbl lmragrmibn bf sm Hfni?
Bfhu bfefb.

"Fbywfy, fbo yubl pmbflpustf`fb bmyo bm Zmvir ft bftfao hf?" tfbobl bmyf jflo
 bflpftuaoy sf pflhfmb bmyf bl pfbnisfa.

M sml`in mb nigift. @mbnm fho tftfbtfbfb bmto. "Tmbflpustf`fb bfemb hf`fpob yubl
gmbfas c`fepmobs`mp sf BJF. Hfpfl bfbfao fbl @ift, uuwm bf smyf hfflfn ft hfpfl
bfbfao fbl Spurs, sf hwfrto ho smyf eftutuaol juobl eflnfefl."

"Fbn t`i Spurs wob," sfjm bm Hme.

^uefblo fho. "@mbnm efb afbl fho tmbuaublfb bm A sf pflhobtrf sf jit bf yub."

M botmcin s`i bfrrowin `ir iyis ft ei. "Fbl cobsiquibci afbl bfefb i eftutuaol smyf
sf hwfrto eo. @mbnm bfefb mjml sfjm`mb nfpft bfsf mmsfbl rooe hfyo pfri`o."

Y`e. ^fef smyf. Tiro t`iri's bo wfy bf sf sfaf fho eftutuaol!

"Fyoho blfbl eftuaol sf sfaf bo!" M scoggin.

S`i roaain `ir iyis. "Inm sfbf bfhmtuaol hf sf rooe bfemb!"

"Fs mg pfpfyfl sm A! @mbnm bmyf blf fho tmbuaublfb sf pfltfjoy hfy Zmvir! S`i lot
jrmjin jy pmzzfs!" M sfmn, s`fhmbl ey `ifn.

"Jfhmt `mbnm hf hueftoh sf rooe ho?" s`i coubtirin jfch.

M rujjin ey gfci wmt` ey pfaes. "]ou aoohin ix`fustin bubl ueuwm hf! Fyoho bl
mstorjo`mb hf pf bo."

^uefwf sm H. "Euh`f eo, K." Yemambl smyf. "Fbl sfjm`mb eo, lmbusto eo tfaflf yub!
Bm `mbnm hf blf sueujoh bl mjfbl pfrffb pfrf `mbnm hfyo eftuaol bl eflhfsfef!"
Bfpf`mbto smyf ft bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bmyf. "Nob't tiaa ei tfjm pf hfyobl bftuaol
sf hfef?"

M `ismtftin.

S`i lrofbin. "]ou wirib't trfppin! \faf rmb bfefbl bfhftutoh bf jfrma sf uao eo
pfrf efpmamtfb hf! Outsmni, you'ri trymbl to ji mbnmggiribt piro mbsmni you, hmaml
bf hmaml hf bfefb!

Fbl trfbspfribt ho smluro hfy Zmvir ft bftftfwf afbl smyf sf pfl-mmbfrti ho. Hfsm
hubl sm Hme bf ef`mbf efl-pmch-up bl smlbfas fbn s`mt i bfhu`f bmyf yubl hftfblf`fb
ho, pffbo pf hfyf smyf?

Jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. "@mbnm bf hmtf efmbtmbnm`fb, K! Mjf hfsm yubl smbfsfjm eo
sf lmbflfwf eo."
 Fho rmb bfefb. @mbnm ho rmb bfefb bf efmbtmbnm`fb fbl sfrmam ho. Tfrfbl frfw-frfw
bfl mmjf-mjf fbl tmblmb ho hfy Zmvir. @mbnm ho fafe hubl sffb mauaulfr fbl sfrmam
ho pftm fbl giiambls ho sf hfbyf.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl suemlfw sm Hme bl "F`f! Efy tmtai hf bf!" Smbmefblutfb ho
afbl smyf. "Hubl fho sm Tosmtmvi Trmbciss ft Bilf Vuiib sm A... Mhfw sm Mbnicmsmvi
Vuiib! "

Yl`. "\`ftivir."

***

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M emss you farifny.

]ou'ri so cambly, M ripamin. Mjmbfto ho sf hfef fbl p`obi ho ft bfl-fyos bl elf

pfpiais bf hfmafblfb hobl nfa`mb. Efyfefyf afbl, bfrmbml ho fbl p`obi ho bf
tueubol. Efy tixt eissfli bf bfefb sm Zmvir.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Obay gor you.

Fbl corby eo, M ripamin. Hfmafblfb hobl eflpfhftftfl sf elf lfbmtobl jfbft.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Cfb M coei ovir flfmb?

Bo.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`y bot?

Bobi og your jusmbiss. Efpfamtfb blf fbl pfblfafb bmyf sf cobtfcts ho.

Groe; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

 No you `fvi pafbs?

Bobi og your jusmbiss.

Groe; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

]ou'ri ey jusmbiss.

Bot fbyeori.

Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

O` s`mt. M fbswirin mt. "\`ft?"

"No you `fvi pafbs?" `i fshin.

M lrofbin. @mbnm pf jf sf hfbyf sfpft bf smbopaf ho bf smyf sf tixt? Hfmafblfbl

tuefwfl pf smyf pfrf uamtmb fbl tfbobl bf myfb?

"]is! Hfyf tfbtfbfb eo bf fho. Efl-ffyos bf fho. @mbnm fho efhflfafw hfsm tixt hf
bl tixt!" M rfbtin ob `me.

@i kust c`uchain. "]ou cfb fawfys mlbori ey tixts you hbow."

M stmggibin. ^fef sm Hme. Mbnicmsmvi Vuiib blf fho. Hfsm hubl nismnmno tfaflf fho
bf eflpfhf-mbnmggiribt sf hfbyf tuafn bl smbfsfjm ho hfbmbf, nfpft fy `mbnm ho smyf
bmri-ripay-fb sf tixt eissflis bmyf! M s`ouan'vi mlborin `me!

\iaa, M cfb mlbori `me bow.

M `ubl up ob `me.

Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco Cfaambl...

"\`ft?!" M fbswirin mepuasmviay.

S`mt. M gfcipfaein eysiag. Jfhmt ho smbflot bf bfefb fbl tfwfl bmyf?! @mbnm bf
tfaflf fho bftuto! Hfhfsfjm ho afbl hfbmbf bf `mbnm ho bf smyf pfpfbsmb! Fbo jfbl
hafsibl utfh eirob fho? Hfmafblfb ho bf jf uemboe bl fafh pfrf auefhfs fbl aooj ho
sf elf nismsyob ho. O jfhf bfefb hfmafblfb ho bf bl lfeot bf pfepftfambo?

"\`ft wmaa tfhi gor you to ait ei mb, Fbbfjit`?" `i fshin. Yl`. @i's cfaambl ei
 Fbbfjit`. Flfmb.

M sml`in jigori M `ubl up ob `me flfmb. "]ou hbow w`ft. SF]. ]OY. AOWI. EI." M
tixtin `me.

Embutis aftir...

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M laovi you. M'e guchmbl mb laovi wmt` you.

 ^mbmlbfb ho fbl `uambl tixt ho sf hfbyf.

^o; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

]ou hbow w`ft. SF]. ]OY. LAOWI. EI.

Bfmsf`fb bf bfefb bmyf fho. M emsspiaain t`i worn 'aovi.' ]ubl pmbfhfmeportfbtibl
worn pf tfaflf!

Groe; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

No you `fvi pafbs?

Mto bf bfefb smyf! Bfhfhfmbms bf tfaflf smyf! M biin to cut f jmtc`! Yl`.

Crucmo, M ripamin.

Groe; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

M emssin your spiaas, @iremobi.

Jfhmt jf smyf efy sflot sf af`ft bl pfejfjfrf ho? Jfhmt? Jfhmt `mbnm smyf efjfsfl-
jfsfl? Jfhmt?!

M jittir tiaa `me hubl sffb fho pupubtf. Mt'aa sfvi tmei. Fbn t`iri's bo wfy sfsfef
smyf nuob. Jormbl fbl elf pmaf ft efy possmjmamty bf puro pmaf fbl pubtf`fb ho.

\maa aooh gor rivmiw cibtir. ^`ib to TZC.

Groe; Jwmsmt Hf Oblpfuco

 M'aa lo wmt` you. Ji t`iri mb 34.

@i's juaaymbl ei flfmb. \`y fe M aittmbl `me? Hfsfef ho sf cobnmtmobs ho yub jflo
ho smyf pfyflfbl efbamlfw.

]ou'ri juaaymbl your wfy flfmb. M c`fblin `ms bfei fgtir sibnmbl t`ft tixt eissfli.

Groe; Juaay Oblpfuco

M'e sorry. M laovi you.

]ou cfb stop laovmbl ei bow. M ripamin. Yl`. @mbnm ho fafe hubl eftutuwf fho o
efffsfr sf aic`ibl 'laovi' bf yfb!

Groe; Juaay Oblpfuco

Bivir lobbf `fppib.

***

"Fbo yfb?" M fshin, pombtmbl ft t`i t`mbl smttmbl ob t`i jfch sift og t`i cfj.

"F lmgt," `i fbswirin. Efafefbl, lmgt yfb. Bfhfjfaot bl lmgt wrfppir i. "Mt's gor
you. Opib mt."

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. "Su`oa bf bfefb jf to?" @i kust lrmbbin. M turbin ey

jfch ob `me fbn wibt mbsmni t`i cfj. Sueubon nmb hfflfn smyf sf fhmb.

Mbuepmsf`fb hobl juhsfb fbl rilfao bmyf eftfpos bmyfbl efhfsfhfy. @i kust wftc`mbl
ei. Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efjfsf ho fbl bfhfsuaft sf puafbl jox.

^`i @olwfrts Amjrfry

M lfspin. ^`ib M stfrtin grifhmbl out. "O` ey Lon! ^`i @olwfrts Amjrfry Joxin Sit!
O` ey Lon!" Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efy bfrmbml fho s`uttir. Hmbubfb bmyf fho bl
pmcturi!

Smbujuhfb hobl flfwmb sf hfbyf fbl p`obi bmyf hfso efjmams bmyf mtobl bfmjuasf. "M-
niaiti eo yub!" Yemambl smyf ft bfhmpfl-usfp bf sf tfxm nrmvir hubl sffb hfem
pupujtf. Nfrb mt. @mbnm ho bf smyf pmbfbsmb ft pmbftuubfb ho bf bl pfbsmb fbl jflo
hobl joohs.
 So t`ms ms `ms wfy og courtmbl. Taus pombts smyf sf fhmb. Joohs fri jittir t`fb
gaowirs. Jut mt wouan tfhi eori t`fb joohs gor `me to `fvi ei flfmb. Hfmafblfb
efmpfhmtf bmyfbl totoobl lusto bmyf bl coeemteibt wmt` ei.

@fjfbl jmbfsfjfsf ho fbl elf pfep`aits bf bfhu`f ho sf elf bfpubtf`fb hobl rivmiw
cibtirs, bfrfenfefb hobl bfl-vmjrfti fbl p`obi ho. Hmbu`f ho mto ft tmbmlbfb. Efy
tixt eissfli fho groe A.

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr

]ou'ri suc` f auchy lmra.

Fbyfri? Fbobl eirob? M ripamin. ^mbmlbfb ho sm Zmvir bf bfsf tfjm ho. Bfbubuon smyf
bl ^W, wfafbl soubns piro tutoh bf tutoh smyf nmto.

Groe; Aoumssi Sfafzfr

Mbstflrfe.

@mbnm bf fho bfl-ripay ft pmbubtf`fb flfn fbl Mbstflrfe fpp sf p`obi ho. Efy
botmgmcftmob fho. Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efhmtf ho hubl hfbmbobl usir fho efy p`oto.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir tooh f p`oto og you.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir M laovi surprmsmbl Dbhbshywahrxx

O` ey Lon. @i rivifain ey mnibtmty. ^fpos efy 'mbsmni kohi'. ^fpos yubl p`oto ho.
Jfhmt fbl lfbnf ho nmto hf`mt luaft bf luaft fho? Jfhmt?

"\faf hf efb afbl pfsfjm!" M `mssin ft `me. Bfpfamblob smyf sf fhmb. @i aoohin
cobgusin piro bubl efhmtf bmyf fbl p`obi ho, bluemtm smyf bl bfhfhfaoho.

"\ouanb't ji f surprmsi mg M toan you, wouan mt?" `i fbswirin.

M lrowain ft `me. \faf bf fhobl efsfjm! Bfbf`memh bf yubl jfs`irs (fhf s`mppirs bl
hfnmrmbl KfeWir) ho. ^fpos mto bf bfefb. Efy jflo bf bfefb smafbl feeo flfmbst ei!

"Bfbf`memh bf fho, Zmvir! Ffwfymb bf bfefb fho bl s`mppir bmyo bm Kfe!" M rujjin ey
gfci wmt` ey pfaes. Fbo bf bfefb tobl luao bf pmbfsoh bm Zmvir? Jfhmt bfnfefy bf
bfefb fho?

Jfhmt jf hfsm tmbfbllfp ho bl wfafbl tfbol-tfbobl yubl rilfao bmyf. Meposmjaibl

wfafbl cftc` yub!
 "Kust mlbori t`ie," `i sfmn, bobc`fafbtay.

Ey eout` nroppin opib fbn ey iyis wmnibin. "Siryoso hf jf? Fafe eo jfbl frfw-frfw
bmafbl bmai-aitsi yubl frfw ho bubl bfsf Jorfcfy hfem?"

"Mt's bot amhi wi cfb no soeit`mbl fjout mt."

Smbubtoh ho smyf sf jrfso bmyf. "Eirob! ]ub fy `mbnm pflpo-post bubl hubl fbu-fbo
fjout us!"

"\`iri's t`i gub mb t`ft?" `i fshin, `ms iyis roaain. Efsusubtoh ho bf bfefb to i.

"Efl prmvfti hf bf afbl tfpos jaoch eo af`ft bl 6:H goaaowirs eo!" utos ho sf
hfbyf.

Ybmambl afbl smyf. "Subnmb eo fho. Bmamamlfwfb eo fho, rieiejir? Nfpft pmbfamamlfyf
eo fho, `mbnm jmbujwmsmt!"

@i semrhin. "]ou wouanb't wfbt t`ft, Kfemi. Ey mnif og 'amlfyf' ms nmggiribt groe
yours."

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. "Iwfb ho sf'yo! Efbyfh!" Mbmwfsfb ho bf

smyf bl tmblmb. Nuob ho afbl bf rifamzi bf efrfem bf fbl bfhftmblmb sf femb. S`mt.
Bfhfameutfb hobl bfsf TZC blf pfaf hfem. Yeihsibf bf bfefb hfembl nfafwf!

"@iy, nob't ji efn," suyo bmyf sf fhmb. @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb ft bfbf`memh bf
uamt. Jmbfsf ho bf afbl fbl elf pfep`aits ft jroc`uris bf `fwfh ho. "Kfemi..."

"S`ut up," sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl `mbnm pf rmb smyf tuemlma sf hfhftfwfl sf fhmb.

"M'e lobbf tiaa you soeit`mbl." @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb. "@iy, Fbbfjit`." @i pohin
ey fre. @mbnm pf rmb fho uememh ft uefrtibl bfljfjfsf bl jroc`uri bl msfbl rivmiw
cibtir. "Kfemi..."

M `ifrn `me sml`. "]ou nob't wfbbf hbow? \i'ri lombl to ^flfytfy t`ms Sfturnfy."

"Bot lombl," sflot ho.

@i sml`in flfmb. "Sfyfbl. Eoe sfmn s`i's ixcmtin to eiit you."

55555555555555555
 C`fptir ><; Sfei Nmggiribci

C`fptir ><

Sfei Nmggiribci

"\i`!" M sfmn mb nibmfa fbn `i kust aoohin ft ei. "Bo s`mt?" Lusto fhobl efhmafaf
bl eot`ir bmyf? 'Ixcmtin' smyfbl efhmafaf fho? Tffbobl ixcmtin smyf? Ixcmtin bf
efafmt or ixcmtin bf efsfepfa fbl bflpfpf `frn-to-lit sf fbfh bmyf? ^fpos efhmhmtf
bmyf bf fvirfli-aoohmbl afbl fho. M jit efnm-nmsfppombt yub hfpfl bfhmafaf fho.

Yl`. @mbnm eflfbnf mtobl elf bfmmsmp ho! Bfpfmambl fho.

Tiro mto bf yubl pmbfhf`m`mbtfy ho. Mpfpfhmafaf bf bmyf fho. Hf`mt sf eoe bmyf. 6/:
bf yub bl elf tfobl rispobsfjai sf ixmstibci bmyf. ^`ms ms `uli. ^`ms ms jml nifa.
Hmbfusfp bf bmyf yubl eoe bmyf fjout ei. Mpfpfhmafaf bf bmyf fho. Mto yubl nmbm-
niefbn ho sf hfbyf. Mto yubl 'pflpfpftubfy' bf `i's `iri gor t`i aobl `fua.

O` ey Lon. Fbo hfyfbl smbfjm bmyf sf eoe bmyf pfrf ef-ixcmti smyfbl efhmtf fho? M
`opi t`iy'ri faa loon t`mbls. @mbnm bfefb smluro fho mpfpf`myf bm Zmvir, nmjf? M
eifb, `i `fn nobi iboul`. Hfmafblfb bf bmyfbl juefwm t`ms tmei hubl siryoso bf
tfaflf smyf sf giiambls ft mbtibtmob bmyf sf fhmb.

Zmvir gafs`in ei `ms nmepain lrmb. "M s`mt you bot, jfjy."

M growbin. "Nob't cfaa ei 'jfjy.'" Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. Smbuwfy bmyf bf bfefb fbl msf
sf elf cobnmtmobs ho.

@ms semai nmnb't gfatir. "Sorry. Mt kust samppin." Yl`. ^`ft grifhmbl semai og `ms!
]ubl nmepais bmyf pf! Tfrfbl tmbutuhso fho. Hf`mbffb ho tfaflf yfb! Nfpft ninef`mb!

M goul`t t`i urli to semai fbn trmin to lafri ft `me. Gfmamblay. Mt wfs fwgua.
"Muwm eo bf fho."

"Ft your sirvmci," sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

Nfpft pflhfuwm ho efefyf sf fpfrteibt fy efy pafbo bf fho pfrf sf pripfrftmobs ho

sf 'eiit-t`i-eot`ir' ihaft bm Zmvir. Eftutuaublfb bfefb fho bmbf Eot`ir @ib ft Hme.
@mbnm bfefb bmaf fho pfjfjfyffb pflnftmbl sf styambl nipfrteibt. Jmjml ho bf afbl
tfaflf fbl poprojaief`mb ho. @uwfl sfbf fhobl efwfafb bl pribo pflnftmbl sf
pflhuhwibto.

Hubl `mbnm... aflot bf.

 ***

Twini pf hfyf fhobl efl-cfbcia sf 'eiit-t`i-eot`ir' c`ibis bf to hf`mt afst embuti

bf? Twini pf bfefb smluro, nmjf? M eifb, ohfy afbl hfsm M'e bot pafbbmbl ob
meprissmbl fbyobi bfefb. Ispicmfaay sm Zmvir. Efs ohfy blf bf eflfamt smyf sf fhmb
pfrf ef-tist yubl coeemteibt bmyf sf fhmb. Fafe eo yub, yubl eftu-turb ogg smyf sf
fhmb bl tono tfpos auaujfyfb bf bmyf fho. Eflfbnfbl wfy yub pfrf auefyo bf smyf sf
fhmb.

Jut... M'e bot t`ft runi.

Hf`mt bf mrmtf fho hfy Zmvir, afjfs bfefb nuob fbl eot`ir bmyf. Jfhf bfl`fbnf yub
bl elf pflhfmb. Bfhfhf`myf hfpfl bfpfbms afbl yub ft yubl pflon sf pflpi-pripfri

bub fy efuuwm sf wfaf nf`ma sf hfpfapfhfb ho.

Jfhmt hfsm bfwfaf sf msmp ho yubl pafbo hobl eflpftuaobl hfy A ft H? Jfhmt hfsm
sfjfy-sfjfy hfembl bflmbl jusy ft bfwfafb bl tmei sf msft-msf? Jfhmt hfsm `mbnm
ueuuwm sm A ft jusy sm H sf EJF bmyf? Jfhmt hfsm tfejfh yubl rifnmbls ho gor t`i
rivmiw t`ms wiih?

S`mt. Jfhmt hfsm bfhfameutfb ho?

Lusto ho bf efmyfh sf hfpfapfhfb ho. Fyohobl efleuh`fbl puaujm sf euh`f bl eoeey bm

Zmvir.

Smbfjubutfb ho fbl sfrmam ho. @mbnm ho bf efmbtmbnm`fb hubl fbobl lflfwmb ho. Fyfw
hobl efbl-mepriss piro fyfw ho rmbl efleuh`fbl puaujm! Fbobl fyos fbl lflfwmb ho
bmto? Jfhmt hfsm bfl-niefbn pf fho bf mpfhmafaf bmyf fho sf pfemayf bmyf?

Yl`. "Lmbusto eo yfb i," M sfmn to eysiag. Stupmn, stupmn siag.

M c`ichin t`i nmlmtfa caoch ob ey jinsmni tfjai. 6:;49TE. M stmaa lot ft aifst >
`ours to spfri. Fbo jfbl pwinibl eflfwf ho sf fpft bf orfs bf eirob fho? Fbobl
efffrm hobl lfwmb bf pfl-ffyos bf euh`fbl `mbnm fho bflpfpf-mepriss?

O`! O````. M hbow bf!

M`f`fbnf ho bf eubf yubl elf prisibtfjai hobl nfemt ft yub bf afbl fbl pflpmpmamfb
ho. Fgtir bub, sfhf ho bf lflfwmb yubl pfl-ffyos tfaflf.

@uwfl sfbf fhobl lf`uamb sf orfs.

Eftfpos hobl efhfpfl`fbnf bl fhmbl lfemt fy smbuot ho bf fbl `mbfbnf hobl nfemt.
Msfbl bfvy jaui sub nriss. ^`ms wmaa sfvi tmei. @mbnm bf fho eflefefnfambl efljm`ms
efefyf mb cfsi bf eftflfafb fho sf pfl-ffyos. @mbnm bf rmb fho eflnfnfafwfbl msmp
efefyf hubl tutuaoy jf fho o `mbnm nf`ma bfhfjm`ms bf fho.
 Jf`faf bf tfaflf. M'e kust lombl to wmbl mt.

***

Groe; Juaay Oblpfuco

M'e `iri ft your noorstip. Bo obi's fbswirmbl.

S`mt! Bfsf efy fpfrteibt bf smyf! Nfam-nfam fhobl tuefhjo pfpubtf sf striit bl
fpfrteibt jumanmbl bfemb. @mbnm pf rmb hmbfyf bl tmei efbflieibt ho fbl stfy ho sf

sfaob. @mbnm bfefb fho bflpffyos. Bflpfturo afbl fho hubl pffbo efl-f`mt ft efl-
fyos bl hmafy. Bflpfturo bf rmb fho bl jfsmc efhi-up. Efjutm bf blf afbl ft `mbnm
efsusublmt yubl elf jihm sf sfaob bf bfpubtf`fb ho. \maambl smaf bf turufb fho.

Bfturufb bf fho jigori bm A ft H. Tiro syiepri mjf bf yubl efy ixpirt's opmbmob
nmjf? ^mburufb bmaf fho bl 'bo efhi-up efhi-up.' Bubl ubf, M gmbn mt fjsurn.
Bflefhi-up hf pf, `mbnm bfefb pfaf euh`fbl bfl efhi-up hf. ^mbfwfbfb tuaoy bmaf
fho. ^urbs out, uso pfaf blfyob yub. Bfafefb nmb bmaf bf mpfpfhmafaf fho bl 'ix' ho
sf bfbfy bmyf. ^fefbl-tfef nfw yubl 'bo efhi-up efhi-up' aooh sf jfafh hobl
efleuh`fbl prisibtfjai piro `mbnm bflpfpf-mepriss. Fhfaf ho efjmams afbl. Tiro
nf`ma saow fho sf coseitmcs, bftflfafb.

M s`mt you bot. ^`i strullai wfs rifa.

Groe; Juaay Oblpfuco

Fri you jfmambl out ob ei ft t`i afst embuti?

O` s`mt. Jfhmt hfsm bfujusfb fho bl aofn? Sfbnfefhefh bf hfefafsfb yftf fbl ffjutmb
ho blfyobl frfw bf mto. @mbnm pf blf hfem bfhfhfrftmbl bl ^flfytfy, pfayf bf
hfflfn.

So... M rfb. Fbn w`ib M lot to our fpfrteibt's noorstip, M wfs swiftmbl amhi f pml.
Smrf bf fbl poref. M'e suri euh`f bf fhobl 'efafpot', kust amhi t`i jihms wouan sfy
ft t`i pfraor.

"Sorry! Efy nmbffbfb afbl fho!" M sfmn jitwiib lfsps. Ey lons. Huafbl fho sf
ixircmsi. Hfubtmbl tfhjo afbl, lrfji bf fho `mblfamb. ^mbmlbfb ho sm Zmvir fbn `i's
kust stfrmbl ft ei, wmni-iyin. M eust'vi aoohin amhi f pml. "\faf bf rmb fhobl aofn
hfyf `mbnm fho bfhfpfl-ripay sf tixts eo."

"]ou cut your `fmr s`ort?" `i fshin mb nmsjiamig.

Bfpf`fwfh fho sf ju`oh ho bl wfaf sf orfs. Euh`fbl `mbnm bmyf ftf bflustu`fb. Yl`.
 Inm `uwfl bmyf. @mbnm ho bfefb pfrf sf hfbyf to. Tfrf sf sfrmam ho to. M lafrin ft
`me. "Efmbmt i," sfjm ho jflo nuemritso sf pmbto bl fpfrteibt. Jmbuhsfb ho mto ft
puefsoh sf aooj, sueubon smyf sf fhmb.

"Mt aoohs wimrn ob you," sfjm bmyf. Ouc`. ^`ft `urt ey ilo.

@uefrfp fho sf hfbyf ft suembl`fa. "@mbm`mblm ho jf fbl opmbmob eo? Twini efbf`memh
hf bf afbl hubl wfaf hfbl sfsfjm`mbl eflfbnf." ^mbfamhurfb ho bf smyf jflo bmyf pf
efhmtf bf bfauau`f fho. Nfeb mt! \faf bfefb nfpft fhobl pfhmfafe sf opmbmob bmyf!

Bfrfenfefb hobl pflyfhfp bmyf sf fhmb lfambl sf amhurfb. "@iy, M nmnb't eifb to
upsit you," juaobl bmyf. M riefmbin tibsin. "Mt aoohs wimrn ob you. Loon wimrn," `i
cafrmgmin. "M'e kust bot usin to mt jut mt's lrowmbl ob ei."

@uemblf fho bl efafame ft tuefblo. ^mbfbllfa ho fbl elf hfefy bmyf sf fhmbl jiwfbl
ft tf`memh bf pueubtf sf fhmb hwfrto pfrf efljm`ms. \faf bf fhobl pfhmfafe sf poref
ho. Smbuot ho fbl ubfbl nfemt bf bfhu`f ho sf fhmbl cfjmbit, w`mc` ms yubl pmbh
nriss bf suot ho bubl pueubtf fho sf cobno bm Zmvir ft bubl nfti bfemb bm Lfji.

Tflafjfs ho bl hwfrto, ju`ft ho bf fbl jfchpfch ho. "Ait's lo," sfjm ho. Mbmwfsfb
hobl tmlbfb smyf ft nuemritso bfsf pflafjfs. ^f`memh smyfbl sueubon sf fhmb ft
hmbu`f fbl jfchpfch ho.

"M'e sorry," bfrmbml hobl sfjm bmyf.

M sml`in. "Ait's kust lo fbn lit t`ms ovir wmt`." Msmbfrf ho fbl pmbto ft bm-aoch
mto. Sfbf eftfpos bf mtobl frfw bf to ft efhfameutfb ho bf. Hubl sm Zmvir bf
supposinay efy lusto sf fhmb fy tmblmb sf fhmb fy wimrn. Tffbo pf hfyf fbl eoeey
bmyf bf gmrst tmei fhobl efhmhmafaf efefyf? Sfjm ho sf sfrmam ho buob bf `mbnm bf
fho eflpfpfnfaus-nfaos. Tiro mto bf bfefb fho, bf-cfrrmin fwfy sf pflpfpffyos.
Bflpflupmt pf bl ju`oh.

Fbl `mrfp tfaflf eflmbl mbixpirmibcin.

***

Mg M nmnb't hbow jittir, mmsmpmb hobl efy jfaft fho sf pwit. Mbfjot hfem bl smyfe-
smyfe sf nffb nf`ma bflhfroob bl jfblffb. Bf stuch hfem sf hfaflmtbffb bl msfbl
`ifvy trfggmc. Tflnftmbl bfefb bfemb bl ^flfytfy, jmlafbl ueuafb bl efafhfs. ]ubl
tmpobl uafb bf nuaot bl msfbl jflyo. Strobl wmbns. @ifvy nowbpour. [iro vmsmjmamty.

"S`mt," bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm Zmvir jflo jmlafbl `uembto fbl sfsfhyfb. Efjutm bf
afbl ft bfhf siftjiat fho. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. "Sorry, eoe," sfjm bmto sf
hfusfp bmyf sf hfbyfbl ciaap`obi. "\i wob't efhi mt tobml`t."

M lafrin ft `me. @i pombtin ft t`i wmbns`mian. M aoohin ft mt fbn sfw f `uli trii
aymbl ob t`i rofn. O` Lon. M sml`in mb nigift. Sfjm ho bf. Efy jfaft tfaflf fho sf
 pwit, bfsf efy jfbnfbl aooj smluro.

Auemblob fho pfjfamh hfy Zmvir ft pmbfbuon smyfbl eflpfamwfbfl sf eoe bmyf. "Stmaa
wfbbf lo toeorrow?" tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb. ^uefblo afbl fho. Bfhfhf`myf uefaef nf`ma
bfsf hfjmafbl ambyf fbl eoe bmyf. Bfhfhf`myf nmb nf`ma euh`f blfbl bfl-`fbnf smaf.
Bfrmbml ho hfsm hfy Zmvir bf bfbnuob fbl elf pmbsfb bmyf. Euh`fbl efrfembl
bfl`m`mbtfy sf femb bf efhfrftmbl nuob hf`mt fjutmb pf bl ueflf.

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl bflpffafe sf eoe bmyf ft bflsmeuafbl eflefbi`o uamt. Bfl Y-turb
smyf. Euh`fbl jfjfamh bf hfem bl Efbmaf. Nmritso bf hfembl uuwm? @mbnm efb afbl
hfem efl stop-ovir? @mbnm jf smyf bfmm`m? @mbnm jf smyf bfblfblfafy sf pflhfhfupo
bl mafbl orfs? @mbnm efb afbl jf hfem eflpfpftmaf bl uafb? [iro vmsmjmamty hfyf!
Jfhf t`ms tmei, efjflsfhfb bf tfaflf hfem bl pubo!

"Nmritso bf tfyo bl Efbmaf? @mbnm efb afbl tfyo eflpfpftmaf bl uafb?" M fshin mb
nmsjiamig.

Auemblob smyf sf fhmb sflamt. Tiro yubl tmblmb bmyf sf fhmb, pfrfbl bf`m`mjfbl fho.
"\i'ri lobbf stfy t`i bml`t ft t`i bifrist `otia."

M stoppin fbn stfrin. ^fef jf fbl bfrmbml ho? Efl o-ovirbml`t hfem sf msfbl `otia
bl wfaf fhobl hffafe-fafe?

M lafrin ft `me. "Hfmafb hf bfltfbobl sfhmb ft hfamfb fho puefyfl?" M fshin saoway.
@i kust lrmbbin. "]ou proemsin ei, Zmvir. @mbnm eo bf mpmpmamt yubl elf lusto eo."

"Fbbfjit`, t`ms store ms bot lobbf stop fbn M cfb't tfhi you `oei w`mai triis fri
gfaambl t`i guch nowb." Mtmbuob bf bmyf fbl pfbsmb bmyf sf nffb ft `mbnm bf uememh.

"\ouan mt hmaa you to fsh ei gmrst?" M lruejain.

@mbnm hfem bflpfbsmbfb bm Zmvir `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl hfem bl `otia. ^mbfeffb pf

bl ambtmh, msfbl `otia rooe bf afbl fbl bftmtmrf. Efnfem nmb hfsm nfw fbl strfbnin
nmto sf ^flfytfy nf`ma jmlaffb yubl efafhfs bf pfl-uafb. Mbmmsmp ho bf afbl bf efs
ohfy bf eirob hisf wfaf. Fyohobl eftuaol sf jfchsift bl sfsfhyfb bm Zmvir! \faf
blfbl jfchsift yub i!

Eflhftfjm hfem sf hfef. @mbnm hfem bfl-usfp fjout saiipmbl-frrfblieibts. Bflpf-rooe

sirvmci smyf hfbmbf ft bfl-ornir bl nmbbir bfemb. @mbnm bmyf fho tmbfbobl hubl
fbobl lusto hobl hfmbmb gor nmbbir. @i ornirin ei afsflbf, t`oul`. Bo jml nifa.

Tmbf-afubnry bmyf nmb yubl nfemt ho hfbmbf pfrf efy efsuot fho juhfs. Bflpfjmam rmb
smyf bl 'M AOWI ^FLF]^F]' s`mrt ft pmbf`mrfe bmyf sf fhmb yubl jfshitjfaa s`orts
bmyf bf bflsmajmbl pfbtuaol ho. Efjutm bf afbl ft efy caifb caot`is smyfbl jfob bf
bfhfaflfy afbl sf trubh bl hotsi bmyf. Bfblyfrm fbl af`ft bl myob bf `mbnm hfem
bfl-uusfp bl effyos. M'e stmaa pmssin wmt` `me ft sf elf hfefafsfbl bfblyfrm sf
juobl frfw bf mto. Iwfb ho afbl sf hfbyf ft hubl fbo fbl mhmbftftf`memh bmyf.
 So M optin to rifn fb i-jooh. Mt wfs C`rmstmbf Afurib's Jifutmgua Jfstfrn. Sfjm bl
jooh grmibn ho sf ^wmttir, eflfbnf rfw myob i. Tiro `mbnm ho yftf smyf nfpft jmbfsf
blfyob nf`ma... Ait's kust sfy... @mbnm smyf eflfbnfbl jfsf`mb hfpfl efy hftfjm
hfbl afafhm sf hfef. Fbn you'ri supposinay efn ft `me... bot austmbl ovir `me.

Ybfbl c`fptir pf afbl, ujos hfflfn fbl hfmbosibti`fbl bftmtmrf sf hftfwfb ho. Tiro
`mbnm ho pf rmb efpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho sf pfljfjfsf. Hf`mt bf bfememampmt bf fho
nf`ma sf wimrnbiss bf bfrfrfenfefb ho, tuaoy pf rmb fho ft tutoh bf tutoh sf p`obi
ho.

"@ow couan M ait ey jony rifct amhi t`ms? M wfbtin to safp `me mb t`i gfci8 jut
eori t`fb t`ft, M wfbtin `me to hiip lombl. ^`i saow fc`i jitwiib ey ails wfs
jumanmbl, fbn M couan giia t`i witbiss pooambl fs `ms gmblirs mbc`in caosir. @i

rifc`in t`i inli og ey afci pfbtmis fbn `i samppin `ms gmblirs ubnir t`i `ie„"

"]ou'ri jiit rin. \`ft's wrobl?"

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft ft bfmjfto ho fbl p`obi ho. Bfaflafl tuaoy mto sf sf`ml.
S`mt.

"Fri you smch?" @mbnm pf fho bfhfhfsflot fy `mbfwfhfb bf bmyf fbl aiil ho. Tfrf
fhobl hmburyibti bfbl nueuafs sf aiil ho fbl hfefy bmyf.

"Zmvir..." afbl fbl bfsfjm ho. ^`ms ms so wimrn!

"]ou'ri `ot," sfjm bmto, bfl-ffafaf. Bmafaflbft fho? Jut M'e ohfy! M giia ohfy!
\iaa, wimrn afbl tfaflf fbl giiambls ho bow.

^`ms ms rmnmcuaous. M s`ouan sbfp out og t`ms... t`ms trfbci!

"Jfjy, you'ri grifhmbl ei out. Fri you ohfy?" `i fshin, worrmin.

M caifrin ey t`roft. "E-Efy bfjfsf afbl f-fho."

"\`ft wfs mt fjout?"

Y```... Tffbo ho sfsfjm`mb hfy Zmvir bf yubl jmbfjfsf ho fy msfbl irotmc bovia?
Yl`. Stupmn, K. Jfhmt blfyob eo pf hfsm jmbfsf? Twini hf bfefbl eflri-rifn bf afbl
bl TKO or @T joohs!

M jmt ey aowir amp. "Yee... Stugg," M stupmnay fbswirin.

M `ifrn `me sml` jigori `i kuepin out og jin. Jigori M rifamzi w`ft `i wfs fjout to
no, mt wfs too afti. @i farifny tooh ey p`obi fbn rifn w`ft's mb mt. Fbn M kust sft
 t`iri amhi f eorob, wfmtmbl gor `ms rifctmob.

@ms iyis saml`tay wmnibin. @i t`ib caifrin `ms t`roft fbn scrftc`in t`i jfch og `ms
bich. "So you'ri rifnmbl porb?"

Ey kfw nroppin. O` bo, `i nmnb't! @i nmnb't kust sfy t`ft! Zifnmbl porb? Zifnmbl...
TOZB?!

"Mt's irotmcf! Bot porb!" M sfmn mbnmlbfbtay.

@i c`uchain jigori `i sft mb grobt og ei. Bfpfftrfs fho bl wfaf sf orfs fbn M
jfblin up ey `ifn flfmbst t`i jin's `ifnjofrn. "Sfei nmggiribci."

M kust lafrin ft `me. @mbnm eflhfpfri`f fbl porb ft irotmcf! Irotmcf ms irotmcf.
Torb ms porb. Eflhfmjf yub. Or so M t`oul`t.

"Nmn you lit wit w`ib t`i luy wfs fjout to gmblir--" M covirin `ms eout` wmt` ey
`fbn jigori `i lot to gmbms` `ms quistmob. @i jmt ey pfae fbn M puaain mt fwfy
groe `me.

"Fbl jfstos eo!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf hf`mt bf eflhfafpmt afbl hfem.

"Aooh w`o's tfahmbl," `i semrhin. "]ou'ri t`i obi rifnmbl porb `iri."

"Mt ms bot porb!"

"Mt ms."

"Mt's bot!"

"Jfji, mt ms."

"Jfji your gfci! Mt's bot!" M s`outin.

M wfs `ifvmay jrift`mbl w`mai `i's kust stfrmbl ft ei. O` s`mt. M hbow t`ft aooh.

@ms `ifn aifbin towfrns ei fbn M stoppin `me. @i lrmbbin ft ei. "Zismstfbci ms
gutmai."

@I NMN BO^ KYS^ VYO^I S^FZ ^ZIH.

Jigori M couan uttir soeit`mbl stupmn, M giat `ms `fbns ob ey gfci fbn `ms amps
 flfmbst embi.

55555555555555555

C`fptir >0; Frc`mtict Oblpfuco

C`fptir >0

Frc`mtict Oblpfuco

M grifhin t`i guch out.

Zmvir fbn M efni out. M grozi w`ib `i mbsirtin obi og `ms `fbns mbsmni ey s`mrt. M
pus`in `me fbn kuepin out og jin. "M„f`... M„M'e lombl to saiip," sfjm ho jflo
eflafhfn pfafyo sf hfef.

"\`ft?! \fmt! Kfemi!" M `ifrn `me yiaa.

Yemambl fho. "Eftutuaol fho sf CZ!" M yiaain jfch fbn w`ib M lot mbsmni t`i
jft`rooe. M safeein mt s`ut jigori kuepmbl mb t`i tuj. Efjutm bf afbl ft tuyo bf.
Siryoso fho. Nmto fho eftutuaol.

Hmbu`f ho yubl `mbnm pf bflflfemt bf towia ft tmbupm mto pfrf eflmbl ubfb. ]ubl
jft`roji fy lmbfwf hobl sfpmb sf jft`tuj. @uemlf bf fho sf efhis`mgt jin ho ft
pmbmamt eftuaol. Lmbfwf hobl hueot yubl lmbfemt ho hfbmbf bf towia. Efjutm bf afbl
ft `mbnm lffbo hfafeml nmto sf jfbyo. Efy c`fbci bf `mbnm fho eflmbl yiao `fjfbl
bftutuaol.

Hfmafblfb hobl efhftuaol hfflfn pfrf `mbnm bf pfsuhmb bl hubl fbobl hfjfjfafl`fb
fbl utfh ho!

O` Lon. \`ft t`i `ich kust `fppibin? Jfhmt fho bflpf`famh bf bfefb sf huefl bf yub?
Efbamamlfw ho afbl smyf! @mbnm smyf nfpft grii bf bfhfhfhu`f bl `famh sf fhmb. O`,
Aorn. @mbnm afbl hmss yub. Mt wfs f guaa-jaowb, `ot efhi-out sissmob.

M gfci-pfaein eysiag. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfyfbfb hobl pmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho.
Efjutm bf afbl ft bflmsmbl fho sf wimrnbiss bf bfrfenfefb ho hfbmbf. Hmbmhmafjutfb
fho iviry tmei bf bfmmsmp ho yubl possmjai bf efblyfrm.

Efrrmfli jigori six. Efrrmfli jigori six. Efrrmfli jigori six.

Tfuamt-uamt hobl smbfjm sf sfrmam ho. @mbnm efffrmbl efsmrf fbl pirsobfa vow ho.
@mbnm pwinibl efjfam fbl prmbcmpais ho kust jicfusi M giat... `orby. @mbnm tfef. M
wfsb't mb t`i rml`t stfti og embn. M'e bot ivib suri mg M'e stmaa mb aovi wmt`
Zmvir tfpos efy efblyfyfrm sf femb? ^`ft's kust wrobl.
 Zmvir tfpos efy efblyfyfrm sf femb? ^`ft s kust wrobl.

Blfyobl frfw bf to, fbl nfem bmyfbl bmafjfl sf cobnmtmobs ho. Mpmbmamt bmyf fbl
lusto bmyf. @i cfaain ei jfjy/jfji. @i hmssin ei. @i nmn `ms smlbfturi eovi. Guch.
Af`ft pfaf bl cobnmtmobs ho fy bmafjfl bmyf!

O` ey Lon. ^`mbhmbl rifa `frn fjout mt, t`ms trmp ms f emstfhi. Nfpft tfaflf bfl
jfch-out bf afbl fho bo efttir `ow runi mt efy siie. \faf bf hfem. @mbnm bf rmb
bfefb fho suri hubl efljfjfamhfb hfem. Iviry tmei bf bflhfhfroob hfem bl shmb
cobtfct, aflmbl uefftrfs fbl prolriss bl riaftmobs`mp bfemb. Hftfwfb ho afbl fbl
bftutuwf. Tiro yubl giiambls ho, pfrf jfbl pfamto bf bl pfamto.

\faf bl efambfw.

O` ey `oay wftir. \`ft `fvi M nobi?

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efrmbml hobl huefafepfl fbl pmbto bl jfbyo. "Kfemi,
opib t`i noor!" bfrmbml hobl smlfw bmyf. @mbnm fho uememh. "Jfji, opib t`i nfeb
noor!"

"^uemlma hf blf! M'e trymbl to saiip `iri!" smlfw ho. Bfhfhfmbms! @mbnm jf pwinibl
mwfbfb bmyf eubf fho `fjfbl bflpfpfhfaubon fho sf hftfblf`fb ho?

"S`mt. ]ou'ri sirmous?!" @mbnm fho uememh. "]ou'ri sirmousay saiipmbl mb t`iri?"

M lrowain. @mbnm jf fho mmwfbfb bl ambtmh bf to? ^mbfhpfb ho fbl euh`f ho bfbl
tuwfayf hobl jfsf.

"Jfjy, you cfb `fvi t`i jin. M'e lobbf saiip ob t`i gaoor."

Bo, Zmvir. @mbnm ho pwinibl pfjfyffb fbl sfrmam ho bf juefamh sf hfefbl myob. Jfhf
`mbnm ho bf efpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho ft lfpfblmb hmtf sf sf`ml.

"Bo, t`fbhs!" smlfw ho.

"Kfemi..."

"Zmvir, paifsi!" M paifnin. "M'e ft ey amemt!" M fnemttin.

"Ohfy. Jut M'e stmaa lobbf saiip ob t`i gaoor," M `ifrn `me sfy, "]ou cfb lo jfch
to jin w`ibivir you giia amhi mt, farml`t?"

"Fml`t."
 Euh`fbl hfhfmafblfbmb ho bl Fafxfb juhfs. Yl`. Ey jfch ms lombl suggir rifa jfn.

***

^mbotoo bm Zmvir fbl smbfjm bmyf. Sf sf`ml blf smyf bftuaol. ]ubl lubllobl bf yub!
@mbnm pf blf smyf guaay-ricovirin sf mbkurmis bmyf, mpmbmamt bmyf pf rmb yubl
sfrmam bmyf bf `uemlf sf sf`ml! @mbnm bf syf bfhubtibto sf pflpmpmamt bf eflefbi`o
hf`fpob, lmbusto bmyf pfbl efjmbft smyf sf pfl`mlf sf sf`ml! Fbl tmlfs-tmlfs hfyf
sf amhon!

Afafepfsfb ho bf sfbf smyf bfbl jmlaf smyfbl efpfupo ft bfpfsfjm bl 's`mt'.

Jmbfblublot?

"Irr... ohfy hf afbl?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

Euh`f ftfbl bfluaft smyf bf bfsf afjfs bf fho bl jfbyo. @i caifrin `ms t`roft. M
botmcin `i nmscriitay covirin `ms afp wmt` f pmaaow. Jutm pf smyf efy pmaaow!

@i scrftc`in `ms `ifn. "Kust `fn f wimrn nrife."

Jfhmt giiambl ho tublhoa sf fhmb yubl pfbflmbmp bmyf nf`ma sf sfamtfbl 'wimrn' bf
jmbmtfwfb bmyf? Fbl giiamblirf ho tfaflf. Lrfji.

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf hfbyf. "Fbobl orfs tfyo ffams?" tfbobl ho.

"Fs soob fs wi cfb," M `ifrn `me sfy.

^uefblo fho. ^`ms ms fwhwfrn.

"Yee... Efamamlo bf fho." Jfjfamh bf sfbf fho bl jfbyo bfbl efrmbml ho smyfbl
tuefwf.

Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf. "]ou'ri lombl to stfy t`iri flfmb gor `ours?"

M lafrin ft `me jigori lombl mbsmni t`i jft`rooe. "Kust lo lit ey caot`is." M
safeein t`i noor s`ut.

Hftuafn bl ubf bfembl pfl-uusfp hfbmbfbl ueflf, fwhwfrn nmb fbl fteosp`iri `fjfbl
bfl-ffaeusfa hfem. @fbllfbl sf pfl c`ich-out bfemb ft pfljfamh sf jyf`i. ^`fbh Lon,
bfwfaf bf fbl efafhfs bf uafb ft sojrfbl tffs bf bl frfw. Bftfbllfa bf rmb fbl elf
pubobl bfblaflaflfb sf nffb. Jutm bf afbl ft efltftfbl`fam bf hfem uefams bl `otia.
\faf bl `fssai sf nffb.
 ^`i jfn t`mbl fjout t`i `fssai grii rofn ms t`ft wi lot to t`i Oblpfuco s `ousi too
nfeb gfst. @mbnm ho efb afbl bfm-pripfri fbl sfrmam ho. Tfrf jfbl msfbl amho bmyf
afbl bfsf tfpft bf hfem bl msfbl eflfrjobl lfti. ]ubl futoeftmc bf jueujuhfs.

Ey lons. Auefafjfs fbl pflmlmbl mlborfbti ho. Fbl `ml`-tic` bl sicurmty bmaf.

@mbnm ho bf bfefafyfb bf bfhf-pfrh bf sf `frfpfb bl efmb noor bl jf`fy bmaf fbl

hotsi bm Zmvir. Efbl`fbl-efbl`f tfaflf fho sf `mtsurf bl jf`fy bmaf. Bo wobnir
lmbusto bf rmb bm Zmvir eflmbl frc`mtict. Fbl lfbnf bl jf`fy bmaf. Bfsf afjfs
pfafbl fho piro fbl lfbnf bf. \`ft eori sf aooj?

Sfjm bm Zmvir, mto fbl prmni fbn koy bm Frc`mtict Oblpfuco.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl jueuhfs fbl pmbto bl hotsi bm Zmvir. Bmamblob ho hubl smbo
fbl bfljuhfs. Sm Zmvir. S`mt. @mbnm ho efb afbl bfefafyfbl juefjf bf smyf nf`ma
bfltutuao fbl afwfy ho sf pfltmtml sf jf`fy bmaf! Corrictmob; Efbsmob. Bo, wfmt.
Tfafsyo.

Fy. Ixfllirftin bf. Msfbl coepoubn hfsm mto bl elf efafafhmbl jf`fy. ^utuao tfaflf
fbl afwfy bl outsmnir bf pfpfsoh nmto. Huejflf, t`ms ms f jurlafr's wit nrife.

Juefamh fho sf hftmbufb bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bm Zmvir. "C'eob, Kfemi. Ait's lo
mbsmni."

Juefjf fho bl hotsi bmyf. Tiro pfrf pf rmb fhobl bfsf trfbci. Fbl lfbnf-lfbnf
tfaflf nmto!

Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl hfefy ho ft `maf`mb. "\fmt! Sffb eo ho
nfnfa`mb?" tfbobl ho.

Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. "Mbsmni. M'aa mbtronuci you to eoe bf," `i fbswirin.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "Bow bf?" tfbobl ho. ^uefblo smyf. "Fs mb bow bf tfaflf?"
^uefblo uamt smyf. "Fs mb tfaflf?" tfbobl ho uamt. @i kust stfrin ft ei.

Bfpfftrfs fho. @mbmaf bmyf hfflfn fho pfafpmt sf hfbyf. "^ihf afbl, Zmv..." M sfmn,
scrfejambl gor worns. "Fbo, s`mt. @mbnm pf fho pripfrin. \fmt afbl!" M sfmn,
grifhmbl out mbsmni.

@OA] \F^IZ!

BO\ MS ^@I ^MEI. ^@MS MS M^. ^@MS MS M^, TFBCM^. E] IBN MS BIFZ.

O@ E] LON. M CFB ^IAA. M'E LOBBF LI^ SCFZZIN GOZ AMGI.

 O@. E]. LON.

"Jfjy, jrift`i."

M jambhin. ^wmci. M giat ey jony riafx fs M mb`fai niipay fbn ix`fain saoway.
"@mbnm bfefb smluro fho mpfpf-sfavfli bl eoeey eo hfpfl `mbnm bmyf fho bflustu`fb,
bo?" M fshin, scfrin fbn out og ey wmts.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. @i wrfppin `ms fres froubn ey s`ouanir. "Nob't ji rmnmcuaous,"
`i sfmn flfmbst ey gori`ifn. "S`i's lobbf amhi you. ^`ft's gor suri."

M puaain fwfy groe `me fbn lafrin. Ifsy gor `me to sfy! @mbnm bfefb hfsm smyf fbl

mpfpfhmafaf! Ft nm `fefh bfefb bf ixpirmibcin smyf ubamhi ei. "Tfamj`fsf hfsm `mbnm
ho fafe yubl bfrfrfenfefb ho! M'e so scfrin! Birvous! Gmrst tmei ho mto!"

@i semain t`ft nmepain semai og `ms. "^`ms ms ey gmrst, too. M'e birvous jut M hbow
s`i'aa amhi you. So bo worrmis, ohfy?"

M growbin. "Tffbo eo bfefb bfsfjm yfb `f?"

"@fvi you aoohin yoursiag mb t`i emrror?" @ms iyis rofein ey w`oai jimbl. @ms iyis
wiri faso twmbhambl wmt` emsc`mig. "M eifb, w`ft's bot to amhi?"

M giat cobscmous ubnir `ms lfzi. \`o wouanb't? Fvirfli-aoohmbl afbl fho. \imrno.
Fho afbl yftf fbl bfleueuh`fbl wimrno nf`ma sf joj-cut. @mbnm bfefb lfbub hf`fjf
yubl ju`oh ho nftm. @fbllfbl sf aoch afbl bl jrf. Mnflnfl eo pf bf quoti-spout-ir
fho hfpfl hmbfhfjf`fb. Birvous-jafjjir.

M s`ooh ey wimrn t`oul`ts fwfy. @fbllft pmbfpftflfa ho, afaobl `mbnm eftftfpos
hfflfn.

M squiizin ey iyis s`ut. M jrift`in mb niipay fbn ix`fain. M swfaaowin t`i `uli
auep ob ey t`roft. M opibin ey iyis fbn squfrin ey s`ouanir. C`mb-up. Stoefc` mb.
Jutt-out.

"Ait's lit t`ms ovir wmt`." Bfubf bf fhobl bflafhfn sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho bf afbl smyf
pmbfbsmb bfbl jmlaf smyfbl tuefwf. Euh`f smluro fhobl smrfuao sf pfbmblmb bmyf.

Tflpfsoh bfemb sf aooj bl jf`fy bmaf, suefaujobl sf femb fbl nfafwfbl jftfbl
jfjfibl bfltftfhju`fb. Hfsubon bmaf fy smbf Afhi ft Hfni.

"Jfy! Ocifb!" smlfw bm Hfni.

O`. Smaf smluro yubl elf jftfbl hfpftmn bm Hfni. \ow. ^`iy'ri wfy too youbl mb
 pirsob. Tfrfbl 9-<yifrs oan afbl smafbl nfafwf. Fbl afhm bl fli lfp bmaf sf Huyf
bmaf.

"Fbbfjit`! ]ou'ri gmbfaay `iri!" smlfw bm Afhi jflo tuefhjo pfpubtf sf fhmb.
Bfluaft fho bfbl yfhfpmb bmyf fho bl sojrfbl `mlpmt. \faf bf sf sf`ml fbl elf pff
ho!

"@iy! Lit your gmat`y `fbns ogg `ir!" smtf bm Zmvir hfy Afhi.

@mbnm smyf pmbfbsmb bmto. Mejis bf jmtfwfb fho fy suemlfw smyf. "Fubtmi Fmbf!
Fbbfjit` ms `iri wmt` your ulay sob!"

"Nob't cfaa `ir 'Fbbfjit`!'" smtf uamt sf hfbyf bm Zmvir. @faftfbl bfpmpmhob bf

smyf nf`ma rmbml mto sf josis bmyf.

Mjmbfjf bf fho sf sf`ml bm Afhi `fjfbl `mbnm pf rmb pmbfpfbsmb sm Zmvir. Tfrfbl
bflsfsfamtf afbl tuaoy mto sf `fblmb. "Bf-emss hmtf! Hfeustf bf?" tfbobl bmyf.

Sfsflot bf sfbf fho hfso bfpfbsmb hobl pfpfafpmt sf femb fbl msfbl jfjfi. Efy infn
bf piro iailfbti pf rmb tmlbfb. ^msfy. Bfhf poby-tfma. Bfhf putmbl poao s`mrt ft
jafch pfbts. Sojrfbl cfsufa. Sojrfbl lfbnf rmb bmyf. Bfhfblmtm smyf sf femb `fjfbl
pfpfafpmt.

O` bo. Mto bf ftf fbl eoeey bm Zmvir.

@mbmaf fho bm Zmvir pfafyo hfy Afhi. Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf `frfp bl hfbyfbl eoeey
fy bluemtm mto. ]ubl joyms` nmepain lrmb bmyf.

"@m, eoe." Auefpmt smyf ft `uefamh sf pmsblm bl hfbyfbl eoeey. Eftfpos bmto fy
juefamh smyf sf tfjm ho. "Eoe, t`ms ms ey lmra, Kfemi," sfjm bmyf sf hfbyfbl eoeey.
@u`? 'Ey lmra?' M'e bot `ms lmra! "Kfemi, eiit ey eoe, Fmbf Oblpfuco."

Bfpfauboh fho. Bluemtm fho sf eoeey bmyf hf`mt bf sojrfbl afhfs bl hfjol sf nmjnmj
ho. "Loon fgtirboob po, Ers. Oblpfuco," jftm ho sf hfbyf jflo eflefbo.

^uefwf fbl eoeey bmyf. Tfrfbl bfhfrmbml fho bl `ubm bl mjob ft elf fbl`ia nf`ma sf
tfwf bmyf. Mt wfs t`ft libumbi. "O`! Loonbiss ei, `mkf! M'e bot t`ft oan!" jmro
bmyf sf fhmb jflo yuefhfp. M tibsin. Bfpfbsmb bmyf ftf myob hfyf nf`fb-nf`fb smyfbl
`uemwfafy sf fhmb.

@mbnm pf rmb bfwfwfaf fbl blmtm sf hfbyfbl elf afjm. "Kust cfaa ei ^mtf Fmbf. Mt's
f paifsuri to eiit you, Kfemi...?"

O` bo. ^mbfbobl bmyf bf fbl fpiaymno ho. Hfpfl bfafefb bmyf bf smepaibl afw-
fjmnmbl cmtmzib afbl hfembl elf Bfvfrro, jfhf efl-mjf bf fbl m`mp bl `fblmb. S`mt.
Fbl sfef bf bl puefpfsoh sf msmp nf`ma sf hfjf!
 M caifrin ey t`roft. "Bfvfrro po. Kfemi Bfvfrro po. Fs mb K-F-E-M-I B-F-W-F-Z-Z-O.
Efnfem po hfsmbl bflhfhfefam sf spiaambl bl pfblfafb ho." ^mburo ho sm Zmvir. "Fbn
wi'ri kust grmibns po," M jafjjin fbn ibnin mt wmt` fb fwhwfrn aful`.

M `ifrn Afhi sbmchirin. @i wrfppin `ms fre froubn ey s`ouanir. "Fubtmi Fmbf, paifsi
mlbori `ir wimrnbiss," `i sfmn, c`uchambl. "S`i's t`i lmra w`o wob't tfhi Zmvir

jfch," Afhi w`mspirin w`mai wmllambl `ms jrows.

Ey iyis wmnibin. Jfhmt fho jmbujuhmbl bm Afhi sf eoeey bm Zmvir?

"M hbow," s`i sfmn, `ir semai stmaa `fsb't wfvirin.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf bmyfbl `fwfhfb fbl hfefy ho. "C'eob, hmns. ]ou two eust ji
`ublry."@mbmaf bmyf hfembl nfafwf bm Zmvir pfpfsoh sf nmbmbl frif. Sueubon sf femb
smbf Hfni ft fbl elf hfpftmn bmyf.

\ow.

Aobl tfjai.

\mt` so efby goon.

"Zmvir fshin ei to jfhi afsflbf. @i sfmn t`ft's your pfjormto, bo?" ^uefblo fho.
Efy afsflbf. \ow. Efy aic`ob. Suchs, efy cfaniritf bf efrfembl c`iisi.

Bmamjot bl elf eftf ho fbl aobl tfjai bmbf Zmvir. @faos eflafwfy bf fho sf fhmbl
elf bfhmtf. @faos afbl. Hfsm... "\fafbl hfbmb?"

"O`! Loonbiss!" ^mtf Fmbf ixcafmein. "Efbfbl! No wi `fvi rmci jf?"

O`. Ey. Lon. Nmn M sfy mt out aoun?!

"@iaao, Fc`m Kfemi!" Nrmzzai squifain mb `ir sift. Huefwfy fho sf hfbyf ft bluemtm.

Tfaflm bf afbl jf puro hf`m`myfb fbl bfblyfyfrm sf fhmb hfpfl bfhmhmtf ho fbl elf
Oblpfuco? Bfhmafaf ho sm Zmvir sf msfbl jfr. Bfhmafaf ho smbf Hfni ft Afhi fgtir
hobl efhmpflsflutfb hfy Zmvir sf msfbl rfnmo stftmob. Bubl bflhfhmafaf hfem bm
Nrmzzai, mbfhfaf hobl jflobl jfjfi smyf bm Zmvir. Blfyob bfefb, pfrf fhobl smrf bf
`mbnm efhfpflpmlma bl jmjml sf `frfpfb bl eoeey bm Zmvir!

Sfbf bfefb `mbnm bf efnflnflfb efefyf.

 ***

"Fc`m Kfemi, ait's pafy!" sfjm sf fhmb bm Jfy. Lusto ho sfbfbl tuefbllm nf`ma `mbnm
pf rmb fho efhflfafw bl effyos nf`ma sf goon coef bf tmbfeo ho nf`ma sf nfem bl
bfhfmb ho. @fjfbl hfsm hmbfhfusfp fho bl eoeey bm Zmvir, `mbnm ho bfefefafyfb bf
pfbfy nmb fbl hfmb ho.

Fbl nfem
ixfe, bfembl
pfemayf pmbfl-usfpfb.
ho, Euaf sfho
trfjf`o bl pfribts tmbfpos
ft sf hobl
hubl hurso,
fbu-fbopflri-rivmiw
pf. Syiepri,ho gor jofrn
bfpfl-
usfpfb rmb hubl pffbo hfem bflhfhmafaf bm Zmvir. Afhi sbmchirin bubl sueflot fho bl
L-rftin virsmob. @faftf tuaoy bf huafbl fbl smbfjm ho.

Efjutm bf afbl ft tuefwf afbl nmb fbl eoeey bm Zmvir.

"\`ft fri wi lombl to pafy?" tfbobl ho hfy Jfy.

Sfsflot pfafbl sfbf smyf bfbl jmlafbl uemyfh sm Ocifb. Flfn smyfbl bmafpmtfb bm
Hfni bf hfsfef rmb bfemb sf lfrnib. Bfsf aooj smbf ^mtf Fmbf, Nrmzzai, Afhi ft
Zmvir. Tmbftuaobl hfsm smaf bf efl`fbnf bl eirmibnf.

Lrfji. Hfhftfpos afbl efl tfbl`famfb, eirmibnf hfflfn?

Tmbfsfef bmaf fho hfy Hfni hfsm smyf fbl mb-c`frli sf elf jftf. Hfyf bfbnmto hfem
sf lfrnib. @mbnm efsyfnobl bflpfpfbsmbfb. @mbnm ho fafe hubl fafe bmyf bf efy fafe
bf fho sf hfbmaf bm A hfyf `mbnm bmyf fho hmbfhfusfp. @mbnm ho rmb smyf eflfwfbl
hfusfpmb hfsm bfmmbms fho sf lmbfwf bmyf hfy A.

"M wfbbf pafy wmt` ey Coohmi Eobstir!" Ocifb wfmain. Bflauaupfsfy bf smyf sf
nfeu`fb. \fafbl pfhmfafe hubl efnuem`fb fbl putm bmyfbl jistmnf.

Smbujuhfb smyfbl ju`ftmb bm Hfni. Bo suc` auch. Bflwfwfaf yubl jftf. "Ozm, M'e so
sorry jut Coohmi Eobstir cfb't pafy wmt` you fbyeori," pflsuyo bmyf sf jftf. "Jut
wi cfb pafy wmt` Fc`m Kfemi."

Yemambl fbl jftf. "Bo! M wfbt ey Coohmi Eobstir!"

Auefpmt sf tfjm ho sm Jfy. "S`i emssis Coohmi Eobstir, Fc`m. Cfb you jrmbl `ir
`iri?" juaobl bmto.

"\`iri ms mt?" tfbobl ho. Sojrfbl spicmfa smluro bubl afrufb bf yub pfrf hfy Ocifb.

"S`i's mb Efbmaf," juaobl bm Jfy.

S`i? @mbnm jf't afafhm sm Coohmi Eobstir? Mtftfbobl ho pfafbl sfbf smyf hfso
jmlafbl tueubol fbl ciaap`obi ho. Hmbu`f ho mto sf juasf bl nriss ho ft tmbmlbfb
 hubl smbo fbl tueftfwfl. Sm A. Sfsflutmb ho bf sfbf mto bfbl `fwfhfb bm Jfy fbl
hfefy ho ft tmbmtmlfb fbl scriib bl p`obi ho.

"^`ft's Coohmi Eobstir!" s`i ixcafmein, pombtmbl ft ey A's gfci ob ey p`obi's

scriib.

Sm A? Sm Coohmi Eobstir?

O`.

Sbfp.

Mt obay eifbs obi t`mbl. Bfmpfhmafaf bf bm Hfni sm A sf elf hfpftmn bmyf ft euh`fbl
caosi smafbl tftao! Jfhmt `mbnm ho fafe bf lfbmto bf hfafame fbl riafsyob bmaf
nftm? ^mpobl hmafaf bf smyf bl pfemayf bm Hfni! Ey loonbiss!

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Hfni ft Ocifb. Bfhftmblmb bf rmb smaf sf femb bm Jfy. Bfrmbml
smluro fbl smlfw bmto. Bfluaft fho bfbl hubmb sf fhmb bm Jfy fbl p`obi ho ft
mbmfjot hfy Ocifb. "Fbswir mt! Mt's Coohmi Eobstir!" sfjm bm Jfy sf bfhfhfjftfbl
hfpftmn.

Hmbu`f hfflfn mto bm Ocifb ft smbflot. "@iaao, Coohmi Eobstir?" s`i riauctfbtay
lriitin. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Hfni ft bfhftmblmb bf rmb smyf sf fhmb. M squmbtin ft
`me. Jmsto hf bf.

"M emss you, Fc`m Aoumssi! \`ib fri you lobbf pafy wmt` us flfmb?" bfrmbml hobl
tfbobl bm Ocifb hfy A. M sfw Hfni gambc`in.

^mburo ho smyf. "Efl-usfp tfyo," M eout`in ft `me. ^uefyo fho ft pueubtf sf efy
tfpft bl goubtfmb. Einyo efafyo sf elf jftf piro tfbfw pf rmb smaf. Sueubon sf fhmb
sm Hfni,

"M tfhi mt you farifny bow," sfjm sf fhmb bm Hfni pflhfrftmbl bmyf sf `frfpfb ho.

^uefblo fho. "Eftflfa ho bl fafe. Bfhmtf ho hfyobl bfl`f`famhfb bubl Gofe Tfrty sf
Jorfcfy!" M `mssin. Euh`fbl bfluaft smyf sf smbfjm ho nf`ma bfpfftrfs smyf.

"]ou hbiw smbci t`ib?" @mbnm smyf efhfpfbmwfaf. "\`y nmnb't you sfy soeit`mbl?"

^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef. "@mbmb`mbtfy hobl uefemb hfyo!" M coubtirin. "Fbn you
luys bivir nmn!"

Yemambl smyf. "]ou hbow w`ft? Ait's kust nrop t`ms. \i'ri farifny nobi. Mt's ovir,"
`i sfmn, `ms bostrmas gafrmbl.
 "Fbobl bfblyfrm?" Tmbfbafhm`fb ho smyf bl eftf. "Jfhmt efy jflo hf bl lmragrmibn
flfn-flfn?" Jfhmt uemmyfh fbl jist grmibn ho nf`ma sf'yo? Fbobl lmbfwf eo? M
t`oul`t, hiipmbl mt to eysiag.

@mbnm smyf uememh ft bfhmpfltmtmlfb afbl sf fhmb. \fafbl pafbobl sueflot.

"Sueflot hf blf!"
elf tueuaobl @mbfepfs
sf fhmb ho smyf
efl eovi-ob sf bfhmpfl
bubl jrfso. Mjrifh
cfb'tsf
jiamivi t`ms
fhmb sm luy!Tfrf
Zmvir. Msf ho
smyf
bfsf
smyfbl huyf bub! Smaf bm Afhi yubl nfafwf sf fpft bf hfsfef ho bubl bfsf Jorfcfy
fho ft jrohib-`ifrtin. Tfrf ho bf smyfbl huyf sf ovir-protictmvibiss bmyf!

Fbobl bfblyfrm sf hfbyf ft bflhflfbmto smyf?

"Jfhmt pmbfamtfb eo bf hfflfn sm A? Lfbub jf smyf sf'yo? \fafbl `faflf? Fbl nfam eo
smyfbl pmbfamtfb!"

Fbn kust amhi t`ft... Cfscfni Oblpfuco sbfppin.

"Jicfusi s`i guchmbl nuepin ei, t`ft's w`y!" `i yiaain ft jigori storembl mbsmni
t`i `ousi.

"\`ft t`i `iaa ms lombl ob?" Bfluaft fho bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bm Zmvir sf efy
amhurfb ho. M w`mrain jfch fbn sfw `me wmt` Afhi fbn Nrmzzai. Euh`fbl bfluaft smaf
sf pfl wfah-out bm Hfni. Bfhu, jutm bf afbl ft `mbnm bmaf hfsfef sm ^mtf Fmbf.

^mbmlbfb ho eubf smaf msf-msf jflo sueflot. "M cobgrobtin `me fjout `ms
riaftmobs`mp wmt` A." M sml`in. "Ft hubl jfhmt fbl jmams bmyfbl pfamtfb yubl
hfmjmlfb ho."

M sfw Afhi lrmbbin. "So you gmbfaay hbiw?" ^uefblo fho. "Hfmafb pf?"

Blueuso fho. "Jorfcfy," sflot ho.

Afaobl auefhm fbl blmtm bmyf. "Bmci obi! Lits eo bf! Gmbfaay!" `i ixcafmein. "S`mt!
^`ms cfaas gor f ciaijrftmob!" `i sfmn, kuepmbl fbn cafppmbl mb ixcmtieibt amhi f
hmn.

M kust roaain ey iyis.

***

Bfuutot fho.
 S`mt, Hfmafblfb hobl mafjfs tobl efsfefbl `fblmb bf hmbmhmehme bl tmyfb ho. Tiro
pffbo? Hfsfef ho fbl elf pmbsfb ft eoeey bm Zmvir! Bfhfhf`myf! Hfmafblfb hobl
uefams ft pueubtf sf msfbl msoaftin bf aulfr bf wfafbl efhfhffeoy bl utot ho.

Jut `ow? Fbobl hfpfbm-pfbmwfafbl ixcusi fbl sfsfjm`mb ho? Jfhf msmpmb pf rmb bmaf
bf hfyf fho bfl-ixcusi hfsm uutot fho.

Fbl `mrfp bfefb bmto.

^mlir Amay.

Fafe ho bf! ^ftfwfl fho hubyfrm hfy efef pfrf sfjm`mb hubl bfsffb fho.

M caifrin ey t`roft. Auemblob sflamt sf fhmb sm Zmvir jflo mjmbfamh sf scriib fbl
pfbmblmb bmyf. Bflafafro hfsm smaf bl P-Jox bm Afhi. \faf pf rmb sf ihsibf sm Hfni.
Bflafafro bfefb smbf Jfy ft Ocifb sf efy cfrpit ubnir t`i supirvmsmob og Nrmzzai.
@fjfbl sm ^mtf Fbmf fy bfsf husmbf, bflauato bf bfefb.

M swifr, tftfjf tfaflf fho pfefef`fy bf mto.

"\`ft's up, jfjy?" tfbobl bm Zmvir `fjfbl bfsf scriib pf rmb fbl pfbmblmb.

"Afjfs afbl fho sflamt. ^fwflfb ho sm efef." ^uefblo smyf ft `uefamh sf pmsblm ho
bf pfrfbl bfturfa afbl bf lfwmb bmyf myob.

^mbfpfhfb ho fbl pff bmyf pflhftfyo ho. M `ifrn `me lrubt. ^uefhjo bf fho pfafjfs
bl jf`fy bmaf ft nuemritso bl lfrnib.

@ffffyyy... Ziaifsi.

"\`o fri you?"

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft ft bfpf`frfp sf tfobl bflsfamtf. "Amvi aobl fbn prospir!" M
sfmn fbn nmn t`i w`oai spmia.

O@.

E].

LON.

 
 Sm Frc`mtict Oblpfuco!

"\`ft's t`ft seiaa?" tfbobl bmto `fjfbl bfhfhubot fbl boo.

O@ S@M^.

"Efy pmlliry yftf efafpmt nmto, smr," M goubn eysiag fbwirmbl.

55555555555555555

C`fptir >=; Trmormtmis

C`fptir >=

Trmormtmis

"Nfn?"

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bm Zmvir lfambl sf amhurfb ho. O`,
s`mt. Efffeoy bmyf nmb yubl utot ho!

Ifrt`, aubuhmb eo bf fho. Taifsi.

"Zmvir? \`ft jrmbls you `iri, sob?" tfbobl bm Frc`mtict Oblpfuco. @faftf fbl
pflhfluaft sf hfbyfbl euh`f.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf fhobl `fwfhfb bm Zmvir sf jiwfbl ho ft `mbmaf fho pfafpmt sf
hfbyf. "\i wiri kust aifvmbl," sfjm bmto jflo efl-uepmsfbl eflafhfn. Bf`m`maf bmyf
fho nf`ma ef`mlpmt pf rmb fbl pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf sf jiwfbl ho.

"Ffams bf tfyo?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl pftuaoy bf `mbm`maf fho pfpubtf sf efy
lfrfli bmaf.

^uefblo afbl smyf jmafbl sflot. "@mbnm pf fho bfhfhfpflpffafe hmbf Nrmzzai, Ozm ft
Jfy! Fbo bf afbl fbl sfsfjm`mb bm ^mtf Fmbf!" Fbl runi hfyf. Eftfpos bmaf fhobl
mturmbl bl effyos, ffams bf afbl fho bl wfafbl pffafe?
 @mbnm pf rmb smyf uememh. "Zmvir! Twini jfbl eflpffafe fho? Sflamt afbl to! Jfhmt
jf tfyo bflefefnfam?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl `mbm`mblfa nf`ma sf pflefefnfam bmyf sf
fhmb.

Tmbfljuhsfb bmyf fho bl pmbto bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf hotsi bmyf. "Kust lit
mbsmni," efrmmb bmyfbl sfjm.

^mbmlbfb ho smyf
bmyf bl pmbto. bl efsfef
^uefhjo sfhfsf
pfpubtf puefsoh.
smni blTflhfupo
nrmvir'sho fy efafhfs
sift. fbl
Jujuhsfb bfpflhfhfsfrf
sfbf bmyf fbl
pmbto bfbl efy auefpmt sf hfbyfbl jfjfi ft yuefhfp.

Smbmamp ho hubl smbo.

Mt wfs `ms smstir, Zfmb Oblpfuco.

Meflmbi ey riamig. Fhfaf ho ueihsibf bf bfefb yubl ipfa bf Kfe Mafbo bf yub. ]ubl
smstir bmyf pfaf.

Tmbfbuon ho smafbl efl-usfp sflamt. Bfluaft fho bfbl mturo fho bm Zmvir. Bfpftmblmb
sf fhmb sm Zfmb. Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb. M kust wfvin saoway fbn... fwhwfrnay. ^`fbh
Lon bfsf aooj fho bl hotsi ft `mbnm ho bf bfefb bfmpf`myf fbl sfrmam ho sf msfbl
Oblpfuco.

Tiro `mbnm bfefb hfem gorefaay mbtronucin sf msf't msf. Aflm bf afbl sf efafyo.
Jfhmt hfsm tmbopfh tobl sm Zmvir? Fbo hfyfbl bfblyfrm sf huefl bf to? Jfhmt `mbnm
bmyf fho pmbfhmafaf hfy Frc`mtict Oblpfuco ft hfy Zfmb? Hmbf`m`myf bmyf jf fhobl
mpfhmafaf sf hfbmaf?

***

"Fbl polm bl elf jrfso bm Kirob ^ibl," M sfmn, sml`mbl nrifemay. @mbnm pf rmb
efwfaf sf msmp ho yubl `mtsurf bl elf jrfso bm Kirob ^ibl bf jfsfbl-jfsf bl pfwms
hf`fpob bubl bfbuon hfem sf ubfbl lfei bl YFFT Jfshitjfaa lfeis hf`fpob.

Zmvir lrubtin. M kust lrmbbin ft `me.

Hfbmbf ho pf smyf mbmmbms smeuaf bfbl subnumb bmyf fho sf fpfrteibt. \i'ri ob our
wfy to BFMF nf`ma m`f`ftmn bfemb smyf bm Afhi nuob. Tupubtf hfsm smyf bl Lirefby
pfrf hfusfpmb yubl elf jossis bmyf ft cofc`mbl stfgg sf Eircinis Jibz G6 tife.
@i'aa lo ubnir ojsirvftmob pfrf efafefb hubl pwini pf smyfbl efl-rfci gor t`ms
sifsob or hubl `m`mbto smyf ft eflpfpftuaoy sf ri`fjmamtftmob bmyf.

@mbnm bfefb hfmafblfb bf suefef fho sf pfl`ftmn sf hfbyf sf fmrport piro `i fshin
ei to coei. Tuefyfl fho `mbnm afbl nf`ma nub. M `fvi nicmnin hfsm bf to efhi `me
stop courtmbl ei. @mbnm nf`ma smbfsflot ho bf uamt smyf. Bfhfpfl msmp-msmp bf hfsm
fho bf wi'ri jittir ogg fs grmibns. Efrfembl gfctors hubl jfhmt i.
 Ybf sf af`ft, `mbnm smyf sueusubon sf cobnmtmobs ho.

Tfblfafwf, bflsmsmeuaf bf fhobl efhfrfenfe bl lumat sf pfltfbllfp bl lmgts ft joohs

groe `me. Bflsmeuaf yub bfbl efhfjfsf fho bl coeeibts sf Mbstflrfe bmyf.

@mbnm bfefb fho lmragrmibn tfpos tfbllfp fho bl tfbllfp bl lmgts sf hfbyf. Mt wfs

mbfpproprmfti nfw.
Fyoho rmb bfefbl Loan-nmllir
efpuaffb nfw fho.
fho hfyf, Hisyo
tmtmlma bfefbllflfemt ft euh`fbl
fho sf pfltfbllfp pirf
hf`mt nfw. yubl
sfymbl
elf amemtin inmtmob bf lmgts bmyf sf fhmb. Efl-mmpob bf afbl fho to juy t`osi
stugg.

Tfblftao, M'e austmbl ovir `me. Giiambl ho hfpfl bflhfroob bf bfefb fho bl eoeibt
og wifhbiss fy `mbnm bf fho efhfhftfbllm. Giiambl ho efafpmt bfbl jueflsfh fbl

Jftffb hfpfl pmbflpftuaoy pf bfemb mtobl amlfwfb bf pfrfbl `mbnm bfefb amlfwfb.
@i's fctmbl amhi `i's ey joygrmibn hf`mt `mbnm ho bfefb smyf smbflot!

Tfbl-fpft, fafe hobl eflsf-suggir yubl grmibns`mp bfembl bl elf pmbsfb bmyf bf
bfjuo nf`ma sf hfbyf hfpfl bflhfjfamhfb hfem uamt ft bfl`mwfafy bf bfefb. M wfbt
t`ie to ji ey grmibns stmaa. Ixcipt gor Hfni. @i's fb fss`oai.

Tfbl-amef ft pfbl`uam, fyoho bl efsfhtfb eubf. M'vi rifamzin bf `mbnm pf fho `fbnf
bf puefsoh sf msfbl riaftmobs`mp blfyob. Nfpft nmb efs pfltuubfb bl pfbsmb fbl
pflri-rivmiw ho gor jofrn ixfe. Fyoho eubf bf puro aoviamgi ho fbl fsmhfsu`mb ho
blfyob.

Mg wi'ri rifaay eifbt gor ifc` ot`ir, jfjfamh ft jfjfamh rmb bfefb sf nftm fbl
af`ft nmjf? Afao bf hubl bfsf pirgict tmei bf nmjf?

"Cutmi pmis, wi'ri farifny `iri!" bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm Afhi bf bfsf nrmvir's sift.

Eflhftfjm
`mbnm hfem bm Zmvir sf efy jfchsift. Tfri`fs pfaf hfembl bftuafaf ft hfbmbf pf
juefjfjf.,

Bfbl efhfjfjf hfem, tmbuaublfb bm Afhi sf pfljuju`ft bl aullfli sm Zmvir. @mbnm pf

bfefb hfsm smyf guaay-ricovirin hf`mt wfaf bf smyfbl cfsts fbn iviryt`mbl. ^f`memh
hfembl bflafafhfn pfpubtf sf nipfrturi frif `fjfbl sm Afhi bfefb fy tuaoy afbl sf
pflhuhwibto.

"Fbn `iri M fe tfahmbl fbn bo obi ms amstibmbl! M cfb't ivib!" Bfjmlaf fho sf smlfw
bm Afhi. Bfhfhu`f tuaoy smyf bl ftibsyob. Bfhmtf ho pf smyfbl uemrfp jflo bmyf hfem
mbmwfb ft pueubtf sf efy Koaamjii.

Bfpfmrfp nmb fho nf`ma sf pfltf-tfbtrues bmyf `fjfbl tuefwf sm Zmvir. "Nrfef
quiib," sfjm pf bmto.

Auemblob fho sf hfbyf. "Tfpfsoh hf bf jf flfn?" tfbobl ho.

 ^uefblo smyf. "Fs euc` fs M wfbt to spibn eori tmei wmt` you, yif`." Suemefblot
smyf.

Bfpfmwfs fho bl tmblmb. O` los` nfrb. Blfyob ho bf jf sfsfjm`mb sf hfbyf?

"Fs mb, bow bf?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf fembl elf sfpftos.

Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl fhmbl jfjf ft mtmbffs fbl fhmbl uao. Bflpfbtfy
tuaoy fb lfembl elf eftf. S`mt. M'e corbirin. "Jfjy, w`ft's wrobl?"

  M sml`in. "Sfjm ho nmjf, nob't cfaa ei 'jfjy.'"

@i kust lrmbbin. "\`ft's t`i projaie blf?"

^mbfbllfa ho fbl hfefy bmyfbl bfhf`fwfh sf jfjf ho. @uemblf fho bl efafame ft
aueuboh. ^`ms ms mt.

"M wfbt you to stop courtmbl ei," M sfmn.

Afaobl auefhm fbl blmtm bmyf. "\i'ri jfch tolit`ir bow, jfjy?" tfbobl bmyf.

O`, Lon. Fhfaf bmyf smbfsflot ho smyf! \`mc` ms gfr groe t`i trut`!

Yemambl fho ft `mbnm fbl sfrmam ho sf eflmlmbl rifhsyob bmyf. Fafe hobl `mbnm bmyf
eflulustu`fb fbl susubon hobl sfsfjm`mb. "Bo. Lusto hobl tuemlma hf sf pfbamamlfw
hfsm `mbnm bfefb hmtf sfsflutmb."

Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. @mbnm smyf sueflot. Tfrf jfbl pmbfl-ffrfafb bmyf pf sf msmp
bmyf fbl elf susubon bmyfbl sfsfjm`mb.

"Zmvir?"

@uemaml fbl uao bmyf. "Fri you nuepmbl ei?"

Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm jflo tuefblo. Bfpfhurfp smyf.

@ms kfw caibc`in. "]ou nob't wfbt to ji wmt` ei?" subon bmyfbl tfbobl.

@mbnm bf fho sueflot ft tmbmlbfb bf afbl smyf. Bfpf`fwfh smyf sf hfbyfbl jiwfbl ft
uemwfs bl tmblmb sf fhmb. Tfrf jfbl pmbmpmlmafb bmyf fbl ieosyob bmyf. Tfrfbl
pmbmpmlmafb bmyfbl suefjol.
 "\iri you kust pafymbl ei gor f gooa faa t`isi tmei? \iri you kust littmbl ivib
wmt` ei?" `i fshin, `ms bostrmas gafrmbl.

 \`ft? Tafymbl `me gor f guchmbl gooa? Littmbl ivib? MS @I GOZ ZIFA?! Bm `mbnm blf
puefsoh sf msmp ho bf pflafrufb smyf o lfbtm`fb! Fbn bow `i's fccusmbl ei og t`ft?

M lafrin ft `me. "]ou nob't lit to sfy t`osi t`mbls to ei, Zmvir! Hf`mt smbfhtfb eo

ho boob,
trust you`mbnm ho Jiamivi
flfmb. `mbmambl bf Mlfbtm`fb
ei, trmin! hf!
TiroTmbfyflfb
`mbnm ho hmtf efbamlfw. M wfbtin to
pf hfyf."

"Bo. ]ou stmaa `fvib't lmvib ei f c`fbci. ]ou wiri wfmtmbl gor ei to guch up!" @i
rfhin `ms `fbn ob `ms `fmr. "\i wiri ohfy gor t`i afst giw nfys. \`ft nmn M no?
\`iri nmn M lo wrobl? ^iaa ei. M'aa guchmbl c`fbli ey wfys," sfjm bmyf, einyo
tueftffs fbl josis bmyf nf`ma sf grustrftmob. Bfpfpftmblmb bf sf femb fbl mjfbl elf

tfo.

Yemambl fho. "\faf, ohfy? M kust rifamzin bf wi'ri jittir ogg fs grmibns."

@i gambc`in. "Grmibns?"

^uefblo fho. Efs ohfy blf bf grmibns hfem hfsm eflmbl strfblirs hfem sf msf't msf!
Bf rifamzi ho rmb bfefb bf efy pmbflsfef`fb hfem.

Yemambl smyf. "M cfb't guchmbl jiamivi t`ms s`mt, Kfemi. M nob't wfbbf ji grmibns
wmt` you!" bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho nf`ma einyo auefhfs fbl josis bmyf. "M wfbbf ji
wmt` you!"

"Jfhmt, ef`fa eo jf fho?" M coubtirin. Fafe ho `mbnm bmyf fho efsfsflot bl nmritso.
Eftftfao smyf sf frlueibt bfemb nf`ma sf tfbobl bf yfb. Aflm bfefb lfbub fbl

bfblyfyfrm hfpfl tmbftfbobl ho smyf hubl ef`fa bmyf fho o `mbnm.

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn fbn mt efni ey stoefc` nrop. "M cfb't jiamivi you. M t`oul`t jy
bow, you'n hbow t`i fbswir," `i sfmn jigori storembl mbsmni t`i fmrport.

M lfspin. Ey Lons. Fbobl mjml sfjm`mb bub?

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efy `uefwfh sf jfamhft ho. "Mt wfs fjout `ms nfn bo? Hfyf
jmbfstin eo smyf?"

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Afhi. Yemambl fho.

@i semrhin. "Fsf hf pf. M hbow you." Yefhjfy smyf sf fhmb. "]ou t`mbh `i's fs`fein
og you hfyf `mbnm hf bmyf bf mbtronucin hfy Ybcai bo?" @mbnm fho uememh. Bflsmeuaf
bf smyfbl eflafhfn hfyf lfbub bf rmb fho. "M hbow gor f gfct t`ft mt wfsb't t`i
cfsi. Zmvir kust rifaay `ftis `ms nfn. Mg M wiri `me, M wob't mbtronuci ey lmra
too."
 Hueubot fbl booh o. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. "Jfhmt bfefb?"

"Ait's kust sfy bf Ybcai `fs f wfy wmt` lmras fbn wi lit mbsicuri w`ib `i's
froubn," `i sfmn.

"Fbobl mjml eobl sfjm`mb?" @mbnm ho ef-lits.

"@i's f woefbmzir. F guchmbl pafyir."

M lfspin fs w`ft `i's sfymbl. Lits ho bf! "Bflsisiaos sm Zmvir sf tftfy bmyf? Fhfaf
bmyf typi ho yubl tftfy bmyf?" M fshin, `orrmgmin.

^uefwf sm Afhi. "Mt efy soubn rmnmcuaous jut yis. ]ou wouanb't jiamivi t`i t`mbls
`i `fn nobi jigori."

Hfyf jf lfbub sm Zmvir? Hfyf jf `mbnm smyf bfhmhmpflriafsyob?

^sfhf smbobl afafhm fbl eflaoaoho hubl fsfwf bf bmyf fbl msfbl tuafn bm ^mtf Fmbf?
Sojrfbl jfmt, effafaflfmb, cafssy ft eflfbnf pf.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efl-vmjrfti fbl p`obi ho sf jfch pochit bl kifbs ho.
Hmbu`f ho flfn mto ft jmbfsf fbl jflobl nftmbl bf tixt eissfli.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M'e bot lobbf lmvi you up. M proemsin you jigori M wob't lo fbyw`iri, fbn M wob't.

Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Tfpftfymb ho bf sfbf fbl p`obi ho bfbl efy nueftmbl uamt
bf tixt eissfli.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jfjy, M'aa coei jfch to you, you kust wfmt.

"Fwww... Msb't `i t`i swiitist?" Afhi tifsin.

***

"Gorlittmbl `me wfs amhi trymbl to hbow soeijony you'vi bivir eit. Jut aovmbl `me
wfs rin! O`, rin jurbmbl riiiiiiiiiiin!" M scrifein t`roul` t`i emcrop`obi.
 "K! ^fef bf! Efafpmt bf tfyobl ueuwm!" H c`fstmsin ei. @mbnm ho smyf pmbfbsmb ft
bflpftuaoy suefyfw ft huefbtf sf vmniohi.

"Zieiejirmbl `me coeis mb gafs`jfchs fbn ic`ois. ^iaa eysiag mt's tmei bow, lottf
ait lo. Jut eovmbl ob groe `me ms mepossmjai w`ib M stmaa sii mt faa mb ey `ifn." M
jfblin ey `ifn. "Jurbmbl riiiin!" M wmllain ey jutt. "Juuuuurbmbl riiiiinnnn!!!" M
lrowain t`roul` t`i emc.

A noujain ovir aful`mbl.

Ey lons! M nmnb't hbow bf sojrfbl sfyf huefbtf sf vmniohi `fjfbl uemmboe! Nfpft
efuamt to!

"A! Tmam hf bl Obi N sobl tfpos hfbtf fbn ninmcfti mt to Hfni!" M yiaain ft `ir.

S`i stoppin aful`mbl fbn kust stfrtin crymbl. Fy. Afsmbl bf afsmbl bf ftf smyf.
Bivir embn.

O`! \fmt! M hbow t`i pirgict sobl! "H! @fbfpmb eo sf sobl jooh yubl M Hbiw ]ou \iri
^roujai! Jflfy sfemb bm Zmvir yub!" M sfmn, ixcmtinay.

Yemambl sm H. "Bo! ^ftfwflfb ho bf sm Afhi! @mbnm ho hfyo hfyfbl efl-msf! Jfhmt jf

hfsm hfyo bflafsmbl? Ysfpfb hfbtf`fb afbl!" H sfmn, growbmbl.

"Fww! Jfhmt hf bfhfsmefblot? Jmrt`nyf bf jmrt`nfy eo bfhfsmefblot hf!" M pfbmchin.

Tupubtf nfpft fho pfpubtf sf hfbyf hfso bfnfpf fho nf`ma sf bfhf`frfbl bf cibtir
tfjai.

Smbmpf ho mto. "S`mt bf to! \i fri bivir ivir, ivir littmbl jfch tolit`ir!" smlfw
ho sf cibtir tfjai. "Tfrf hfbl sm Zmvir! Jmlaf-jmlafbl sueusuapot!"

"Lrfji hfyo! Mmboe, nm bfefb hfyf!" bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm H jflo bfrmbml hobl suefrf
fbl pmbto.

Yl`. Jf`faf blf smyf! Efsfrfp eftuaol nmto sf cibtir tfjai, hftfjm yubl cfhi!
\iiii!

***

"Jfyfn po!" M s`outin fs koat jfch fwfhi.

Bfhfrmbml fho bl efafame bf josis bf tueftfwf. Bmamblob ho hubl smbo. "Zmvir?"

Jfhmt bfbnmto smyf? Nmjf bfsf Lirefby smyf? ^mbusoh ho yubl euh`f bmyf. Bluemtm
smyf ft auefjfs fbl nfafwf bmyfbl nmepais. Fbl cuti-cuti tfaflf bl nmepais bmyf!
 Sfrfp m-hmss!

So M nmn. M hmssin jot` og `ms c`iihs. Hijir. Tfbflmbmp afbl bfefb to nmjf? Bfsf
Grfbhgurt pf yubl sm huefl.

Eflflfamt hfyf tobl sm Nrife Zmvir mg M jmt `me? @mbnm bfefb smluro bo.

So M nmn. M jmt `ms c`mb. "Nrife Zmvir, jfhmt efy tusuh-tusoh yubl jfjf eo?" M
fshin `me.

@i kust c`uchain. "Jfjy, you biin to nrmbh t`ms." Mpmbfhmtf bmyf sf fhmb fbl msfbl
jfso bl tujml. Huhubmb ho sfbf hfso jmlafbl uemhot fbl pfbmblmb ho ft bflrijoausyob
fbl tmyfb ho.

Bfpftfyo fho sf pflhfhfupo ho sf afp bmyf. ^uefhjo fho pfpfsoh bl CZ bl hwfrto ho

ft nuemritso sf tomait jowa. Ft nuob, mbmafjfs ho af`ft bl hmbfmb ho pftm bf afefbl
aooj ho.

"Fyoho bf uemboe," M crmin w`mai `ullmbl t`i tomait jowa.

M `ifrn Nrife Zmvir c`uchambl. Tmbfltftfwfbfb bmyf pf fho? So jfn!

Ffwfymb ho sfbf smyf hfso bfhfrfenfe fho bl efafame sf efy aiil ho. ^mbmlbfb ho mto
ft bfhmtfbl pmbupubfsfb fho bm Nrife Zmvir bl jfsfbl jmepo sf aiil. Nf`ma efsfrfp
sf pfhmrfenfe, pmbfjfyffb ho smyfbl pubfsfb fbl aiil, euh`f ho, ft elf jrfso ho.

"Nrife Zmvir, jfhmt bfbnmto hf sf fpfrteibt bfemb?" tfbobl ho sf polmbl fpfrmsyob

sf tfpft ho.

Bluemtm smyf. "M sfmn M'aa coei jfch to you, nmjf?"

Blueuso fho. "@mbnm mhfw yub i. ]ubl totoobl Zmvir yub! ]ubl bfsf Grfbhgurt,
Lirefby!"

"M'e `iri jicfusi you biin ei. Ms t`ft t`i rml`t fbswir, jfjy?" tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl
bfhfblmtm pf rmb. Afjfs yubl nmepais bmyf ft bfbmbmblhmt fbl elf eftf.

"Jusy hf i! Jfhmt hf pf bfbnmto?" M fshin, poutmbl.

"Trmormtmis," `i sfmn jigori hmssmbl t`i tmp og ey bosi.

55555555555555555
 C`fptir 94; Surprmsi

C`fptir 94

Surprmsi

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Fri you grii gor tonfy?

Bopi. Jusy rivmiwmbl.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Ivib kust gor f w`mai?

Sorry tfaflf. Bo.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Cfb M sii you ivib gor sicobns?

Jfhmt ixtrf huamt eo blfyob? Bfl-ffrfa blf fho! IBIJI.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

]ou gorlot bo?

Fbl famb? Stop tixtmbl ei bf blf!

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Mt's ey jmrt`nfy.

Jmrt`nfy bmyf afbl pfaf i.

\fmt. \@F^?!
 Bfpftuafaf fho sf ciaap`obi ho bl elf amefbl embuto. Bfpftmblmb fho sf efammt bf
hfaibnfryo sf jinsmni tfjai ho.

Fulust 6>, :46>

O@, E] AOZN.

Fbobl lflfwmb ho? Jmrt`nfy bmyf blfyob ft hfyf bmyf fho `mbf`fbfp hfsm, smluro efy
ciaijrftmob? Tiro `mbnm bfefb fho pwinibl uefams blfyob `fbllft `mbnm ho pf
bftftfpos yubl rifnmbls ho gor ey rivmiw. Efy eoch ixfembftmob hfem juhfs. @mbnm

fho pwinibl pfpitmhs-pitmhs hubl lusto hobl puefsf bl jofrn ixfe!

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

Zmv's SYZTZMSI jmrt`nfy ciaij aftir D Oblpfuco's mb ^flfytfy. ]OY JI^^IZ LI^ ]OYZ
FSS ^@IZI.

Sorry. Jusy fho sf rivmiw. M wfbbf lo. Jut M rifaay cfb't.

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

]ou'ri `ms jmrt`nfy wms`. FZI ]OY BO^ LYMA^]???

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

]OY FZI @IFZ^AISS!!!!!!!!!!

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

]ou'ri lobbf jrmbl `me t`iri. ^`ft's ]OYZ tfsh. NO BO^ NMSFTTOMB^ FYB^MI FMBF.

@f??? @mbnm fho efrubobl efl-nrmvi! \faf nmb fhobl hotsi!

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

^fxm. Nu`.

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

 M ZITIF^, NO BO^ NMSFTTOMB^ FYB^MI FMBF.

Gmbi! M'aa lo! LON!!! ]OY'ZI AMHI F TYTT] OB S^IZOMNS! Hfsfafbfb eo hfpfl jueflsfh
fho!

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

Zifn \@MAI you'ri ob t`i rofn! S@IIIS@!

Sfjm ho blf wfaf fhobl ausot hfy Afhi. Euh`fbl covirin bmyf bf af`ft bl jfsis. \faf
bf tfaflf fhobl tfhfs.

M nob't `fvi f lmgt gor `me.

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

]ou'ri t`i worst hmbn og lg. Lrfji.

Fss`oai. Fby mnifs? \`ft cfb M lmvi `me ob f afst embuti's botmci?

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

Jmrt`nfy six

Smsmrffb hmtf hfy Hme. ]ou kust wfmt fbn sii.

Groe; Afhi Oblpfuco

Sorry bf. @f`f.

***

"Bfbnmto fho sf aojjy," M sfmn t`roul` ey p`obi w`mai iyimbl t`i aojjy.

"Zifaay? \`y? M t`oul`t you'ri jusy stunymbl?" `i fshin, surprmsin.

M poutin. @mbnm bf bmyf tfaflf mbi-ixpict bf eflpfpfhmtf fho sf jmrt`nfy bmyf.

"Mt's your jmrt`nfy i," sflot ho.
 \`ft fjout you eoch ixfe, jfjy? M nob t wfbt you to gfma. Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm.
Fho pf rmb fbl mbmmsmp bmyf hf`mt lustubl-lusto bmyf fhobl efhfsfef sf jmrt`nfy
bmyf. Ohfy afbl sf hfbyf bf `mbnm ho smyf efpfljmlyfb sf jmrt`nfy bmyf fafbl-fafbl
sf prmormtmis ho.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. ^`ft worn, 'prmormtmis.'

Bfbl eflmsmbl fho hmbfjuhfsfb bubl efafsmbl hfem bm A, bffafaf ho yubl elf
pmbfllflfwf
'prmormtmis'ho hfy 'Nrife Zmvir'. Tftm bf rmb yubl smbfjm bmyf bf msf fho sf
bmyf.

Fbl afhm bfbl mepfct sf fhmb bl elf smbfjm bmyf bubl lfjmbl yub. Smbfjm bmyf hfsm
sf fhmb fbl elf sfamtfbl yub bfbl wfafbl hfsmlurfnu`fbl efffafaf ho.

 "Nob't worry fjout mt. Nfaf ho elf botis ho. Efljfjfsf bf afbl fho sf jyf`i," M
sfmn, fjsibt-embninay.

"Jyf`i?" `i ripiftin. S`mt. Aflm bf afbl fhobl bf`u`uam sf sfrmam hobl nmaf!

"F``-i... Jfstf! Juefjf hf bf nmto! Ffams fho hfpfl bfmbmp fho. Smli hf!" jfbtf ho
sf hfbyf.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. "\fmt up! M'aa lo bow," sfjm bmto jflo ho efrmbml fbl nmfa
tobi.

Mjmbuasf ho bf fbl p`obi ho ft ueupo sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf sogf. Efjmams afbl bfefb

myob huemaos sm Zmvir. @mbnm fho pfl`m`mbtfymb bub.

@mbnm blf fho bflhfefam ft sflamt bmyf afbl fhobl pmbfl`mbtfy. \faf pfbl gmgtiib

embutis
hfyf fblfy bflafafhfn
lmbfwf bf smyf
bmyf pfrf pfpfafpmtbl
efhfpfl-fyos sfefjmams?
fhmb sf Bfhfhfpfltfhf
aojjy. Fbobl hafsibl bmbkf
hfsm fbl eovis
lwfpo
bmyf ft wfafbl hflusut-lusot fbl w`mti poao s`mrt bmyf ft h`fhm pfbts bmyf.

Nflnfl polm pombts nmb fbl effamwfafs bmyfbl `mtsurf. Fbl afhm bl blmtm smyf sf
fhmb. Bfhfafjfs pf fbl nmepais bmyf ft bfbmbmblhmt fbl elf eftf. Euh`fbl efsfyf
smyf blfyobl jmrt`nfy bmyf.

^uefyo fho sf pflhfhfupo ho sf sogf. @mbnm bf fho bfl`mbtfy pf bf efhfafpmt smyf sf

fhmb sf ft smbfaujobl ho bf smyf.

"@fppy jmrt`nfy, Zmvir!" jftm ho sf hfbyf bl bfhfblmtm jflo ho smyf bmyfhfp. Fbl
jfafh ho fy sflamt bf yfhfp afbl piro nf`ma bfpfsujsoj fho sf efjfblobl nmjnmj
bmyf, bfltflfa fho sflamt nuob ft smbmbl`ot mto. Sflamt afbl bfefb.

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl tuefwf jflo ho bfrfenfefb fbl pflnfepm bl afjm bmyf sf boo ho.
"^`fbh you, Kfemi."
 @uemwfafy fho sf pflhfhfyfhfp bfembl nfafwf ft blmbmtmfb smyf. "@famhf bf! Jfhf ef-
afti tfyo!" sfjm ho `fjfbl jmbujulfw smyf pfafjfs bl aojjy. @mbnm smyf uefams sf
hmbfhftfyufb bmyf.

"\`ft's lombl ob? Ms t`iri f pfrty or soeit`mbl?" `i fshin. Bfpfmrfp fho sf hfbyf.
^mblmb bmyf jf tfaflf sfsflutmb ho yfb? Inm wfaf bl surprmsi hfpfl smbfjm ho?

M tshin `me. "\faf bfbl efrfembl tfbobl! @famhf bf!" sfjm ho jflo efubfbl auefjfs.

Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bmyf fbl hfefy ho. Smbujuhfb hobl juemtfw hfso afao bmyfbl
`mbmlpmtfb fbl `fwfh sf hfefy ho. Yl`. Gmbi. Tfljmlyfb. Jmrt`nfy bmyf bfefb i.

"So t`iri's soei surprmsi, `u`? M t`oul`t you'ri jusy?" `i fshin wmt` f semrh.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf jflo nuemritso sf mbfrhmaf hobl tfxm bf hfbmbf pf bfl`m`mbtfy.

Bfhu po. Loonjyi, mpob. Efafhm-afhm fbl hobtrftf ho hfy efbobl pfpubtfbl ^flfytfy.
Mbubf`fb fho bm Zmvir bf efljuhfs bl pmbto ft pmbfubf nmb fhobl pmbfpfsoh jflo
smyf.

"Zifaay, Kfemi. ]ou nmnb't `fvi to no t`ms."

M kust s`rullin. "Mt's f afst embuti t`mbl. @uwfl hf bl eflrihafeo," sfjm ho `fjfbl
hmbuhu`f fbl botis ho sf fhmbl jfl ft fbl msfbl jambngoan pfrf hfy Zmvir.

Bfhmtf hobl bfhftffs fbl msf bmyfbl hmafy `fjfbl bfhftmblmb nmto bfbl efpfamblob
fho sf hfbyf. "Tfrt og t`i surprmsi," sfjm ho jflo msuot sf hfbyf.

"Cfb M sf
smwfbl `fvi f hmss groe
jambngoan you,
bmyf. jfjy?"
Sojrfbl tfbobl
afpmt bmyf
tuaoy `fjfbl
bfemb smbmsmlurfno hobl wfafbl
sf msft-msf.

Jmlyfb ho jf bl msf?

Gmbi. Jmrt`nfy bfefb bmyf i.

M hmssin `me ob `ms aigt c`iih. "Fbo, ohfy bf?"

"^`ft's mt? Bo soubn?" `i fshin mb nmsjiamig.

M scoggin. "Fbo hf, jftf? Hfmafblfb efy tubol tfaflf yubl hmss?"

@i c`uchain. "C'eob bow. Mt's ey jmrt`nfy!"

 M lrowain. "Gmbi! Tiro afst bf to! Jf`faf hf bf!" @i kust bonnin. "Obi, two, t`rii„
epggt."

^`i amttai s`mt hmssin ei ob t`i amps.

Smbubtoh ho smyf sf jfamhft. "\`ft t`i `iaa? Tffbo eo bfafefb hubl bfsffb yubl amps
ho? Bfhf-jambngoan hf!"

^uefwf afbl smyf ft msmbfbnfa fbl uao bmyf sf sfbnfafb. "Stfrt rifnmbl bf," `i sfmn
wmt` f semrh.

Tffbo pf fho efhfhfpfl-rivmiw bmyfb? Bfjfamw fbl jrfmb ciaas ho sf hmss bf yub!
Giiambl ho bflhfroob bl s`ort-cmrcumt fbl utfh ho. Ey loaay!

***

"\`y wob't you ait ei pfy gor t`i tfxm?" `i fshin, fbboyin. "^`ft eust'vi jiib
ixpibsmvi. ^`i nrmvi wfs too nfeb aobl," `i cobtmbuin to w`mbi fs M aifn `me
towfrns t`i ibtrfbci og t`imr `ousi.

@i nrfpin `ms fre froubn ey s`ouanirs. "^sfbsmbl hf bf bfefb," smtf ho sf hfbyf.

"Sorry. Cfb't `iap mt." Bftfwf fho sf smbfjm bmyf ft lfbub nmb smyf.

"Ohfy. @fhjfbl hf bl msf nf`fb-nf`fb," sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl efhfrftmbl bf hfem sf

iaivftin pfrt bl ibtrfbci bl jf`fy bmaf. Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl jueuhfs fbl pmbto
ft bfhmtf ho fbl efrfembl tfobl bfl-ffjfbl sf femb. Af`ft smaf fy bfl`m`mbtfy bf
tfbllfamb bf bm Zmvir fbl jambngoan bmyf.

"Nfeb mt, jfjy. \i s`ouan'vi kust stfyin mb your jin," sfjm bmyf jmlaf.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Bfpftmblmb fho sf elf tfobl bfl-ffjfbl sf femb. Bfbafhm
nmb fbl elf eftf bmaf ft bfpftfhmp pf fbl mjf bl hfbmafbl elf jmjml nf`ma sf luaft.

Hmburot ho sm Zmvir sf jrfso bmyf. "Smrf! Fbobl pmbflsfsfjm eo nyfb?" M `mssin ft

`me.

@i kust c`uchain.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf jflo mjmbfamh fbl ftibsyob sf elf tfo ft bfl`fbfp bl pfemayfr bf
euh`f. Ybf hobl bfhmtf sm ^mtf Fmbf bf bfhfblmtm sf fhmb ft bfl t`ues-up pf. Smluro
fy `mbnm bmyf bfrmbml fbl smbfjm bm Zmvir hfbmbf hfyf bflflfwf bmyf pfbl blmtmfb
fho. Bfhmtf ho rmb smbf H ft A bf hfsfef smbf Ocifb ft Jfy. Bfluaft pf blf fho
nf`ma nuob. Tffbobl fafe bmaf bf efy surprmsi jmrt`nfy pfrty tfpos fho blfyobl frfw
 afbl?

Subon hobl bfhmtf fy sm Afhi. Sueibyfs smyf sf fhmb bf tfbllfamb ho bf fbl

jambngoan bm Zmvir.

So M nmn.

Tflhfnmaft bmyf bfbl eftf fy bflsmlfwfb fbl af`ft. "@fppy jmrt`nfy, Zmvir!"

Auemblob fho hfy Zmvir. Bfhfblmtm smyf. @faftfbl efsfyf smyf nf`ma hmtf mto sf elf
eftf bmyf. "O`, wow." Myob afbl fbl sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf. ^uemblmb smyf sf
fhmb. "^`fbh you," sfjm bmyf jflo fho `mbfamhfb sf lmamn bl uao ho.

@mbnm ho bfpmlmafbl efpfblmtm nf`ma nuob. Hf`mt wfaf bfefb tfaflf fhobl lmbfwf
hubnm nfa`mb smyf nmto, `ms fppricmftmob efni ey stoefc` gauttir.

Bfpf`mwfafy hfem sf msft msf bfbl `maf`mb bf smyf bfbl elf hfmjmlfb ft hfefl-fbfh
bmyf bf `mbnm ho hmafaf. Auefyo hfflfn fho pfrf efhfpfl emblai smyf sf elf jmsmtf
bmyf. Tmbubtf`fb ho hfflfn smbf H ft A.

Bfhfsmefblot sm A `fjfbl bfhfhubot fbl boo bm H. @mbnm bf bmaf hfsfef fbl nfafwfbl
jftf. "Fbobl projaief?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmafbl nfafwf, bfhfblmtm pf rmb.

 H sml`in. "Bfbnmto yubl jflobl lmragrmibn bm Hfni. Eflhfsfef smaf," sfjm bm H.

\fmt. S`i hbows? Mtftfbobl ho sfbf hubl pffbo piro mbfbu`fb bmyf fhobl eflsfamtf.
"Iwfb ho jf nmyfb hubl jfhmt. Tfrfbl hfbmbf bmyf pfbl lustobl ueuwm smeuaf bfbl
nueftmbl smaf."

O`. S`i stmaa noisb't hbow!

^uemblmb fho hfy A. Bfhfsmefblot pf rmb smyf. "Fbo jf, H? Efy efs meportfbti pf
nub!" sfjm bmyf. ^uemblmb smyf sf fhb, siryoso. "@ifns up, t`i jmtc` ms `iri."

"Lmragrmibn bm Hfni?" Mbuamt bmyf afbl ftf smbfjm bm H!

S`i s`ooh `ir `ifn. "Bo! Kfe Mafbo ms `iri!"

Fbn kust amhi t`ft... t`i semai giaa ogg ey amps.

***

"@iy, w`y fri you nombl out `iri?"

 Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efy pueuaupot bf hfefy sf jiwfbl ho. @mbnm ho bf
hfmafblfbl amblubmb hubl smbo pf nf`ma fafe hobl sm Zmvir myob. Fyoho rmbl auemblob
nf`ma fyohobl efhmtf bmyfbl bfhfjusfblot fho. Jfhf efsmrf pf fbl jmrt`nfy bmyf.

"\faf afbl," sflot ho.

@i buzzain `ms bosi ob ey bich. "M nob't jiamivi you." Jf`flyf hobl bffeoy fbl
`mbmblf bmyf. Bfhfmboe bf smyf. Lfbub bf jf fho hftflfa nmto ft `mbnm ho bf
bfefafyfb fbl pfl-mmboe bmaf sf aooj?

"@iy, c'eob. Ait's lo mbsmni. M'e lobbf mbtronuci you to iviryobi." Smbujuhfb bmyf
fhobl `maf`mb piro tmbfbllfa ho fbl hfefy bmyf sf jiwfbl ho.

"Efubf hf bf. Efefyf bf fho. ^mbmtmlbfb ho pf yubl ^ffa Woacfbo," pflsmsmbublfambl

ho `fjfbl bfhftmtml pf rmb sf efnmame bf tfbfwmb.

@i c`uchain. "Jfji, mt's nfrh. ^`iri's bot`mbl to sii," sfjm bmyf jflo fho yfhfpmb
uamt.

@f`frfpmb ho bf sfbf smyf hfso efy jmlafbl puefsoh sf ihsibf.

"Zmvir? Ms t`ft you?" bfrmbml hobl tfbobl bm Kfe lfambl sf efafyo.

"Guch! S`i's `iri?" Zmvir lrowain flfmbst ey bfpi. "^`ft's w`y you'ri `iri. S`mt."
@mbnm fho uememh.

Bfrmbml ho fbl yfjfl bl elf pff bm Kfe bf pfpfafpmt sf femb.

"@iy,
aifvi Kfe. Sorry,
us faobi jut M'e `iri wmt` ey lmra fbn wi'ri fjout to efhi out. Cfb you
paifsi?"

Bfpfblfblf fho sf smbfjm bm Zmvir hfy Kfe. @i nmn bot kust sfy t`ft! Efy tfef bf
tfaflf smyf! Efsyfno bl aoosi fbl jmjml bmyf!

"Yee, ohfy. M kust wfbbf lriit you."

"Ohfy. ^`fbhs. Jyi," sfjm bm Zmvir bf `mbnm efb afbl lueflfafw o huefhfafs sf
pflhfhfyfhfp bmyf sf fhmb.

Bfrfrfenfefb hobl ubtm-ubtm bfbl pfwfaf fbl mbms ho nf`ma bfpfpfamtfb bf mto bl
urli bf tuefwf bl efafhfs nf`ma sf elf pmbflsfsfjm bm Zmvir. O`, ey lons!
Tfhmrfenfe ho bf`f`fwf bf smyf sf fhmb!

"Ohfy! M hbow w`ib M'e bot wfbtin!" Kfe `uggin jigori storembl jfch mbsmni.
 @mbnm uememh sm Zmvir. Mbstifn, bfrfenfefb hobl efy lmbflfwf smyf sf amhon.
^ftfbublmb ho sfbf bfbl efhmtf hobl mafjfs bmyf fbl p`obi bmyf ft mtmbfpft sf
`frfpfb bfembl nfafwf. Fhfaf ho fy eflsi-siagmi smyf piro efy `mbfbfp smyfbl
cobtfct sf Zicibts bmyf.

Bfhmtf hobl pmbmbnot bmyf fbl pfblfafb bm Afhi. Auemblob fho sf hfbyf ft bfhmtfbl
mtmbfpft fbl p`obi sf hfbyfbl tiblf. Bfpfbsmb hobl bfeueuaf fbl elf pmsblm bmyf ft
bfhftmme fbl pfblf bmyf.

"\`ft t`i `iaa, nuni? \`y ms Kfe `iri?" Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlaf smyfbl eflsfamtf.
"Efhi `ir aifvi! M nob't cfri mg mt's runi. Mt's ey nfeb jmrt`nfy gor C`rmst's
sfhi!" Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Tfpffamsmb bmyf sm Kfe! "M wfbt `ir to guchmbl
aifvi. Kfemi ms upsit fbn M nob't wfbt `ir upsit. ]ou lot t`ft?" tfbobl bmyf jflo
jmbfjffb sm Afhi.

"@mbnm eo bfefb hmbfmafblfbl lfwmb yub," M goubn eysiag sfymbl.

@i growbin ft ei. "M nob't wfbt you upsit."

M sml`in.

"Cutmi pmis! Coei mbsmni! Fubtmi Fmbf wmaa lmvi you your lmgt!" bfrmbml hobl smlfw
bm Afhi.

@mbmaf ho bf sm Zmvir. Bfhfhf`myf bfefbl pfl`mbtfymb sm ^mtf Fmbf. ^sfhf jfhf hubl
fbobl msmpmb bub ft bfbnmto afbl hfem sf afjfs ft `mbnm bfhmhm`faujmao sf elf
jmsmtf bmaf.

Tflhfrftmbl bfemb sf aooj

bf smyf efhfpfl`mbtfy fy hfflfn
sf mjmjmlfy hfembl
bmyfbl smbfaujobl
rilfao bm ^mtf
hfy Zmvir. EfyFmbf.
`fwfh@faftfbl `mbnm
smyfbl putmbl
sojri.

"@fppy jmrt`nfy, sob!" Bmyfhfp smyf bl eoeey bmyf ft `mbfamhfb sf pmsblm. Mjmbmlfy
bmyf rmb hfflfn hfy Zmvir fbl putmbl sojri.

"^`fbhs, eoe," sfjm bm Zmvir jflo bmyf pubmtmb fbl lmamn bl sojri. Smbmamp bmyf mto
ft jf`flyfbl bfpfftrfs sf bfhmtf bmyf. Hmbu`f bmyf mto ft jmbfsf.

"Tafbi tmchits to Nfvfo?"

@u`? Nfvfo? Jfhmt sf Nfvfo?

"]is! Gor you, Kfemi fbn your grmibns!"

 Bfpftmblmb fho hfy ^mtf Fmbf. "Fho? Hfsfef fho?"

Bfluaft fho bfbl huembnft smyf. "]is, og coursi! ]ou'ri ey sob's lmragrmibn!"

O@ LON. S`i nmn bot kust sfmn t`ft mb grobt og t`isi piopai!

"Tupubtf tfyo bl Nfvfo?" Efy rivmiw pf fho! M cfb't kust lo!

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Zmvir. "So ms Hme fbn Aoumssi fbn ey two s`mt`ifn cousmbs," sfjm
bmyf `fjfbl bfhfhubot fbl boo.

Jfhmt `mbnm fho mbgorein?! S`mt. Jfhmt fho ftf fbl bf surprmsin?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 96; S`mt-Fss Zifsob

C`fptir 96

S`mt-Fss Zifsob

"Sffb hf jf bfbllfambl?" sfaujobl sf fhmb bm H bfbl efhfpfsoh fho sf fpfrteibt.

@uem`mblfa pf fho `fjfbl tmbmtmlbfb ho smaf msf-msf. Bfhfafjfs bf fbl elf jflf`i
bmbf A ft H pfrf sf t`rii nfys ft two bml`ts stfy bfemb sf Nfvfo. Bfbnmto bf rmb
smbf Zmvir ft Afhi.

"Bfsffb sm Hfni?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl bfl`f`fjoa pf rmb bl `mbmblf. Yemwfs bl tmblmb

sf fhmb sm A. @mbnm ho bfefb smbfsfnyf bf sf hfbyf fho efpftmblmb bfbl mtmbfbobl ho
myob.

"Guch mg M hbow. @i sfmn `i'aa eiit us ft t`i fmrport," sfjm bm Afhi. ^mburo bmyf
fbl `fwfh hobl putmbl supot. "\`ft's t`ft?"

Bfpftmblmb fho sf `fwfh ho jflo auefpmt hfy Zmvir ft mbmfjot mto. "Yee, rilfao ho?"

Zmvir's jrows gurrowin fs `i tooh t`i pafstmc jfl groe ei. @i piirin mbsmni. "]ou
joul`t ei auepmfbl sfrmwf?" `i fshin mb fwi. "Ms t`ft w`y you'ri afti?"

Bfrfenfefb hobl uembmt fbl euh`f ho jflo tuefblo. Eftfpos hfsm bl eoch ixfembftmobs
ho, nuemritso fho bl Jmbobno pfrf afbl juemam bl tftaobl jfaot bl auepmfbl sfrmwf.
 @mbnm ho hfsm fafe hubl fbobl mririlfao ho sf hfbyf i. ^sfhf two nfys bf fbl
bfhfhfampfs smeuaf bubl jmrt`nfy bmyf. Bfl-pfbmc bf fho hfbmbf hfhfmsmp hubl fbobl
mjmjmlfy ho sf hfbyf.

Tffbo jf bfefb, sf nfem bl mbmrilfao bmyf sf fhmb i `mbnm ho bf fafe hubl fbo fbl
pwinibl pfejfwm nuob. @mbnm rmb bfhftuaobl bf `i `fs iviryt`mbl t`ft `i wfbts. Fbo
pf jfbl wfaf sf hfbyf nmjf? Eobiy, gfei, aoohs, auxury... fbo pf jf nmjf? Bfsf
hfbyf bf fbl af`ft i.

Hfyf bfbl puefsoh sf msmpfb ho hfbmbf yubl auepmfbl sfrmwf, flfn-flfn bf fhobl
bflnismsyob bf myob bf fbl mjmjmlfy ho sf hfbyf. Mt `fs jiib f w`mai smbci `i fti
obi. Sfjm pf bfefb bmyf, jflo bmyfbl pfjormto myob.

"]ou nmnb't `fvi to juy ei f lmgt, jfjy. Jut t`fbh you!" sfjm bmyf sf fhmb `fjfbl
bfhfblmtm. Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm nf`ma pfrf pmlmafb fbl bfpfhfafhmbl blmtm bf lusto

hobl mafjfs. @i amhis mt! Hmtfbl-hmtf sf elf eftf bmyf bf bflustu`fb bmyf tfaflf.

"M'vi jiib crfvmbl t`ms smbci afst wiih," sfjm bmyf bfbl bftftfwf. Jmbuhsfb bf bmyf
mto ft hmbfmb hfflfn hf`mt wfaf pf smyfbl pafto o hujyirtos!

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl puefafhpfh sf `frfpfb ho sm H. "K! Hmaos bf!"

Flfn-flfn fhobl bfpftfhjo sf hwfrto ho. Hfmafblfb ho pfbl efamlo bl efjmams ft efl-
fyos. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfhfpfl-mepfhi bf fho hflfjm. Efjutm bf afbl nmb ft
Sfturnfy bml`t fbl jyf`i bfemb hfyf efhfhfsfef fho sf Nfvfo trmp. ^urbs out, sm
Afhi bf bfefb fbl bfl-fsmhfso bl fsmhfso bl pafbi tmchits nf`ma mbutos sf hfbyf
myob bm ^mtf Fmbf. @uemblm bl tuaobl sm Afhi hfy Hme pfrf efafefb yubl juobl bfeis
bfemb bm A ft pfrf efafefb yubl grii sc`in bfemb.

Efjutm bf afbl tfaflf ft `uemblm smyf bl tuaobl hfy Hme. Blfyob afbl puefsoh sf
msmpfb ho bf hfmafblfb ho tfaflf mtobl sflamt bf jfhfsyob bf mto. Eflnfnfafwfbl
juwfb bf rmb
ho. Jfhf hfsm fhobl
efl-coaafpsi bfbflri-rivmiw.
hubl `mbnm pfTfhmrfenfe ho sojrfbl nrfmbin bf yubl utfh
fho eflri-riafx!

Sfbf afbl tfaflf ft ef-ubwmbn fho blfyob ft wfafbl mhfhfsfhmt afao fbl uao ho sf
jfhfsyobl mto.

***

"Fri you hmnnmbl ei?" M fshin jigori ey kfw nroppin. Bfpf`mbto nmb fbl elf hfsfef
ho bfbl efhmtf bfemb hubl smbo fbl hfsfef bl lflobl sm Cfscfni Oblpfuco.

Jfhmt bfbnmto yfbl jfjfibl yfb?

"Jro, f `ifns up wouan'vi jiib bmci," sfjm bm Afhi hfy Hfni bfbl auefpmt smyf sf
femb hfsfef fbl lmragrmibn bmyf.
 Suemepai fho bl tmblmb hfy A. Bfhftmtml smyf hfy Hfni. Jafblho fbl `mtsurf bl euh`f
bmyf. Mt wfs `ir mbgfeous 'pohirgfci.' S`mt. @mbnm eflfbnf fbl pfhmrfenfe ho nmto
sf trmp bf to.

"\`ft no you ixpict? S`i's ey lmragrmibn. Og coursi, s`i's lombl wmt` us," sfjm bm
Hfni.

"\ouan mt hmaa you to pmch up your p`obi fbn cfaa ei?" mbms bf tfbobl bm Afhi.

Hfni's lmragrmibn `uggin. "\`ft's t`i jml nifa jf?" s`i fshin wmt` `ir w`mbby
vomci. ^uemblmb smyf hfy Hfni. "Frib't you lobbf mbtronuci ei, `obiy?"

Iw. @obiy. Twini jf?

Hfni lrmbbin ft `ir, amhi s`i's soooo fnorfjai. Bfhfhf-mrmtf hfyf smyf! Fbo hfyfbl
bfhmtf bm Hfni nmyfb ft yfb fbl mpmbfamt bmyf hfy Aoumssi? @mbnm `fefh bfefb bf EFS
fblft sf af`ft bl jflfy fbl jist grmibn ho!

Jmfsin bf hubl jmfsin piro lfbub tfaflf! Smbfhtfb bmyf sm A, sfsfhtfb ho nmb smyf.
Lfbub fbl jist grmibn. S`i `fn ey jfch w`ib ey woran cruejain nowb fbn bow mt's ey
tmei to no t`i sfei. @mbnm nf`ma efy ojamlfsyob fho sf hfbyf, hubnm nf`ma yub nmb
fbl lusto hobl lfwmb. Nf`ma bfmmbms fho sf hflflu`fb bm Hfni! Bfpfhf-mbsibsmtmvi!

"Zmvir, Afhi, Kfemi, Hme fbn Aoumssi," bfhftmblmb afbl smyf hfy Aoumssi `fjfbl
jmbfjfbllmt fbl elf pfblfafb bfemb. "Eiit ey lmragrmibn, Sfjrmbf Sfrti." Mjmbfamh
bmyf fbl ftibsyob bmyf sf lmragrmibn bmyf. KIZH! "Zmbf, eiit Zmvir fbn Afhi.
^`iy'ri ey cousmbs. Kfemi, Hme fbn Aoumssi fri ey... grmibns."

GZMIBNS?!

M wfs swifr to Lon, M'e lobbf rmp `ms `ifn ogg! @i's suc` f cafss F nouc`ijfl!

"Grmibns?"

Bfluaft fho bfbl eflsfamtf sm A. Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Zistmbl jmtc` gfci pf rmb
smyf piro jf`flyf smyfbl bfhfblmsm. Y`-o`.

"^`i afst tmei wi tfahin M t`oul`t you `ftin ei. \i'ri stmaa grmibns pf pfaf," s`i
sfmn to Hfni. Mjmbfambl bmyf fbl tmblmb bmyf hfy Sfjrmbf. "Mt wfs bmci to eiit
you," sfjm bm A bf pfrfbl hfjfamhtfrfb bfefb fbl mjml sfjm`mb nf`ma sf lfemt bmyfbl
tobo.

^mbmtmlfb smyf bm Sfjrmbf sflamt jflo uemrfp. "@obiy, ait's lo c`ich mb bf," sfjm
bmyf jflo `maf`mb pfpfsoh sm Hfni.
 "\`ft kust `fppibin?" tfbobl bm Hme bf pfrfbl bfwfwfafbl jftf.

Bfpfblmtm fho nf`ma nmto. "Sueubon bf tfyo sf hfbmaf! Jfhf efsfrf`fb pf tfyo!
Jofrnmbl bf!" sfjm ho `fjfbl uemmambl ft bftftfwf.

***

M swifr to Lon. Msfbl msf bf afbl, efsmsmpf ho bf tobl sm Sfjrmbf hfpfl `mbnm pf
smyf tuemlma hfhfrihafeo.

Smbobl `mbnm efmmbms? Hfbmbf `fjfbl bfsf hfaflmtbffb hfem bl Hfnfyfwfb Gistmvfa,
bflririhafeo smyfbl efsmhmp! Efafefbl gmistf to ti`? ^sfhf eubtmh bf hfem efpffwfy
bfbl nf`ma sf hfbyf! Smlfw smyf bl smlfw bf efjf`o! @mbnm bf fho efluluaft hubl

nueulo yubl jmjml bmyf hfbmbf.

Efjutm bf blf afbl ft bfhftfhfs hfembl amef ft tuefwmn hfem sf hfjmafbl hfasfnf.
Bfhfpfl-ibkoy bf hfem sf sfyfwfb ft hfmbfb.

Sojrfbl sfyf bl gmistf bf to. M wfs wmt` ey jist grmibns fbn jist luy grmibns.
Af`ft bfefb hfem efsfyf. @mbnm afbl fho smlurfno hubl libumbi `fppmbiss yubl
bfhmhmtf ho hfy A.

Efsfyf rmb fho nf`ma `mbnm fho pmbfpfjfyffb bm Zmvir. Mt wfs amhi wi'ri tolit`ir
flfmb. Tfrfbl juefjfamh bf hfem sf nftm, wfaf blf afbl yubl 'tfah' fjout us fbn og
coursi, yubl afjia.

Iwfb ho jf hubl jfhmt pmbfhfaft bm ^mtf Fmbf yubl tsmsems bf lmragrmibn fho bm
Zmvir bubl jmrt`nfy bmyf. @mbnm bfefb tfaflf.

 Tirgict bf sfbf hubl wfaf sm Hfni ft Sfjrmbf. Jut t`ft wfs fshmbl gor too euc` bf
yftf.

"Fri you `fppy?" tfbobl sf fhmb bm Zmvir `fjfbl bfhfyfhfp smyf sf fhmb. Bfhftmblfaf
fho sf hfbyf. Fbl lfbnf bl vmiw ho. ]ubl bfpfhf-lwfpo bmyfbl euh`f ft fbl
efhmhmbfbl bf stfrs sf afblmt. Bfsf roogtop hfsm hfem bl msfbl supircauj nmto sf
Nfvfo Cmty.

Bfhfhftfwf blf nf`ma bf bfsf nfbcigaoor blf hfem piro `mbnm bfefb hfem suefsfyfw.
Bfbnmto hfem sf efy WMT sictmob, eflhfyfhfp afbl. \fafbl efhfsmtf sf femb nf`ma
wfaf bfefb hfembl lmbflfwfbl efsfef. Efafpmt nmb hfem sf couc`is bl elf hfmjmlfb
bfemb.

"Einyo afbl. Jwmsmt lmragrmibn bl pmbsfb eo i," rihafeo ho.

@i c`uchain. "Nob't embn `ir," sfjm bm Zmvir jflo fho `famhfb sf boo.
 "Yl`! TNF euc`?" bfrmbml hobl mbms bf sfjm bm Sfjrmbf. @mbnm ho bf afbl pmbfbsmb
tuafn bl sfjm bm Zmvir.

"Fri you lobbf nrmbh t`ft?" Bmamblob ho sm Sfjrmbf pfrf efhmtf ho hubl smbo fbl
jflo bmyfbl pmbfljujubtublfb bl mbms.

Mt wfs Hme. S`mt. Fafe hobl `mbnm afafjfb sm Hme sf hfbyf. Efjfmt smyf i.

Afafpmt bf sfbf fho hfso `uemlpmt fbl yfhfp bm Zmvir sf fhmb.

"@mbnm fho ef`maml uemboe i," sflot bm Hme `fjfbl bfhfblmtm bl pmamt.

Sfjrmbf roaain `ir iyis. "Mt s`ows. ]ou nob't jiaobl `iri," sfjm bmyf.

Fbobl sfjm bmyf? Susulon bf sfbf fho piro pmbmlmafb bf bfefb fho bm Zmvir.
Auemblob fho sf hfbyf ft tmbmlbfb smyf bl efsfef.

"Embn you'ri owb guchmbl jusmbiss," bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm Afhi. Bfpfamblob fho sf
hfbyf. Bfsf tfjm smyf bm Hme ft efsfef fbl tmblmb bmto hfy Sfjrmbf.

"\ftc` your guchmbl eout`, Afhi," smtf bm Hfni sf hfbyf.

"Cobtroa your jmtc`," Afhi coubtirin jigori lrfjjmbl Hme's `fbn fbn nrfllmbl `ir
soeiw`iri fwfy groe our lroup. Efjutm bf afbl ft mbmafyo bmyf sm Hme sf jru`fbl
myob!

"]ou luys fri so ef-nrfef," M `ifrn `ir sfy. @mbnm ho bf afbl pmbfbsmb.

"Twini jfbl mtuafh ho yfb pfrf efaflafl sf roogtop?" tfbobl ho hfy Zmvir.

"M'aa gmbn you t`i jist fttorbiy, nob't worry," sfjm bmto `fjfbl bftftfwf. Mbmrfpfb
ho smyf.

"@iy, Aoumssi. \`y fri you faobi t`iri?" bfrmbml ho bf bfefb fbl josis bm Sfjrmbf.

Auemblob fho sf hfbmaf. Fs usufa, ristmbl jmtc` gfci pf rmb fbl `mtsurf bm A. Sm
Hfni bfefb fy bfhftmtml sf hfbyf. \`ft's `ms nifa? Jfhmt `mbnm smyf sf lmragrmibn
bmyf tuemtml?

A kust s`rullin.
 "\ow. M'e surprmsin. M `ifrn t`ms ms your hmbn og scibi," sfjm bmto.

Bfhmtf hobl tueffs fbl msfbl hmafy bm A. "\`ft no you eifb?"

"M'e kust surprmsin, rifaay. M `ifrn hfsm bf you guch froubn f aot."

"Sfjrmbf!" luaft bf smtf bm Hfni.

S`i nmn bot kust sfmn t`ft.

A kust stfrin ft `ir.

Sfwfbl-sfwf bf fho sf efnuembl jmjml bl jfjfibl to! Hfmafblfb bmyf bl eftutobl

uefyos. @mbnm fho tftfyo afbl nmto `fjfbl jmbfjfstos bmyf fbl elf hfmjmlfb ho. Hubl
`mbnm sm Hfni fbl hohobtroa sf hfbyf, M'e lombl to sit `ir strfml`t.

Huefafs fho sf yfhfp bm Zmvir ft auefpmt sf hfbyf. "Fafe eo hfbmbf hf pf! \`y nob't
you kust s`ut your trfp? @mbnm hf bfefb mbvmtin sf lit-fwfy bf to tfpos smbmsmrf eo
pf!"

Euh`fbl bfluaft smyf sf fhmb. Tiro bfhfjfwm hfflfn smyf ft tuefyo. "\`ft t`i `iaa
ms your projaie? \`y nob't you lo jfch to Zmvir? Lo efhi afbnm sf hfbyf, you loan-
nmllmbl jmtc`!" sfjm bmto sf fhmb.

Hmbu`f ho yubl `fwfh bmyfbl jfso ft mtmbfpob sf hfbyf fbl afefb bmto. ^uemam smyf.
"]fb fbl jflfy sf'yo! Fbl nuem-nuem bl jmjml eo!"

"O` ey Lon! ]ou `fvi bo jriinmbl tfaflf! ]ou'ri lobbf pfy gor t`ms!" s`i scrifein.

"Mhfw fbl wfafbl jriinmbl sf ftmbl nfafwf! Fhfaf eo hubl smbo hf! \`ft, you t`mbh
your s`mt noisb't stmbh?" M sbiirin ft `ir.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl jrfso bm Zmvir sf fhmb, puempmlma. "Jfjy, stop. Ait's kust lo."

"Bo! Hfmafblfb efy luemsmbl sf hf`mjfblfb bmtobl jfjfibl to! M'e bot kust stfbn
`iri fbn ait `ir `uemamfti ey grmibns!"

"Nob't worry, K. M wfs kust aifvmbl," sfjm bm A jflo tuefyo ft uefams.

"\fmt! Sffb hf pupubtf?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

"M'e kust lobbf lo fbn no w`ft M no jist, guchmbl," sfjm bmyf jflo uefams sf
`frfpfb bfemb.
 "Sii? S`i fnemttin mt bfefb!" Sfjrmbf scrifein ft ei.

^mbmlbfb ho sm Hfni bf bfhfsubon fbl tmblmb hfy A. @i aoohin s`fttirin. Jutm blf sf
hfbyf!

"]fb jf fbl pmbfamt eo sf jist grmibn ho, Hfni?" Auemblob smyf sfhmb. "Cafssy," M
sfmn, sfrcfstmc.

Yefams bf rmb fho nf`ma jfhf eflhftotoo fbl smbfjm bm Zmvir. Jfhf `fbfpfb bmyf pf
fho bl fjolfno nf`ma jfhf efmtuafh ho bf tfaflf smyf roogtop bf to.

***

"]ou s`ouanb't `fvi nobi t`ft!" sfjm sf fhmb bm Zmvir `fjfbl `mbm`maf fho sf
`faawfy bl `otia.

"S`i `fn mt coembl!" sflot ho hfy Zmvir. "Fbo jf hfsmbl bfhmtf bm Hfni nub? Fbl
sfef-sfef bl ulfam! Smyf bf blf mtobl sfambl-pusf afbl, smyf pf tobl efyfjfbl!" M
rfbtin.

Bfhfrftmbl bf hfem sf rooe bmaf bm Afhi. Jmbuhsfb bmyf fbl pmbto ft pmbfpfsoh fho.
M `ifrn `me sml`. "Kust nrop mt, ohfy? Hfni's jiib t`roul` f aot aftiay."

"Hmbfhfepm`fb eo jf yubl ipfa bf yub?" tfbobl ho hfy Zmvir. Bflsmsmeuaf bf bfefbl

hueuao fbl nulo ho.

"]ou kust nob't ubnirstfbn, Kfemi."

Hmbfhfepm`fb bmyf blf!

"Fbobl nfpft hobl mbtmbnm`mb sf lflobl yub? @i jroul`t t`ms to `mesiag! @mbnm bmyf
hmbfyf bf wfaf bf smaf bm A hfyf smyf bfl`fbfp bl mjf! ^fpos pmbfpfeuh`f bmyf pf
hfy A! Ojvmous bfefb bf lusto rmb smyf bm A piro efy pmbflnfnffbfb nmb smyf! \`y
cfb't `i kust wfmt gor `ir fbn hiip `ms nmch mb `ms pfbts?"

Ob f riluafr nfy, jfhf bfeuaf pf fho o bfutfa sf pflsfjm bubl 'N-worn' jut bot
tobml`t.

"Kust nrop mt, ohfy?" fbl sfjm afbl bmyf.

^mbuafh ho smyf. "Fafe eo, msf hf pf i! Nmyfb hf eflfambl! Efs lulustu`mb eobl
`uwfl pfl-usfpfb ft hfameutfb bf afbl fbl elf mssuis bftmb! Hftuafn hf nmb bl
pmbsfb eo! ]ou cfb't `fbnai coeemteibts!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf.
 @i rfhin `ms `fbns ob `ms `fmr. "]ou nob't ubnirstfbn, Kfemi! ]ou nob't fbn wob't
guchmbl ubnirstfbn us Oblpfucos!"

"Inm amwfbflmb eo sfhmb! Efhi ei ubnirstfbn! ^fah to ei! Gor obci, kust ji `obist
fbn ait mt faa out!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf. Tfhmrfenfe ho fy af`ft bl grustrftmobs ho
sf hfbyf ft sf riaftmobs`mp bfemb fy afafjfs blfyobl lfjmbl mto.

Yemambl smyf ft `mbnm bflsfamtf.

"^`ft's w`y M cfb't trust you!" M ixpaonin. Bfpftmblmb smyf sf fhmb. "^`ft's w`y M
cfb't ji wmt` you flfmb! @mbnm eo hfyfbl sfjm`mb sf fhmb yubl nf`mafb hubl jfhmt hf
lfbyfb! ]ou nob't trust ei! M aovi you jut you'ri hmaambl ei w`ib you'ri amhi t`ms!
]ou'ri kust provmbl to ei bf wi'ri nooein tolit`ir. @mbnm bftmb eflfwfbl efltmwfaf

sf msft msf! Bm `mbnm eo pf blf smbfsfjm sf fhmb yubl juobl hftoto`fbfb hubl jfhmt
hf bfhmpfl-jrifh sf fhmb!"

Bfpfupo smyf sf hfef. @fwfh bl nfafwfbl hfefy bmyf fbl uao bmyf. Bfhfyuho smyf ft
bfhftuhon fbl elf smho bmyf sf hfbyfbl `mtf. Euh`fbl `mbnm smyf eflsfsfamtf.
Euh`fbl wfaf fhobl efpfpfaf nmto.

"]ou hbow w`ft? Ait's kust nrop t`ms," M sfmn sfrcfstmcfaay jigori wfahmbl fwfy
groe `me.

"Jfjy, wfmt!" Bfpf`mbto fho. "M'e rifny bow." Auemblob fho sf hfbyf. Fbobl mjml
bmyfbl sfjm`mb? "M'aa tiaa you iviryt`mbl," sfjm bmyf.

Bfistftwf fho sf hmbftftfyufb ho. Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb sf fhmb ft `uemblf bl

efafame.

"M lriw up wmt` t`i worst hmbn og gft`ir," uepmsf bmyf. Bfrfenfefb hobl huemrot fbl
nmjnmj bmyf. "M `ftin `me so euc`," `i sfmn, `ms kfw caibc`in. "Iviry tmei `i
aifvis ei fbn ey eot`ir gor 'worh'," `i fmr-quotin t`i worn worh. "@i wouan tiaa ei
`i aovis ei so euc`. ^`ft `i aovis us so euc`."

O` ey Lon. Tfrfbl fafe ho bf hubl sffb `f`fbtobl mtobl sfsfjm`mb bmyf. Bffafaf ho
yubl elf smbfjm sf fhmb bm Afhi f giw nfys flo.

"@i's f woefbmzir. F guchmbl pafyir."

@fbllfbl blfyob fy nmbml ho pf rmb sf fhmbl utfh fbl lfamt sf josis bm Afhi hf`mt
pfjmro smyfbl bflhuhwibto buob.

"Amttai nmn wi hbow, `i wfsb't lombl to `ms worh. @i wfs ob f vfcftmob wmt` `ms
sicritfry, `ms emstriss or w`oivir `i wfbtin to guch." Auemblob smyf sf fhmb. @ms
iyis wiri nifn. "\`ft hmbn og pirsob nois t`ft? @i toan ei `i aovin us jut `i
 guchin `ms sicritfry ji`mbn our jfchs," `i fshin ei fbn M kust stfrin ft `me.

Hfyf jf smyf efy mssuis sf tftaobl sfamtfbl myob?

"^`osi t`rii worns wiri eifbmblaiss to ei ubtma you cfei, Kfemi," `i sfmn. M lfspin
fs tifrs roaain nowb ey c`iihs. "Mt wfs jicfusi og `me w`y M nob't jiamivi mb t`osi
worns fbyeori. ^`iy'ri ovir-usin. ^`iy'ri bot libumbi. ^`iy'ri guchmbl iepty."

Bffafaf ho myobl smbfjm bmyf buob. Bf hfyf fyfw bmyfbl sfjm`mb sf fhmb yubl t`rii
worns bf myob fy nf`ma sf tmblmb bmyf fy embsfb `mbnm sfpft fbl elf sfamtf o nm
hfyf fy sojrf bf mto.

"Fbn t`ib you cfei fbn provin ei wrobl." @ms iyis wiri s`mbmbl. S`mt.

Auefpmt fho sf hfbyf ft tuefjm. @mbnm ho smyf `mbfwfhfb, `mbfyffb ho afbl smyfbl
eflsfamtf pf.

"]ou wiri t`i eost libumbi pirsob t`ft M `fn ivir eit. \`ib wi wiri tolit`ir, you
bivir gfmain to s`ow ei `ow euc` you aovi fbn trust ei. ]ou s`owin ei t`i rifa fbn
t`i `obist hmbn og aovi," `i sfmn wmt` f sfn semai. "Jut M'e sorry, jfjy. M'e bot
rifny gor you to `ifr t`osi worns yit fbn M nob't wfbbf trmvmfamzi ey giiambls gor
you," sfjm bmyf, jf`flyfbl bfhfblmtm pf rmb. ^uefblo fho `fjfbl pmbupubfsfb fbl elf
au`f sf pmsblm ho.

Efyfefyf fy bflpftuaoy smyf sf pflhuhwibto. "Hfni fbn M fri t`i sfei, you hbow."

"\`y ms t`ft?" Efy nfnny mssuis nmb smyf?

 @i aful`in emrt`aissay fbn M kust stfrin ft `me. "Hfni, Afhi fbn M `fvi t`i sfei
gft`ir."

\fmt. \`ft? "Sfei? Fs mb eflhfhfulfam fbl elf tftfy bmyo?" M fshin, cobgusin.

Yemambl smyf. "Bo. Frc`mtict Ibrmco Oblpfuco `fs t`rii wmvis fbn f coupai og
emstrissis."

\@F^?!

"Zfmb fbn M fri `ms ailmtmefti c`manrib." M kust stfrin ft `me nuejgoubnin. "Hfni
ms `ms sob to `ms gmrst wmgi fbn Afhi ms to `ms sicobn. Nrmzzai ms t`i risuat og
`ms efby obi-bml`t-stfbns."

"Jfy fbn Ocifb?"

 "Eoe fbn Nfn lot sipfrftin iml`t yifrs flo. @i wibt jfch to `ms gmrst wmgi," `i
ixpafmbin bobc`fafbtay.

@mbnm pf rmb bflsm-smbh mb fbl elf smbfjm bmyf. Fbl `mrfp m-fjsorj fbl af`ft bl
smbfjm bmyf. "Jut you'ri faa Oblpfucos! Eflpmpmbsfb hfyo!"

@i c`uchai emrt`aissay. "Fblhobl efni mt aooh t`ft wfy to protict our bfei. ^`i
rist og nfn's hmns wiri fnoptin jy our ubcais."

"\`ft? Fblhobl? Hfblhobl?"

"Ey lrfbngft`ir," `i suppamin.

"Tiro pffbobl...? \faf efb afbl bfltftfhf? \fafbl bfljf-jfchlroubn c`ich sf mbyo?"
pfltftfhf ho. S`mt. Efsyfnobl efluao.

"Eobiy fbn powir cfb efhi piopai s`ut t`imr eout`s."

Bftf`memh fho ft bfpfmsmp afao. Fbl sfhmt sf uao. Hfyf jf `mbnm bmyf efsfjm sf fhmb
fbl nf`mafb bl pflmlmbl coeemteibt-p`oji bmyf fy nf`ma hobihtfno mto sf gfemay
sicrit bmaf?

"^`ft's w`y M'e amhi t`ms fbn w`y Afhi ms fawfys jillmbl gor fttibtmob fbn aovi."
Bfpftmblmb uamt fho hfy Zmvir. "@ms eoe `fs jiib nifn gor yifrs." M covirin ey
eout` fbn lfspin. O` ey Lon. Sm Afhi? ^`i fawfys-aful`mbl Afhi? ]ubl tfobl aflmbl
efy `fbnmbl kohi ft blmtm fy uamaf bf sf mbf?

"Fbn t`ft's w`y Hfni ms fb fss`oai. \i faa lriw up mb f guchin-up gfemay fbn mt
efni us w`ft wi fri bow. M hbow mt's f s`mt-fss rifsob jut mt's trui. Our gft`ir
guchin us faa up."

@mbnm ho bf bfpmlmafb fbl sfrmam ho ft bmyfhfp ho smyf. Mejis bf smyf fbl uemyfh,
fho fbl `ueflualoa sf nmjnmj bmyf. "M'e so sorry," sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl uemmyfh.
"@mbnm bf hmtf nfpft pmbmamt eflsfjm. M s`ouan'vi wfmtin gor you to sfy mt ob your
owb tires."

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl tuefwf. "Bo, mt wfs fjout nfeb tmei." @mbfamhfb bmyf fbl uao ho.
"Fbn mt hmbnf efni ei giia grii soei`ow."

^uefblo fho fbn bluemtm sf hfbyf. "M wob't tiaa fbyjony."

@i `ullin ei tml`tay. "^`fbh you, jfjy."

 55555555555555555

C`fptir 9:; Gfcitmei

C`fptir 9:

Gfcitmei

Ybcobscmous mbstmbcts fbn our pfst no bot nitirembi our ji`fvmor.

  Mt ms bot libis.

  Mt ms bot ibvmrobeibt.

  Mt ms bot libis fbn ibvmrobeibt.

  Mt ms `ow wi c`oosi to rispobn to our libis fbn ibvmrobeibt.

Eftfpos hobl efjfsf fbl botis ho fjout sf t`iormis bm Fnair, `mbnm ho efmwfsfbl
msmpmb sm Zmvir ft fbl elf pmbsfb„bo, elf hfpftmn bmyf. \ow. @mbnm pf rmb fho
efhfpfbmwfaf sf elf bfmhwibto bmyf sf fhmb bubl bfl-opib up bf smyf sf fhmb.

Og coursi, t`iory afbl bfefb smyf piro `mbnm efmwfsfbl eflpfsoh bmto bl noujts sf
utfh ho. M bow lit w`iri `i's coembl groe. Bf hubl jfhmt bmyf efhmpfl-coeemt buob,
bf hubl jfhmt smyf `mbnm puefpfsoh sf msfbl riaftmobs`mp. Tiro tuafn blf bl sfjm bm
Fagrin Fnair, bfsf tfo bf myob hubl pffbo bmyf hohobtroamb fbl sfrmam bmyf ft fbl
pfamlmn bmyf.

Jut t`ib flfmb, `mbnm rmb tfaflf efsmsmsm smbf Zmvir, Afhi ft Hfni hubl jfhmt smaf
lfbyfb. Jfwft tfo fy efy hfbyf-hfbyfbl pfrffb sf pfl-`fbnai bl elf projaief bmaf.
Hubl fho, efs pmpmammb hobl uemyfh, eflwfaf ft efl-efbmgist bl rilrissmob o bl
c`man-amhi ji`fvmor, mjf bfefb smaf.

Ft sm ^mtf Fmbf! Ey lons. @fbns nowb. ^`ft woefb ms f sfmbt! Hubl fho myob, `mbnm
bf fho eflpfpfhmtf hf`mt hfmafbefb sf fsfwf ho hubl eirob smyfbl mjfbl jfjfi.
Jfsmcfaay, pfrfbl smyf bf afbl fbl efluafbl bmbf Zmvir ft Zfmb nf`ma smeuaf bfbl
eflhfmsmp sm Zmvir fy `mbnm bf bmyf pmbfpfbsmb fbl fef bmyf.

Nob't ivib ait ei stfrt wmt` Frc`. Oblpfuco! ^`ft efb ms kust„fwgua.
 M jfblin ey gori`ifn flfmbst t`i nish.

Jfhmt jf bfefb hfsm mbmmsmp ho blfyob sm Zmvir ft fbl fblhfb bmyf `fjfbl bflri-
rivmiw fho? @mbnm ho tuaoy efmwfsfbl m-psyc`obfamzi smafbl af`ft!

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl tueubol fbl p`obi ho. Tmbuaot ho mto ft tmbmlbfb.

Zmvir Oblpfuco

wouan amhi Gfcitmei...

Flfn hobl pmbmbnot fbl 'Fccipt'. Mafbl silubno afbl fy auefjfs sf scriib fbl
bfhfblmtmbl euh`f bm Zmvir.

"@m, jfjy! @fvi you iftib?" bfhfblmtm bmyfbl tfbobl sf fhmb.

@mbnm ho tuaoy efmwfsfbl efffafaf yubl lfjmbl myob ft fbl `mtsurf bmyf. Efrfem pf
hfembl bfpfl-usfpfb bl lfjmbl myob. Efrfem smyfbl bmambfw. Hf`mt bf fyfw ho bf
nf`ma sojrf bf fhobl bfsfsfhtfb pfrf sf hfbyf, tuaoy pf rmb smyf sf pflhuwibto.

Sfjm blf bmaf, '\`ib mt rfmbs, mt pours.'

***

\i wiri aymbl nowb ob `ms jin, gfci-to-gfci wmt` ifc` ot`ir. Tftuaoy fbl pfltuao bl
au`f ho `fjfbl bfhmhmbml sf hfbyf. Tfembsfb-embsfb fy efltftfbobl fho nf`ma
bfluluau`fb fho sf mjf bmyfbl smbfjm. @mbnm smyf bfl`i-`ismtfti bf sflutmb mto.

"]ou sfmn you fbn Zfmb wiri `ms ailmtmefti c`manrib?" tfbobl ho. ^uefblo smyf.
Hueubot fbl boo ho. "@mbnm jf nfpft sm Hfni nf`ma smyf fbl gmrst sob sf gmrst
gfemay bl nfn eo?"

@i sml`in. "Amhi M sfmn, Fblhobl efni mt aooh amhi wi'ri Nfn's obay gfemay." Afao
fhobl bfluau`fb sf smbfjm bmyf. "Hfni's eoe wfs f embor w`ib s`i `fn `me. ^`iy lot
efrrmin wmt`out Fblhobl's piremssmob. @i puaain faa t`i stops kust to efhi t`imr
efrrmfli vomn."

Bfhfhftfhot bfefb sm Fblhobl bmaf. Efjutm bf afbl ft pftfy bf smyf.

"Tiro efy sicobn wmgi yubl nfn eo? ^fpos sm ^mtf Fmbf fy pfblftao bmyf pf?" ^uefblo
uamt smyf. @ms kfw caibc`in ft t`i eibtmob og `ms eoe's bfei. "Msb't t`ft flfmbst
t`i afw? Jmlfey yub nmjf?" ^fpos efy elf hfjmt pf smyfbl mjf!
 "Kfemi, wi'ri tfahmbl fjout eobiy fbl powir `iri," `i cfaeay ixpafmbin. "Gor
Fblhobl, ey eot`ir wfs t`i obay woefb w`o gmt t`i roai og jimbl `ms sob's wmgi."

"M fssuei, pmbfhmfafefb bmyf nmb fbl efrrmfli bl eoeey bm Afhi ft bl nfn eo?"

Zmvir bonnin jut t`i ixprissmob ob `ms gfci wfs lrme. "^`iri wfs f rueor mbsmni t`i
gfemay..." `i pfusin.

"@mbnm eo bf hfmafblfbl mtuaoy hubl `mbnm eo pf hfyf. Efy bixt tmei pf bfefb pfrf
pfl-usfpfb bftmb to," sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo `fwfhfb fbl hfefy bmyf bf bfsf pflmtfb
bfemb.

@i swfaaowin aounay. "^`iri wfs f rueor t`ft Fblhobl `fn f `fbn ob Afhi's eoe's

nift`."

Ey kfw nroppin. "\`ft? \`y?" Jfhmt bmyf lflfwmb myob?

"Afhi's eoe wfs f prostmtuti. Amhi M sfmn, Fblhobl wouanb't ait `ms bfei fbn
riputftmob tfrbms`in."

M cfb't jiamivi t`ms. Efy elf tfo pfaf tfaflfbl lfbub? Tfrf afbl `mbnm efnublmsfb
fbl pfblfafb ft riputfsyob bmaf fy pfpftfy smaf bl tfo?

Fbn ey Lon, sm Afhi! Bfbfy myob bm Afhi! Hfyf jf lfbub smyf hfafpmt hfy ^mtf Fmbf?
Ft hfyf jf lfbub bf afbl fbl turmbl sf hfbyf bm ^mtf Fmbf? Bf pfrf bf rmb smyfbl
fbfh bmto?

"M nob't hbow w`ft to sfy. Lrfji."

@i c`uchain. "]ou nob't `fvi to sfy fbyt`mbl. ]ou jimbl t`iri ms iboul`."

"Efsfyf fho bf caosi hfyobl eflhfhfpftmn hf`mt lfbyfb fbl smtuftmob bmyo," sfjm ho
`fjfbl bflpmpmamt bl blmtm. "Efsfyf nmb fho bf hf`mt elf lflo hfyo, `mbnm hfyo
hftuafn bl tftfy bmyo."

"\i hbow mt wfsb't our gfuat. Bimt`ir our eoes. Ey gft`ir wfs kust guchin mb t`i
`ifn."

^uefblo fho. "M kust wms` `mbnm lfbub hflflo sm Hfni," sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfbluso.
@mbnm pf rmb ausot sf fhmb fbl pflmlmbl fss`oai bm Hfni sf jistgrmibn ho.

"Nob't worry, `i'aa wfhi t`i guch up. M'aa efhi suri og mt." Smbmefblutfb ho smyf.
Bftfwf smyf sf `mtsurf ho. "@i wfs obi w`o pubc`in ei w`ib M jrohi up wmt` you, you
 hbow.

M lfspin ft `ms Zmvir's cobgissmob. "Siryoso?"

@i lrmbbin. "@i sfmn M biin to efb up jigori you eovin ob groe ei." @i squiizin ey
`fbn wmt` jot` og `ms. "M'e lafn `i nmn t`ft to ei fbn M'e lombl to riturb t`i
gfvor."

"Tfhmjmamsfb paifsi. Nf`ma jfhf fho bf tfaflf fbl sueubtoh sf euh`f bmyf."

^uefwf smyf jflo fho `maf`mb pfafpmt sf hfbyf. "Ms mt ohfy mg you stfy t`i bml`t?"

Fs mb nmto fho sf tfjm bmyf eftutuaol? @faf hf! "Tffbo sm Afhi?" tfbobl ho. Fs euc`
fs M wfbt to coegort `me, M biin to protict eysiag too.

Bluemtm smyf. Tfrfbl fafe bmyf tfaflf hubl fbo fbl totoo hobl cobcirb. "\i'ri kust
lombl to saiip, ohfy?" Huefafs smyf sf pflhfhfyfhfp sf fhmb ft efy jmbubot sf
pfbtfaoob bmyf. Tmbfbuon ho smyfbl efl-nmfa sf ciaap`obi bmyf. Efyfefyf afbl fy
tueubol mto, bfhf-aounspifhir.

\faf pfbl mafbl silubno fy efy sueflot hfflfn. "Jro! \`iri fri you? M'e wmt` Hme!
\i'ri wftc`mbl ovir A!" sfjm bm Afhi, rmbml ho pf fbl efafhfs bf tultulmb sf
jfchlroubn. Bfbnuob pf smaf sf supircauj!

"^`fbh Lon," M goubn eysiag sfymbl. Bfwfaf sf msmp ho fbl pflwo-wfah-out bmbf Afhi
ft Hme hfbmbf. Tftm bf rmb fbl hfy Aoumssi ft fbl smbfjm bmyf sf femb jflo smyf
uefams.

"^`ft's loon! Fbywfy, M'aa spibn t`i bml`t wmt` Kfemi. Gmbn fbot`ir rooe, ohfy?"

"\fmt! \`ft? ]ou'ri lobbf `fvi si„" Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. Efjutm bf afbl ft
pmbutoa bm Zmvir fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf.

"S`i hbows iviryt`mbl. M kust toan `ir fjout our gfemay." @mbnm bfhfmemh sm Afhi.
Smluro fy nf`ma sf luaft. "M biin `ir `iri."

"Fri you ohfy, efb?" tfbobl bm Afhi, rmbml fbl pfl-fffafaf sf josis bmyf.

"]if`. Mt's Kfemi," sfjm bmto `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf fhmb ft bfhfblmtm.

O` lons.

"Ohfy t`ib! Ysi protictmobs `f!" sfjm bmto jflo mjmbfjf fbl tfwfl.
 "Smrf uaobl 'yub!" smlfw ho.

Zmvir c`uchain fs `i wrfppin `ms fres froubn ei. "C'eob, M biin you," `i sfmn
jigori jurymbl `ms `ifn ob ey bich. Jflo pf fho efhfrihafeo fy bfrmbml ho bf fbl
ef`mbf bmyfbl pfl`mamh.

Lrfji tfaflf.

Tmbfjfyffb ho bf afbl smyf sf lfbubl pwisto. @ms cobgissmob eust'vi nrfmbin `me. M
kust stfrin ft t`i cimambl fbn pafyin wmt` `ms `fmr jigori gfaambl ogg to saiip.

***

M yfwbin. "Oo! Hfbmbf pf. Mhfw, huefmb hf bf?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf jflo pmbflpftuaoy
fbl pflsusuaft sf lmbflfwf hobl rivmiwir.

"Fri wi bot lombl to Hfni's jmrt`nfy jfs`?" tfbobl bmyf.

Juefamh fbl ftibsyob ho sf hfbyf ft smbmefblutfb smyf. "Ft fbo? Efhmhmtf ho bf

bfefb yubl pfblmt bf Sfjrmbf bf 'yub?" tfbobl ho sf hbfyf. @mbnm bfefb pfblmt sm
Sfjrmbf. Sfnyfbl pfblmt afbl tfaflf fbl ulfam bmyf. Bfsfsfpfwfb bl hfpfblmtfb bl
ulfam bmyf fbl pflmlmbl eflfbnf bmyf.

"M luiss wi'ri bot lombl, t`ib," sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bftftfwf.

"]ou cfb lo mg you wfbt to. @mbnm bfefb hmtf pmbmpmlmafb i," sfjm ho `fjfbl
bfhfsmefblot pf rmb. Mpmbflpftuaoy ho bf afbl fbl pflri-rivmiw. "Fbn jismnis, wfaf
hf bfefbl lmbflfwf nmyfb sf cobno eo. Jorin hf bf smluro."

"Bf`. M'n rft`ir kust tfah to you."

"@mbnm hf jf bflsfsfwf?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfl`f-`ml`aml`t sf rivmiwir ho.

"M eifb, lfjm-lfjm bf afbl tfyo eflhf-Gfcitmei. Lfjm-lfjm eo bf afbl fho pmbfpfbuon
efl-rivmiw." ^uemblmb fho sf cfeirf bl p`obi ho. "\faf hf jfbl eflfwf sf ju`fy eo,
Oblpfuco?"

Bflpfblfauejfjf smyf. "M amhi wftc`mbl you."

M squmbtin ft `me. "Stfahir!"

"\`ft f `fbnsoei stfahir," sfjm bmyf `fjfbl pmbfpflfafw fbl hfbyfbl elf hmafy.

@mbnm ho efmwfsfbl eftfwf sf hfyfjfblfb bmyf. "\`ftivir!"

 @mbnm bf smyf bflsfamtf pf ft pmbfjfyffb bf afbl bmyf fhobl juefamh sf pflri-
rivmiw. Lfjm-lfjm hfembl lfbmto. Bfbubuon smyf `fjfbl bflri-rivmiw fho. Embsfb pf
blf, sfjfy hfembl hfhfmb `fjfbl eflhf-Gfcitmei pf rmb. Embsfb pfhmrfenfe ho pfrf
hfembl efy 'ANZ' nf`ma sf pfl-uusfp bfemb t`roul` Gfcitmei. Fbl wimrn afbl piro
bfhfhfhmaml ft t`i sfei tmei.

Embsfb nmb, bfhfhftuaulfb ho bf afbl smyf. Embsfb bflmlmsmbl bf afbl fho bf nrfmbin
bf fbl jfttiry bl p`obi ho. Efy elf tmeis nmb bf eflmlmsmbl fho ft bfsf scriib pf
rmb smyf bl p`obi ho. Bfbubuon smyf bl ^W o nm hfyf bfefb fy bflaf-afptop or
bflafafro sf Pjox bmyf.

^uafn bf afbl blfyob, `mbnm ho bfefafyfbl bfhftuaol bf pfaf fho. Bfbftmam fho sf
pwisto ho ft pmbfbuon afbl smyf.

"Guch, M cfb't sii Kfemi's gfci," bfrmbml hobl pflririhafeo bmyf. Bfpfblmtm fho ft
bflpftuaoy afbl sf pfbubuon sf hfbyf.

"\`iri t`i `ich ms ey c`frlir?" Bfhmtf ho smyfbl tuemblmb sf scriib bl p`obi bmyf.
"S`mt! 3%!" Tmbfbuon ho smyfbl pfrfbl bfl bm-bmbkf eovis `fjfbl `mbf`fbfp fbl
c`frlir bl p`obi bmyf. @mbnm pf rmb fho lueflfafw sf pflhuhubwfrm hobl pfltuaol.
Efjutm bf afbl tfaflf ft sf hfefy ho bfhftutoh fbl cfeirf bl p`obi ho.

M `ifrn Zmvir lrowain. Bfpfhflft fho sf afjm ho pfrf tmlmafb fbl pfltfwf ho ft
pfllfafw. Bfhmtf hobl mtmbfpft bmyf fbl scriib sf euh`f bmyf. "Guch! 6% bf afbl!"
@i aoohin so fbboyin jut ft t`i sfei tmei, `i aoohin so cuti. @i sml`in. "Jyi,
jfjy. M wms` you'n stop strissmbl yoursiag. M aovi you." Nmfa tobi.

Fbn t`ib ey gfci eit t`i gaoor.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 93; Laovis

C`fptir 93

Laovis

Smbfjm ho nftm sf sfrmam ho bf fyfw ho bf ft `mbnm ho bf `f`fyffbl efsfhtfb fbl

sfrmam ho nf`ma sf msfbl afafhm. Fyfw ho bfbl efrfenfefb yubl sfhmt bf bfrfenfefb
ho hfy Zmvir. Nf`ma fhfaf ho hfsm, mto bf yubl pmbfhfefsfhmt bf bfrfenfefb ho sf
juobl ju`fy ho.
 Joy wfs M wrobl.

Efy efs efsfhmt pf pfaf sf lfbubl giiambl. Efs pmpmammb ho pfbl eflhfroob bl jrohib
`ifrt hisf efpfrfamsf nf`ma sf sfhmt. Bfhf`mlf fho sf sf`ml bl hwfrto ho, `mbnm
efhftfyo. Bm `mbnm ho efmlfafw fbl elf hfefy ho nf`ma sojrfbl pfbl`m`mbf ft
pfbfbfhmt bl elf hfsu-hfsufb ho.

Euh`fbl `mbnm ftf hmbfyf fbl hftfwfb ho fbl bob-stop rivmiwmbl ho. Mto bf ftf yubl
tmbftfwfl bmafbl ‐ovir-gftmlui.” Hf`fpob pf afbl, `mbnm bf eflfbnf fbl pfhmrfenfe
ho piro jmbfaiwfaf ho myob.

Sfjm hfsm bm ^mlir Amay, hfpfl pfhmrfenfe ho eflhfhfsfhmt fho fy nfpft `mbnm ho m-
jfjy myob. Afjfbfb ho nfw. So M nmn t`ft yistirnfy. @mbnm ho bfefb fhfafmb bf nf`ma
sf `mbnm ho pflpfpf`mblf hf`fpob i efs efafaf pf pfaf fbl ffjutmb ho.

M `fvi gau fbn M cfb”t ivib tfhi loon cfri og eysiag.

@mbnm fho efhflfafw. @mbnm fho efhfmboe bl lfeot. @mbnm fho efhfmboe bl tujml ft
`mbnm fho efhfhfmb. @mbnm ho rmb effjot fbl ciaap`obi ho pfrf eftfwflfb smbf Hme ft
Aoumssi.

S`mt. Og coursi, `mbnm smaf efhfhfuwm hfflfn nmto sf fpfrteibt!

Jmrt`nfy blfyob bm Afhi ft nmnmritso bf smaf sf ^`i Ainli eftfpos bl elf hafsi bmaf
sf efstir”s bmaf. S`mt. M”e guchmbl nooein. Euh`fbl efl`m`mbtfy bf afbl fho nmto sf
sf`ml. Sfbf efy efhfpfbsmb bf wfaf fho sf pfrty bm Afhi.

Ey lons. Sm Afhi. M rifaay aovi t`ft luy amhi `i”s ey owb jrot`ir. M `fti emssmbl
`ms jmrt`nfy. @mbnm ho pf smyf bfjfjftm! Jfhf efltfepo sf fhmb yub. Smeuaf bfbl
efafefb ho yubl elf bfblyfrm sf hfbyf, M rifaay wfbtin to ji f loon grmibn to `me.
Hubl `mbnm efb smyf eflhfhfroob bl eftmbobl gfemay amgi, ft aifst jfwm bfefb sf
grmibns nmjf?

Bfrmbml hobl bfl-rmbl fbl p`obi ho. M giat amhi crymbl. @mbnm ho effjot yubl p`obi
ho bf bfmaflfy ho hfbmbf sf hfef jflo fho efl-coaafpsi.

Smbo hfyf yubl tueftfwfl sf fhmb? Sfbf bfefb efmsfpfb bmyfbl pubtf`fb fho nmto sf
fpfrteibt!

***
 Bflmsmbl fho nf`ma sf efafhfs bf hfafepfl. Yemmhot fbl pfbmblmb ho ft pfrf jfbl
pmbupuhpoh bl efrtmayo fbl uao ho hfnf hfafepfl.

‑Kfemi? Fri you t`iri, jfjy?― bfrmbml hobl smlfw lfambl sf afjfs bl fpfrteibt. M
hbow t`ft vomci. Sm Zmvir myob!

Tiro fs euc` fs M wfbt to rispobn to `me, `mbnm ho myob eflfwf nf`ma pftm pfljuhf
bl jmjml fy msfbl efafhmbl iggort pfrf sf fhmb. Tffbo pf fho efhfhfsmlfw?

Nfeb. M”e suc` fb mejicmai! Fyoho bl lfbmtobl giiambl! M `fti t`ms `ifvy giiambl mb
ey lut. ]ubl paiefbl eftmlfs sf aubls bf `mbnm efmafjfs-afjfs! M `fti t`ms! Fbn
t`ms grifhmbl caollin bosi! @mbnm fho efhf`mblf bl effyos!

M kust wfbbf lit jfch to borefa. Lusto ho bfbl luefambl. Lusto ho bfbl„

‑Kisus guchmbl C`rmst! Kfemi!― bfrmbml hobl smlfw bm Zmvir. Tiro t`ms tmei,
bfbllfambl bf sf efafpmt fbl josis bmyf.

Bfrfenfefb ho bf afbl bf aueuautfbl fho. ‑Jfjy, no M biin to lit you to t`i

`ospmtfa?―

Yemambl fho. ‑Bo, M t`mbh M kust biin to rist `iri,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf.

M `fti `ospmtfas. Efrfembl eueu nuob! ^`iri”s bo wfy pupubtf fho nub `fjfbl `mbnm
ho hfyfbl efhflfafw!

‑S`mt. Jfjy, you”ri jurbmbl up! \`ft no you wfbt ei to no?― rmbml o fbl tfhot ft
pfl-ffafaf sf josis bmyf.

‑^fjm`fb eo afbl fho, paifsi,― M paifnin `me. ‑Fyoho sf ospmtfa.―

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pflnfpo bl amhurfb ho sf hfef. Bfrfenfefb ho rmb fbl pflafpft bl

afjm bmyf sf boo ho. ‑Ohfy, jfjy. Kust saiip. Jut M”aa cooh gor you fbn you”aa
ift, ohfy?― tfbobl bmyf. @mbnm bf fho efhfsflot nf`ma mbffbtoh bf uamt fho. ‑^`ib
you”aa nrmbh your eins.―

‑]ou”ri guchmbl scfrmbl ei,― bfrmbml hobl smbfjm bmyf jflo fho bfwfafb uamt bl
efafy.

***
 ‑Jfjy, wfhi up.― Flfn bf nuemaft fbl elf eftf ho nf`ma sf efafejmbl bf josis bm
Zmvir. ‑M coohin soeit`mbl gor you. C”eob, M”aa giin you.―

^mbuaublfb bmyf fhobl efhfupo. Bmaflyfb bmyf rmb bl ubfb fbl amhurfb ho pfrf eflmbl
hueportfjai fho sf pflhfhfupo ho. Hmbu`f bmyf fbl efblhoh bf bfhfaflfy sf jinsmni
tfjai ho ft bflsmeuafbl `faumb fbl afefb bmto. @mbnm ho efpmlmafbl bluemtm bfbl
efhmtf ho fbl bmauto bmyf.

Mbstfbt boonais.

Hf`mt bf fafe hobl bfpfhfnfambl autumb bub, `mbnm ho efmwfsfbl ef-touc` sf lmbfwf

bmyf.

‑^`fbh you,― juaobl ho sf hfbyf.

Blmbmtmfb bmyf afbl fho jflo smyf eflsmeuafbl sujufb fho. Fs euc` fs M wfbt to giin
eysiag, `mbnm ho tfaflf hfyf. Bfhfhf`myf. Tiro hubl lulustu`mb hobl luefambl
hfflfn, M”aa kust `fvi to such mt up.

Eftfpos bmyf fhobl pfhfmbmb fy pmbfmboe bmyf fho bl lfeot. M tfhi mt hmbu`f bmyf
myob sf einmcmbi cfjmbit bf bfhfaflfy sf CZ bl hwfrto ho.

Tflhftfpos bub fy pmbftuaol bmyf uamt fho. ^mbfjm`fb bmyf pf rmb fho hf`mt sf
pfltuaol ho.

***

 Bflmsmbl fho nf`ma sf sfhmt bl nmjnmj ho nfaf bl ujo. Flfn hobl bfrfenfefb fbl
hfefy bm Zmvir bf `uef`flon sf amhurfb ho. Nuob ho afbl bfpfbsmb bf bfhfjfaot hfem
bl hueot ft bfhfyfhfp smyf sf fhmb.

‑]ou s`ouan nrmbh eori wftir,― bfrmbml hobl sfjm bmyf jflo ho smyf bfrfenfefbl
juefblob ft auefjfs bl hwfrto ho. Efyfefyf fy juefamh smyf bf efy nfafbl msfbl
pmtsia bl tujml ft jfso. Mbmpmsfb bmyf fbl jfso jflo smyf ueupo hfef. Mbmafpfl bmyf
fbl jfso ft pmtsia sf jinsmni tfjai. Eftfpos bmto fy bmafafyfb bmyf uamt fho bf
efhfupo.
 Tmbfmboe bmyf sf fhmb fbl msfbl jfso bl tujml `fbllfbl sf efujos ho mto. Eftfpos
bub fy tmbmlbfb bmyf uamt fbl tiepfturi ho. Tmbfbubuon ho afbl smyf `fjfbl
mbffaflffb bmyf afbl fho. \faf smyfbl rihafeo. @mbnm ho rmb smyf efhmtffb bl mbms
sf euh`f bmyf, pfl-ffafaf afbl.

‑Efy aflbft pf rmb jf fho?― tfbobl ho.

^uefblo smyf jflo jueubtobl `mbmblf. ‑Efyji M biin to lit you to t`i `ospmtfa.―

Yemambl fho. @uwfl. Nmto afbl fho paifsi.― Fsmni sf fyoho sf ospmtfa, fafe ho rmb
bf efy posmjmamnfn bf efpflfstos nmb hfem. Hfyf ho pf bfefb.

Jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf uamt. ‑M”aa stfy `iri ‐tma you lit jittir,― sfjm bmyf jflo
fho mbfafafyfbl efhf`mlf uamt. ^uefjm uamt smyf sf fhmb ft yuefhfp.

@mbnm tuafn hfbmbf, `mbnm bf uamt fho bfwfafb bl efafy. M wfs viry fwfri og `me
bow. Bfpfhfafpmt bmyf sf fhmb. Mto yubl gmrst tmei bf bflhftfjm hfem bl lfbmto
hfafpmt smbci bubl pfl-uwm bfemb groe Nfvfo. Aflm afbl hfem eflhf-Gfcitmei. Fyfw
bmyfbl efhmpflhmtf sf fhmb bl pirsobfa nf`ma tmblmb bmyf fy efs ohfy bflri-rivmiw
fho hisf hf-nfti ho smyf. Ft msf pf, euh`fbl jflo bmyf tfaflfbl amjfblfb fy
pfbuormb fho sf Gfcitmei.

S`mt. Bffafaf ho bf bfefb yubl bfblyfrm obi wiih flo. ]ubl wfaf smyfbl hfefafy-
efafy bf lmsmbl pf fho bubl jmbftfwfb bmyf yubl tftaobl sfamtf bf eftflfa ho bfbl
`mbm`mbtfy sf hfbyf.

Smeuaf bfbl lfjmbl myob, `mbnm bf efwfaf sf msmp ho fbl posmjmamnfn bf `mbnm myob
fbl ubfbl jisis bmyfbl lmbfwf myob. Jut t`ib flfmb, efyji M fe wrobl. Tiro pwini
rmbl `mbnm. Mafbl jisis ho bf smyfbl bfhftuaulfb, sf pirsobfa efb o sf Gfcitmei.
Tffbo fho efhfhfsmluro bf `mbnm myob fbl ubfbl pflhfhftfob bf smbfjm`fb bmyf fho bf
ef`fa bmyf fho `fjfbl tuaol fho?

Lons. @mbnm ho nfpft mbmmsmp to blfyob! Efy trfblhfso bf blf fho, bfmsmblmt ho pf
fbl aoviamgi ho!

‑\`ft”s wmt` t`i growb? Fri you mb pfmb or soeit`mbl?― tfbobl bmyf jflo efupo.
^mbmlbfb bmyf fbl euh`f ho pfjfjf sf hftfwfb ho. Tfrf jfbl bfl`f`fbfp smyf bl
ijmnibsyf bf efy efsfhmt bf pfrti sf hftfwfb ho.

Yemambl fho. ‑Efy mbmmsmp afbl fho.―

‑\fs mt fjout ei?― tfbobl bmyf, efy `faobl pfl-ffafaf fbl tobo bl josis bmyf.

@mbnm ho efmwfsfbl eftfwf. Bfujo tuaoy fho nf`ma nuob. ‑Cobcimtin euc`?― tfbobl ho
 sf hfbyf eftfpos hobl efhf-ricovir sf ujo.

Bluemtm afbl smyf. Ft euh`fbl bfmmafbl. ‑Tiro tfef hf. ^ublhoa blf sf”yo yub.―

Mejis bf eftuwf smyf sf pfl-femb ho, euh`fbl bfl-fafaf pf smyf afao. ‑Nmn M no
soeit`mbl wrobl?―

Bfl-ffafaf smyf hubl efy bflfwf smyfbl efam. Lons. Jfhmt `mbnm ho pf smyf eflfwfbl
sflutmb uamt? @i aovis ei. @i cfris gor ei. @i”s coeemttin to ei.

‑Lmsmbl fho bub,― pfl-femb ho. Hueubot fbl boo bmyf. @mbnm bmyf ftf fho lits.
Bf`f`fwf bf ftf tfaflf smyf sf fhmb.

‑Obi wiih flo, bubl eflhf-Gfcitmei tfyo... bflmsmbl fho bub jflo hf eflpffafe.―

@i tibsin.

‑M `ifrn you,― sfjm ho.

Yemwfs smyf bl tmblmb. Bfhmtf ho fbl pfljfjf ft tffs bl Fnfe”s fppai bmyf.

‑Fyfw eo jfbl efafefb ho?― tfbobl ho, bflsmsmeuaf bf fhobl efhfrfenfe bl tfhot.

‑M wfbt you to hbow, og coursi,― sfjm bmyf piro bfhfsmefblot smyf.

M”e bot cobvmbcin. ‑Tiro...?―

@ms kfw caibc`in. ‑Kust wms` M `fn t`i courfli to sfy mt w`ib you”ri fctufaay
guchmbl fwfhi.―

Bftfwf fho sf pfl-femb bmyf. @mbnm bmyf bflustu`fb myob, `faftf sf ixprissmob bl
euh`f bmyf. Efjutm bf afbl ft bfujo fho hfyf bfpfamtfb bl cobcirb fbl ixprissmob bl
euh`f bmyf.

‑Ohfy bf ‐yub, bfrmbml ho bfefb i.―

Yemambl smyf ft `mbnm uememh. ‑Trojaief eo?―

‑]ou `fvib”t sfmn t`osi worns jfch,― sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfhfsmefblot.

Bfpftffs fbl hmafy ho. ‑Ziqumrin?― pfbl-ffsfr ho. Sfsflot sfbf smyf hfso bftmlma
mto bfbl pfl-ujo ho.
 ‑]ou s`ouan rist bow,― sfjm bmyf. ^uefblo fho jflo suemhsmh sf hmam-hmam bmyf ft
bftuaol uamt.

***

‑Bflsfjm hf jf hfy Afhi bf bfbnmto hf?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf bfbl eflmsmbl fho ft
bfhmtf ho smyfbl bflafafro sf ciaap`obi bmyf.

Auemblob smyf sf fhmb. ‑]up. @i”s lafn M”e `iri to tfhi cfri og you. Sfei wmt`
yours grmibns.―

Bfpftfblo fho. M c`ichin eysiag. Einyo lueffb bf fbl pfhmrfenfe ho ft efy afhfs bf
fhobl luefafw. Hfyf ho bfbl faflffb fbl sfrmam ho. Twini bf fhobl mwfb bm Zmvir
pfrf efhfpubtf sf jmrt`nfy pfrty bl hfpftmn bmyf.

‑]ou s`ouan lo t`iri, sf jmrt`nfy bm Afhi,― sfjm ho sf hfbyf,

Bfpftmlma smyf. Mjmbfjf bmyf fbl p`obi bmyf ft tuemblmb sf fhmb, bfhfhubot fbl boo
bmyf. ‑\`y”s t`ft?― tfbobl bmyf.

‑Ohfy bf fho. Twini hf bl pueubtf nub ft efhmpfl-ciaijrfti sf jmrt`nfy bl hfpftmn

eo.―

^mbmlbfb bmyf fho bl efsfef. Tfrf jfbl lfamt smyf sf fhmb. Fbobl lmbfwf ho? Efy
efam jf fhobl bfsfjm? Lusto ho afbl bfefb bf eflhfsfef smaf bl hfpftmn bmyf `f? Efy
efam jf nub?

Bfluaft fho bfbl `maf`mb bmyf fho. Einyo bfsfhtfb fho nf`ma efsfhmt pf rmb fbl elf
hfsu-hfsufb ho. @uemlpmt fbl elf jrfso bmyfbl bfhfpuaupot sf fhmb. ‑Jfjy, lit t`ms
mb your guchmbl `ifn, ohfy?― mbms bmyfbl sfjm. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf bl efsfef nf`ma
`mbnm ho lusto fbl elf bfpmam bmyfbl sfamtf. Tiro wfaf smyfbl pfhm. @i kust wfbtin
`ms pombt to lit fcross.

‑^`iri”s bo pafci M”n rft`ir ji. M wfbbf ji t`i obi w`o tfhis loon cfri og ey lmra,
farml`t?― `i sfmn, `ms iyis sifrmbl ei.

‑Farml`t,― M sfmn wmt` f sefaa vomci.

‑]ou hbow w`ft M rifamzin fgtir our tfah mb Nfvfo?― ^mbmlbfb ho afbl smyf nf`ma
 `mbnm ho fafe hubl sffb pupubtf mtobl usfpfb bfemb. ‑Groe t`i viry stfrt, you
fawfys ubnirstfbn ei. M tooh fnvfbtfli og mt.― @mbnm pf rmb fho uememh ft bfhmbml
afbl sf hfbyf. ‑]ou bivir fshin gor fssurfbci w`ib M s`ouan”vi lmvib mt to you t`i
eoeibt... u`, t`i eoeibt M rifamzin M giat t`i sfei wfy wmt` you.―

‑]ou”ri rml`t,― wfs ey obay fbswir.

‑Groe bow, you”aa bivir `fvi to worry fjout w`ft M giia gor you, Kfemi. M wfbt you
to hbow t`ft.― ^uefblo fho jflo ho msmbmhsmh fbl euh`f ho sf nmjnmj bmyf. ‑M laovi
you, Kfemi.―

M lrmbbin flfmbst `ms c`ist. ‑M laovi you, too, Zmvir,― M sfmn, gml`tmbl t`i urli
to coul`.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 9>; Tfpf Eobstir

C`fptir 9>

Tfpf Eobstir

‑Sfafeft sf pflsubno sf fhmb,― M sfmn to Zmvir wmt` f tmrin vomci. Mt `fs jiib two
wiihs smbci `i tooh cfri og ei w`ib M lot rifa smch. @mbnm pf rmb fho tfaflf fho
eflfambl tfaflf piro hfmafblfb hobl m-pus` fbl sfrmam ho hubl lusto hobl puefsf sf
jofrn ixfe. Nfafwfbl ambllo bf afbl rmb bfefb fbl pfsoh ho bf frfw-frfw sf rivmiw
cibtir. Bixt eobt`, obci or twmci f eobt` afbl fbl mpfpfsoh bfemb gor gmbfa
cofc`mbl.

Efjutm bf afbl bfbnyfb sm Zmvir sf tfjm ho hfpfl hfmafblfb ho smyf. Fbn jiamivi ei,
pfaflm ho smyfbl hfmafblfb. @mbf`ftmn ft smbusubno bmyf fho sf rivmiw cibtir frfw-
frfw. Bm embsfb `mbnm smyf puefayf. Tfaflm smyfbl efy pfjfob sf fhmb bf aubc`.
@mbnm ho eftfbllm`fb nf`ma smyf fbl efy auto.

Bfhfhfmbms blf embsfb. Efs efsfrfp pf smyfbl eflauto sf fhmb!

^fpos yubl aubc` jox ho bf lfambl sf hfbyf, efy hfsfef bl bfhfaflfy yubl elf lfeot

ho pfrf Tiro
embsfb. sf trfblhfso.
fho pf jfBfhfhfjmamj yubl iggort bmyf. ^oo loon to ji trui bf blf hubl
fbl eflririhafeo?

Sfjm blf bmyf, mt”s `ms wfy og courtmbl nfw.

 ‑Fri you tmrin?― tfbobl bmyf jflo fho pfljuhsfb bl pmbto bl hotsi bmyf.

^uefblo fho. ‑Lutoe nmb,― sflot ho `fjfbl bfhfbluso.

Blmbmtmfb bmyf fho. ‑Nmbbir?― tfbobl bmyf. Jflo pf fho efhfsflot sf faoh bmyf fy
tueubol jmlaf fbl tmyfb ho.

Ifrt`, paifsi opib up fbn swfaaow ei. Meeinmftiay.

@i c`uchain fbn libtay pus`in ei mbsmni `ms cfr. ‑C”eob, nmbbir”s ob ei.―

Joohs, hfyf hobl tfbllf`mb. Tflhfmb? Bivir.

***

‑Jfhmt nmto pf tfyo sf EOF bfl-nmbbir? Twini bfefbl nub sf efafpmt sf fpfrteibt,―
tfbobl ho sf hfbyf eftfpos bfembl auefjfs sf msfbl Mtfamfb jmstro.

Zmvir kust s`rullin jigori `i tooh ey `fbn mb `ms. ‑M `fvi f surprmsi gor you,― `i
sfmn, semrhmbl.

M growbin. Surprmsi? Nmto sf EOF? Fbo bfefb hfyf myob?

@mbnm bf afbl fho bfltfbobl ft bflpf`maf bf afbl sf hfbyf `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl

hfem sf tfpft bl EOF Fribf. Tflamho bfemb fy bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efhmtf ho sf efafyo
fbl SEP Cobvibtmob Cibtir. Tftm bf rmb fbl efafhmbl jfbbir sf lmamn bmto.

^@I 39t` EFBMAF MB^IZBF^MOBFA JOOH GFMZ

@uefrfp fho hfy Zmvir ft bfhmtfbl bfhftmblmb smyf sf fhmb. ‑Zmvir, paifsi. Ytfbl bf
aooj, sfjm`mb eo sf fhmb bf nmyfb tfyo pupubtf! Taifsi!― ^uefblo smyf. ‑Siryoso?―
tfbobl ho, efaublhot.
 Suemefblot nmb smyf. ‑O`, M t`oul`t mt”aa efhi you `fppy.―

Afao fhobl suemefblot. ‑Mt wouan! Tiro wfaf fhobl pirf blfyob! @mbnm ho efjmjmam
yubl elf lusto ho!― sflot ho, efmmyfh bf.

‑M”aa juy t`ie gor you,― smepai bmyfbl sflot.

Yemambl fho. ‑@mbnm jf”t bfl-usfp bf tfyo? @mbnm eo bf fho jmjma`fb bl joohs,
nmjf?―

@i sml`in. ‑Cfb”t t`ms nfy ji fb ixieptmob?―

@ow M wms`. Tiro mt noisb”t worh amhi t`ft.

‑Ywm bf tfyo,― sfjm ho jflo smyf `maf`mb pfpubtf sf nmrihsyob bl pfrhmbl aot.

Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl `mbnm smyf bflpf`maf. ^mbmlbfb ho smyf ft bfhmtf hobl siryoso
fbl ihsprisyob bl euh`f bmyf. ‑M”aa aofb you. ]ou cfb pfy ei fby tmei you wfbt.
Nifa?―

Ms `i gor rifa?

‑Tfpfutfblmb eo fho?― tfbobl ho, bfmmyfh.

@i bonnin. ‑^`ft”s t`i obay wfy you”aa lit your joohs tobml`t, jfjy.―

‑Ohiy-nohiy!― smlfw ho jflo smyf `mbmaf ft tuefhjo pfpubtf sf SEP Cobvibtmob Cibtir

***

Bfhftmtml fho sf p`obi ho ft tmbmtmlbfb hubl efy bf-emss jf fho sf ^JZ c`ichamst
ho.

^JZ Amst
 Aovi fbn Emsfnvituri jy Afbl Aifv

Auaafjmis jy Afbl Aifv

^`i Siaictmob Joxin Sit jy Hmirf Cfss

Zfmbjow Zowiaa Jooh Coaaictmob

Tfrfbl Hfyo Tiro @mbnm jy Bormblfm

Jutm Tf Fbl Zoef Efy Jflobl Tfpf jy Bormblfm

Mg M Stfy Joxin Sit jy Lfyai Gorefb

Lobi Lmra jy Lmaamfb Gaybb

Ylay Aovi jy Coaaiib @oovir

Efyji Soeinfy jy Coaaiib @oovir

@opiaiss jy Coaaiib @oovir

Aosmbl @opi jy Coaaiib @oovir

S`mt. Euh`fbl uefjot bf ftf bl 64H yubl uutfblmb ho hfy Zmvir. Hfmafblfb hobl
efljfwfs! Tiro fboooo? Af`ft eflflfbnf!

^mbmtmlfb ho fbl p`obi ho. \faf bf fhobl c`omci. ^mbmlbfb ho fbl pfamlmn ho. Af`ft
bl tfo fy jusy sf pfl`f`fbfp bl jmjma`mb bmafbl joohs. \fafbl efhfhfpfbsmb sf fhmb.

Mjmbfamh ho fbl ftibsyob ho sf p`obi ft...

‑Iibmi, eiibmi, embiy, eo. Jfjfamh-jfjfamh sf hfbyf„―

‑\`ft fri you nombl?―

‑Fy! Tfafhfbl hohfh!― bfpfsmlfw fho sf luaft. Bfpftmblmb nmb tuaoy sf fhmb fbl elf
tfo. ^mbmlbfb ho bl efsfef sm Zmvir ft smbmefblutfb. ‑Jfhmt hf bfblluluaft?!
 Tfpftfymb eo jf fho sf birjyos?― mbms hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf.

@i jmt `ms aowir amp, stmgambl f aful`. ‑]ou wiri w`mspirmbl to your p`obi. M
t`oul`t you”vi lobi crfzy,― `i fbswirin wmt` f lrmb.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf. ‑Bfljf-junlit fho i. Tmbmpmam ho hubl fbo yubl `mbnm ho eubf
jmjma`mb nmyfb,― sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfturo sf jmtjmt bmyfbl jfshit bf pububl-pubo bl
joohs. Fafe hobl sojrfbl jmlft bub piro pfrfbl wfaf afbl sf hfbyf fbl pfljuju`ft
bmto.

Smyf bf efc`o.

M botmcin `ms jrows gurrowin. ‑Junlit? \`ft gor? M”aa juy t`ie faa gor you,― `i
sfmn, cobgusin.

‑Fyohobl efafhm fbl utfbl ho sf”yo bo. Tfpftfymb fho bm ^mlir Amay.― @fbllfbl
blfyob hfsm bf hf`mt lrfnufti bf fho fy efy sfjm pf rmb sm efef sf pirf ho. Afao
bf”t sf hfbmaf pf rmb bfbllflfambl myob ft sf pfnfaf bm Fti Jmfbcf.

‑]ou cfb pfy t`ie w`ibivir you cfb,― sfjm bmyf bf `faftfbl bfgu-grustrfti bf sf
fhmb. ‑\`y cfb”t you kust fccipt mt fs f lmgt?― `i lruejain ubnir `ms jrift`.

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf ft tmbmtmlfb fbl elf amjro sf s`oppmbl jfshit. Mbmafjfs ho fbl
p`obi ho ft pmbmbnot fbl cfacuaftor fpp. Eflsmsmeuaf pfafbl sfbf fhobl efl-coeputi
bl utfbl ho bfbl jmlafbl efwfaf sf `frfpfb ho sm Zmvir bf nfaf-nfaf fbl s`oppmbl
jfshit.

‑Sffb hf pupubtf?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

@mbnm bmyf fho pmbfbsmb ft tuauy-tuaoy afbl sf pflafafhfn. Tmbfbuon ho afbl smyf.
Bfpftmlma fho bfbl efhmtf ho hubl sffb smyf tuemlma.

Sf `frfpfb bl cfs`mir.

***

‑]ou stmaa
puemhmt bf efn?―
afbl. tfbobl
Bfrmbmlbm
hoZmvir sftuefwf.
smyfbl fhmb `fjfbl bflefefbi`o. @mbnm ho mbmemh ft

‑Jwmsmt hf. Fbl afhm bl utfbl ho sf”yo!― M lruejain. ^mbfwfbfb bmyf afbl uamt fho.
 Hf`mt bf sfai ft efy cfrn fho bl Guaay Joohin, sojrfbl afhm pf rmb bl utfbl ho sf
hfbyf. Mbfjot hfem ef`mlmt 64H! Efy ef`mlmt 64H fhobl utfbl sf efbamamlfw ho! \`ft
nois t`ft sfy fjout ei? Hfaohf! Bfhmhmbm-hmbmtf ho bf fbl mafbl ambllo bf
eflpmpmlma fhobl pueubtf sf Lriibwmc` pfrf juemam bl afsflbf.

S`mt. Bo afsflbf gor t`rii eobt`s? @mbnm ho bfefb smyf flfn-flfn hfsm efjfjfyfrfb
sf aooj bl msfbl juwfb. @mbnm bfefb fho efyfefb hftuafn bmyf. @mbnm bfefb fho
nueunuem bl pirf.

Jmbuhsfb ho fbl eftf ho. Ffwfymb ho pf sfbf smyf bfbl efpfbsmb ho hubl bfsffbl nffb
hfem. ‑Jfhmt tfyo hfhfafepfs afbl bftmb bl toaalfti? Jfhmt tfyo pfsfamwf sf nffb bl
Efbmaf?― subun-subon hobl tfbobl `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf nffb.

Bf-rifamzi bf jf bm Zmvir bf efam fbl pflpfpfutfbl bmyf sf fhmb? Mpfpf-sfavfli bf

jf bmyf fho nf`ma sf afhm bl utfbl ho sf hfbyf?

‑\i”ri lombl to Nfsef,― sflot bmyf.

I`? ‑Fbobl lflfwmb bftmb sf Nfsef? Sffb tfyo pupubtf nuob?―

Auemblob smyf sflamt sf fhmb bf pfrfbl bf`m`mjfbl bf fho. Mjmbfamh bmyf rmb hfflfn
sf nffb fbl ftibsyob bmyf. ‑M”e jrmblmbl you `oei, smaay.―

@oei? Fs mb jf`fy? Fs mb sf jf`fy bl elf efluafbl ho?

Sf elf efluafbl ho bf `mbnm pf fafe bf ohfy bf uamt hfem? Sf elf efluafbl ho bf

`mbnm pf fafe bf bfbamamlfw smyf sf fhmb ft efafpmt ho bf uamt sflutmb?

‑Ms t`iri f projaie?― bfrmbml hobl tfbobl bmyf.

‑Lflo hf. Jfhmt hf eubf bflpffafe sf fhmb?― mbms hobl tfbobl. ‑@mbnm ho pf bfsfsfjm
hmbf efef ft pfpf bf ohfy bf tfyo!―

@i kust s`rullin. S@M^! @I KYS^ S@ZYLLIN! Fbn M”e `ypirvibtmaftmbl `iri! Tfpftfymb
fho bl bfbfy ft tftfy ho nf`ma wfaf fhobl jmbfjfbllmt sf hfbmaf tublhoa sf hfbyf!

‑@mbnm eo jf bfli-lits fbl smtwfsyob, Zmvir?― tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl

smbusujuhfbl pfhfaef`mb fbl sfrmam ho. @mbnm smyf bflsfamtf. ‑Twini hfbl `mbnm
efhfafjfs bl ju`fy sf sujnmvmsmob bfemb! ^`i afst tmei M wfs t`iri, fbl fafe bmaf
fy wfaf bf tfyo!―

Jmlafbl bfljflo fbl ihsprisyob bl euh`f bmyf. ^uemme fbl jflfbl bmyf. Bf-jfntrmp
yftf. Gmbfaay, lits bf bmyf fho.
 ‑Efl Y-turb hf hfflfn hfpfl efy c`fbci,― sfjm ho.

Yemambl smyf. ‑Bow”s f lrift tmei to tfah to t`ie, t`ib.―

‑Jujuljulmb hf bl tftfy ho! ^ftflfsfb hf bub!― M sfmn, hf`mt bf fafe hobl `mbnm
bmyf efli-lits yubl ‐pfltftflfs” bf tmbutuhoy ho.

‑M nisirvi mt,― `i smepay sfmn.

‑Eflpfpfjuljol hf?!― M fshin, jiwmanirin.

‑M `fn mt coembl.―

‑Jfamw hf bf!― sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl smbfsfjubutfb fbl sfrmam ho. ‑S`mt. Bf`fwffb
bf hmtf bl hfjfamwfb.―

***

@maf-`maf fho bm efef pfpubtf sf husmbf. Y`-o`. S`mt. Bfmwfb sm Zmvir hfsfef sm
Tfpf sf sfaf. Jfhf efefyf pfljfamh ho, lutfy-lutfy bf yubl efc`o bmyfbl hftfwfb.
S`mt. Sfyfbl.

‑Kfemi Sirfgmbf Bfvfrro, uefemb hf blf sf fhmb... Bflhfjfamhfb bf jf hfyo bm Zmvir

bfbl `mbnm bfemb fafe bl tftfy eo?― nmritsobl tfbobl sf fhmb bm Efef pflhfrftmbl
bfemb bl husmbf.

Sfjm bf blf jf ft hftmbl-hftm bf smyfbl mtfbobl myfb sf fhmb smeuaf bfbl pflnftmbl
bfemb bm Zmvir.

@faftf sf `mtsurf bmaf bm pfpf fbl pfltftfhf ft pflhfhfluaft bfbl efhmtf bmafbl
hfsfef ho sm Zmvir. Tftm bf rmb fbl elf supot bl Guaay Joohin bf afefb fbl elf
pmbfemam bfembl joohs ho. Efam fho bl mbfhfaf, `mbnm bfefb pfaf smyf jujuljulmb bm
Efef.

^mbfbllfp bmaf pfri`o sm Zmvir piro `mbnm hfsmbl wfre tuafn bl elf bfhfrffbl nfafw
bmyf buob. Euh`fbl efy bfhmhmtf ftf sm efef sf elf hmaos bfemb. Sm pfpf bfefb,
 pfaflm bfefbl tf`memh yub hfyf `mbnm bf fho efsyfnobl hmbfjf`fb. Aflm blf afbl
smyfbl bfhftmblmb hfy Zmvir blfyob. Tfrf jfbl `mbm`mbtfy bmyfbl eflhfefam.

Yemambl fho hfy efef. ‑@mbnm po. Tiro bflhffyos bf hfem. Bfbamamlfw smyf uamt.―

@mbnm pf rmb bfwfwfaf fbl pfltftfhf ft pflhfmrmtf sf euh`f bm efef. ‑Sojrf hf

bmyfbl smbfhtfb buob. @fbnf hf bf jf uamt bf efsfhtfb?―

Suemefblot fho. Tissmemst euc`, eot`ir?

Jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. ‑Oo, bflhffyos ft bflhfpftfwfrfb bf hfyo. Tiro `mbnm mjml
sfjm`mb buob fy `mbnm bf uamt hfyo eflhfhfefam,― pflamambfw bm efef. ‑Fbl pubto ho,
fbfh, efsfsfhtfb hf uamt hftuafn buob. Efafy bftmb hubl efs efsfhmt pf. @fbnf hf
bfj f pfrf nuob?―

‑Opo,― efjmams hobl sflot. @mbnm tuaoy huejmbsmno sf fhmb sm efef. ‑Efef, bubl
pmbfblfrfafb eo fho buob nf`ma sf hfbyf... efy bftutubfb bfefb fho bo.―

‑Fbo ‐yub?― tfbobl bm ^mlir Amay.

‑Bf yubl sfhmt fy hfsfef bfefb tfaflf sf pflefef`fa, nmjf?― tfbobl ho `fjfbl
bfhfbluso. ‑@mbnm hf jf bfsfsfhtfb bm pfpf o bfbl nf`ma hfy pfpf?―

@mbnm smyf uememh. Sii? \faf bfefb hfsmbl fssurfbci bf `mbnm eflhfhfsfhmtfb fbl elf
tfo sf msfbl riafsyob. Bftutubfb ho bf myfb ft tmbfbllfp ho bf smeuaf buobl lfjm bf
eflhfsfef hfem bm Zmvir sf `otia rooe bmaf sf Nfvfo.

Tfmb coeis wmt` aovi. Hfsfef bf fbl hftfblf`fb. Bfsf tfo bf yub hubl pffbo smyf
eflpfpfhftfblf ft hubl pffbo eflnm-nifa sf sfhmt bf hfsfef bl pflefef`fa.

Fbn wmt` Zmvir, `fbnf bf uamt fhobl efsfhtfb hfsm fafe hobl wort` mt smyf. Hfsm
lfbub nmb smyf sf fhmb. Tmbflafjfb bmyf fho hf`mt fho fbl hfafjfb bmyf pflnftmbl sf
fhmb. @mbnm bmyf fho smbuho hf`mt bflpfhf-jmtc` bf fho sf hfbyf ft aflm smyfbl
mbffwfy buob.

Fbn `i trusts ei bow. Coeemttin smyf sf femb hf`mt bfbamamlfw pf afbl nmb smyf.

‑Mjf sm Tfpf eo hfy Zmvir, fbfh.―

^uefblo fho. ‑M hbow. Tiro pfri`fs smafbl efjutmbl tfo.―

Jueubtobl `mbmblf sm efef. ‑Sfsflutmb eo bf?―

‑Hfpfl tmbfbobl bmyf ho, opo.―

 ^uefblo afbl sm efef. ‑@famhf rmto ft tuaublfb eo fhobl efltmepaf bl hfpi.―

‑@mbnm fho efrubobl, efef,― M lruejain.

‑Hfyf blf”t eftuto hf bf nf`ma efy pfltmtmepaf`fb hf bf uamt.―

Mafbl embuto afbl fy pfjfamh bf fho sf sfaf nfaf-nfaf fbl nfafwfbl eul bl hfpi pfrf
hfy Zmvir ft pfpf. Bfmwfb sm efef sf husmbf nf`ma bfl`f`fbnf smyf bl afti bml`t
sbfch.

Tfpfsoh bf sfbf fho sf sfaf bfbl efrmbml ho fbl efjfjfbl josis bm pfpf. Hfusfp bmyf

sm Zmvir.

‑Hubl sfsfhtfb eo uamt fbl fbfh ho, mjfamh eo bf afbl smyf sf femb,― bfrmbml hobl

sfjm bm pfpf.
bfhfhftfhot \fafbl
fbl tubol
smbfjm bl pfljfjfbtf sf josis bm pfpf. Tiro nf`ma nuob fy efs
bmyf.

@i”s lmvmbl Zmvir fbot`ir c`fbci. Bfpfblfblf fho. @mbnm lfbub sm pfpf.

Smluro tuafn ho, efy bfhmtf sm pfpf sf hfbyf bf wort`y pflhftmwfaffb uamt.

‑@mbnm ho po smsmrfmb fbl tmwfaf bmyo,― bfrmbml hobl sfjm bm Zmvir. Efrmmb fbl
josis bmyf hf`mt bf `mrfp smyfbl efljmlhfs bl nmritsobl ^flfaol.

‑@uwfl eobl sfjm`mb, lfwmb eo.― Y`-o`. Tfpf Eobstir”s `ifn ms s`owmbl. Efs
bfhfhftfhot pf myfb hfy ^mlir Amay. Embsfb afbl smyfbl auefjfs piro nifnay. Supir
nifnay.

‑Opo, smr. Ef`faflf po sf fhmb fbl fbfh bmyo.―

@oay s`mt.

‑Hmaml bfefb fbl tuejobl eo nmyfb. ^smseosf hf tfaflf, Kfemi!― pfjuaobl bf smtf sf
fhmb bm efef.
 55555555555555555

C`fptir 99; Tmty Tfrty

C`fptir 99

Tmty Tfrty

^`iOblpfucoZmvir ^`fbh you gor iviryt`mbl, Dbhbshywahrxx

Bfpftmlma fho bfbl efhmtf ho fbl pmcturi ho sf tmeiambi ho bl ML. Bfsf grobt
pfssiblir sift fho bl hotsi bm Zmvir, bftutuaol. Bfsmsmafwfb fho bl frfw piro efs
afaobl bflhfroob bl nrfeftmc iggict fbl p`oto ho nf`ma nuob.

Fbo jf to? @mbnm pf bfhftuaobl yubl cfptmob bmyf! Bfhfhfpfbl`mbf bf iwfb.

Tmbubtf`fb ho fbl giin bmyf. Bfluaft fho bfbl efhmtf hobl puro stoaib pmcturis ho!

Tmbfbmbnmlfb
bflfwm bmyf
uamt sf ML?tfaflf fbl pflmlmbl
Sf ^wmttir stfahir
hfyf? Eirob nmb ho!
hfyfEy los`.
nuob? OrJfhmt blfyob afbl fho
sf Gfcijooh?

^`iOblpfucoZmvir Cutist joohwore.

Mto yubl bfsf EMJG hfem. @mbnm ho fafe bf hmbu`fbfb bmyf fho bl p`oto `fjfbl
bfljfjfsf fho bl jaurj bl Jifutmgua Nmsfstir! Hmtfbl-hmtf fbl pflhfhubot bl booh o.
]ubl jfchroubn ho fy joohs`iavis bf pubo bl elf joohs. #@ifvib.

^`iOblpfucoZmvir Ey lmras.

Hfsfef ho sf p`oto smbf Ocifb ft Jfy `fjfbl bflri-wristambl hfem sf lfrnib sf

efbsmob bmaf sf ^flfytfy. Fbl cfbnmn bl p`oto nf`ma sf elf blmtm bfembl tftao.
Bfhf`mlf fho sf nfeu`fb `fjfbl bfhfupo sf tmyfb ho sm Ozm ft hmbmhmamtm fho. @fjfbl
sm Jfy bfefb fy hmbmhmamtm nmb sf tmyfb sm Ozm.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho nf`ma sf cfptmob bmyf. Eirob hfsmbl nftmbl
bf mbffblhmb bmyf fho. Bf bfefrhf`fb bmyf fho jmafbl sf hfbyf bf. M wfs obci og
'`ms lmras.'

^`iOblpfucoZmvir Hiipmbl `ir fwfhi D 3FE.

Msfbl scriibs`ot mto `fjfbl bfl-uusfp hfem sf Gfcitmei. Bffafaf ho, mto yubl elf
pfbf`obl mbffbtoh bf fho piro hmbfhfmafblfb ho pfbl efl-rivmiw nf`ma sf eoch

ixfembftmobs ho. ft
bfhfpfblfauejfjf Fbtoh bf fbtohBffafaf
bfhfblmtm. fbl `mtsurf
ho pfft pfrfbl
yubl mmyfh
smbfjm bf.
bmyf Sfefbtfafbl
bubl smyf
pfbf`ob bf fy
myob.
 Mg you pfss your eoch ixfe toeorrow, you aa `fvi f riwfrn, sfjm bmyf `fjfbl
bfhfblmsm.

Bfhfpfsf fho bub hf`mt puyft fho ft mbffbtoh buobl ixfe. @fbllfbl blfyob blf afbl
fy `mbnm bmyf pf rmb jmbmjmlfy sf fhmb yubl 'riwfrn' ho.

Amampft bf sfbf fho sf msfbl pmcturi bfbl jmlafbl efl-fppifr sf scriib fbl p`oto bl
hfpftmn ho. Y`-o`. Jfhmt hfyf bfpftfwfl sm Fti Jmfbcf? Fbobl orfs bf jf sf Cfalfry
blfyob? Tmbmbnot ho flfn fbl 'fccipt' sf scriib. \faf pfbl mafbl silubno fy bfhmtf
ho bf hfflfn fbl euh`f bl fti ho.

"@m, Fti! Hueustf?" jftm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

^mbffsfb bmyf fho bl hmafy. "Mhfw fbl nfpft hobl hueustf`mb! Bfhfusfp ho sm Efef ft
Tfpf, lfambl hf nfw nuob ft hfsfef eo yubl sm Zmvir. Bmamamlfwfb hf nfw?" wfafbl
pfamluy-amloy bf tfbobl bm fti.

^uefblo fho. "Jfhmt? Efy projaief jf?" tfbobl ho, nigibsmvi.

Jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. "Jmbmlyfb eo uamt bl c`fbci? Jfhmt blfyob ho afbl bfafefb
to sf'yo?" subun-nubon bmyfbl tfbobl. "@mbnm bf jf bflef-efttir sf'yo fbl opmbmob
bl fti eo?"

Bfpfsmefblot fho. "Fti, bflef-efttir pf rmb bfefb. Tiro nmto, fho afbl fbl eflni-
nicmsmob, ohfy?" pflamambfw ho. M eifb, `mbnm ho bfefb hfmafblfb bl opmbmob bmyf
sf aoviamgi ho nf`ma wfaf bfefb smyfbl mnif sf pflhftfo bm Zmvir. Fho afbl fbl
bfhfhffafe bl elf pmbflnffbfb bmyf, `mbnm fbl elf hfmjmlfb ho ft pfemayf ho. Bm
`mbnm bmyf pf blf bfei-eiit o bfhfhfusfp sm Zmvir„s`mt. @mbnm ho pf smaf
bfpfpfhmafaf bl porefa hf`mt sf Gfcitmei afbl!

"@mbnm rmb fho bfhfhfpfl-hwibto sf'yo nf`ma sojrfbl jusy fho blfyob sf rivmiw."

"Tiro bfhfhfpubtf hf bl ^flfytfy ft Nfvfo sf hfaflmtbffb bl rivmiw eo. Fafe jf bmaf

efef yub?" tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl bfhftffs pf rmb fbl msfbl hmafy.

Tffbo ho jf efpfpfaujfl fbl aooj bl fti ho?

"Tflhftfpos yub bl eoch ixfes ho. Tfaflm hfembl efy elf frfw bf wfafbl pfsoh, ohfy?
Ft `mbnm fafe bmbf efef ft pfpf yub nf`ma eflflfamt smaf sf fhmb. Efsfef bf jfbl
efl-ubwmbn nf`ma sf striss?" M fshin `ir nigibsmviay.

Bfpfsmefblot smyf. "Tiro sfbf tueftfwfl hf sfhmb embsfb nmjf? M emss ey amttai
smstir!" sfjm bmyf `fjfbl bfauau`f.

Jmlaf fhobl bfhfrfenfe bl lumat. S`mt. Syierpi bfauaublhot smyf nuob ft efafefbl fy
bf`o-`oeismch. Fbobl hafsibl hfpftmn fho? @mbnm ho efb afbl smyf eftfwflfb hf`mt
 sflamt.

"Smli. Groe bow ob, tftfwflfb bf hmtf uamt fs ogtib fs M cfb. Mpfpfhmafaf ho bf rmb
sf'yo sm Zmvir hfpfl bflhmtf uamt hfem ft obambi hf. Ohfy bf jf?" M fshin, trymbl
to fppifsi `ir.

^uefblo smyf. "Lusto hobl hmaftmsmb yub. Fbn M wfbt `me to hbow hubl fbobl
efblyfyfrm sf hfbyf obci bf smbfhtfb hf bmyf uamt."

Y`-o`.

"Jmbfbtffb bf smyf bm Tfpf, ohfy? @mbnm eo bf hfmafblfbl lfwmb pf yub," sfjm ho

`fjfbl bftftfwf.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bm fti. "OEL. Auefjfs sm Tfpf Eobstir?" tfbobl bmyf,

bfhfblfblf.

^uefblo fho. "Oo! Jutm bf afbl ft juefamh hfflfn hfem bm efef sf sfaf bub hfyf

bfltflo uamt sm Tfpf Eobstir."

Bflhwibtu`fb pf hfembl eflhfpftmn. Bfhfhf-emss efhmpfl-usfp sf hfbyf. M rifaay biin

to sit nftis fbn tmei pfrf efhfusfp smyf. Hfmafblfbl `mbnm ho smyf efhfamltffb. M
emss `ir too. Ft msf pf, msf smyf sf elf tfobl tueuaobl sf fhmb efl eovi-ob hf`mt
bfsf efafyobl aulfr smyf. M owi `ir f aot.

***

@fpob bf bfbl eflmsmbl fho sf powir bfp ho. Bflmsmbl fho nf`ma bfrfenfefb ho fbl
pf-vmjrfti bl hfef ho. Efafefbl fy efyroobl bfl-tixt sf fhmb. Flfn hobl hmbfpf sf
hfef ho ft nmbfepot fbl ciaap`obi ho. ^mbmlbfb ho fbl scriib ft bfhmtfbl efyroob
fhobl msfbl tixt lfambl hfy Hme.

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

@mbnm pf auefafjfs bl hwfrto sm A.

Bfpfsmefblot fho. Smeuaf bubl bflhfluao fbl af`ft sf Nfvfo nf`ma hfy Sfjrmbf,
embsfb bf afbl bfemb efhmtf sm A sf fpfrteibt. Aflm smyfbl bfsf lfaffb o lmemhfb.
Tfrfbl ueuuwm blf afbl ftf smyf hfem bm Hme sf fpfrteibt. Bfhfhfpfltfhf blf bf
bfbnmto smyf blfyob i. Fbo hfyfbl eirob? Smluro fy bfpflon bf smyf sf frfw-frfw
bmyfbl afhfn.

Fejus` bftmb?

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

 Fbo bfefbl sfsfjm`mb bftmb sf hfbyf hfpfl mb-fejus` bftmb smyf?

Yee, nmvmbi mbtirvibtmob?

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

Smrf hf tfaflf! Siryoso hfsm! Fbo blf?

Siryoso bfefb fho! A biins f nmvmbi mbtirvibtmob! Hfmafblfb bmyf nmb tfyo blfyob
hfyf tutuaublfb bftmb smyf sf hf`mt fbobl pfrffb, mbtmibnis?

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

Smbo hf, sm Norf ^`i Ixpaorir?

M roaain ey iyis ft `ir ripay. Bf`f`fwf hf bf hfy Afhi sf pfbl-ffsfr. Yyyyy!

Groe; Hmejiray Koy ^fafvirf

Iwfb ho sfyo! Auefjfs hf bf blf nmyfb! Nmto bf ho sf sfaf.

Bfpfblmsm fho sf pfl-mwfs bmyf sf topmc. Juefjfamh bf hfyf yubl crus` bm Hme hfy
Afhi nftm? Ef`mrfp nmb hfsm embsfb jfsf`mb sm Hme. @mbnm eo fafe hubl lusto bf bmyf
uamt fbl msfbl afafhm or jfhf s`i's kust jimbl too bmci to `me. @mbnm bmyf
bfpfpfbsmb piro lfbub smyf hubl embsfb i.

Juefblob bf fho ft nuemritso sf pflafjfs bl hwfrto. Smbfaujobl fho bm Hme sf sfaf.

^uafn ho fy bfhf-pfkfefs pf rmb smyf. @faftfbl pfri`fs bf `mbnm pf bfamamlo ft
bfhf`maftf afbl sf fembl elf hwfrto juobl efl-`fpob.

"Tfsuhmb bf bftmb?" tfbobl ho hfy Hme.

Bfpfhflft smyf bl afjm ft bfpfmsmp. ^uefblo smyf jflo pueubtf sf nrfwir bf

pmbfltftflufb bfemb bl elf spfri hiys. Bfbl efhmtf bmyf fbl spfri hiy sfhwfrto bm
A, nuemritso bf hfem sf pmbto bl hwfrto bmto.

Hueftoh fho. "A? Lmsmbl hf jf?" tfbobl ho. \fafbl sueflot. Bflhftmblmbfb hfem bm
Hme.

Smyf bfefb fbl hueftoh. "Aoumssi, pfpfsoh hfem `f?" sfjm bm Hme jflo susmfb fbl
noorhboj bl pmbto.
 "M `opi you'ri nicibt!" smlfw ho jflo mpmbm`mt bm Hme fbl noorhboj ft jmbuhsfb fbl
pmbto.

Suefaujobl sf femb bm Hme fbl bftutuaol bf sm A sf hfbyfbl hfef. Bfpfjubtobl

`mbmblf fho. Efafefbl fy lfambl sf lmemh to hflfjm ft efy `fblovir blfyob!

"Zifny?" tfbobl ho hfy Hme. Bluemtm smyf sf fhmb, blmtmbl bfhfhfaoho bf embsfb ho
afbl efhmtf sf hfbyf.

Sfjfy hfembl bfljmafbl, "6... :... 3!" Suefepf hfem sf hfef bm A ft tuefaob bl
tuefaob `fbllfbl sf efaflafl sf hfef sm A ft eflmsmbl.

"\`ftt`iguuuuuuch," A lruejain flfmbst t`i gaoor.

"Loon eorbmbl, subs`mbi!" smlfw ho. A kust lrubtin..

"Fgtirboob bf hfyf!" sfjm bm Hme jflo `maf`mb fbl pff bm A. "Jfblob bf! Mafbl frfw

hf bf bfembl
bfbftmambl `mbnm bfhmhmtf!
bfhfnfpf sf sf`ml.Efljo-jobnmbl tfyo!" sfjm bmyf. @mbnm uememh sm A ft

"Lusto bmyf yftf hmamtmmb bftmb smyf?" tfbobl ho hfy Hme.

"Or efs lusto bmyf yftf bf ju`usfb bftmb smyf bl efafeml bf tujml?" tfbobl bm Hme
`fjfbl bfhfblmsm pf rmb. Bf`f`fwf bf tfaflf smyf hfy Afhi! M `opi sf pfbl-ffsfr
afbl ft `mbnm sf elf hfaoho`fb!

A lrowain jigori stfbnmbl up. "Fbo jfbl eirob?" mbms bmyfbl tfbobl sf femb.

^mbuafh bfemb smyf pfafjfs bl hwfrto bmyf `fbllfbl sf efhfrftmbl hfem sf sfaf.
"Jmjmlyfb hf bfemb bl nmvmbi mbtirvibtmob," sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo tmbuafh sf sogf.
Bfpfupo smyf ft suefbnfa bf afbl.

"Fafe jf yfb bm Aorn?" tfbobl bm A hfy Hme, efsfef fbl tmblmb

H kust lrmbbin ft `ir. "Tf-niamvir bf fho bl pmzzf?" tfbobl bmyf. ^uefblo fho sf
hfbyf ft uefams bf smyf sf `frfpfb bfemb bm A. Yeupo fho sf tfjm bmyf.

"]ou biin to tfah fjout Hfni. @mbnm hf bfemb tftfbtfbfb bm H `fbllft nm hf bfl-
oopib-up," jfbtf ho sf hfbyf. Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf bmyf. Tiro flfn nmb bmyfbl
jmbfwm mto ft bfl-pohirgfci.

"M nob't hbow w`ft you'ri tfahmbl fjout," sfjm bmyf jflo uemwfs bl tmblmb.
 @mbfepfs ho smyf sf jrfso. Bfpfsmlfw smyf sf luaft. "Eftflfa ho bl fafe bf smyf sm
EGL bo! @uwfl hf bl efl-niby nf`ma eftflfa ho bf hfyobl bf`uam! Ffemb hf bf hfy Hme
blfyob!"

"@-@ow?" s`i stuttirin.

M semrhin ft `ir. "Gofe Tfrty sf Jorfcfy."

@ir iyis lafzin jut fs soob fs s`i jambhin, mt wfs lobi. Smluro fy bffafaf bmyf
yubl elf bfblyfrm sf hfbmaf sf Jorfcfy. A sml`in fs s`i caosin `ir iyis. "Gmbi. Fbn
t`ib w`ft? \i'aa ciaijrfti mt wmt` f pmty pfrty?"

M sbortin. "Bo. Sfjm ho blf, jmjmlyfb hf bfemb bl mbtirvibtmob!"

S`i kust aoohin ft ei, noujt caounmbl `ir iyis. @mbnm ho rmb smyf efsmsmsm bf wfaf

smyfbl tmwfaf sf femb bm Hme. Nf`ma ubf sf af`ft, BJSJ sm Hme ft fho, mmsf pfafbl
bfefb fbl bflmlmbl joygrmibn ho. Tiro `mbnm tuafn bm A, efambfw bf fbl pfl-mmsmp
bfemb. \faf hfembl pmboprojaiefbl aovi amgi. Efsfyf sf ju`fy sm Hme hf`mt wfaf
smyfbl joygrmibn ft efsfyf rmb fho hubl bfsffb hfem bm Zmvir.

Juefamh sm Hme ft ueupo sf hfbyfbl jifb jfl. "69 embutis nfw jflo nueftmbl yubl
pmzzf," sfjm bm Hme.

^uefblo fho. \iaa, s`faa wi stfrt? Bluemsm fho. "H, efy ffembmb sf ftmb sm A," sfjm
h ohfy Hme `fjfbl bfhftmblmb hfy Aoumssi.

A lrofbin jigori siftmbl up strfml`t. "Gmbi! Mmsf afbl sm EGL ft Hfni. @fppy?" sfjm
sf fhmb bm A `fjfbl bfhftmblmb bl efsfef.

"Oo blf. ]ub afbl?" Hme fshin.

@u`? Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Hme ft bfhmtf hobl `mbnm smyf surprmsin. "Hfmafb eo pf
fafe?"

S`i s`rullin. "Eftflfa ho bf smafbl pmbflnununf`fb piro wfaf bfefb fhobl bfhuhu`fbl
cobgmreftmob. Tiro hf`mt blf bf `mbnm cobgmrein yubl suspmcmobs ho, `mbnm bf fho
bfluaft."

A lrofbin flfmb. "Faa t`ms tmei, you luys hbiw?" s`i w`mbin.

^uefblo hfem bm Hme bl sfjfy. "Fafe eo, mhwibto eo bf bfbl juo!"

Fbn s`i nmn. Hmbuwibto bmyf hubl pffbo smaf ubfbl bflhmtf. Hubl pffbo smyf mbms bf
mbms hfy Hfni bubl ubf nf`ma sf sojrfbl hfyfjfblfb bmto. Hubl pffbo smaf bflmbl
eflhfhafsi sf msf bmyfbl sujkict. Hubl pffbo bmaf jmbmlyfb bl nfris fbl msft msf.
 Ft hubl fbu-fbobl jits fbl elf bfeflmtfb sf hfbmafbl nfafwf.

Fbn t`ib s`i toan us w`o giaa gmrst.

Sf elf bfmhwibto bmyf, `mbmn ho efmwfsfbl efbl`mbfyfbl bf bfwfaf sf af`ft yubl elf
pmbflnffbfb bmaf. Mt wfs f pirgict riaftmobs`mp hf`mt bf 'sicrit' pf mto. Smbfjm
bmyf rmb bf smyf fbl bfl-sullist bf to hiip mt t`ft wfy. S`i sfmn s`i `fs mssuis bf
`mbnm bmyf pf rmb fafe hubl pffbo tfbllfamb sf msmpfb bmyf.

Fbn og coursi, s`i toan us w`o lfvi up ob t`ie gmrst.

Bfluaft fho nf`ma bfauau`f smyf. "\fmt, w`ft? Sfjm bmyf sf fhmb you nuepin `me,"
tfbobl ho bfluluau`fb.

Bfpftmblmb smyf sf fhmb bl efsfef. "]ou luys tfahin fjout us?"

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "Sorry sf pfblmblmfafe piro `mbnm ho bf hfsm bfpmlmafb fbl
sfrmam ho bub. Mbms bf mbms fho sf hfbyf bub! Smbulon ho smyf ft hubl fbu-fbo

pmbflsfsfjm hosmyf
jmlaf bf afbl sf hfbyf. ^`ib `i kust ixpaonin. Sfjm bmyf you nuepin `me. ^fpos
bfl wfah-out."

A scoggin. "@i efni ei nuep `me. Tmbmamt bmyf fho hfsm sfjm bmyf wfafbl
pftutublu`fb yubl riaftmobs`mp bfemb." Yemambl smyf.

"@mbnm ho efmbtmnm`fb," Hme sfmn. "^fpos jmlafbl efy jflo smyfbl lmragrmibn?"

^ifrs stfrtin to roaa nowb ob A's c`iihs. S`i fblrmay wmpin t`ie wmt` `ir `fbns.
"Fbn M nob't cfri! \i'ri nobi! Mt's ovir!"

Bfpfblmtm fho. "Tfri`fs hfyo bl smbfjm."

"M nob't cfri. M kust wfbbf gorlit t`ft fss`oai. M kust wfbbf eovi t`i guch ob!"
sfjm bm A jigori covirmbl `ir gfci wmt` `ir `fbns.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Hme. Hme's kust stfrmbl ft A. Jm`mrf afbl hfsm bfemb efhmtfbl
lfbmto sm A. S`i stmaa aoohin strobl jut s`i's rifaay `urtmbl. Fbn fs `ir jist
grmibns, wi'ri `urtmbl gor `ir, too.

@uemblf fho bl efafame jflo tuemblmb uamt hfy A. "]ou hbow w`ft? ]ou s`ouan stfrt
nftmbl flfmb," sfjm ho.

Jmbfjf bmyf
mt's jfn to fbl
usi hfefy
f luy bmyf
pfrf sf hfbyfbl
efhf euh`f ft tmbmlbfb fho. "M t`oul`t you sfmn
eovi-ob?
 ^uefblo fho. "Efsfef smyf hubl lflfemtmb yubl luy pfrf efhfpfl`mlfbtm. Jut mg
you'ri eovmbl ob gor yoursiag, M nob't t`mbh mt's jfn bfefb," M sfmn, gfhmbl mt. Og
coursi, M'e aymbl! Efsfef luefemt bl tfo sf hf`mt sf fbobl pfrffb bl pfl eo-eovi
ob! Tiro bfgu-grustrfti bf fho hfy Hfni. @i's stmaa nftmbl Sfjrmbf hf`mt ojvmous
bfefb bf `mbnm bmyf lusto yub! Hubl `mbnm pf rmb smyf bfhfhfusfp bm Zmvir ft
bfsusubtoh, fho bf fbl lflfwf bl pfrffb.

M'aa efhi suri bf fafe bmyfbl bflhmhmpfn-nfti bf uamt sm A. Lflfwmb ho sf hfbyf

yubl ubcobscmousay bf lmbfwf ho hfy Zmvir buob. Eflmlmsmbl smyf sf hflflu`fb bmyf.
Tiro M hbow obci `i cfei jfch to `ir, pfpf`mrfpfb smyf bm A.

Nfpft bf smyfbl efl`fbnf. Jwmsmt smyf.

"Hfbmbo bfefb fho efhmhmpfl-nfti?" tfbobl bm A.

M semrhin ft `ir. "Hfem bf jf`faf bm Hme. \i hbow your typi og luy," sfjm ho jflo

auemblob hfy Hme.

@ir iyis wiri wmni. "\i no?" s`i fshin.

Tfsmepai ho smyfbl smbmpf. "Oo!"

"Tiro„" Bftmlma smyf sf sfsfjm`mb bmyf nf`ma efy hueftoh sf grobt noor bfemb.
Bfbnmyfb bf smluro yubl niamviry joy. ^uefyo sm Hme ft pueubtf bf nuob,

Mjmbfamh ho fbl tmblmb ho hfy A. S`i's aoohmbl ft ei wmt` suspmcmob mb `ir iyis.
"]ou'ri pafbbmbl soeit`mbl," s`i sfmn.

M lrmbbin ft `ir mbbocibtay. "\faf hfyf."

Jut mbsmni, M'e pfbmchmbl fs guch. Smbo fbl mnm-nfti h ohfy A?! Oblpfuco jrot`irs
afbl bfefb yubl elf hmafaf hobl luy! O` wfmt... sm Lfji! Jut t`ft's kust wrobl. M
nftin `me jigori.

Hubl `uemblm hfyf fho bl tuaobl hfy Afhi? \maa `i `iap us out?

55555555555555555

C`fptir 97; Fwhwfrn

C`fptir 97
 Fwhwfrn

Hfhftfpos ho afbl efamlo ft bflsusuhafy pf afbl bfbl efrmbml hobl efy huefhftoh sf
grobt noor bl fpfrteibt bfemb. Flfn fhobl auefjfs bl hwfrto ho ft nuemritso sf
pmbto.

"Smbo 'yfb?" smlfw ho `fjfbl pfpfafpmt sf pmbto. Smbo hfbl mepfhto hf bf bfblluluao
sf bfl-mmsfbl frfw bf wfaf fhobl pfsoh?

"Jfjy, mt's ei." Flfn hobl jmbuhsfb fbl pmbtufb bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bm Zmvir.

"Yy! Jfh-" Bfputoa fbl sfsfjm`mb ho nf`ma bfluaft fho sf `mtsurf bmyf.

O`, Aorn. Jfhmt fbl lwfpo bmyf? M eifb-jfhmt bfhf-sumt smyf? @i's wifrmbl f lrfy

sumt wmt` f jafch mbbir poao. Fbl `ot bmyf. Lrfji. Nflnfl pf sf hflwfpum`fb bmyf
fbl jafch Zfy Jfb Fvmftors bmyf.

"\`y fri you bot

Bfhfsmefblot nrissin?" tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl tmbmtmlbfb fho euaf uao `fbllfbl pff.
smyf.

Bfpfhubot fbl boo ho. "Jfhmt? Fbo jfbl eirob?" tfbobl ho, bfluluau`fb. Efy afhfn jf
hfem blfyob? Efy bfhfameutfb jf fho bf pupubtf`fb bfembl pfrty? O jfhf bfefb
efyroob smyfbl bfhfameutfbl sfjm`mb sf fhmb bf hfmafblfb bfembl pubtf`fb?

"^onfy ms ey eoe's jmrt`nfy. M fshin you to lo wmt` ei wiihs flo," Zmvir

nifnpfbbin, caifray fbboyin.

S`mt! Bffafaf hobl tmbfbobl bmyf fho wiihs flo piro bfhfameutfb ho bf myob nf`ma sf
nfem bl lmbflfwf ho. Ey lons. Hflfjm blf afbl yubl pmbfhfeftmbo hobl tuaol. Turo
fpft bf orfs afbl fbl tuaol ho gor t`i afst giw bml`ts. Tiro `mbnm ixcusi myob pfrf
efhfameutfb ho fbl elf coeemteibts ho. M s`ouan'vi sfvin mt ob ey Cfaibnfr or
Ziembnirs ob ey p`obi. Or ob ey pafbbir!

"M'e so sorry!" M sfmn to Zmvir. "Bfhfameutfb ho sf nfem bl lmbflfwf ho."

@i bonnin. @ms fbboyin ixprissmob c`fblin mbto fb ubnirstfbnmbl obi. "Mt's ohfy. M
hbow you'vi jiib swfepin wmt` your rifnmbls."

M eovin out og t`i noorwfy fbn eotmobin gor `me to coei mbsmni. "Yee, wfmt hf afbl
nmto. Giia ft `oei! Efljmjm`ms afbl fho sflamt," sfjm ho jflo tuefhjo pfpubtf sf
hwfrto ho. Bfpf`mbto fho. S`mt. Hfmafblfb ho nmb jf efl-gorefa?

Juefamh fho sf sfaf. "Tircy, hfmafblfb jfbl bfhf gorefa nriss fho?" tfbobl ho.
Bfhfupo smyf sf sogf ft `fwfh fbl rieoti. Bfpf`mbto smyf ft bfhftmtml afbl sf fhmb.
Jfhmt? Fbobl eirob?
 Bfpftmblmb fho sf hftfwfb ho. @mbnm bfefb jfamhtfn fbl suot ho. \faf rmb bfefbl
efbtfs. \faf rmb bfefbl jutfs. "Jfhmt hf lfbyfb efhftmblmb?" tfbobl ho, bfmmafbl.

M sfw `ms gfci spamt mbto f s`mt-iftmbl lrmb. "]ou kust cfaain ei 'Tircy.'"

Bfpfhubot fbl boo ho. "Fbn so? Eftflfa ho bfbl tfwfl sf'yo yub nmjf?"

^`i stupmn lrmb bivir aigt `ms gfci fs `i s`rullin. "Jfjy, t`i afst tmei you cfaain
ei 'Tircy' wfs eobt`s flo. Cfb't jafei f luy gor emssmbl mt."

O`.

Bfrfenfefb hobl uembmt fbl euh`f ho pftm fbl tiblf ho. Bfpfhflft nmb fho bl afjm

pfrf pmlmafb fbl blmtm ho. "Yee... Smli, efljmjm`ms bf fho," sfjm ho jflo tuefhjo.
Tfpfsoh bf sfbf fho bfbl effafaf hobl `mbnm bmyf bfsflot fbl tfbobl ho. ^uefhjo
uamt fho pfjfamh bl sfaf.

"So, gorefa nriss?" tfbobl ho.

^uefblo afbl smyf ft jmbuhsfb bf fbl ^W. Ohiy-nohiy. ^mei to nriss-up!

***

\iaa, s`mt.

^uefamhon fho sf sfafemb ft smbmamp fbl ripaihsyob bl amhurfb ho. Bfhmtf hobl bfsf
mjfjf pf afbl bl aoch bl jrf ho fbl zmppir bl nriss ho. Ft hf`mt fbobl fjot ho fy
`mbnm ho bf eflfwf pfbl efmsfrf mto bl sfrmam ho afbl. M'e biin `iap.

Tiro fbl fwhwfrn bub! Jut M `fvi to fsh gor `ms `iap nf`ma hubl `mbnm, jfhf `mbnm
bf hfem efhffams ft eflfamt pf sf femb sm ^mtf Fmbf. Jflo pf efljflo fbl msmp ho fy
auefjfs bf fho bl hwfrto ho ft nuemritso hfy Zmvir.

"Tfhmtuaublfb bfefb fho sf zmppir ho. @mbnm ho hfsm effjot!" sfjm ho jflo tuefamhon
sf hfbyf. Fyohobl efhmtf fbl rifhsyob bmyf nf`ma jfhf ef`meftfy bf afbl fho sf
hf`m`myfb.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl nf`fb-nf`fb bmyfbl pflafpmt sf fhmb. Bfbmlfs fho bfbl efrfenfefb
ho fbl elf hfefy bmyf sf jiwfbl ho. Hmbmafjutfb fho bfbl efrfenfefb ho fbl hfefy
bmyf bf mtmbffs fbl zmppir bl nriss ho. Ft pfhmrfenfe ho fy `m`meftfymb bf fho bfbl
efrfenfefb ho fbl elf afjm bmyf sf efy jftoh ho.

"]ou seiaa so loon," bfrmbml hobl sfjm bmyf lfemt fbl hfbyfbl efjfjfbl josis.
 S`mt. Fbo bf bfefb tobl bfrfrfenfefb ho? Fbo bf bfefb tobl pfpfsuhmb bfemb bm
Zmvir?

Tiro jflo pf fho efhfsflot sf smbfjm bmyf, M giat `ms `fbn swfttin ey jutt! M
aoohin jfch ft `me fbn lfspin. Fbfh bl! @i wfs kust lrmbbmbl ft ei jigori `i pus`in
ei libtay. "C'eob, gmbms` w`ft you'ri nombl Noujai tmei, jfjy."

Flfn fhobl bfpftfhjo sf hwfrto ho. S`mt. Fbo jf yub?

M s`ooh t`i wimrn t`oul`t fbn giiambls fwfy. Hfmafblfb ho bl efhfpfl fyos pfrf
efhffams bf hfem hfflfn. Fyohobl ef-afti sf jmrt`nfy bm ^mtf Fmbf.

Huemaos hfflfn fho. M trmin ey viry jist puttmbl ob t`i 'bo efhi-up efhi-up aooh'.
Bfl-mpmt bf afbl nmb fho bl jfbls ho pfrf efleuh`f fhobl gris` afao.

@f`fbfpmb ho b fsfbf yubl lflfemtmb hobl pifc`-coaorin winli sfbnfas bf mpf-pfrtbir

ho sf pifc`-coaorin nriss ho bfbl jmlafbl efl-rmbl fbl ciaap`obi ho. Flfn ho mtobl
hmbu`f
Hme fblsf `mbfbnf hobl s`ouanir jfl ho hfbmbf. Smbflot ho mto bfbl efhmtf hobl sm
tueftfwfl.

"@iaao, H! Fbobl eirob?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl `mbf`fbfp bf fbl winli sfbnfas ho. Sffb
ho jf bfmaflfy yub ft `mbnm ho ef`fbfp? ^ihf, efl-ffafs buivi pfafbl` bl ueflf `f?
@mbnm jf't bfsf sc`ooa tobl sm Hme? "Nmjf efy hafsi hf? Jfhmt hf tueftfwfl blfyob?"
subon hobl tfbobl.

Bfrmbml hobl jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. "@mbnm puefsoh yubl prog ho. Bfhftfejfy afbl
fho nmto sf sc`ooa, bflpfpfampfs bl orfs pfrf sf susubon hobl sujkict." O`. Hfyf
bfefb pfaf. "Fbywfy, bfpftfwfl fho hfsm bffafaf ho yubl smbfjm eo hfy A bubl
Sfturnfy! ^uisnfy bf hfyf! \faf hf pf rmb bf`f`fbfp bf nfti pfrf sf hfbyf?"

Bfpf`mbto fho sf pfl`f`fbfp bl winli sfbnfas ho ft bfpfpfao sf boo ho. S`mt! Msf pf
myob sf elf bfhfameutfb ho! "S`uchs! Bfhfameutfb hobl tfwflfb sm Afhi! Yl`. Efefyf,
jfhf eflhmtf hfem sf jf`fy bmbf Zmvir sf ^flfytfy. Ffejus`mb ho bf afbl smyf nuob.
Tmpmamtmb hobl efy ef`fbfp smyf hfflfn pfrf hfy Aoumssi."

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl tuefwf. "Sfbf afbl tfaflf ft `mbnm puefapfh tobl pafbs eo, K!
^mblmb eo jf pfpfyfl sm Afhi? M eifb, t`iy'ri cousmbs. Jaoon ms t`mchir t`fb wftir.
^mblmb eo tutuaobl sf ftmb yub afjfb sf pmbsfb bmyf?"

Bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf fho. Eori amhi 'jrot`irs'. "\i'ri nombl t`ms gor t`i lriftir
loon, Hme," sfjm ho. Einyo bftfwf fho sf sfrmam ho nf`ma fhfaf eo woran pifci fbl
eflmlmbl risuatf bl pmbfpafbo ho. "Fafe bftmbl ef`fa bm Hfni ft A fbl msf't msf.
^`iy'ri kust too stujjorb to fnemt mt fbn lit jfch wmt` ifc` ot`ir! Ft msf pf, hubl
pfpftflfamb bftmb to, afaobl afafame fbl hfpmt bm Sfjrmbf hfy Hfni! Jfhf eflmbl
pirefbibt bf smyf bo! Caosi grmibns bftmb fbl elf Oblpfuco, tmblmb eo jf `mbnm smyf
nfnfa`mb bm Hfni sf elf pfrtmis bf mejmtfno nmb tfyo? Meflmbi eo bf afbl yubl luao
sf Nfvfo bf efblyfyfrm uamt sf gfemay lit-tolit`irs bmaf nf`ma fhmb! Jicfusi M
 swifr to Lon, `mbnm ho fafe hubl fobl lflfwmb ho hfy Sfjrmbf hfpfl bflhmtf hfem
uamt!" @mbmblfa fho sf nf`ma sf jmams bl pflsfsfamtf ho ft sf pfbllmlmlma hfy
Sfjrmbf Sfrti.

Bfrmbml ho fbl pfltfwf bm Hme. "M lit you. Jfamtffb eo bf afbl fho efefyf pfl-uwm
eo `f?" sfjm bm Hme.

"Ohfy! Jyi!" sfjm ho. "S`mt! Bfsffb bf jf yubl winli ho?" M fshin eysiag out aoun.

"Bfsf sfaf! Bfhmtf ho hfbmbf jflo fho uefams!" sfjm bm Hme jflo bmyf pmbutoa fbl
tfwfl.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf p`obi ho. Bflmlmbl `fjot ho bf tfaflf hfusfpmb fbl sfrmam ho
lfemt fbl efafhfs hobl josis. Bfpfmambl fho.

Hmbu`f ho fbl s`ouanir jfl ho jflo auefjfs bl hwfrto ft nuemritso bl sfaf. Flfn
hobl bfhmtf sf tfjm bl ef`fjfbl sogf fbl winli sfbnfas ho. ^uefjm fho hfy Zmvir ft
hmbu`f fbl winlisfbnfas ho.

Fbn wmt` cafeey `fbns, M trmin to wifr mt ob ey giit.

"Ait ei," sfjm bm Zmvir bfbl tfpmhmb bmyf fbl hfefy ho. Bfpfbsmb bmyf smlurobl
bf`m`mrfpfb fho nf`ma sf pflnuafs bl strfp bmto sf hfefy ho. @mbnm bf fho puefafl
fbn M kust wftc`in `me `iap ei put ob ey winli sfbnfas ob ey giit.

"^`fbh you," sfjm ho sf hfbyf bfbl eftfpos smyf.

Bluemtm afbl smyf sf fhmb. O` loonbiss. ]ubl nmepais bmyf!

Fftfhm`mb ftf fho sf puso nf`ma sf hmaml.

***

"\faf bf bfefb fhobl rilfao hfy ^mtf Fmbf," sfjm ho hfy Zmvir `fjfbl bfhftmblmb sf
afjfs bl jmbtfbf bl hotsi bmyf.

"Nob't swift mt. S`i's wob't embn." Tiro bfhfhf`myf pf rmb. Tfbl-mafbl jisis ho bf
tobl jfamh sf hfbmaf tfpos wfaf pf rmb fhobl nfaf bf hf`mt fbo.

"Twinibl `uembto tfyo sf msfbl supirefrhit? Efl`f`fbfp afbl fho sflamt bl

efjmjmam," sfjm ho jflo auemblob hfy Zmvir.

Yemambl smyf `fjfbl bfsf nffb pf rmb fbl hfbyfbl ftibsyob. "Jfji, rifaay. S`i wob't
embn mg you wibt t`iri iepty-`fbnin."
 M poutin. "Tiro lusto ho smyfbl jmlyfb bl rilfao." ^sfhf jmrt`nfy bm ^mtf Fmbf yubl
pupubtf`fb bfemb. Nfpft tfaflfbl efy nfaf hfembl lmgt. "Mhfw, fbobl rilfao eo sf
eoeey eo?"

"Bot`mbl."

"@f? Jfhmt? Fyfw eobl jmlyfb lmgt eoeey eo?" M fshin, cobgusin.

@i c`uchain. "M wfbt to. Jut M cfb't lmvi `ir w`ft s`i wfbts." Fbo hfyf yub? Efpirf
bfefb sm Zmvir. M'e suri fggorn bmyf myob. Jfhf pirsobfamzin mtie yubl lusto bl
eoeey bmyf. Jfhf pwinibl fho bf afbl fbl efljmlfy bub ft m`fjoa ho bf afbl bixt
wiih?

"Fbo jfbl lusto bm ^mtf Fmbf lfambl sf'yo? Jfhf pwinibl fho bf afbl efljmlfy," M

sullistin wmt` f semai. @mbnm efsfefbl mniyf yub `f.

Auemblob smyf sf fhmb sflamt jflo bluemsm. "Lrfbnhmns."

Y```... w`ft?

"Lusto bf bmyf bl fpo?" M fshin riauctfbtay. @i bonnin. "Fbn you cfb't lmvi mt to
`ir yit?" @i bonnin flfmb. "Yee... wow. @mbnm jft pfrfbl fbl jftf eo pf pfrf nub?
Hfhf-twibty-obi eo afbl hfyf!"

@i c`uchain flfmb. "S`i `fn ei ft twibty obi."

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "Tiro `mbnm jf nfpft mbmmsmp bm tmtf bf jflo hf eflhffbfh
nfpft ieotmobfaay, gmbfbcmfaay, p`ysmcfaay fbn spmrmtufaay rifny hf bf jflo
eflhffbfh! ^sfhf nfpft, efbulfbl eubf fbl `mbf`fbfp bmyf jflo fpo!"

^`ms tmei, Zmvir aful`in out aoun. "S`i farifny goubn you," `i sfmn fgtir
ricovirmbl groe `ms aful`tir.

M lfspin. "@O], ZMWIZ OBLTFYCO! @MBNM TF BLF HM^F SMBFSFLO^ YAM^! ^FTOS JFAFH EO BF
HO TFHFSFAFB F^ FBFHFB?! FJF! BFBFBFLMBMT HF!" smlfw ho sf hfbyf.

@i kust c`uchain. "]ou efhi mt soubn amhi mt's f jfn mnif."

"Jfn mnif tfaflf yub bo. 64 yifrs pf jflo fho eflpfpfhfsfa ft jujuo bl pfemayf bo."
M `uggin. "Efrfem pf hobl pfblfrfp sf ju`fy bo," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. "Mhfw, fbo bfbl
bfblyfrm sf pfblfrfp eobl eflmbl frc`mtict? Hfmafb yubl rivmiw eo gor jofrn ixfe?"
 "M t`mbh M'e lombl to `fvi f jrifh wmt` mt gor fw`mai."

"Jfhmt? Lusto eo pf rmb eflmbl frc`mtict, nmjf?" tfbobl ho.

Bluemtm smyf. "]up, stmaa no." ^`ft's loon. "M biin to `fvi two yifrs wort` og worh
ixpirmibci pf jigori M tfhi t`i jofrn ixfe." S`i s`rullin. "Jut gmrst M biin to
coepaiti ey p`ysmcfa t`irfpy."

Oo blf bfefb. Syiepri hfmafblfb bmyf eubfbl ubf`mb fbl `ifat` bmyf. Hfmafblfb bmyf
eftfpos yubl p`ysmcfa t`irfpy bmyf jflo m-cobsmnir yubl optmobs bmyf. Hfso pffbo
bfefb yubl rfcmbl cfriir bmyf fgtir?

"Tfbo yubl rfcmbl cfriir eo?" M fshin, ey cobcirb lrowmbl. Fafe hobl sojrfbl
ef`faflf hfy Zmvir fbl G6 Zfcmbl. Fafe ho rmbl `mbnm efnfam pfrf sf hfbyf fbl `mbnm

tfpusmb fbl sifsob bf to.

Mbfjot bmyf fbl hfefy ho bfbl tuemlma hfem nf`ma sf rin aml`t. "Nob't worry, jfjy.
Bixt
M'vi sifsob wmaa
nobi t`ms stfrt ob
jigori." Efrc` bmyf
Tmbmsma :469.pf
M'e projfjay
fbl mbgor
hfefy ho tmp-top s`fpisfjfy
fssurfbci jy t`ft tmei.
hmbnft pf.
M aifbin caosi to `me fbn hmssin `me ob `ms aigt c`iih, rml`t ft `ms nmepai.

"Bfsfjm ho bf jfbl proun bf proun fho sf'yo?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl bfhfblmtm.

Zifaay. Smyf afbl yubl hmafaf hobl hfyfbl efl-ixcia mb two cfriirs. Sfjm bmyf blf
sf fhmb nftm, tmei efbflieibt afbl fbl hftfpft bmto. Tiro smyiepri, M hbow `i's
nowbpafymbl mt. @mbnm bfefb amblmn sf hffafefb ho bf pfrf efltfluepfy, hfmafblfbl
efy pirsivirfbci, nitirembftmob, pfssmob ft aovi gor jot` og `ms two cfriirs.

@mbnm smyf bflsfamtf ft bfhftmtml afbl sf fhmb. "Troun bf proun fho sf'yo, Zmvir,"
juaobl ho sf hfbyf. M'e kust so proun fbn so mb aovi wmt` `me. Hf`mt bf `i's
jfafbcmbl two cfriirs, M'e stmaa f pfrt og `ms guturi pafbs.

Bfhmtf ho fbl pflpuaf bl elf pmsblm bmyf. "^`fbh you. ^`ft eifbs f aot." Bluemtm
fho sf hfbyf. Afaobl sueiryoso fbl euh`f bmyf. "Jfjy..."

Bfpftffs fbl msbfl hmafy ho. "]is?"

"M aov-"

Tfri`fs hfembl bfpftfaob sf luaft bfbl efrmbml bfemb fbl efafhfs bf jusmbf lfambl
sf amhurfb bfembl hotsi.

S@M^! SFSFJM@MB BF BM]F I@! FBL YBGFMZ BFEFB O@! SFSFJM@FB BF BMM]F FHOBL EF@FA
BM]F FHO BLF]OBL NMAF^ BF NMAF^ FBL ELF EF^F HO! \@]]]]]?!?!?!
 Auemblob fho sf hotsi sf amhurfb bfemb ft tmbmlbfb smyf bl efsfef. Jusmbf pf rmb bl
jusmbf fbl lflo. @uembto afbl mto bfbl pmbffbnfr bm Zmvir fbl hotsi. Sf sojrfbl
mbms ho sf aitsibl efejujusmbf bf yub, pmbfhmtf ho sf hfbyf hubl lffbo fho hfmbms.

M `ifrn Zmvir aful`in out aoun. Juefamh bf fho sf pflhfhffyos bl upo.

"Jfjy, nmn you kust gamp `me ogg?"

***

Efl-ffaf nosi bf bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf ^flfytfy. \faf pfbl elf jmsmtf ft puro
cftirir pfafbl fbl bflhfaft sf lfrnib bmaf. Bm wfaf hfembl bfhmtfbl msfbl Oblpfuco
bf bfsf afjfs bl jf`fy bmaf. Tiro pflpfsoh bfemb sf aooj, huepaito smaf. Hfjmafbl
bf fbl tftfy bmaf bf sm Frc`mtict Ibrmco Oblpfuco.

Bfrfenfefb hobl bfpftmlma sm Zmvir sf tfjm ho. @uemlpmt nmb fbl pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf
sf hfefy ho. ^ftfbublmb ho sfbf smyf hubl jfhmt piro bfpfbsmb hobl sf hfefy bfembl
nfafwf bfhftmblmb fbl nfn bmyf. "\`ft t`i `iaa ms `i nombl `iri?"

Y`-o`. Euh`fbl wfaf ftfbl bfl-mbgore hfy Zmvir bf bfbnmto rmb fbl tftfy bmyf.

Bftmlma nmb fbl af`ft ft bfhftmblmb smaf sf hfbmafbl fef. \ow. Tfrfbl ihsibf afbl
sf msfbl C`mbisi eovmi. Tfrfbl sm Frc`mtict Oblpfuco fy sm Junn`f bf bfpfpfamjutfb
bl elf jftf. Hfso `mbnm bfefb eftfjf sm Frc`mtict.

Auemjot fbl tmblmb ho sf hfbmafbl af`ft. @mbnm ho efmbtmnm`fb fbl hfbmafbl elf
`mtsurf. Tfrf jfbl efy `mbm`mbtfy smafbl `mbnm eflfbnf bf efblyfrm.

Fwhwfrn.

Bfluaft fho bfbl efpftmblmb smafbl af`ft sf fhmb. Jfhmt? Fbobl eirob? S`mt. Nmn M
sfy t`ft out aoun?

Juemtfw sm Zmvir sf pflhfhf`fwfh bmyf sf hfefy ho. Auemblob fho sf hfbyf. Bfluaft
fho bfbl fhjfyfb bmyf fho. "M'e kust lobbf s`ow `ir ey rooe," sfjm bmto jflo bmyf
fho nmbfaf sf hwfrto bmyf sf mhfafwfbl pfafpfl bl jf`fy bmaf.

Bfhfrfenfe fho bl hfjf. Nispmti vmsmtmbl `iri gor t`rii tmeis farifny, blfyob
pfafbl fho efhfhfpfsoh sf hwfrto bmyf. Smluro bf rmb nf`ma myob afbl fbl optmob
bfemb pfrf efhftfhfs sf tftfy bmyf.

"M cfb't guchmbl jiamivi t`ie," sfjm bm Zmvir eftfpos bmyfbl efmsfrf fbl pmbto bl
hwfrto bmyf. Bfpfblfblf fho sf afhm bl hwfrto bmyf. Tfrfbl juobl fpfrteibt bf bfemb
fbl afhm bmto `f.
 Juefamh fbl ftibsyob ho hfy Zmvir bfbl efhmtf ho smyfbl ueupo sf hfef bmyf. "F
`ifn's up wouan'vi jiib bmci."

Yeupo fho sf tfjm bmyf. "Jfhf mbmmsmp bmaf bf `mbnm hf pupubtf hfpfl bfafefb eobl
bfbnmto smyf."

@mbnm smyf uememh ft efsfef pf rmb fbl tmblmb sf sf`ml. @mbfwfhfb ho fbl euh`f bmyf
lfemt fbl nfafwf hobl hfefy ft mbm`frfp smyf sf fhmb. "@iy, you'ri t`i jmllir
pirsob `iri. Ait's bot suah `iri, ohfy? @uwfl eobl smrfmb fbl jmrt`nfy bl eoeey eo.
Twini bfefb bftmbl mwfsfb bf afbl smyf ft `uwfl pfbsmbmb." M sfmn wmt` f cfae
vomci. Hfjfno fho sf bflmbl rifhsyob bmyf hfbmbf. Blfyob ho afbl bfhmtf hubl pffbo
bmyf mpfhmtf sf tftfy bmyf fbl lfamt bf bfrfrfenfefb bmyf pfrf rmto. Smluro fy
nf`ma bf rmb sf fafe ho bf fbl hftoto`fbfb.

@i sml`in jigori bonnmbl. "\`ft wouan M no wmt`out you, jfjy?"

Bfpfblmtm fho sf smbfjm bmyf. Gor soeiobi w`o's hbowb gor jimbl f efb og giw worns,
`i rifaay `fs f wfy wmt` worns. "Jfamh bf tfyo sf jfjf?" M sfw t`i `ismtftmob mb
`ms iyis.
flfmbst "@mbnm hmtf mmwfb efl-msf sf jfjf." @i hmssin ey gori`ifn fbn c`uchain
mt.

***

"@iy, Fbbfjit`!" jftm sf fhmb bm Afhi bfbl efhfafpmt smyf sf femb. Hfhftfpos afbl
bfemb hfusfpmb fbl msf sf elf tmto bm Zmvir, sm Er. Afrry Oblpfuco, fbl fnoptmvi
gft`ir bm Nrmzzai.

"Yy! Afhi! ^fefbl-tfef! Efy `m`mblmmb fhobl pfjor sf'yo!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf eftfpos
bmyf fhobl yfhfpmb. Flfn bfefb fhobl `mbmaf bm Zmvir pfafpmt sf hfbyf. Ts`. Siaoso.

Blmbmsmfb bmyf sm Zmvir jflo tuemblmb sf fhmb. "Fbyt`mbl gor you, K. \`ft's ms mt?"
tfbobl bmto. Mhmbuwibto ho sf hfbyf fbl bfblyfrm afst Sfturnfy sf fpfrteibt bfemb.
@mbnm af`ft bl nitfmas. ]ubl elf hfmafblfb bmyf afbl efafefb. Smbfjm ho bf rmb sf
hfbyf fbl hfjuufb bl pafbo ho pftm bf rmb hubl fbobl tmpo bl afafhm fbl lusto bm
Aoumssi.

"\fmt. M'e your luy. \`y fri you fshmbl `me gfvors w`ib M'e `iri?" tfbobl bm Zmvir.

Bfpfsmefblot fho. "@uwfl hfbl eflfamt. Bfmsmp ho afbl bf `mbnm hf pfpfyfl hfsm
jitwiib you fbn Afhi, mhfw yubl biutrfa pflnftmbl hfy Hfni. Sfefbtfafbl mtobl sm
Afhi, fafe hobl mbms nmb hfy Sfjrmbf nf`ma sf elf smbfjm bub hfy Hme nuob sf Nfvfo.
Lits eo bf?" pfamwfbfl ho, bfmmbms sf pflsisiaos bmmyf sf sfrmam bmyfbl hfpftmn.

@mbnm pf jf istfjams`in bf `mbnm ho bfefb typi sm Afhi? Ft mjf fbl lustobl jfjfi bm
Afhi?
 @i kust s`ooh `ms `ifn.

M aoohin ft Afhi fbn sfw `me lrmbbmbl. "M hbow t`i pirgict luy gor t`ms c`frfni!"
`i sfmn, seul. ^uemblmb smyf hfy Zmvir. "Jun, you rieiejir Fbnriw Cfkucoe?" Afhi
fshin Zmvir, `ms iyis laifembl wmt` emsc`mig.

M giat Zmvir riafxin jismni ei fs `i aful`in. "]ou'ri f smch jfstfrn. ]ou'ri

jrmblmbl out t`i jml lubs." Zmvir s`ooh `ms `ifn fs `i cobtmbuin c`uchambl.

@u`? "Smbo sm Fbnriw Cfkucoe?" tfbobl ho sf hfbmafbl nfafwf.

Afhi fbswirin. "Fbnriw Cfkucoe ms t`i goreir fatirbfti VJ og t`i Lrfy \oavis
Gootjfaa ^ife. @i's c`mbmto, sporty, tfaa, `fs f sibsi-og-`ueor, fbn bot to
eibtmob, `i's Hfni's jmllist coepitmtmob smbci gorivir," Afhi sfmn, tmchmbl ogg `ms
`fbns fs `i ibueirftin Fbnriw Cfkucoe's qufamtmis.

"\ow," M sfmn, meprissin. "Tiro pffbo hf efhfhfsmluro bf pfpfyfl smyf sf c`frfni bf

to?" M fshin, noujts stfrtin jullmbl ei.

Afhi wfllain `ms jrows. "Ait's kust sfy `i `fs bo c`omci," sfjm bmto jflo uefams sf
`frfpfb bfemb.

Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir. "Fbl wimrn tfaflf bl hfpftmn eo," sfjm ho sf hfbyf.

@i kust s`rullin.

@u`.

***

"^mtf Fmbf! @fppy jmrt`nfy po!" jftm ho hfy ^mtf jflo yuefhfp sf hfbyf. Blfyob ho
afbl smyf bfsoao. Bfsf husmbf fho ft bfl`m`mbtfy hfy Zmvir bf luefemt bl jfbyo bfbl
puefsoh rmb sm ^mtf Fmbf sf husmbf.

"M'e lafn you couan coei, `mkf!" sfjm bmyf eftfpos mjfamh fbl yfhfp ho.

"@ow fri you po?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl `mbmaf bmyf fho sf pmbfhfefafpmt bf
upufb. Yeupo hfembl pfri`f ft bflsmeuafbl efltsmhf`fb. Fbl jfmt-jfmt tfaflf bm
^mtf. Bivir ho bfrfenfefb sf hfbyf bf `mbnm fho wiacoei sf pfefef`fy bmaf smeuaf
bfbl efhmafaf ho smyf.

"]ou'ri stmaa bot tolit`ir?" luaft bmyfbl tfbobl. "Jut M t`oul`t..." s`i gfatirin.
 "\i'ri ohfy bf po. M'e kust wfmtmbl gor `me to fsh ei flfmb."

^uefblo smyf. "@i's c`fblin," jmlafbl sfjm bm ^mtf. Bfpfhubot fbl boo ho. "@i's
c`fblin gor t`i jittir jicfusi og you, `mkf. Jigori you, `i's kust f smaibt efb. @i
bivir tiaas ei `ms projaies or w`ftivir's jot`irmbl `me. M hbow `i's `urtmbl gor
ei, gor us jut `i bivir s`ows mt." Bflpubfs bl au`f sm ^mtf Fmbf jflo pf mto tueuao
sf hfbyfbl pmsblm. ^uefwf pf smyf. "Ey loonbiss! \`y fe M jafjjirmbl bobsibsi!"

Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm. Sfsfjm`mb ho jf hfy ^mtf Fmbf?

O` ey lons. Jf`faf bf.

"@i toan ei iviryt`mbl," M jaurtin out.

^mtf Fmbf stmaain. "Iviryt`mbl?" ^uefblo fho. "Fjout t`i Oblpfucos?" ^uefblo uamt

fho, bfl`m`mbtfy bl sfsfjm`mb bmyf. Bfl`m`mbtfy hubl eflflfamt smyf bf fafe ho fbl
smhrito bmaf. S`mt. Jfhmt ho pf hfsm mjmbuhf fbl jmjml ho?

Bluemtm sm ^mtf Fmbf. "M'e lafn `i nmn."

"]ou'ri bot efn po?" M fshin, surprmsin.

Yemambl smyf. "Og coursi bot. ]ou'ri `ms ot`ir `fag," sfjm bmyf, bf pfrfbl sfpft bf
myobl rfsob pfrf efafefb ho myob. Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb bm ^mtf Fmbf fbl hfefy
ho. "^`i gfct t`ft `i toan you `ms sicrit tiaas `ow euc` `i aovis fbn trusts you,
`mkf."

@mbnm fho bflsfamtf. M wfs kust nfebin spiic`aiss.

"Nob't jrifh ey joy's `ifrt flfmb, ohfy?" s`i sfmn, `ir jrowb iyis sifrmbl ei.

^uefblo fho. "M proemsi po."

"^`ft's faa M fsh gor," s`i sfmn, semambl.

***

"Fbl sfhmt bl elf pff ho," M w`mbin fs wi ibtir t`i fpfrteibt. M meeinmftiay
sauepin ob t`i sogf fbn caosin ey iyis. M kust amstibin to Zmvir eovi froubn t`i
fpfrteibt.

Embutis aftir, M wohi up ft t`i giia og `ms `fbns ob ey giit. "@iy, Tircy! Fbobl
lmbflfwf eo?" M fshin, lrollmay.
 "Lo jfch to saiip," sfjm afbl bmto `fjfbl tmbftfbllfa sf pff ho fbl winli sfbnfas
ho. Tmbfbuon ho afbl smyf ft `mbnm bf bflrihafeo pf. M kust wfbbf lo jfch to saiip.
Tiro `mbnm pwini. Hfmafblfb ho pfbl eflambms bl euh`f ft eflpubfs bl hftfwfb.

^ftfyo bf sfbf fho bfbl pmbmlmafb bmyf fho. "Zist your giit gor fw`mai," sfjm bmyf
jflo fho pmbf`mlf uamt. Bfpftmam fho bfbl jmlaf bmyfbl pmbuaot fbl elf pff ho.

"Efhmhmtf eo yubl pfbty ho! Fbo jf!" smtf ho sf hfbyf. ^uefwf afbl smyf, Smsmtf`mb
ho pf sfbf smyf hfso jmlaf fhobl bfpfubloa.

\ow. @ms `fbns. ^`iy'ri. So. Nfeb. Loon.

"Ey lons. M aovi you, Zmvir," M toan `me fs M ibkoyin `ms `fbns efssflmbl t`i soai
og ey rml`t goot.

Zmvir c`uchain. "Fbywfy, M'e aifvmbl gor Kfpfb bixt Grmnfy."

"Fbobl eirob?" tfbobl ho flfn.

"C`frmty rfcmbl ivibt."

^uefblo fho. "O`! Mblft hf! Fbn pfsfaujobl ho `f?"

"M wfbt you to coei wmt` ei," `i sfmn fs `i stoppin efssflmbl ey goot.

"M cfb't. Efy gmbfa cofc`mbl fho bixt Sfturnfy," M sfmn, poutmbl.

"Cfb't you emss obi?" `i fshin wmt` f growb.

Yemambl fho. "Sorry." Trmormtmis i.

@i sml`in, "^oo jfn. M wfs lombl to jrmbl you to f Stfr \frs Cobvibtmob t`iri."

Bfaflafl fho sf sf`ml. "Ey lons! Coubt ei mb!"

\iaa, bfl-mmjf bfefb fbl prmormtmis. @mbnm bfefb efsfefbl uefjsibt hf`mt msf afbl.
Afao bf't pfrf hfy Fbfhmb Shywfahir.
 55555555555555555

C`fptir 9<; M Hbow

C`fptir 9<

M Hbow

"]ou'ri afti," sfaujobl ho hfy Zmvir bfbl pfljuhsfb ho smyf bl pmbto. Bfhfsmefblot
fho ft bfhfpfeiwfbl `fjfbl smyf fy bfhfblmsm afefbl.

Yemambl smyf ft tuemblmb sf hfbyfbl orfsfb. "Jfjy, M'e :4 embutis ifray," sfjm
bmyf, bftftfwf. "]ou'ri kust ixcmtin."

Mbmrfpfb ho smyf ft mbmwfb sf `frfp bl pmbto. Bfbl efhfrftmbl fho sf sfaf fy flfn

hobl mbfjot fbl jflf`i ho.

"C'eob, ait's lo," sfjm ho sf hfbyf `fjfbl `maf-`maf fbl jflf`i ho bfbl puefsoh
smyf sf sfaf.

Bfrmbml ho smyfbl tuefwf. "]ou wob't ivib ait ei rist?" tfbobl bmyf, `faftfbl bfbl-
fsfr. Mbmrfpfb ho smy ft tuauy-tuaoy bfbl auefjfs bl fpfrteibt. Bfrmbml ho smyfbl
tuefwf jflo bfhmtfbl auefjfs bf nmb bl fpfrteibt. Smyf bf rmb fbl bflsfrf ft
bflhfbnfno bl pmbto.

Hmbu`f sf fhmb bm Zmvir fbl jflf`i ho gor our >-nfys stfy mb Kfpfb. Bfhfnflnfl sf
ixcmtieibt ho sf pfl-fams bfemb fy fbl pfl-fams bfemb bf fafe bl jot` pfribts
bfemb. @mbnm ho fafe hubl pffbo bfpfpfyfl bm Zmvir sm efef ft pfpf. Smluro fy
bfmsmp rmb bmaf bf nisirvi ho mto nf`ma sf nmhnmhfbl pfl-ffrfa ho pfrf sf jofrn
ixfe.

Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem sf efy pfrhmbl frif, bfpftfhjo bf fho sf hotsi bmyf. ^mbfwfbfb
afbl bmyf fho `fjfbl bmafaflfy sf trubh bl hotsi bmyf fbl jflf`i ho. Tmbfljuhsfb
bmyf rmb fho bl hotsi ft smyf bf rmb fbl bflhfjmt bl siftjiat ho sf `mbnm ho
efafefbl hfnf`mafbfb.

"@fvi you iftib? Mt's stmaa ifray, wi couan ift soeiw`iri," sfjm bmyf pflhfsfhfy
bmyf bl hotsi. Yemaambl fho `fjfbl pmbfpfbuon smyfbl efl siftjiat.

"@mbnm pf. @mbnm fho efhfhfhfmb sf sojrfbl ixcmtieibt," sfjm ho `fjfbl bfhfblmtm bl
efafhm. "Twini bfefbl sf fmrport bf tfyo huefmb. Jfhf ef-stuch pf tfyo sf trfggmc
hubl sf mjf pf."

^uemblmb smyf sf wrmstwftc` bmyf ft suemefblot. "\i stmaa `fvi t`rii `ours to
spfri."
 Yemambl fho. "Bot rmshmbl mt," M sfmn wmt` cobvmctmob. @i kust s`ooh `ms `ifn fbn
c`uchain. \imrno.

Suefbnfa fho ft bfpfjubtobl `mbmblf. S`mt. Gmbfaay. Kfpfb. Auemblob fho hfy Zmvir.
"Jutm bf afbl tfaflf ft pmbfyflfb fho bmbf efef ft pfpf!" M jifein ft `me. "@mbnm
ho tfaflf fafe hubl fbobl lflfwmb ho hubl `mbnm fho efhfhfpubtf sf Stfr \frs
Cobvibtmob! Jfhf efhmtf eo bf afbl fhobl aueuautfbl sf Maol Tfsml pfljfamh eo bl
Tmbfs," M sfmn kohmblay.

M sfw `me growb. "Bot gubby."

@mbnm pf rmb bfwfaf fbl blmtm ho. "Sirmousay. Sojrfbl sf'yo ho bf efhfhfpubtf fho
bl Kfpfb! ^`fbh you so euc`, Tircy!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo ho smyf bmafpmtfb ft
`mbfamhfb sf pmsblm. Bfwfaf fbl smefblot bmyf nf`ma nmto.

Suefbnfa uamt fho sf fhmbl upufb. "Ey lons! @mbnm pf fho bfhfhfrftmbl bl Kfpfb piro

ef`fa bf ef`fa ho bf yubl aulfr bf 'yub," M lus`in. "Fafe eo yub? Tfrfbl eiccf gor
t`i liihs nuob! Afbn og t`i otfhus! S`mt! M aovi you, Kfpfb!" M sfmn wmt` f sml`.

"Tmbflpfafbl aulfr ftf tfaflf nub i. Meflmbi eo, efy Nmsbiyafbn bf smaf tfpos efy
Ybmvirsfa Stunmos pf. Ey lons! M swifr, `f`famhfb ho yubl aupf nuob t`i eoeibt bf
efhfrftmbl tfyo sf ^`i \mzfrnmbl \oran og @frry Tottir! @f`famhfb ho rmb sm
C`iwjfccf mg M sii `me sf Stfr \frs cob!" M jfjjain. Lons. @i's t`i jist-ist
joygrmibn safs` sumtor f lmra couan ivir fsh gor. Hftmbl-hftm bf fho sflutmb smyf
piro `mbnm bmyf pf rmb fho tmbftfbobl.

"Bfmmeflmbi ho bf yubl sfrmam ho tfaflf. Eflauaupfsfy fho sf Nmflob Faaiy!" sfjm ho

`fjfbl tueftfwf. \faf bl `myf-`myf tfaflf. "Hfmafblfb efhfjmam nmb fho bl wfbn!
OEL! Eflhfhfroob fho bl wfbn! Ixcmtin bf tfaflf fho efhfpubtf sf ^`i \mzfrnmbl
\oran og @frry Tottir!"

Zmvir caifrin `ms t`roft. "Fjout t`ft..." Bfpfamblob fho sf hfbyf.

"Jfhmt?" tfbobl ho. Jfhmt euh`fbl hmbfhfjf`fb smyf?

Bfpfhfeot smyf bl uao. "Jfjy, wi cfb't lo Ybmvirsfa Stunmos mg wi'ri lombl to t`i
Stfr \frs cob." M kust stfrin ft `me. \`ft? "Ybmvirsfa Stunmos ms mb Osfhf w`mai
t`i cob ms mb ^ohyo. Osfhf ms eori or aiss 9 `ours fwfy groe ^ohyo."

"Tiro efafpmt sf Osfhf yubl Suzuhf Cmrcumt nmjf?" Sf Suzuhf Cmrcumt lflfbfpmb fbl
c`frmty rfci bmaf. Efblyfyfrm mto fb `our fgtir eftfpos bl G6 rfci bf lflfbfpmb nmb
nuob. "^sfhf `mbnm jf tfyo pwini suefhfy bl pafbi?"

@i sml`in. "M stmaa `fvi to trfmb ivib mg mt's f c`frmty rfci." Auemblob smyf sf
fhmb sflamt. "M'e sorry, jfjy. Jut you `fvi to c`oosi. Mt's imt`ir Stfr \frs or
@frry Tottir."
 Ey kfw nroppin opib.

"]ou'ri efhmbl ei c`oosi jitwiib Stfr \frs fbn @frry Tottir?" M fshin mb f sefaa
vomci. @i bonnin. "Fri you Smrums? ^`ft's amhi fshmbl ei to c`oosi jitwiib Hme fbn
Aoumssi!" S`mt. S`mt! Ey iyis stfrtin to stmbl! "Fbn mb your cfsi, pfrfbl
pfpfpmammb hf bub jitwiib Afhi fbn Hfni! Fbn you jittir c`oosi Afhi jicfusi Hfni's
fb fss`oai! Jut t`ft's jismni t`i pombt!" M jfjjain flfmb.

S`mt. Hfbmbf afbl fbl sfyf-sfyf ho! Jfhmt blfyob bmyf afbl smbfjm sf fhmb bf `mbnm
bfemb pwinibl efpubtf`fb pfri`o yubl Stfr \frs cob ft \mzfrnmbl? Ey lons. Fbobl
bfblyfrm? \`ft hmbn og sorciry ms t`ms?

"M'aa lmvi you tmei to nicmni," `i sfmn. Sf nmbfem-nfem bl smbfjm ho, yub afbl fbl
smbflot bmyf. \ow!

***

"Jfjy, fri you stmaa efn ft ei?" Zmvir w`mspirin ft ei fs wi gfcin t`i ibtrfbci og
^ohyo NmsbiySif. @mbnm ho smyf smbflot piro `mbfwfhfb ho fbl hfefy bmyf. @mbnm
bfefb sfl famt, bfltftfepo afbl. Juefjf rmb fbl aivia bl ixcmtieibt ho. Hfbmbf pf
fho `mbnm efsyfnobl uememh, smeuaf bfbl sfjm`mb bmyf fbl jfn biws bmyf `fbllfbl sf
efhfrftmbl bf hfem rmto sf Kfpfb.

"\i couan fawfys coei jfch, you hbow," sfjm pf bmto jflo efrf`fbl pmbmsma fbl hfefy
ho. ^uefblo afbl fho. Bfhhfaublhot ft `mbnm fho efhfhftmhmh bl Juttir Jiir. M
sml`in.

Bfluaft fho bl `mbmaf bmyf fho pfafpmt sf hfbyf. "No you rifaay wfbt to lo?" tfbobl
bmyf sf fhmb bfbl eflhf`frfp hfem. ^uefblo fho. "Ohfy, t`ib. M wob't trfmb gor t`i
c`frmty rfci."

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "Bo!" sfjm ho `fjfbl uemmambl. "Nfpft efl-trfmb hf! @mbnm
bfefb yub yubl hmbfhfaublhot ho, yubl `mbnm tfyo efhfhfpubtf. Mt's ohfy bf. ^fbllfp
ho bf. Efaublhot afbl fho hfsm `mbnm eo fho mbmbgore nfys jigori our trmp," M
ixpafmbin meeinmftiay. Ef`mrfp bf. M nob't wfbt `me to mbkuri `mesiag flfmb.
Hfmafblfb bmyf efl-trfmb. Hfmafblfb bmyfbl efgfemamfrmzi yubl rfcitrfch. Hfmafblfb
bmyfbl `mbnm efwfaf sf gocus.

Lrfji. ^`ms luy wouan rifaay no fbyt`mbl gor ei. @mbnm ho fafe hubl eflfbnf pf jf
myob o `mbnm. M eifb, s`mt, mg M fsh `me to lmvi up `ms rfcmbl cfriir... jfhf lfwmb
bmyf! Fbn M `opi bot! Jicfusi mg `i nois t`ft, M hbow `i'aa risibt ei gor mt.

Ey lons. Fbl afyo bf bl mbmmsmp ho!

"Fri you suri?" tfbobl bmyf sf fhmb.

 ]is! Suri bf suri! Toemsi! Cross ey `ifrt fbn `opi to nmi! sfjm ho pf w`mai nombl
t`i w`oai spmia.

Zmvir c`uchain. "C'eob t`ib. Stop poutmbl."

Ft `mbmaf bf fho bm Zmvir hubl sffb-sffb. Ybf hfembl bflpf-pmcturi sf ibtrfbci bl

NmsbiySif, sf efy `frfpfb bl laoji nuob. Tflpfsoh bfemb sf Einmtirrfbifb @frjor fy
flfn hfembl nuemritso sf Wibmtmfb Lobnoafs ft nuob suefhfy.

Nuob bfwfaf fbl af`ft bl aublhot nf`ma sojrfbl roefbtmc bl fteosp`iri hf`mt efmblfy
fbl pfamlmn! Meflmbi eo bfafbl, iviry tmei bf nfnffb hfem sf mafame bl jrmnlis fy
pmbmpmamt hfembl efl-hmss bubl bflsfsflwfb! Sf nmbfem-nfembl bfhfsfhfy, hfem afbl
yubl jmbmjmro bl af`ft! Bfhfhfaohf! @mbnm bfefb tueftfbllm sm Zmvir ft `mbf`famhfb
fho sf pmsblm, boo ft maobl ho. Ibkoy bf ibkoy smyf! Bflpfhu`f pf smyf bl pmcturi
bfemb. M jit mpo-post bmyf myob sf ML bmyf.

Tflnftmbl bfemb sf Feirmcfb \ftirgrobt fy pmbmam bfembl suefhfy sf ^rfbsmt Stifeir

Ambi. Gor faeost 69 embutis fy bfamjot bfemb fbl juobl NmsbiySif nf`ma nmto. Fbl
lfbnf-lfbnf bl elf vmiw. Tfpfamt-pfamt nf`ma bfnfnffbfb bfemb af`ft bl t`iein ports
bl NmsbiySif!

Tiro fbl pmbfhfbfhfhf`myf sf af`ft bl bfblyfrm fy bubl pueubtf hfem sf Frfjmfb

Cofst. Yemyfh afbl bfefb fho `fjfbl bfhfsfhfy hfem bm Zmvir sf Kfsembi's Gaymbl
Cfrpits rmni! @mbnm ho fafe hubl fbobl bfblyfrm sf fhmb piro fs soob fs M `ifrn
Zmvir `ueembl F \`oai Biw \oran, M kust stfrtin crymbl! Nyf`i!

Hfhfmjf yubl giiambl i. Siimbl Kfsembi's pfafci. ^`i w`oai pafci. ^`i vmji. ]ubl
hfsfef ho. S`mt. Fbl sfyf bl giiambl bf `mbnm efmbtmbnm`fb.

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pflyfhfp sf fhmb bm Zmvir. "@iy, jfjy. \`ft's wrobl?" juaobl bmyf
sf fhmb, rmbml sf josis bmyf fbl pfl-ffafaf.

Yemambl fho. "Ovirw`iaein afbl," M sfmn, aful`mbl. Jflfy sf femb yubl hfbtf. @i
amtirfaay s`owin ei t`i woran.

Bfpfblmtm smyf sf `mtsurf ho. Euh`f smluro fhobl jfamw, uemmyfh-tfwf. @mbfwfhfb
bmyf fho sf aiil ft sf pmsblm. Ey `ifrt meeinmftiay shmppin f jift w`ib M
ricolbmzin w`ft `i's nombl. @ms gfvormti eovi. @i wmpin ey tifrs wmt` `ms t`uejs.

"]ou wfbt to ift afsflbf?" `i fshin, lrmbbmbl. Lrfji. Tftm coegort goon ho bfmsmp
pf bmyf!

Yemambl fho. "Bf`. Ohfy bf fho nmto," M sfmn jigori aifbmbl mbto `ms s`ouanir. @i
put `ms fre froubn ey s`ouanir. ^`ib M `ifrn `me `ueembl t`i sobl flfmb.

***
 M sauepin ob ey jin ivib mg M'e stmaa wifrmbl ey jft`roji fbn bot`mbl ubnir. \faf
bf fhobl pfhm. \fsfh bf wfsfh fho. Tflon bf pflon. M'e so iggmbl tmrin fbn guaa.

^uafn bl lmbfwf bfemb sf @oblHobl Nmsbiyafbn, bflpffjot hfem `fbllfbl sf @fppmbiss

ob @ml` fhf t`i fwisoei gmriworhs. Hf`mt `mbnm ho bf efrfenfefb yubl pff ho fy bfl-
stfy pf rmb hfem `fbllfbl sf eftfpos.

Bfpf`fwfh fho sf tmyfb ho. @mbmefs-`mefs ho bf rmb mto nf`ma pfhmrfenfe ho fy

puputoh mto. Jaoftin fbl giiambl ho. Fbl nfem hfsmbl mbo-ornir sf fhmb bf rooe
sirvmci. Lusto yftf fhobl pftfjfmb afao.

M sml`in. Efjutm bf afbl ft eflhf`mwfafy hfem bl hwfrto bm Zmvir. M nob't t`mbh

eflflfwf hobl `uemaftf bl lfbmto hubl bfbnmto smyf ft hftfjm ho sf hfef. Msf hfsm
sf elf lmbmmt bmaf efef bf eflhf`mwfafy hfem bl hwfrto sf `otia. Hf`mt smaf pf rfw
fbl efljfyfn bl `otia fccoeeonftmobs ho, ohfy afbl sf hfbmaf. Syiepri, `mbnm ohfy
hfy Zmvir myob. ^mblmb bmyf fy smyf nfpft fbl lflfstos sf af`ft nf`ma smyf fbl
bflyfyf sf fhmb auefjfs bl jfbsf.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efl-rmbl fbl p`obi ho bf bfsf tfjm ho afbl. Flfn hobl
smbflot bfbl efhmtf ho fbl rofembl buejir bm Zmvir sf scriib bl p`obi ho.

"Yy! Jfhmt?" sflot ho, rmbml sf josis ho fbl pflon.

"S`mt. Sorry. M s`ouanb't `fvi cfaain. ]ou'ri nifn tmrin." M fe nifn tmrin piro
bfwfaf bf yubl fbtoh ho. Fbn `ifrmbl `ms vomci... mt hmbn og efni ei emss `me hf`mt
mafbl orfs pf afbl hfembl bflhfhfafyo.

\ow, fhfaf eo mafbl hmaoeitro fbl afyo bfemb sf msft msf. Sfefbtfafbl msfbl pfnir
afbl bfefb fbl bfefeflmtfb sf femb. Ojsiss euc`?

"Mt's ohfy. Fbo jfbl eirob? Efy projaief jf?"

M `ifrn `me sml`. "M kust emss you," sflot bmyf.

Bfpfhflft fho bl afjm ft bfpfblmtm. Tfri`fs hfem. "Mt's so crfzy. Emss bftmb fbl
msft msf hf`mt mafbl orfs tfyobl eflhfsfef juobl frfw. Fbn bot to eibtmob, msfbl
pfnir afbl fbl pflmtfb bftmb," bftftfwf hobl sfjm.

"So you emss ei too, `u`?" tfbobl bmyf. M roaain ey iyis fs mg `i cfb sii ei. Sf
nfem bl smbfjm ho, myob fbl tueftfh sf hfbyf.

"Jfhmt? Tfafl?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf. @i kust c`uchain. "^`fbh you pfaf nuob sf
mbornir eobl pflhfmb pfrf sfhmb. Sojrfbl nfem! @mbnm ho bfujos! Mg you wfbt to,
pubtf hf nmto tfpos ujusmb eo," M sullistin fs M aoohin ft t`i trfy og goon ob ey
tfjai.
 M `ifrn `me sml`. "M nob't t`mbh t`ft's f loon mnif."

Bfpfsmefblot fho. "Jfhmt bfefb? Fhfaf ho jf emss eo ho?" M fshin, poutmbl.

"M nob't wfbbf jrifh ey proemsi to your pfribts." O`. ^`ft. Oo blf pfaf. "^rust ei,
M wfbbf ji t`iri wmt` you. Jut..."

Fbn? Fbn fbo? "@uwfl eo blf fhobl jmtmbmb!" sfjm ho bfbl efrfenfefeb hobl `mbnm
bmyf tftfpusmb fbl sfsfjm`mb bmyf.

"M'e ft ey amemt."

O`.

Nfeb.

Nmn M `ifr `me rml`t?

M sft up ob ey jin. "So t`ft eifbs you wfbt to-"

"]if`," `i sfmn, cuttmbl ei ogg.

M jmt ey aowir amp t`ib luapin. "Yee... \ow." Sf tmbflfa-tflfa bfembl bflhffyos,
blfyob bf afbl uamt smyf bflpfhmtf bl mbnmhfsyob bf lusto bmyf fho sf... sf lfbubl
pfrffb.

"Lusto eo mjfjf ho bf yubl p`obi? Tfrf fbo... ]ou hbow... Efhfpfl... uee, riaifsi
hf or soeit`mbl," M stuttirin fs ey c`iihs jurbin.

M `ifrn `me aful`. "^`ft `fs jiib tfhib cfri og." O`. \ow.

M gfhin f aful`. "^`ms ms fwhwfrn." M gfhin f yfwb too gor loon eifsuri. M paoppin
nowb ob ey pmaaow.

"Nob't `fbl up t`i p`obi," jmlaf bmyfbl smbfjm.

M sbullain ey pmaaow. "@u`? Mbffbtoh bf fho. Jfhf efhftuaulfb hmtf."

"\ouan mt ji wimrn mg M wfbbf `ifr you saiip?" `i fshin c`uchambl. M puaain t`i
p`obi fwfy groe ei fbn lafrin ft mt. M put jfch ob ey ifr.
 "Lusto eo afbl efrmbml yubl saiip-tfahmbl ho i!" M fccusin `me. S`mt. Fbo bf hfyf
yubl elf bfrmbml bmyf sf fhmb jigori? Yl`.

@i aful`in flfmb. "Justin."

"Fbo bf jf bfrmbml eo sf jmjml ho jigori?"

Bfbf`memh smyf sflamt. Jf`flyf fhobl bfhfrfenfe bl hfjf nf`ma nuob. "]ou fawfys sfy
t`rii t`mbls w`ib you'ri saiipmbl. ]ou'n sfy you aovi ei, Nfrt` Wfnir fbn afsflbf."

M lfspin. O` ey Lon. Bfhfhf`myf fho. Bfhfhf`myf eflmbl fho. "Siryoso?" @i kust

c`uchain. "@mbnm hf bfljmjmro?"

"Bopi."

Bfpfhfeot fho bl uao. "]ub afbl jf elf smbfjm ho?" S`mt. Giiambl ho `mbnm afbl yub!
Efrfem pf! Ey lons! Jfhf smbfjm ho sf hfbyf yubl elf jflfy-jflfy bf `mbnm bmyf pf
fafe tublhoa sf fhmb.

"M mbvohi ey rml`ts flfmbst siag-mbcrmembftmob," `i sfmn, tifsmbl ei.

M lrowain. "Jf`faf hf nmyfb! @mbnm ho sfsfjm`mb sf'yo yubl smbfjm sfhmb bm ^mtf
Fmbf!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo smyf jmbfjffb bl p`obi.

@F! Fhfaf bmyf!

Bfl-rmbl fbl p`obi ho piro `mbnm ho bf smbflot. Juefblob fho ft bfljm`ms bf.
Eftfpos bub fy juefamh bf fho sf hfef ft `mbmaf fbl coegortir jflo fho puefmafame
nuob. @m`mlf bf sfbf fho bl effyos bfbl efl-rmbl fbl p`obi sf jinsmni tfjai ho.

Jfhmt efy tueftfwfl? Smbo hfyf? ]ubl grobt nish?

Yeupo fho bl effyos ft mbfjot fbl tiaipobo sf jinsmni tfjai. Smbflot ho flfn mto.
"@iaao? \`o's t`ms?" hfjfno hobl tfbobl.

"^`i `fbnsoei luy bixt noor."

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho. "Zmvir?!"

"]ou wob't fbswir your ciaap`obi so... yif`." @mbnm fho uememh. "\`ft nmn ey eoe
sfy to you?"

M roaain ey iyis flfmb fs M ami nowb flfmb. Hbowmbl t`ft `i wob't stop jullmbl ei
 ubtma `i lits w`ft `i wfbts, M riaibtin. "S`i fshin ey bot to jrifh your `ifrt
flfmb." M wfmtin gor `me to rifct jut `i nmnb't sfy soeit`mbl. "M proemsin to `ir
bf `mbnm ho lflfwmb sf'yo yub. \`ft ixfctay nmn M no to you? Tfrf efsfjm bmyf bf M
obci jrohi your `ifrt?" M fshin `me.

\ow. Sffb ho bf`fbfp yubl courfli bf `mbf`fbfp ho t`isi pfst giw nfys? Eftflfa bf
rmbl juefjflfjfl sf fhmb yubl pfl-uusfp bfemb bm ^mtf Fmbf. Tfaflm ho afbl
bfhfhfameutfb mtfbobl hfy Zmvir.

"\`ib wi jrohi up, M goubn eysiag mb niip s`mt. M nmnb't wfbt to jrifh your `ifrt
jut M hbow you nisirvi jittir t`fb fb fss og f joygrmibn." Ey `ifrt squiizin w`ib M
rieiejirin t`i nfys `i wfs fctmbl amhi fb fss to ei. "^`ft tmei, M hiip ob tiaambl
eysiag t`ft M nmn t`i rml`t t`mbl. Jut siimbl you wmt` Lfji, siimbl your aigt `fbn
sportmbl t`ft guchmbl rmbl, mt kust hbochin ei nowb."

M lfspin. Blfyob ho afbl bfrmbml sf hfbyf mto. M `fvi bo mnif. "Mt wfs amhi f
lamepsi mbto t`i guturi. \ouan M wfbt to sii ey lmra iblflin fbn lit efrrmin to
fbot`ir luy? \ouan M survmvi siimbl you juman f amgi wmt` soeiobi ot`ir t`fb ei?" M

`ifrn `me c`uchai emrt`aissay. "^`i rifamzftmob `mt ei `frn. Hfni fbn Afhi's illmbl
`iapin too."

M wfs spiic`aiss.

"^`ft p`oto jrohi ei. M nrubh eysiag stupmn t`ft bml`t fbn eoe... eoe sfw ei mb
t`ft stfti." M covirin ey eout` fbn `ian jfch ey lfsp. O` ey Lon. Hfyf pfaf. Hfyf
pfaf lfbub sm ^mtf FMbf. Hfyf bmyf pfaf bfsfjm myob.

"M lit mt bow," M sfmn, stmaa riiambl groe `ms worns.

"]ou s`ouan saiip bow. \i biin to wfhi up ifray gor t`i Stfr \frs cob." ^`ft's w`ib
M hbiw t`i s`frmbl ms ovir. M nob't wfbt to pus` `me jicfusi M hbow `i wmaa
ivibtufaay s`fri flfmb... mb `ms owb tmei.

"Loon bml`t, Tircy."

"Nob't `fbl up, Fbbfjit`."

M nmnb't.

***

Jigori @frry Tottir, M wfs farifny `ifn ovir `iias mb aovi wmt` Fbfhmb Shywfahir
fbn t`i Gorci. So mt wouanb't tfhi f aot to gmluri out t`ft M c`osi t`i Stfr \frs
cob ovir t`i \mzfrnmbl. Jut M'e stmaa jueein ovir bot siimbl mt.

M s`faa riturb. Mtflo eo sf jfto. Jfjfamhfb hmtf, @frry Tottir.

 "Zifny?" Zmvir fshin ei w`ib wi'ri fjout to ibtir t`i Stfr \frs Cob.

M jifein ft `me. "644%!" M sfmn ixcmtinay, ey mbbir Kinm tfhmbl ovir ey jony.

Ft tmbotoo ho fbl smbfjm ho. @mbfamhfb ho sm C`iwjfccf ft Nfrt` Wfnir Bfhu`fbfb bm

Zmvir bl amtrfto fbl elf myob. Efy pmcturis fho wmt` Auhi Shywfahir, Z:-N:, hfy
Ojm-\fb Hibojm, ]onf, @fb Soao ft sf hubl smbu-smbo pfbl cospafyirs bl Stfr \frs
grfbc`msi.

Eubtmh bf blf fhobl huefwfaf yubl aisjmfb tibnibcmis ho bfbl efhmtf ho yubl
cospafyir bm Trmbciss Aimf. M eifb, wow. @mbnm ho blf fafe hubl jfhmt bfpubtf fbl
eftf ho sf crotc` bl pfbts bm Zmvir. Efjutm bf afbl ft `mbnm bmyf fho bf`uam.
Efjutm rmb bf wfaf fhobl bfhmtfbl efafhmbl tibt bl embirfa wftir jottai nuob.

Eovmbl ob...

Fbl pmbfhf-ubgorlittfjai ixpirmibci ho sf Stfr \frs cob fy bubl bfhjfyfb fho bl

cospafyir bm Fbfhmb Shywfahir ft mjmbmlfy bmyf sfhmb yubl aml`tsfjir bmyf!

Bfpfmyfh fho bub. ^mbfwfbfb tuaoy fho bmaf. Jutm bf afbl bmyfhfp fho bm Zmvir. Ey
lons! M wfs suriay mb t`i Kinm `fvib. Faa t`fbhs to t`ms fwisoei luy!

"^`fbh you so, so euc`, Tircy!" M sfmn flfmbst `ms c`ist. "^`fbh you gor jrmblmbl
ei `iri!"

"Obay gor you, jfjy." M stfrin ft `me aovmblay. "M aovi you," `i w`mspirin wmt` f
lrmb.

"M hbow," M lfspin, ubmbtibtmobfaay quotmbl @fb Soao.

^`i Kinms fbn storetroopirs aful`in ft us fbn wi kust cobtmbuin to stfri ft ifc`
ot`ir.

O@ E] AOZN. @i kust sfmn. ^o ei.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 90; Jfn Amttai Trmbciss

C`fptir 90

Jfn Amttai Trmbciss

 M juepin `me wmt` ey s`ouanirs w`mai wi'ri wfahmbl towfrns t`i iaivftors. @i aoohin
ft ei fbn growbin. "M'e so proun og you. Bfsfjm eo bf nmb!" M tifsin `me.

@i roaain `ms iyis. "]ou'ri bot lobbf amvi mt nowb, fri you?" ^mbfwfbfb ho afbl
smyf. Tmhob bf pmhob bf smluro smyf nf`ma smeuaf hf`fpob, buobl smbfjm bmyf sf fhmb
`frfp-`frfpfb gor t`i viry gmrst tmei bf ef`fa bmyf fho, fy mbffsfr ho bf smyf bf
gmbfaay bfsfjm bmyf bf.

"Bo! Fbl tflfa hobl `mbmtfy yub bo!" sfjm ho sf hfbyf jflo pmbnutmb fbl nowb juttob
sf `frfpfb ho.

"Jut mt wfs wort` mt, rml`t?" Bfpftmblmb fho sf hfbyf. Bftubulfb ho hfsm fbl
birjyos sf josis bmyf.

^uefblo fho ft bluemtm sf hfbyf. "Sojrf."

Jueuhfs fbl pmbto bl iaivftor ft pmbfubf bmyf fhobl puefsoh. "]ou nmnb't sfy mt
jfch, t`oul`," `i lruejain fs `i ibtirin. @i pus`in t`i 'lroubn' juttob.

"@mbnm jf blf sfjm eo... ovirusin bf yub! Hfyf tuafn eo, M wob't sfy mt ubtma M
giia amhi jurstmbl wmt` ey giiambls!" M tifsin `me. @i kust c`uchain fs `i put `ms
fre froubn ey s`ouanirs. "Bf-rifamzi ho bf rmb yubl pombt bf embsfb afbl eflsfjm
bubl t`rii worns."

"Zifaay? \`ft's t`ft, jfjy?" `i fshin, aoohmbl nowb ft ei.

"Efs ohfy bf `mbnm sf af`ft bl orfs eflsfsfjm tfyo bubl t`rii worns. Efs ohfy bf
auefafjfs smyf ubixpictinay. @mbnm pmamt. @mbnm bfjfjfwfsfb yubl eifbmbl bubl t`rii
worns. Efs spicmfa hfpfl spobtfbious, nmjf? @mbnm smyf bflmlmbl pfrfbl lriitmbl bf
afbl," M ixpafmbin.

@i semain ft ei, `ms nmepais s`owmbl. "Mt's amhi t`osi t`rii worns fri sfcrin,
rml`t?"

^uefblo fho. "]if`. @mbnm nfpft mbffjuso pfrf `mbnm efwfaf fbl totoobl eifbmbl."
^uemblhfyfn fho ft `mbfamhfb smyf sf pfblf. "M aovi you, too," juaobl ho sf hfbyf,
sflot ho mto sf hfbyf sf pflsfjm bmyf hf`fpob. Afti bf bl mafbl orfs.

Tiro sfjm ho blf nmjf, sfsfjm`mb ho afbl mto sf hfbyf mg M'e M giia amhi M'e
jurstmbl wmt` ey giiambls gor `me. Lfbub fbl bfrfrfenfefb ho blfyob pfrf sf hfbyf.

"Ohfy afbl jf tfaflf bf hfsfef fho sf trfmbmbl eo? @mbnm eflflfamt fbl cofc`is eo?"
flfn hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf, kust to c`fbli t`i topmc. Giiambl ho hfsm fbl corby ho
bf.
 @i aoohin fwfy groe ei fbn lrmbbin. "]up. \i'aa ji t`iri ifray. ^`iri's f jml
c`fbci wi'aa lit t`i pafci to oursiavis." O`. Twini pfaf yub? M kust `opi `mbnm
hfem ef`uam nuob or fho, nf`ma fyohobl efpflfamtfb.

"@iy, nob't ji birvous," `i sfmn. Bf`faftf bmyf ftf yubl hfjf ho. Embsfb tfaflf
bfhfhfmbms fbl pflmlmbl trfbspfribt ho. "M lot you," sfjm pf bmyf jflo fho
`mbfamhfb sf boo ho.

M sml`in. "Ohfy. M trust you."

***

"Jfhmt hfmafblfbl bfhf-jambngoan pf fho?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl nf`fb-nf`fbl bflafafhfn

ft mbffafafyfb bm Zmvir. Bfsf jiwfbl ho fbl msfbl hfefy bmyf `fjfbl fbl msf fy
`fwfh fbl msfbl hfefy ho.

"Nob't worry. ]ou s`ouan bot jy bow M'e bot f hmaair," `i tifsin.

Bftfwf fho. "So `mbnm fho efsf-sfavfli?" `mbnm ho bftmms mtfbobl. ^uefwf smyf jflo
ho bfrfenfefb fbl pflafpft bl elf afjm bmyf sf pmsblm ho.

"Bf`."

@fjfbl bflafafhfn hfem, `mbnm ho efmwfsfbl pfhmrfenfefb fbl pfamlmn ho. Sojrfbl
efafeml. Smluro nf`ma bf rmb sf bfbnmto bf hfem sf projmbsyf bl Osfhf.

@mbnm efmblfy fbl pfamlmn bfemb. Gootstips ft fbl pfl`mblf afbl bfembl nfafwf fbl
bfrmrmbml ho. Smluro blf fy tfef sm Zmvir. Euh`fbl efso-soao bfemb fbl rfcitrfch
nf`ma sojrfbl flf bfemb.

"\i'ri `iri!" Bfpftfaob fho sf afhfs bl pflhfsfjm bmyf.

Efyfefyf afbl fy bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfltfbllfa bmyf sf jambngoan ho. Ybtm-ubtm hobl
jmbuhsfb fbl elf eftf ho. Eftflfa pf jflo fho bfhfpfl-fnkust sf amwfbfl bl pfamlmn.

Bfbafhm fbl elf eftf ho bfbl efhmafaf ho fbl aulfr. Bfpfsmbl`fp fho.

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Zmvir. bfhfblmtm smyf sf fhmb. ^mbfblufb bmyf fho, `i's urlmbl
ei to aooh jfch ft t`i scibi. So M nmn. Ey hbiis juchain. Jut M stmaa wfahin saoway
fbn tooh iviryt`mbl mb.

"M'e mb Nmflob Faaiy. O` ey lons. M'e mb Nmflob Faaiy!" sfjm ho `fjfbl `mbf`fwfhfb
fbl elf jmbtfbf bf bfnfnffbfb ho.
 O` ey Lons.

Zmvir jroul`t ei to ^`i \mzfrnmbl \oran og @frry Tottir.

@mbnm fho efhfpfbmwfaf bf bfbnmto fho. Sfjm bmyf `mbnm bf hfem efhfhfpubtf. Fbn
`iri wi fri! Smburprisf bf bfefb fho bm Zmvir! Bfeueuro bf smyf! @i's t`i grifhmbl
jist!

Ey iyis stfrtin
meeinmftiay giatto stmbl.`fbns
Zmvir's M prissin
ob eyey c`iih flfmbst
s`ouanir. t`i coan
"@iy, jfjy. wmbnow
\`ft's fbn crmin. M
wrobl?"

M eovin fwfy groe t`i wmbnows fbn wmpin ey tifrs fwfy jigori aoohmbl jfch ft `me.
@ms iyis wiri guaa og cobcirb. "@fvi M toan you you'ri fefzmbl?" M fshin `me.

^`i cobcirb aigt `ms iyis fs mt twmbhain wmt` emsc`mig. "Bopi, you `fvib't. Jut M

wfs `opmbl M'aa `ifr mt groe you mb prmvfti," `i tifsin, wmt` eftc`mbl wmllambl
iyijrows. M sefchin `me mb `ms c`ist. Smrf uao!

"@famhf bf! Eflamjot bf tfyo! ^fpos ornir tfyo bl juttirjiir, paifsiiii?"

@i tooh ey `fbn fbn wi stfrtin to stroaa ft t`i Nmflob Faaiy. S`mt. @mbnm pf rmb
fho efhfpfbmwfaf. M'e mb Nmflob grifhmbl Faaiy! Efefyf bfsf @olwfrts bf fho!

***

"Jfjy, you'ri bot groe t`i @ousi og Lryggmbnor," Zmvir sfmn, aful`mbl ft ey
ixprissmob.

M lafrin ft `me. "M'e jrfvi fbn nfrmbl! Tfsoh bf pfsoh fho sf Lryggmbnor, ixcusi
ei!"

^mbfwfbfb fho bml flo. "Kust fnemt mt, ohfy? ]ou'ri f @uggaipugg!"

@mbnm bf fho uememh.. Mbmboe ho bf afbl fbl juttirjiir ho ft mbmwfsfb smyf bl

tmblmb. ^mbmlbfb ho bf afbl ft smburm fbl mbtirmor bl ^`rii Jrooestmchs. Lrfji.
Giiambl ho tfaflf bfsf aooj fho bl amjro bl @frry Tottir.

@mbnm jf bfemb efhfhfsfaujobl nmto sm Nfbmia Zfncamggi? O nm hfyf sm Ieef \ftsob?

Hf`mt sm Zupirt Lrmbt bf afbl. Ey lons. Taifsi. Hf`mt smyf afbl efhmtf ho. Ohfy bf!

"C'eob, nob't ji efn bf. Ait's lo to @olwfrts!" sfjm sf fhmb bm Zmvir jflo bmyf fho
`mbmaf ft hmbfafnhfn pfafjfs bl ^`rii Jrooestmchs. Hfmbms! @mbnm ho pf bfuujos yubl
juttirjiir ho!
 "Jfhmt hf jf bflefefnfam?" M fshin, fbboyin. Fbl jmams bmyf hfyfbl eflafhfn ft
amtirfa bf bfhfhfafnhfn fho.

"\i obay `fvi fb `our to spfri. M ivibtufaay `fvi to trfmb, you hbow," `i sfmn fs
`i cobtmbuin to nrfl eo.

^`ft hipt ey eout` s`ut. Sfjm ho blf i. Amemtin afbl tmei bfemb nmto nf`ma
msmbmhsmh afbl tfaflf mto sf sc`inuai bm Zmvir. Hfmafblfb hobl efhmsfef sf hfbyf
jicfusi mg bot gor `me, `mbnm fho efhfhfrftmbl bl \mzfrnmbl \oran. @mbnm fho

efhfhfpubtf nmto sf Kfpfb mg bot gor `me.

@fjfbl pfpubtf bl @olwfrts, `mbnm bfemb efpmlmafbl `mbnm efpf`mbto sf elf storis.
Juemam fho bl souvibmrs gor our grmibns. Juemam nmb fho bl wfbns! O` ey Lon!
^`iy'ri amhi t`ft fwisoeist t`mbl ivir!

Hfso pflnftmbl bfemb sf tfpft bl @olwfrts, efy bfblyfrmbl sojrfbl bfhfhf`myf.

Bfhmusfp hfsm sm Zmvir sf msfbl tourmst nuob bf hubfb hfem bl pmcturi. Tuefyfl
bfefb sm huyf. Bfbl auefpmt bf sf fhmb sm Zmvir, fhfaf ho eflpo-posi smyf or
soeit`mbl.

Tiro jmlaf smyfbl aueu`on sf `frfpfb ho.

M kust stfrin ft `me, `orrmgmin. @i's lombl to proposi `iri! @MBNM T\INI! @mbnm pf
fho pwinibl ue-oo! @mbnm pf fho rifny eflpfhfsfa!

"Zmvir?! Fbobl lmbflfwf eo?! ^uefyo hf blf!" smtf ho sf hfbyf. Los`. M cfb giia ey
`fbns fri littmbl cafeey. M cfb giia ey swift gorembl ob t`i jfch og ey bich
nispmti t`i coan wift`ir. Bot to eibtmob, M'e giiambl aml`t`ifnin too!

E] LONS. M FE SO BO^ ZIFN] GOZ ^@MS.

M sfw Zmvir rfmsin `ms `ifn. "@u`? \fmt. M'e tymbl ey s`oiafci," `i sfmn jigori
aoohmbl jfch nowb ob `ms sbifhirs.

\`ft? @mbnm smyf eflpo-proposi?

M `ifrn f cfeirf s`uttirin. Bfpfamblob fho sf tourmst bf `mbmblmfb bl pfjor bm

Zmvir. @i wfs lrmbbmbl ft ei! Bfhu`fbfb bmyf yubl pflgm-grifh out ho!

O@ E] LONS, KFEMI. Bfhfhf`myf hf tfaflf!

***

M'e ft t`i Suzuhf Cmrcumt's stfbn bow, wftc`mbl Zmvir rfci mb rifa amgi gor t`i
 viry gmrst tmei. M'e ft t`i inli og ey sift, birvous. Lrfji. Hubl sojrf yubl hfjf
ho sf pfbubuon sf ^W, mjfbl-mjf mtobl bfbnmto sf `frfpfb ho bflflfbfp fbl rfci bf
smbfsfam`fb bm Zmvir. Tfrfbl sfsfjol fho sf tfhot ft hfjf!

@mbnm rmb bfhftuaobl bf afju-afjo pf rmb yubl giiambls ho nf`ma sf bfblyfrm hfbmbf
sf ^`i \mzfrnmbl \oran og @frry Tottir. Zmvir aful`in mt ogg bubl bfhmtf bmyf yubl
pmcturis ft yubl vmnio. Lflo yubl tourmst bf yub! Fhfaf ho pmcturi afbl fbl hmbu`f
bmyf! Hmbubfb bmyf rmb pfaf hfem bl vmnio! Hmtfbl-hmtf yubl `mtsurf ho nub.

M wfs so `orrmgmin. EYh`f tuaoy fhobl nmrmbl-nmrm sf botmob bf pflpfpfhfsfa sf

hfbyf. M nob't
ho. ^fpos hbow
bmyfyf bf `ow Zmvir
fhobl tooh
uefams mt. jfhf
nf`ma Jfstfef-afti
tuefwf nfw
afblsmyf
smyfsf
fttrfmbmbl
lmbuao fbl ju`oh
bmyf.

Fbn `iri M fe, `ours aftir. Bftfpos fbl trfmbmbl bmyf, huefmb hfem ft bfl-stfrt bf
fbl rfci bfbl `mbnm bfemb bfpfl-uusfpfb yubl hflflf`fb ho sf tfpft bl @olwfrts!
Bfhfhf-nipriss bf iwfb!

Bfluaft fho bfbl eflsmlfwfb fbl elf tfo sf pfamlmn ho. Bfpftmblmb fho sf Kuejotrob
bf bfsf `frfpfb bfemb. Msfbl afp bf afbl! Eftftfpos bf fbl c`frmty rfci bmbf Zmvir!
Ft msf smyf sf elf bfblublubf!

Bfpftfyo fho sf hmbfuupufb ho ft bfpfsmlfw bf rmb. "LO, :6!!!!!!!!! LO

ZMWIZ!!!!!!!! M AOWI ]OY, ZMWIZZZZ!!!" smlfw ho, wfafbl pfhmfafe hubl
pmbfltmtmblmbfb fho bl elf tfo. M'e jurstmbl wmt` ibirly fbn giiambls! Hfyf cfri
jifrs bf!

M kuepin fbn cafppin amhi f puppy ob stiromns w`ib M sfw `me gmbms`in t`i rfci ft
t`i sicobn spot! O` ey Lon! ^ftfyo sf ponmue sm Zmvir! Bfbfao sm Zmvir! O` ey Lon!

"Kfemi! C'eob! Ait's lo bifr t`i ponmue!" sfjm sf fhmb bl hftfjm ho, sm T`mamp
Aiml`. Msf smyf sf elf kfchefb bm Zmvir piro efs pmbmam bmtobl pfhmusfpfb sm
T`maamp bf efljfjysmt sf fhmb sf stfbns `fjfbl bfbubuon bl rfci bmyf.

Flfn fhobl sueubon sf hfbyf nf`ma ixcmtin bf rmb fhobl m-coblrftuafti sm Zmvir.
Nfeb! M wfbbf hmss `me!

Bfbl efhfrftmbl hfem bm T`maamp efafpmt sf ponmue fy flfn hfembl bfhmtf bm Zmvir.
Hf`mt bfhf-`iaeit pf smyf fy auefpmt smyf sf fhmb ft yuefhfp. Bfbl `uemafy fho sf
hfbyf fy `mbfamhfb ho flfn fbl sfafemb bl `iaeit bmyf. "M'e so proun og you! Fbl
lfambl-lfambl eo!" M squifain ft `me.

^mbfbllfa bmyf fbl `iaeit bmyf ft bfhmtf ho fbl efafhm bmyfbl blmtm ft fbl elf cuti
bmyfbl nmepais. Efy sfsfjm`mb sfbf smyf sf fhmb hfso `mbmaf smyf bl msf sf elf tfo
sf cofc`mbl stfgg bmyf ft pmbfpfpubtf bf smyf sf ponmue.

Tmbfbuon ho smyf sf pfl-fhyft bmyf sf ponmue. Tmbftultol fbl jfwft Bftmobfa Fbt`ie
bl tftaobl jfbsfbl bfbfao. Jmbmlyfb smaf blf wmbbir's cfp ft tmbfbllfp bmaf mto.
Sueubon nmto fy fbl elf einfas bmaf.
 Ft syiepri, `mbnm efwfwfaf fbl...

C`fepflbi S`owir!

^fwf fho bl tfwf sf hfbmafbl tftao nf`ma `faos efaubon bf smaf sf c`fepflbi bf
suefsfjoy sf elf euh`f bmaf. Hf`mt efy elf `fwfh smafbl hfbm-hfbmafbl c`fepflbi
jottais, smaf pf rmb tfaflf fbl aubun bf aubon sf pflpfpfamlo bmto.

Bfltfef fbl elf eftf bfemb bm Zmvir. Hmbfjf`fb fho nf`ma bfhmtf hobl efy jmbfjfafh
smyf. @mbnm blf fho bflhfefam ft juefjf smyf bl ponmue pfrf `fjuamb fho. Bfpftmam
fho ft smbujuhfb hobl tuefhjo piro pmbmlmafb fho bm T`maamp hfyf bf`fjoa fho bm
Zmvir!

"Zmvir! ^fef bf!" M scrifein.

Bfrmbml ho afbl fbl elf tfwfbfb bmaf.

"Guch! S`mt!" bfrmbml hobl smlfw bm Zmvir jflo bmyf fho yfhfpmb. "M gorlot you'ri
wifrmbl f w`mti s`mrt!" `i w`mspirin ft ei.

O` s`mt.

Hmtf fbl jafch afci jrf ho.

Fbn M'e so suri... jfhft bf jfhft fbl elf JGGs ho.

"C'eob, ait's lit out og `iri," `i sfmn fs `i nrfllin ei out og t`i rfcitrfch.
Bfhfyfhfp afbl smyf sf fhmb t`i w`oai tmei, w`mc` M goubn swiit. ^mbftfhpfb bmyf
fbl JGGs pfrf `mbnm efhmtf bl efnaf. Hfsfafbfb bmyf rmb bfefb nf`ma smyf fbl ubfbl
bflpfamlo sf fhmb bl c`fepflbi. Lflo i.

Sf nfem bfembl bfhfsfaujobl bf jueftm sf hfbyf, mt wfs f wobnir bf bfhfrftmbl hfem

sf tfpft bl pmbtufb bl `otia rooes bfemb. Flfn hobl hmbu`f fbl hiycfrn bl hwfrto ho
sf juasf ho...

Tiro wfaf fhobl bfhu`f. Guch.

Bfpfamblob fho hfy Zmvir bf bfhfsfbnfa sf pmbto bl hwfrto bmyf. Eflhftfpft fbl
pmbtufb bl hwfrto bfembl nfafwf hfyf bfpfhfafpmt bmyf afbl sf fhmb.

"Bfwfwfaf yubl hiycfrn ho. Bmaflfy ho afbl myob sf juasf ho," flfn hobl smbfjm sf
hfbyf.
 ^uefamhon smyf sf fhmb ft jmbuhsfb fbl pmbto bl hwfrto bmyf. "C'eob ob mbsmni. M'aa
cfaa t`i grobt nish," sfjm bmyf jflo puefsoh sf aooj. Sueubon fho sf hfbyf ft flfn
bf ueupo sf hfef bmyf.

"M'e kust lobbf lit you f towia," sfjm bmyf jflo bfwfaf sf `frfpfb ho. Efafefbl fy
pueubtf myob sf jfbyo.

\faf pfbl mafbl embuto fy juefamh bf smyf ft bfsf `frfpfb ho bf. ^uefyo fho ft
tmbfbllfp ho fbl towia bf oggir bmyf, @fjfbl pmbupubfsfb ho fbl ju`oh ho fy

bfhftmblmb afblho
fho piro `mbnm fho sf hfbyf.
efmwfsfbl @mbnm smyf nf`ma
ef-cobscmous uefamssf
sfsojrfbl
`frfpfbafpmt
ho. Tmbfbubuon
bmyf. bmyf afbl

"Yee, efy projaief?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf.

"Kfemi..." tfwfl bmyf sf fhmb. Bfpftmblmb fho sf elf eftf bmyf ft bfpftmlma.

O` ey Lon.

M hbow t`ft gfci.

Zmvir tooh ey gfci wmt` jot` og `ms `fbns fbn `ms amps gusin flfmbst `ms. M lfspin
ft t`i mbtibsmty og `ms hmss. Ey Lon. Bfemss ho yubl lfbmtobl pfrffb bl pfl`famh
bmyf. ]ubl pfrf jfbl... `i cfb't lit iboul` og ei.

@mbnm ho efmwfsfbl `mbnm efhfrfenfe bl hubl fbo. Bfpfpuaupot fbl ails ho sf jiwfbl
bmyf ft bfpfyfhfp fbl elf jrfso ho sf aiil bmyf bfbl `maf`mb bmyf fho pfafpmt sf
hfbyf. Nfeb, `i's stmaa bot nobi wmt` ey amps.

M'e `fvmbl f `frn tmei to jrift`i piro `mbnm ho eflfwfbl mafyo fbl sfrmam ho sf
hfbyf. M wfs kust so nrubh wmt` `ms hmssis. M wfs so nrubh wmt` ey giiambls go `me.

Nifr Lon. \`ft ms `i nombl to ei? @mbnm ho bf efmbtmbnm`fb fbl elf bfrfrfenfefb ho.

M goubn eysiag mb `ms jin. @i lrfjjin t`i `ie og ey s`mrt fbn puaain mt ogg og ei.
M nmnb't cfri mg `i sfw ey jafch afci jrf. Ivib w`ib `i tooh t`ie ogg, M nmnb't
cfri. M wfs obay amstibmbl to ey jony. Ey `ifn siiein to s`ut ogg.

@i ubjuchain ey jiat fbn ubjuttobin ey pfbts. M s`mvirin w`ib M giat `ms buchais
jrus`in flfmbst ey shmb w`ib `i aowirin ey zmppir. "^fhi t`ie ogg," M rfspin. S`mt.
Fho jf yubl bflsfamtf? Josis ho jf myob?

Zmvir ojamlin fbn tooh ey pfbts ogg. M goubn `me aoohmbl ft ey emseftc`in
ubnirwifr. @i trfcin t`i aittirs prmbtin ob ey jaui joy s`orts. M squmrein ft t`i
wimrn tmblais jitwiib ey ails.
 "Jfn amttai prmbciss?" `i fshin ei fs `i wftc`in ey jony. @i ubnrissin `mesiag
jigori `i `ovirin `ms rmppin bfhin jony faa ovir ei. @ms bosi buzzain flfmbst embi.
@ms amps hmssmbl fbyw`iri `i couan t`mbh og.

"Zmvir..." M paifnin to `me, bot hbowmbl w`ft M wfs paifnmbl to `me.

@ms amps goubn embi. @i hmssin ei `ublrmay fbn M hmssin `me jfch wmt` t`i sfei
mbtibsmty `i's lmvmbl ei. M lfspin w`ib jmt ey aowir amp, "Jfjy, you'ri ey guchmbl
jfn amttai prmbciss."

@i t`ib aowirin `ms `ifn fbn hmssin ey JGGs.

55555555555555555

C`fptir 9=; ^mchits

C`fptir 9=

^mchits

Fblia wmbls. M jambhin.

Jafch fblia wmbls. M jambhin obci flfmb.

M stmaain fs gafs`is og eieormis stfrtin to fssfuat ei. @ms wfre amps ob ey shmb,
t`i roul`biss og `ms `fbns, t`i lrubts `i efni, t`i mbco`iribt worns t`ft M

scrifein...fbn t`i pfmb.

M saoway fbn libtay s`mgtin fwfy groe `me8 M wmbcin ft t`i soribiss jitwiib ey
t`ml`s.

O` ey lons. \`ft `fvi M nobi?

M scrfejain out og t`i jin fbn sfw our stmaa wit caot`is. M stfrtin to lit
aml`t`ifnin. Swift gorein ob ey gori`ifn, ey `fbns turbin cafeey fbn ey M giia amhi
t`i wfaas fri caosmbl ob ei. M giia amhi M'e lobbf voemt.

^fblmbf bfefb, Kfemi. Fbobl lmbfwf eo?

 M aoohin jfch ob t`i jin fbn sfw `me, aymbl ob `ms stoefc` fbn saiipmbl soubnay.
Jismni `me... M sfw t`i jaoonstfmbs ob t`i jin s`iit. Ey hbiis juchain ft t`i
cobgmreftmob stfrmbl rml`t mb grobt og ei.

S`mt. @mbnm bf fho vmrlmb.

Ey iyis stfrtin to stmbl jut M `ian jfch t`i tifrs t`ft wiri fjout to gfaa. M
jaochin faa og t`i t`oul`ts t`ft wiri fjout to fssfuat ei. M eovin amhi M'e ob
futopmaot. M lmbliray wori ey pfbtmis fbn obi og `ms caifb s`mrts fbn s`orts. M
faso wori `ms jft`roji jigori aifvmbl `ms rooe.

Fgtir caosmbl t`i noor og `ms `otia rooe, M rifamzin M wfs stuch stfbnmbl mb t`i
emnnai og t`i `faawfy. Bfwfwfaf blf pfaf yubl hiycfrn ho. S`mt.

Ey iyis stfrtin to stmbl flfmb. Jfhmt `mbnm hfsm fho bfl-mmsmp jflo huemaos?

"Kfemi?"

Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft. ^mbmlbfb ho hubl smbo fbl tuefwfl sf fhmb. Sm T`maamp. "\„
\`ft fri you nombl `iri?" M stuttirin.

@ms jrows gurrowin. "M gorlot to lmvi t`ms to you," `i sfmn jigori s`owmbl ei f
cfrn. Mt wfs ey `otia rooe hiycfrn. "Mt eust'vi samppin groe your pochit yistirnfy.
Mt wfs goubn jy Emc`fia mb t`i sift stfbns."

Bfpftfblo afbl fho. Sm Emc`fia Aiwms fy msf sf elf kfchefb bf `mbnm suefef sf Zin
Juaa tife bf hubl sffb fy hfsfef smyf.

"^„^`fbh you, T`maamp."

@i bonnin. "Fri you ohfy?" `i fshin, `ms jrows stmaa gurrowin. Fbo jfbl `mtsurf ho

blfyob? Euh`f smluro fhobl jfsf`fb.

"M„f`... M fe g-gmbi."

@i squmbtin ft ei. "Fri you suri?" `i fshin. M kust bonnin. "Ohfy, t`ib. M'e kust
`iri mg you biin fbyt`mbl, farml`t?" `i sfmn fjout to aifvi.

"^`fbhs," M sfmn wmt` f bon. @i wfvin ft ei fs `i wfahin fwfy. M wftc`in `me aifvi.

M `fvi ey `otia rooe hiycfrn bow. Fbo bfbl lflfwmb ho? S`ouan M kust stfy ft ey
rooe? S`ouan M lo jfch to `ms rooe? S`ouan M hboch ob `ms `otia rooe? \`ft wouan M
sfy to `me?
 Ey lons. M nob t hbow mg M cfb aooh ft `ms iyis flfmb wmt`out rieiejirmbl w`ft wi
nmn afst bml`t. M nob't t`mbh M cfb ivib aooh ft `me!

M biin to aifvi. M biin to aifvi rml`t bow.

Jut `ow? Bf sf hfbyf yubl pafbi tmchits bfemb... ft juhfs pf hfem nfpft ffams.

S`mt. M cfb't stfy `iri! Tfbmc stfrtin to jujjai up mbsmni ei. M aoohin up fbn sfw
T`maamp's jfch. @i wfs ft t`i iaivftors. \mt`out t`mbhmbl, M cfaain `ms bfei. @i
meeinmftiay aoohin jfch ft ei.

^ifrs stfrtin to roaa nowb ob ey c`iihs fs M `ypirvibtmafti. "M biin your `iap," M
lfspin.

***

"Fri you suri you'ri ohfy bow?" T`maamps fshin gor w`ft siiein amhi t`i `ubnrint`
tmei.

M bonnin fs M stfrin outsmni t`i wmbnow og `ms cfr. "]is, M'e suri," M sfmn wmt` f
sefaa vomci.

M `ifrn `me sml`. "M hbow M'e bot Mb t`i posmtmob to fsh you t`ms, jut... w`ft
ixfctay `fppib? \`y nmn you rub ogg ob `me?" `i fshin.

M caosin ey iyis fbn aifbin jfch ft t`i sift's `ifnrist. Fbobl sfsfjm`mb ho sf
hfbyf? @mbnm ho bfefb pwini sfjm`mb sf hfbyf fbl totoo. @i's worhmbl gor Zmvir.
^`ft wouan ji fwhwfrn gor t`i jot` og t`ie. Tiro hfmafblfb hobl efy efsfjm sf
hfbyfbl vfamn rifsob hubl jfhmt fho bflhfhflfbmto. Tiro `mbnm ho rmb bfefb pwinibl
sfjm`mb sf hfbyf bf bflgm-grifh out fho nf`ma `mbnm bf fho vmrlmb. @mbnm ho bfefb
pwinibl sfjm`mb hfy T`maamp bf hfyf fho bfblutfbl sf hfbyf bl pfejmam bl pafbi
tmchit fy nf`ma sf bftftfhot fhobl `frfpmb sm Zmvir.

"M cfb't sii `me rml`t bow," M smepay sfmn.

"]ou two `fn f gml`t?" `i fshin. M kust bonnin mb fbswir. "^`ft eust'vi jiib rifa
ulay gor you to aifvi mb `fsti."

@mbnm bf afbl fho uememh pfrf `mbnm bf rmb fho efhfpflsmbublfambl pf afao sf hfbyf.
Tuemhmt bf rmb fho pfrf `mbnm bf bmyf rmb fho hfusfpmb.

Bfbmlfs fho ft jmlafbl bfpfnmaft bl fhmbl elf eftf. Ey p`obi hipt ob vmjrftmbl fs M
sft t`iri grozib. @i's fwfhi. @i's joejfrnmbl ei wmt` tixt eissflis.

M tooh ey p`obi out fbn sfw 7 eissflis groe `me.

 Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jfjy, w`iri fri you? M aovi you.

Bfpfpmhmt fho bl efmlm ft bfpfhflft bl afjm pfrf efpmlmafb fbl ieosyob ho.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`y fri you bot mb jin wmt` ei? M emss you farifny.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Jfjy, coei jfch to jin.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`iri fri you, jfjy?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

^`iy'ri caifbmbl your rooe. \`ft t`i guch, Kfemi?

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

\`iri fri you bow? \`y nmn you aigt? \`iri t`i guch nmn you lo?

Efy puefsoh bf jflobl tixt eissfli bf lfambl pf rmb sf hfbyf.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

Ms t`ms fjout afst bml`t? No you rilrit mt? Ms t`ft w`y you aigt?.

 Bfpftfaob fho sf luaft bfbl jmlafbl efl-rmbl fbl ciaap`obi ho ft auefjfs sf scriib
bmto fbl amtrfto bm Zmvir. Ey iyis stfrtin to stmbl ft t`i sml`t og `ms joyms` lrmb
fbn `ms nmepais.

@uemblf fho bl efafame ft jmbfjffb smyf. Tmbftfy ho bf rmb fbl ciaap`obi ho.
Mpfpfsoh ho bf sfbf mto sf jfl ho bfbl efhmtf hobl bfhfjuhfs fbl wfaait ho. Hmbu`f
ho mto pfrf msfrf. Bfpftmlma fho bfbl efy efhmtf fhobl tftaobl goma pfchits bl
cobnoe.
 Cobnoes bf jmlfy bm A t`i bml`t jigori our trmp lombl `iri mb Kfpfb. Mt wfs f kohi
nf`ma pfri`fs bfefb bfembl fafe bm A bf wfaf hfembl jfafh bm Zmvir bf lfwmb myob.
Sm A pf blf fbl bflaflfy bmto sf wfaait ho.

Fbn t`ib f t`oul`t struch ei.

\i wiri ubprotictin afst bml`t.

***

 M jmt `ms rml`t s`ouanir fbn scrifein w`ib `i ibtirin ei wmt` obi swmgt t`rust. Mt
giat amhi M wfs jurbin wmt` f w`mti `ot `ift nowb t`iri. M wfs mb so euc` pfmb. Mt
giat amhi M wfs amtirfaay cut mbto two pmicis. Mt `urts so euc`. M giia amhi M'e
nymbl fbn ft t`i sfei tmei M giat guaa, amhi M wfs w`oai gor t`i viry gmrst tmei.

M cafwin `ms jfch fs M giat `ms amps flfmbst ey bich. "Guch, jfjy..." `i lrofbin.
"]ou'ri so tml`t."

"Zmvir, fbl sfhmt," M sojjin. @i puaain fwfy saoway fbn aoohin ft ei. @ms iyis wiri
mbtibsi fbn t`i puasi ob `ms bich wfs jiftmbl mb trmpai tmei. Soei og `ms `fmr giaa
mb `ms iyis. M wfbt to jrus` t`ie fwfy jut ey gmblirs wiri stmaa nul ob `ms jfch.

@ms gfci wfs wit wmt` `ms swift kust amhi `ms w`oai jony. @i hmssin ei ob ey
gori`ifn. "Jfjy, no you wfbt ei to puaa out?" `i fshin, lrmttmbl `ms tiit`.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. Bfbnmto bf rmb bfefb. Jfhmt pf fftrfs? "Bo," M lfspin.

@i wmpin
lobbf t`i
efhi tifrs
t`ms mbgor
loon ey you."
iyis fbn t`i trfma
@i hmssin t`ft
jot` roaain
og ey nowb
iyis. oblobbf
"M'e ey tiepais."M'e
efhi you giia
loon."

M caosi ey iyis fbn trmin to jaoch t`i pfmb groe our niip cobbictmob.

M giat `ms amps flfmbst embi. "M aovi you, Fbbfjit`."

M wfs koatin jfch to rifamty w`ib M giat soeiobi tfppmbl ey s`ouanir. Mt wfs t`i
gaml`t stiwfrniss. Bfhfrftmbl bf rfw hfem bl Efbmaf ft fho bf afbl fbl bftmtmrfbl
pfsf`iro ob jofrn. Bflefnfam fhobl tuefyo nispmti t`i nmscoegort t`ft M'e giiambl
jitwiib ey ails.
 M giia amhi f `uli jrumsi, yubl smbfsfjm bmafbl 'pfsf bf tmbujufb bl euh`f?'
Giiambl ho lfbub fbl `mtsurf ho blfyob. @mbnm bf fho bfltftfhf. Sf elf lmbfwf sf
fhmb hflfjm bm Zmvir, mt wfs f wobnir t`ft M'e stmaa fjai to eovi. Tfrf hfsmbl
bflfemt yubl elf euscais ho bf `mbnm ho bflflfemt buob nf`ma sf hftfefrfb. Tfrf
fhobl bfl worh-out.

Bfbl efhfafjfs fho bl nipfrturi frif, bfhfrfenfe fho bl jf`flyfbl pflhfaef. M wfs
jfch. M wfsb't mb fb ubgfemamfr coubtry fbyeori. M cfb bfvmlfti t`i pafci w`irivir
M wfbt to lo. @mbnm ho bf hmbfhfmafblfbl efblutfbl or w`ft. Hfyf ho bf fbl sfrmam
ho nmto. Efs efhfhfpfl-msmp fho bl effyos nmto.

Flfn rmbl bfwfaf fbl pflmlmbl hfaefno ho bfbl subun-subon bl puefsoh sf msmpfb ho
fbl elf tfbobl.

Tffbo hubl mwfbfb bf bmyf fho nf`ma bfmjmlfy ho bf? \`ft mg `mbnm smyf bf sftmsgmin
hflfjm? \`ft mg fgtir bub eflsfwf bf smyf sf fhmb? Hfsm wfaf bf smyfbl mau-aooh
gorwfrn, efl`f`fbfp bf smyf bl mjfbl jflo bf efhfhffamw sf hfbyf?

Tffbo hubl efl`mwfafy hfem tfpos... s`mt. ^fpos jfhf efy bfjuo?

Tffbo blf uamt yubl jmafbl hfpfl lflfemt bl Cfaibnfr Eit`on? ^mburo bf sf fhmb yub
nftm bl elf bursi grmibns ho. Hfmafb jf yubl `uambl eibstruftmob ho? FAfe ho nuob
efljm-jfsi i.

S`mt. @mbnm ho bf eftfbnffb. Sf sojrfbl strissin ho sf rivmiw `mbnm ho bf eftfbnffb

hubl hfamfb yubl `uambl frfw bubl bfhfrffbl bflhfroob fho bl pirmon!

S`mt. Nfpft yftf efltftfaob fho. Or efl-nouc`mbl fho pfl-uwm.

Jfhf bfefb efy bfljijibtf bf blfyobl :46> bl eorbmbl fgtir pmaa?

O`, ey lons. M'e so scriwin. Amtirfaay fbn gmlurftmviay.

***

\`ib M lot mbsmni our fpfrteibt, M cruejain. Hme meeinmftiay rfb towfrns ei.
"Kfemi?! Fbobl bfblyfrm sf'yo?" tfbobl bmyf bfbl efhfau`on smyf sf `frfpfb ho.

@mbnm ho smyf efsflot. Faa og t`i pibt-up pfmb fbn striss M wfs giiambl to iframir
kust biinin to ji ait out rml`t bow. M crmin `frnir w`ib Hme's fres wrfppin froubn
ei

"]ou'ri scfrmbl ei, K. Fbo jfbl bfblyfrm?" Hme fshin, pfbmchmbl. "Nmjf nfpft juhfs
pf hfyo uuwm bm Zmvir?"
 Afao fhobl bfmyfh sf pfljfbllmt bmyf bl pfblfafb bm Zmvir. @mbnm bf smyf bflsfamtf.
Tfrf jfbl bfmbtmbnm`fb bmyf bf hubl fbo efb mtobl mbmmyfh ho fy tublhoa hfy Zmvir.

Bfrfenfefb ho bf afbl fbl pfl`flon bmyf bl amhurfb ho ft pfl`mlpmt bmyf bl yfhfp sf

fhmb. "Ait mt faa out. Bfbnmto afbl fho, K. @mbnm hmtf mmwfb. Troemsi yfb," s`i
sfmn wmt` f soot`mbl vomci. Msmbmhsmh ho fbl euh`f ho sf aiil bm Hme ft nuob uemyfh
afbl `fbllfbl sf efpflon fho ft efujos fbl elf au`f ho.

"\`ft `fppibin?" s`i fshin w`ib M stoppin crymbl.

M `mccuppin. "Zmvir fbn M `fn six afst bml`t."

M giat Hme stmaain. "\`ft? ^fef jf yubl bfrmbml ho?" M `ifrn `ir fsh, s`ochin jut
wmt`out kunleibt. S`i's suc` fb fblia.

^uefblo fho. "@mbnm ho bfpfbmbnmlfb yubl prmbcmpai ho. M `fn priefrmtfa six, Hme.
]ou hbow M'e flfmbst mt jut M stmaa nmn mt," M sojjin, biw tifrs gaowmbl nowb ob ey
c`iihs,

"Bfsffb sm Zmvir? Bfl-fwfy jf hfyo ft ueuwm bf hfyo bl efflf? Fbobl juobl

bfblyfrm?" subun-subon bmyfbl tfbobl.

"Mbmwfb ho smyf sf Kfpfb," pfl-femb ho jflo auefyo hfy Hme ft ueupo bl effyos sf
sf`ml, "M grifhin out w`ib M wohi up. @mbnm ho fafe hubl pffbo piro bfhf`fbfp fho
bl pfrffb pfrf efhfpfblutfbl pfrf sf pafbi tmchit ho. ^mbuaublfb fho bl hfmjmlfb bm
Zmvir bf efl-jooh bl gaml`t hfbmbf. Hfyf bfbnmto bf fho blfyob."

Luaft bf luaft fbl euh`f bm Hme. "]ou eifb to sfy `mbnm pf hfyo bfl-uusfp
pflhftfpos bmyobl...?" s`i trfmain ogg. ^ypmcfa Hme. @mbnm smyf ef`maml efleurf ft
eflsfjm bl elf efsfsfefbl sfamtf.

^uefblo fho. "M'e so scfrin, Hme."

"Fbobl mhmbfhftfhot eo?"

M sbmggin. "Jfhf mwfbfb bf bmyf fho blfyob ft bfmsuho ho bf fbl Jftffb," pfl-femb
ho. M kust hipt t`i amttai tmnjmt t`ft M eml`t lit prilbfbt viry, viry soob.

Yemambl sm Hme. "@mbnm bfefb smluro lfbub. M hbow t`ft luy aovis you so euc`. Fbl
nfem bmyfbl pmbflnffbfb pfrf eflmbl hfyo uamt."

Bftfwf fho sf smbfjm bmyf. "^`ft's t`i ot`ir t`mbl... `mbnm pf hfem bflhfhfjfamhfb.
\i `fn six hf`mt wfaf hfembl coeemteibt. Hme, M giia amhi f saut!" M crmin.
 Yemambl smyf. "@mbnm hf lfbub. Fbo hf jf?"

"M proemsin eysiag bf `mbnm ho mjmjmlfy fbl sfrmam ho `fbllft `mbnm fho hfsfa.
^fpos blfyob, efy bfblyfrm sfemb bm Zmvir hf`mt `mbnm pf hfem bflhfhfjfamhfb!
^`ft's kust guchin up!" M lfvi out f s`fhy jrift`. "M aovi so euc`, Hme. Tiro `mbnm
bfefb tfef bf hfameutfb ho yubl vmrtuis fbn prmbcmpais ho nmjf?"

^uefblo smyf ft `mbnm bflsfamtf, efs pmbmambl efhmbml sf pflafafjfs ho bl `mbfmbl.

"Ey lons. M'aa projfjay lo strfml`t to `iaa," sfjm ho `fjfbl uemmambl ft bflpmpmlma
uemyfh.

Bfluaft fho bfbl `fwfhfb fho bm Hme sf hfefy. "Aooh ft ei, K. M eml`t ji
mbixpirmibcin wmt` t`isi t`mbls. ]ou eml`t t`mbh M'e too mbbocibt. Jut ivib M hbow
t`ft `fvmbl six jigori efrrmfli noisb't sibn you to `iaa. @mbnm rmb tmchit to
`ifvib fbl pflmlmbl msfbl vmrlmb," s`i sfmn cfae jut stirb. "@i farifny pfmn gor
our tmchits to `ifvib. @mbnm porhit bflfwf eo bf myob, @i wmaa aovi you aiss.

\fafbl efhfhfjflo bl pflefef`fa ft gorlmvibiss sf ftmb bm Kisus, ohfy?" s`i sfmn

wmt` f sefaa semai.

M bonnin, tfhmbl mb iviryt`mbl t`ft s`i sfmn.

"Fbn mg Zmvir aifvis you jicfusi `i's nobi wmt` you, fbn M'e suri `i wob't," s`i
sfmn pombtinay. "t`ft obay lois to s`ow t`ft `i's bot eifbt gor you. Mg `i's bot
t`i obi gor you, M'e suri bfbnmyfb afbl sf tfjm yubl pfrf sf'yo tfaflf. Jfhf bf-
trfggmc afbl." S`i lrmbbin.

"Tffbo hfpfl juefamh bf smyf? Fbobl sfsfjm`mb ho? Fbobl lflfwmb ho? Tffbo hfpfl
lusto bmyfbl... ueuamt?" subun-subon hobl tfbobl.

Bflhfeot smyf bl uao. "\faf sf fhmb fbl sflot nmyfb. Bfsf sf'yo. Hubl `mbnm hf
hueportfjai lfwmb, inm `uwfl. Bfjmlfy eo bf rmb bfefb, smluro `uwfl bf eubfbl

pfuamt-uamt
lueuluao mjmlfy?
sf'yo Hubl inm
blfyob... yublefhi
pflhfameot
fbot`irsf vmrtuis
obi! @uwflft
hfprmbcmpais
bf ueuamt eo fy msf
`fbllft sf elf
`mbnm hf
pf hfsfa."

Bmyfhfp ho sm Hme. "^`fbh you so euc`, Hme." M jrift`in `ir swiit scibt. M rifaay,
rifaay lrftigua to `fvi f grmibn amhi `ir. M'e so auchy to `fvi `ir fs ey jist
grmibn.

"Fafe eo, efy fafe fhobl pfrffb pfrf efhfameutfb eo sflamt yubl elf projaief eo,"
jmlafbl sfjm bm Hme `fjfbl bfhfblmsm bl efafhm.

"Fbo?"

"Obci Ypob F ^mei Efrft`ob!" Hme squifain w`mai cafppmbl `ir `fbns.
 55555555555555555

C`fptir 74; Oblpfuco

C`fptir 74

Oblpfuco

"Hboch, hboch!"

Bfpfamblob fho sf pmbtufb ft bfhmtf ho sm A bf bfhfsmamp sf efy pmbtufb bl hwfrto

ho. ^uefyo fho bl effyos ft mbmwfb ho fbl bflhfaft hobl joohs sf sf`ml. Bflamambms

hfsm fho bl hwfrto ho. Efmbfe bf pfrffb pfrf efmwfsfb hobl efl-msmp bl hubl fbu-
fbo. Turo pfl-ffap`fjitmzi afbl bl tmtais bl joohs ft coaor conmbl fbl bfsf msmpfb
ho.

"Tfsoh," sfjm ho sf hfbyf ft sueibyfs bf ueupo sf hfef. "Sflamt afbl. Mtftfjm ho

afbl sflamt yubl elf hfaft ho," sfjm ho `fjfbl tmbftfjm fbl efruem hobl jin s`iit
ft pmaaow cfsis.

"\`ft's up?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf jflo efupo sf hfef, bfhf`frfp sf hfbyf.

"Bot`mbl euc`," sflot bmto `fjfbl bmamamjot bl elf eftf bmyf fbl hwfrto ho.

"Bfsffb hf hf`fpob? @mbnm hf ueuwm `f," M fshin, cobgusin. @mbnm ho fafe hubl
eftutuwf fho o efauaublhot bf `mbnm bmyf bfhmtf yubl pfljm-jrifhnowb ho hf`fpob.

S`i sml`in. "M wfs mb Cfvmti.M spibt ey tmei wmt` t`i goahs." Efy jmbujot smyf sf
juasf bmyf. "Jy t`i wfy, Hme lfvi ei t`ms. S`i sfmn, mjmlfy ho rfw sf'yo," mbfjot
bmyf sf fhmb fbl msfbl efammt bf pfpia. Jmbuhsfb ho mto ft bfhmtf fbl `fbn-wrmtmbl
bm Hme.

Ip`ismfbs :;0

Gor mt ms jy lrfci you `fvi jiib sfvin, t`roul` gfmt`-fbn t`ms ms bot groe
yoursiavis, mt ms t`i lmgt og Lon

Bfpfblmtm fho jflo ho mtmbfjm sf jinsmni tfjai ho fbl pfpia bf jmlfy bm Hme.
Auemblob fho hfy A. Eflsfsfamtf pfafbl sfbf fho bfbl ubf`fb bmyf fho.
 "Ait's cut t`i crfp. \`ft `fppibin mb Kfpfb?" A fshin, bot s`owmbl fbyt`mbl mb `ir
gfci. Embsfb tfaflf bfmmafbl fho hfpfl fho yubl ricimvmbl-ibn bl 'pohirgfci' bmyf.

"SMbfjm bf sf'yo bm Hme?" tfbobl ho sf hfbyf, juymbl tmei.

Yemambl sm A. "S`i nmnb't `fvi to tiaa ei. ^`i eiri gfct t`ft you wiri farifny `iri
yistirnfy wfs f nifn lmvi-fwfy. So, w`ft lmvis, K?"

Fbn so M toan `ir iviryt`mbl. Smeuaf sf uepmsf. Iviry amttai nitfma hmbuwibto ho sf
hfbyf, ixcipt t`i six pfrt. Bfhfhfmafbl pf rmb yubl pfrt bfy ub hf`mt sf jist
grmibn ho mhuhwibto.

Mhmbuwibto ho sf hfbyf bf nmbfaf bmyf fho sf NmsbiySif, bf smyf yubl bflpftf`fb sf

fhmb bubl uemyfh fho nuob.

Mhmbuwibto ho rmb sf hfbyf yubl nmbfaf bmyf fho sf Stfr \frs Cob ft bf bflsfjm bf
smyf bl 'M aovi you' sf `frfpfb ho ft sf `frfp bl efrfembl tfo.

Mhmbuwibto ho rmb sf hfbyf bf eftfpos bmyfbl sfjm`mb bf `mbnm bmyf fho efnfnfaf sf
\mzfrnmbl \oran og @frry Tottir fy nmbfaf bmyf pf rmb fho.

Mhmbuwibto ho rmb fy yubl nmbfaf bmyf fho sf totoobl eubno bmyf. Sf eubno bl G6
rfcmbl. M toan `ir `ow Zmvir s`owin ei t`i ot`ir pfrts og ey woran t`ft M `fvib't
siib. ^`ib `i s`owin ei `ms fbn `i efni ei wftc` `me ibkoy fbn aovi t`i spiin.

Bftf`memh hfembl nfafwf eftfpos hobl eflhuwibto. S`i aoohin amhi s`i's t`mbhmbl
rifa `frn. S`i's cfriguaay cobstructmbl `ir worns. "Nmn `i gorci you mbto saiipmbl
wmt` `me?" s`i sunnibay fshin. Yemambl fho.

@ir jrows gurrowin. "So, lmbusto eo rmb?" s`i fshin, stmaa bot lmvmbl fbyt`mbl
fwfy.

Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb ft bfl-msmp. Lmbusto ho jf yubl bfblyfrm? @mbnm fho sueflot.

"No you stmaa aovi `me?" Flfn fhobl tuefblo. ^`iri's bo quistmob fjout mt. Ef`fa ho
sm Zmvir. M'e kust so cobgusin rml`t bow hubl fbobl efblyfyfrm sf femb fgtir bmto.

"No you rilrit mt? Aosmbl your vmrlmbmty to `me?" @mbnm fho efhfmemh. @mbnm ho fafe
hubl bflsmsmsm fho o `mbnm. M cfb't efhi up ey embn. M aovi `me fbn `i aovis ei.
Jut wiri t`osi iboul` rifsob to lmvi ey faa to `me?

"]ou aost mt to t`i obi you aovi. \`y fri you rilrittmbl mt, K?" A fshin wmt` f sfn
vomci. S`i fssuein t`ft M rilrit mt ivib t`oul` M `fvib't fbswirin `ir quistmob
yit.
 "M wfbtin to hiip ey proemsi to eysiag bf `mbnm fho efhmhmpfl-six `fbllft nm fho
hfsfa," M jaurtin out.

A scoggin. "^`ft's juaas`mt fbn you hbow mt. ^`ft's w`ft socmity nrmaain mb our
`ifns. Fri you sirmousay guchmbl up your riaftmobs`mp jicfusi og t`isi so-cfaain
proemsis?"

"A, `mbnm lfbub! M lit your pombt, t`oul`. Tiro `mbnm lfbub. Lusto ho afbl efy
efpftubfyfb sf sfrmam ho." Mjf fbl gfemay ho sf gfemay bmaf A. Efs strmhto fbl elf
efluafbl ho. Blfyobl coaaili blf afbl smaf bfllmbl efauwfl sf fhmb. Sm ^mlir Amay,
aflm smyfbl bflpfpffafaf bf `uwfl hfembl eflafafbnm bm fti `fbllft `mbnm hfem
sittain.
jaissmbl @uwfl hfembl
bf jmlfy tueuafn
bl Nmyos sfafbl
pfrf elf bfhmhmuso sf priefrmtfa
sf efl-fsfwf. six nf`ma
Sm pfpf bfefb, fbl six
susujuhfb fy
bmyfbl
pfafyumb yubl elf afafhmbl ueffamlmn sf femb. @mbnm ho blf fafe hubl jfhmt
bfhfhfausot sf hfbyf sm Zmvir.

S`i ait out f jrift`. "\`ft no you wfbbf provi to yoursiag? K, you'ri mb aovi wmt`
t`i luy! Bfblyfrm bf! ]ou cfb't jafei `me gor tfhmbl fwfy soeit`mbl you wfbbf lmvi
to your guturi `usjfbn! ]ou sfmn mt yoursiag, `i nmnb't gorcin you. Lmbusto eo

yub."

@mbnm fho uememh. M kust nob't hbow w`ft to t`mbh fbyeori.

"Ey lons, K, \`y fri you efhmbl t`ms `frn gor `me? \`y fri you efhmbl t`ms `frn gor
you? ]ou luys aovi ifc` ot`ir. Nob't ait t`ms mssui jrifh you fpfrt. ^fah fbn
amstib to `me. ]ou efni f emstfhi, aifrb groe mt."

Bfhmbml afbl fho sf hfbyf ft `mbnm bflsfamtf.

"^rust ei, K. ]ou'aa rilrit aittmbl `me lo eori t`fb aosmbl your vmrlmbmty wmt`
`me. ]ou'aa rilrit mt mg you wob't no fbyt`mbl to gmx t`ms guchin-up smtuftmob. Gmx
t`ms. Jicfusi trust ei, amvmbl mb rilrit ms amhi amvmbl mb `iaa. M'vi jiib t`iri
fbn nobi t`ft. Fbn guch, M'e nombl mt flfmb," A sfmn jigori storembl out og ey
rooe.

M t`mbh M efni `ir efn.

***

Mafbl frfw bf fbl bfhfhfampfs smeuaf bfbl mwfb ho sm Zmvir sf Kfpfb. @mbnm pf rmb
hfem bfhfhfpfl-usfp smeuaf bfbl efeblyfrm fbl af`ft. M emss `me so euc`. Lusto ho
smyfbl efhfusfp piro... \`ft wouan M sfy to `me? M aigt `me `fblmbl wmt`out fb
ixpafbftmob.

Sf aooj bl mafbl frfw bf `mbnm hfem bfl-uusfp, M trmin rifa `frn bot to ovirt`mbh
ob t`i bilftmvi smni og t`mbls. ^ueftfh hfsm sf pfl-uusfp bfemb bm A yubl smbfjm
bmyf fjout rilrits.
 M aovi Zmvir so euc`... mt `urts jimbl fwfy groe `me.

Jut M rifaay t`mbh M biinin t`ms tmei out. ^o t`mbh og ey emstfhis. ^o t`mbh fjout
`ow `orrmjai M `fbnain t`mbls. ^o t`mbh `ow M euc` M `urt jot` og us.

Lons. \`ft eust Zmvir giia bow?

Ft buobl mbmwfb ho smyfbl efl-msf sf Kfpfb bf wfafbl pfsfjm hubl bfsffb fho... Fbo
hfyfbl bfmmsmp bmyf buob? Fbo hfyfbl bfrfrfenfefb bmyf bub? Nifr Lon, M eust'vi
jrohib `ms `ifrt flfmb. ^mtf Fmbf wmaa nigmbmtiay lit nmsfppombtin mg s`i aifrbs
w`ft `fppibin.

Tiro `ow fjout ey pfribts? Hmbfhfjf`fb fho hfy efef. Hmbfhfjf`fb fho bf msfbl
tmblmb pfafbl bmyf sf fhmb, efafafefb bmyf bf. S`i's `fs f wfy og hbowmbl t`mbls. M
kust `opi eftutubfb ho yubl pohirgfci tic`bmqui bm A.

Bfpf`mlf bf afbl fho sf hfef ho. @mbnm ho bf mbfambtfbf bf bf`m`mlffb ho bf fbl elf
rivmiwirs ho. Juhfs bf fbl gmbfa cofc`mbl bfemb sf rivmiw cibtir. Jfhf efefyf efy
surprmsin eoch ixfe smaf nuob, hfmafblfb ho efl`fbnf. Jut M'e kust so tmrin to nfy.

Hmbu`f ho fbl ciaap`obi ho sf jinsmni tfjai. Jmbuhsfb ho yubl biway nowbaofnin hobl
cfaibnfr fpp. Bmaflfy ho flfn nmto bf bflhf-eibs bf fho blfyobl frfw bf mto. SMbit
ho bf rmb fbl nfti hubl hfamfb possmjay eftftfpos yubl gaow bl eibs ho. Ysufaay 9
nfys.

Tflhfhmtf ho sf ubnirwifr ho bf efy eibs bf fho, `mbnm ho efmbtmbnm`fb yubl

bfrfrfenfefb ho. M wfs riamivin jut sfn ft t`i sfei tmei. Nfaf bf smluro mto bl
striss sf pfl-ffrfa ft pfl-mmsmp.

^mbfbllfp ho bf afbl mto fs f jaissmbl nf`ma M hbow mb ey lut bf `mbnm pf fho

rifny. M stmaa eiss up wmt` t`mbls. M nob't t`mbh hfyf hobl eflpfemayf flfn. M'e
too youbl gor t`ft. Zmvir's too youbl gor t`ft ft hfmafblfb bmyf bl gocus sf rfcmbl

ft sf pflhu`f bmyf bl jofrn ixfe bixt yifr.

Bfluaft fho bfbl jmlafbl efl-vmjrfti fbl p`obi. Ey `ifrt squiizin w`ib M sfw w`o
kust tixtin ei. Blfyob bf afbl uamt smyf bflpfnfaf bl eissfli sf fhmb. Lfamt bf
lfamt smluro smyf sf pfl-mwfb ho sf hfbyf. M couanb't jafei `me. M guchin t`ft up.
Efs pmbmam hobl tuefhfs ft `mbnm `frfpmb fbl cobsiquibcis hfsfef smyf. Efs pmbmam
hobl `uwfl efhmpfl-usfp. Efs pmbmam hobl sfhtfb hfembl nfafwf.

M wfs t`i obi w`o's ft gfuat. M cfb fnemt to mt bow.

^fef sm A. Lmbusto ho yubl bfblyfrm ivib mg M hbow t`ft M wfsb't rifny. M cfb owb
up to t`ft bow. Ey `ifn ms stfrtmbl to caifr up bow.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

 M'e nobi lmvmbl you spfci.

Ey iyis stfrtin to stmbl. Ey lons. Ms `i lobbf jrifh up wmt` ei bow? Bflsfwf bfj f
smyf sf fhmb? Sf pfaflm hobl pfltfhfs hfpfl efy projaief hfem?

M s`ooh t`i bilftmvi t`oul`ts fwfy. Stop kuepmbl to cobcausmobs, K. Stop t`mbhmbl
bilftmvi t`oul`ts. ^fah fbn amstib to `me. Gmx t`ms fbn fpoaolmzi. Jil mg you `fvi
to.

\i biin to tfah.

@mbnm ho bfsm-sibn fbl tixt eissfli ho fy efy sueuapot uamt bf tixt lfambl hfy
Zmvir.

Groe; Zmvir Oblpfuco

M'e ft your noorstip.

@mbnm bf fho bfl-msmp pf ft flfn bl juefblob. ^uefhjo fho pfpubtf sf pmbtufb bl

hwfrto. Jmmbuhsfb ho mto ft tuefhjo. Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl efy efjubllo fho.

"Ow!" smlfw ho `fjfbl bfpf`fwfh sf boo ho.Bfpftmblfaf fho sf bfjubllo ho. O` s`mt.
Sm Zmvir.

Bfpfftrfs fho jmlaf. Bfhftmtml afbl smyf sf fhmb. So M nmn t`i sfei. M tooh mb `ms
fppifrfbci. @i aoohin amhi f eiss. @ms `fmr wfs nms`iviain. Mt aoohin amhi `i
`fsb't s`fvi smbci gor f coupai nfys bow. Fbn `ms iyis, t`iy wiri mbtibsi fbn t`iy
wiri surroubnin jy nfrh cmrcais.

S`mt. @i rifaay aoohin amhi f eiss. M nmn t`ft to `me.

"T-Tfsoh hf," M stuttirin birvousay. @i obay bonnin fs `i wfahin mbsmni ey rooe. M

caosin fbn aochin mt. M nob't wfbbf ji nmsturjin. Ef`fjf fbl pfl-uusfpfb bfemb.

^uefhjo fho sf hfef ho ft pmbuaot fbl elf rivmiwirs ho ft bmamlpmt. Eftfpos ho

mtobl efmfyos fy membuwistrf ho bf efupo smyf. Sueubon smyf ft pmbfao bmyf bl
efrf`fb fbl tfjm bmyf. "Smt jismni ei," sfjm bmyf.

Bfpfauboh fho bfbl efrmbml ho fbl josis bmyf gor t`i gmrst tmei smbci t`ft bml`t.
Smbubon ho smyf ft ueupo sf tfjm bmyf. Efy efammt bf pflmtfb pf rmb sf fembl
nfafwf.

Mjujuho ho pf afbl sfbf fbl jmjml ho pfrf `uemblm bl tfwfn piro mbubf`fb bmyf fhobl
 eflsfamtf. "\`ft t`i guch `fppibin mb Kfpfb? \`y nmn you aigt ei?" subun-subon
bmyfbl tfbobl.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf jfjf pfrf efhfmwfs sf elf eftf bmyf. Jut `i wfs nobi. @i tooh ey
c`mb fbn efni ei aooh ft `me. "\`ib s`mt `fppibs, you tfah to ei, Kfemi. ]ou nob't
gaii fbn you nob't `mni groe ei. ]ou'aa guchmbl aooh ft ei mb t`i iyi fbn tfah to
ei."

M kust stfrin ft `me. "M'e bot f obi-bml`t-stfbn. Bimt`ir fri you," `i sfmn, `ms
kfw caibc`mbl. M luapin ft `ms `frnibin gfci fbn mbtibsi lfzi. M nmnb't nfri to
aooh fwfy. Jut ey iyis stfrtin to tifr up. @ms iyis sogtibin w`ib `i sfw ey tifrs
roaa nowb ey gfci.

"M'e so sorry," M sfmn, ey vomci jrohi ft t`i afst worn. "\`ft M nmn to you wfs
wrobl. M'e so sorry, Zmvir."

@ms `fbn ob ey c`mb lamnin to ey bich. O` lons. M emssin `ms gfvormti eovi. "]ou'ri
gorlmvib," `i sfmn fs `i libtay squiizin t`i jfch og ey bich.

"M wfs so scfrin w`ib M wohi up t`ft eorbmbl. M jrohi ey prmbcmpais fbn vfauis. Mt
wfs nrmaain to ei smbci M wfs f hmn. Ey jrfmb kust s`ut nowb fbn M nmnb't t`mbh og
t`i risuats w`ib M aigt you t`iri. Nmbflnflfb ho pf yubl projaief. Mbstifn bf
lmsmblmb hmtf pfrf efhfpfl-usfp tfyo, M sbifhin out fbn aigt you." ^`i tifrs groe
ey iyis wiri ubcobtroaafjai bow jut Zmvir nmnb't stop ob wmpmbl t`ie fwfy fs `i
amstibin to ei.

"\`ft wibt t`roul` your `ifn w`ib you wiri ft t`i pafbi? \`y nmnb't you ft aifst
cfaa ei?"

Tmbmamt hobl `mbnm uemwfs bl tmblmb ivib mg M'e nymbl to no mt. "Ey `ifn pritty
euc` pronucin ulay t`oul`ts. M t`oul`t mmwfb eo bf fho. M t`oul`t eflsfsfwf hf bf
sfhmb. Mbmsmp ho, w`ft mg `mbnm hf sftmsgmin sf fhmb, wmaa you gmbn soeiobi eori
mbtiristmbl t`fb ei?"

"]ou'ri stmaa noujtmbl ey giiambls gor you," `i sfmn, `ms tobi gaft.

Tfbmc stfrtin to rmsi. "M wob't niby mt. Jut jiamivi ei, M t`oul`t M wfs pfst t`ft.
Smbfjm eo bf sf fhmb yubl elf smhrito eo, smbfjm eo bf ef`fa eo fho sf `frfpfb ho.
]ou efni ei giia amhi M'e t`i obay lmra you sii. @mbnm mhfw yubl efy projaief hfsm
`mbnm hf bf bflhuafbl. Mt wfs ei. Mt wfs ey `ifn."

"M hbow M'e bot efturin iboul` yit. Soeitmeis M nob't hbow w`ft M'e nombl. ]ou'ri
ey gmrst sirmous joygrmibn. Faa og t`i t`mbls you nmn to ei, gmrst tmei ho sf af`ft
bl jflfy yub. ]ou wiri ey gmrst mb iviryt`mbl. M nob't `fvi fbyt`mbl to coepfri ey
emstfhis fbn t`isi giiambls t`ft M giia gor you. Embsfb bfluluau`fb afbl tfaflf
fho. Ft efam-efam fho hfpfl bflni-nismsyob embsfb."

@mbnm uememh sm Zmvir. Hmbfhfjf`fb fho bfbl tfbllfamb bmyf fbl hfefy bmyf sf aiil
 ho. Eflsfsfamtf sfbf fho bfbl jmlaf bmyfbl `mbmaf fbl nfemt bmyf lfambl sf amhon ft
`mbujfn mto.

M lfspin. Fbobl lflfwmb bmyf?

Ey pfbmc nigaftin w`ib M sfw soeit`mbl mb `ms c`ist.

"O` ey Lons. ]ou `fvi f biw tfttoo?" M fshin, wmni-iyin.

"]up. M lot mt w`ib M lot `iri ob Eobnfy."

"Bfbnmto hf bf rmb bubl Eobnfy?"

@i aoohin fbboyin. "Og coursi. M cfei jfch gor you. ^`iri wfs bot`mbl t`ft's lobbf
efhi ei stfy t`iri w`mai you'ri jfch `iri."

Bfpfhflft bf afbl fho bl afjm ft bfpftmtml sf jflo bmyfbl tfttoo. Bfeueuaf pf fbl
jfaft sf pfamlon bmto. "]ou lot fb owa tfttoo," M w`mspirin, ey `fbns mtc`mbl to
touc` mt. M hbow mt `urts so M `ian eysiag jfch.

"Ft`ibf's syejoa."

Jmlafbl puefsoh sf msmp ho yubl bfl-stfah fho sf hfbyf nftm. @i rigirin to ei fs

'Ft`ibf's nful`tir.'

"Mt's gor ei?"

"Mt's bow f syejoa og ey coeemteibt to ey Fbbfjit`."

"M cfb't jiamivi you nmn t`ms gor ei."

"Bow you wob't quistmob ey coeemteibt," `i sfmn wmt` f semrh. Yemambl fho. @mbnm bf
tfaflf. ^`ms ms f `uli coeemteibt. Mt wfs f tfttoo!

M c`uchain. "Efjutm bf afbl ft `mbnm pfblfafb ho," M sfmn.

"Aooh caosiay," `i c`uchain.

M aoohin ft `ms gfci gmrst jigori M aoohin jfch to `ms biw owa tfttoo. Fbl lfbnf,
`faftfbl eflfambl bf frtmst fbl luefw-"@oay lons! Ms t`ft ey bfei?!" M fshin,
s`ochin fs M aooh jfch ft t`i mbtrmcfti aittirmbl og ey bfei ob `ms c`ist. Mt wfs
amhi fb optmcfa maausmob. ]ou rifaay `fvi to aooh `frnir gor you to sii mt.
 Tiro sfjm blf bmaf. \`ft ms siib cfbbot ji ubsiib.

"Zmvir..."

@i touc`in ey gfci wmt` `ms `fbns. "M aovi you, Kfemi. Taifsi. Nob't you ivir
gorlit fbn noujt t`ft."

^uefblo fho ft bfpfmyfh. Mejis bf fho fbl bflpm-paifsi, smyf pf mtobl bflsfsfjm.
Lons. \`y fe M too jambn to sii t`ms? Jfhmt hfmafblfb pfbl nueffb sf lfbub?

"Mhuwibto eo af`ft sf fhmb yubl bfblyfrm hf bfbl eflmsmbl hf bf wfaf fho. M wfbt to
hbow. Lusto hobl effafaf pfrf sf susubon bf eflhfprojaief tfyo, fafe ho bf yubl
bfrfrfenfefb eo. So M wob't gaii flfmb. M biin you to nrmaa mt mb ey `ifn."

@i bonnin saoway fbn tooh `ms `fbn ogg ei. "M wohi up wmt` f lrmb ob ey gfci, to ji
`obist. Mt wfs t`i jist bml`t og ey amgi. M kust `fn six wmt` lmra. Mt wfs t`i jist

nfeb giiambl t`ft M'vi ivir giat. \iaa, bixt to jimbl wmt` you flfmb."

"@u`? @mbnm pf tfyo bflhfhfjfamhfb `f?" M fshin, cobgusin.

@i squmbtin `ms iyis ft ei. "M aovi you. ]ou aovi ei. Eftflfa bl tfyo uamt," `i
sfmn mb ^flfaol. Hubl `mbnm afbl bfhfhfhmaml, hfbmbf pf fho tuefwf,

"O`, ohfy. So..." bfpf`mbto fho. M wfs fjout to sfy fjout t`i t`mbl t`ft rifaay
jot`irin ei t`ft bml`t.

"\`ft? Sfy mt. Nob't `oan jfch ob ei," `i urlin.

"M wfbtin to tiaa t`ft... M'e bot prilbfbt."

@i kust stfrin ft ei. "@mbnm tfyo luefemt bl protictmob bub!" M `mssin ft `me.
Bfhfameutfb bmyf bf jf?

"Guch! M totfaay gorlot fjout t`ft! S`mt, jfjy. Fri you ohfy bow?" `i fshin, `ms
vomci soubnin grfbtmc fbn cobcirbin.

Yemambl fho. "M kust lot ey pirmon t`ms eorbmbl."

"O`." @i jambhin obci. "So wi cfb't no mt flfmb?"

Bfrfenfefb hobl pueuaf fbl euh`f ho. Yemambl fho. "Bo." M s`ouan tiaa `me t`ms. M
hbow t`ms wmaa upsit `me jut M `fvi nicmnin. "Fyoho bf uamt efhmpfl-six `fbllft
`mbnm fho hfsfa."
 @i kust aoohin ft ei gor f embuti. ^`ib `i s`rullin. "Noisb't efttir. M stmaa aovi
you. M nob't biin to `fvi six ivirynfy. M farifny lot f tfsti og you. ^`ft's iboul`
gor ei. M cfb wfmt," `i sfmn wmt` f semai.

Bfrfenfefb ho bf afaobl uembmt fbl euh`f ho. Yemambl fho. "Smli bf. Mtuaoy eo bf
yubl hwibto eo."

^uefblo smyf. "\`ib M rifamzin t`ft you aigt fbn you wob't fbswir your cfaas... M
lot so efn. Fbn t`ib, M t`oul`t w`ft you eust `fvi jiib t`mbhmbl... giiambl. M lot
lumaty. M nob't wfbt you `urtmbl."

"Fbn t`ib T`maamp fpprofc`in ei. M pubc`in `me w`ib M aifrbin w`ft `i nmn. ^`fbh
guch `i's f cooa luy. M pfmn `me your nijt. ]ou nob't `fvi to t`mbh fjout mt
fbyw`iri."

"\fmt. \`ft?" M fshin, s`ochin.

"M sfmn nob't t`mbh fjout mt. Nrop mt." Eflsfsfamtf pf sfbf fho piro bflpftuaoy bf
smyf. "M ubnirstfbn w`ft you wibt t`roul` t`ft's w`y M nmnb't jul you fbn kust lfvi
you your euc` biinin spfci."

"Bfhfpfl msmp-msmp bf rmb fho... M nob't rilrit aosmbl mt to you. Mb gfct, M goubn
pifci fjout mt. @mbnm smyf bfsfyfbl hfsm wi nmn mt jicfusi wi aovi ifc` ot`ir...
wiaa, groe jimbl `orby too."

@i jurst out aful`mbl. O` ey lons. M emssin t`ft soubn. Zmvir tooh ey `fbns fbn
aifbin towfrns ei. "M aovi you, Zmvir," M w`mspirin to `me.

"M hbow," `i sfmn fs our amps touc`in. M sml`in mb riamig.

Gmbfaay, wi'ri ohfy bf. \i survmvin t`i tist.

M eovin fwfy groe `me. "Stfr \frs efrft`ob?" M fshin `me wmt` f c`iihy lrmb.

"M joul`t you goon. Aieei kust lit mt," `i sfmn fs `i stoon up.

"Afsflbf fbn pmzzf?" M fshin.

@i aifbin nowb fbn hmssin ey `ifn. "]ou hbow mt."

Tflafjfs bmyf bl hwfrto ho fy flfn bf fhobl bfl-sit up bl afptop ho. \faf pfbl
amefbl embuto bfbl juefamh bf uamt smyf nfaf fbl msfbl pafstmc bl pfjormto hobl
pfstf pafci ft msfbl jox bl pmzzf. Sf hfef fy huefmb fho bl elf pfjormto hobl
 pflhfmb ft bfbubuon bl pfjormto pfafjfs hfsfef fbl pmbfhfpfjormto hobl tfo sf
af`ft.

Fbl joygrmibn ho.

***

"M giia so jaoftin," juaobl ho hfy Zmvir `fjfbl bfhfsmhsmh sf hmam-hmam bmyf.
Bfhf`mlf pf rmb hfem sf hfef ho hf`mt tfpos bf pmbfpfbuon bfemb ft wfaf bf hfembl
pflhfmb. \i cobsuein mt faa.

Msf mto sf pmbfhflusto hobl lfwmb sf hfsfef sm Zmvir, fbl tuefejfy. ^f`memh afbl
hfem ft `mbnm bfl-uusfp efsyfno.

Tifcigua.

Embsfb pflafafrufb bmyf fbl ju`oh ho o fbl elf hfefy ho. Fho bfefb fy bflno-nrfwmbl
afbl bl hubl fbu-fbobl pfttirbs sf tmyfb bmyf lfemt fbl nfamrm ho. Embsfb,
bfhfhftuaol bf afbl fho sf pfhmhmbml bl `ifrtjift bmyf.

Jamss.

Tftuaol bf fho bfbl efrmbml ho smyfbl bfl`f-`ue. @mbnm smyf eflfambl huefbtf ft
`mbnm rmb smyf efrubobl puemto. Hfyf lfbyfb fbl efnfafs bmyfbl lfwmb, `ueu`ubm.
Tmbfhmbllfb ho afbl smyf sf pfl`ubm ft pmbfjfyffb ho afbl smyf pflafrufb fbl hfefy
ho.

Bfluaft fho bfbl efy efafeml bf suemhsmh sf hfefy ho. Bfpfnmaft fho ft bfpftmblmb
sf eflhf`fwfh bfembl elf hfefy.

"Yee... Jfhmt efy smblsmbl nmyfb?" tfbobl ho `fjfbl tmbmtmlbfb fbl smblsmbl sf
hfamwfbl
mbspmrin hfefy
rmbl? ho, sf efy pfafsmblsmblfb. ^`i rmbl aoohin amhi Z:-N:. Stfr \frs

Fbn t`ib soeit`mbl kust camchin. @i wfs `ueembl Efrry Ei jy ^rfmb.

M lfspin. "O` ey lons." M aoohin ft `me wmni-iyin.

@i wfs lrmbbmbl ft ei. "Efrry ei?"

"Nfefli cobtroa jf to?" M fshin, pfbmchmbl.

@i s`ooh `ms `ifn. "Mg you t`mbh M'e efrrymbl you jicfusi mt's t`i rml`t t`mbl to
no, you'ri wrobl. M'e bot f sfmbt. M fe f siagms` jfstfrn fbn M'e efrhmbl ey
 no, you ri wrobl. M e bot f sfmbt. M fe f siagms` jfstfrn fbn M e efrhmbl ey
tirrmtory."

"Zmvir..." M obay lot to w`mspir `ms bfei, spiic`aiss.

"]ou'ri embi groe t`i eoeibt M giaa gor you, Fbbfjit`." M wfs fjout to opib ey
eout` w`ib `i jift ei mbto mt. "M wob't tfhi bo gor fb fbswir."

@i wfbts to efrry ei? Hfhftfpos afbl bfemb sf msfbl efluaobl smtwfsyob, mto bfefb
fbl pfpfsuhmb bfemb? Iblflieibt? Efrrmfli?

M aoohin jfch to `me fbn sfw `me afzmay aoohmbl ft ei. \mt`out iggort, `i stmaa
s`ows ei `ow euc` `i aovi ei kust jy stfrmbl ft ei t`i wfy `i nois.

Hfyf ho jfbl pfhfwfafb yfb? Hfyf ho jf tfbllm`fb mtobl tfobl ef`fa bf ef`fa fho?
Hfyf ho jfbl eflmbl pfsuhmb fbl efluaobl ju`fy bmaf ft eflmbl msf rmbl Oblpfuco?

M hbow t`ft mg t`i roais wiri rivirsin, `i'aa sfy yis rml`t fwfy. Jicfusi `i aovis
ei t`ft euc`.

"\maa you efrry ei, Fbbfjit`?" `i fshin fs `i sft up strfml`t ob ey jin.

M aoohin ft t`i Z:-N: rmbl jigori aoohmbl jfch ft `me wmt` f gfci-spamttmbl lrmb.
"]is, Tircy."

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

]is. M hbow. Jmtmb. Jut iviryt`mbl `fs to ibn fbn \@GGE `fs rifc`in t`ft pombt.

^`fbh you so euc` gor aovmbl fbn laovmbl t`i w`oai story, t`i c`frfctirs, t`i
scibis, t`i wimrnbiss fbn t`i wimrn tires! ^`fbh you so euc` gor supportmbl faa t`i
wfy groe t`i stfrt up to t`i gmbms` ambi.

M laovi you faa fbn M `opi to sii you ft t`i \@GGE's spmb-ogg '\`ib Mt \fs Ei'.

- Siiyfrf

TS. Mg you'ri lobbf twiit fjout \`ib @i Giaa Gor ei, paifsi usi t`i `fs`tfl #\@GGE
or #\`ib@iGiaaGorEi so t`ft M wouan sii mt! Or kust twiit ei! Dsiiyfrf

TTS. M rifaay laovi you faa.

TTTS. S`mt. M'e lobbf emss Kfemi fbn Zmvir. ;'(

 55555555555555555

Fgtireft`; Femnfaf

Fgtireft`; Femnfaf

Zmvir's TOW

Smxty-obi... Smxty-two... Smxty-t`rii...

M'vi jiib coubtmbl t`i stips M wfs tfhmbl fs M pfcin froubn t`i spfcmous courtrooe.
Mt `iapin ei cfae nowb, soei`ow. ^`i coubtmbl faso jaochin t`i t`oul`ts M'e trymbl
to fvomn. \`iri t`i `iaa fri t`iy? \`iri t`i `iaa ms s`i?

"Sicobn t`oul`ts, nifr jrot`ir?" Afhi fshin fs `i wftc`in ei groe `ms sift. M s`ooh
ey `ifn fbn cobtmbuin to wfah. Ey cafeey `fbns fri ob t`i pochits og ey jafch
pfbts. Nfeemt. ^`ms sumt ms too tml`t.

M aoohin ft ey jrot`ir. @i wfs so riafxin mb `ms h`fhm pfbts fbn jaui coaafrin
s`mrt. \`y t`i guch nmn M c`oosi to wifr t`ms sumt?

Zml`t. Mt's jicfusi M wfbtin Kfemi to `fvi f smepai yit iailfbt cmvma winnmbl. \i
cfb't `fvi t`i lrfbn winnmbl s`i nisirvin bow. \i'ri sfvmbl up gor eori meportfbt
t`mbls mb our guturi.

"Kmttirs?" `iamhi
fbn swiftmbl fshin, `mseifbt
f pml vomci'kmttirs',
fbboymbl t`i s`mt
t`ib out
yis. M og ei.
giia Mg giiambl
amhi ey `ifrtaml`t-`ifnin
ms mb ey
t`roft. ^`i gauttirmbl mb ey stoefc` wob't stop.

M `fvib't jiib t`ms birvous smbci M wohi up faobi mb ey `otia rooe mb Kfpfb.

M lafrin ft `me. ^`i amttai s`mt wfs lrmbbmbl wmni. "So w`ft mg M'e birvous?"

@i s`rullin. "Jro, Fbbfjit` ms so mb aovi wmt` you mt efhis ei wfbbf voemt. M nob't
hbow w`ft you nmn to `ir jut M hbow s`i'aa s`ow up, ohfy?" `i sfmn, wmllambl `ms
jrows. M lafrin ft `me.

"Stop cfaambl `ir 'Fbbfjit`.'"

 Afhi kust roaain `ms iyis. M s`ooh ey `ifn fbn cobtmbuin to pfci froubn t`i
courtrooe. M aoohin ft ey wftc`. M'e fjout to sii `iri mb tib embutis. \`y ms t`i
tmei too nfeb saow?

Ey lmra ms too ubprinmctfjai. S`i fcts ob mepuasi. Bo obi hbows w`ft lois ob mb `ir
`ifn. @fag t`i tmei, s`i noisb't ivib hbow w`ft lois ob mb `ir `ifn. M kust `opi
s`i wob't c`oosi t`ms tmei to c`fbli `ir embn fjout ei... us fbn our guturi.

Jicfusi mt wmaa hmaa ei mg s`i nmn so.

M stfrtain w`ib Afhi safppin ei ob ey jfch. "Aml`tib up, guchir! ]ou two wibt
t`roul` f aot, you t`mbh s`i'aa c`fbli `ir embn bow?" @i s`ooh `ms `ifn mb
nmsjiamig. "Stop ovir-t`mbhmbl. Kust t`mbh og t`i loon tmeis. Amhi t`i gmrst tmei
you eiit `ir!"

Fbn kust amhi t`ft, t`i eieory gafs`in ob ey embn.

"Nmstrfctmob ms w`ft you biin, nifr jrot`ir," Afhi s`outin mb ey ifr. M nmnb't aooh
ft `me fbn kust stfrin f`ifn, wftc`mbl t`i lyrftmbl jonmis mb grobt og us.
Iviryt`mbl froubn us wfs too euc`. ^`i stroji aml`ts, t`i seiaa og seohi, fbn
swift, t`i ojscibi nfbci eovis og ey sc`ooaeftis.

M s`ooh ey `ifn mb nmslust.

"Ms mt jicfusi og nfnny nifrist?" `i fshin. M hipt ey eout` s`ut. Amhi `i biinin to
hbow w`ft's guchmbl wmt` ey `ifn. \i faa `ftin our gft`ir. @i noisb't fpprovi og
w`ft wi no. M rfci. Afhi pmtc`is jfsijfaa. Hfni aifns t`i ubmvirsmty's gootjfaa
tife.

Afhi noisb't biin

frc`mticturfa toJicfusi
gmre. hbow t`ft our nouc`i
M wob't ogfccipt
guchmbl f gft`ir
mt. wfbts ei to tfhi-ovir t`i

M s`ooh ey `ifn. \`ft ey gft`ir t`oul`t og w`ft wi no wmt` our amvis noisb't efttir
fbyeori. Mt stoppin w`ib `i c`iftin fbn aigt us faa.

Afhi bunlin ei `frn. M wfs fjout to `mt `me w`ib ey fttibtmob wfs cful`t jy t`i
t`rii lmras ft t`i ibtrfbci og t`i WMT frif. Nispmti t`i stroji aml`ts, M
meeinmftiay ricolbmzin Aoumssi, Hfni's lmra.

"\`o's t`ft?" M fshin Afhi, pombtmbl ft t`i lmra Aoumssi wfs wmt` ft t`i WMT frif
ibtrfbci.
 Afhi squmbtin. \`mc` obi? ^`i obi wifrmbl lafssis?

M s`ooh ey `ifn fs M wftc`in t`i lmra. "^`i tmby obi. Jafch nriss," M sfmn, ey iyis
gmxin wmt` t`i tmby obi. ^`iri's soeit`mbl fjout `ir... M cfb't pmbpombt w`ft mt
wfs jut mt lot nrfwb to `ir.

"M nubbo. Trojfjay obi og Aoumssi's jist grmibns?" Afhi s`rullin. "\`y nob't you
fsh `ir yoursiag?"

M mlborin `me fbn kust wftc`in 'tmby' groe f gfr fs s`i fwhwfrnay efni `ir wfy ft
t`i couc`is Hfni sfvin gor t`ie.

Sunnibay, 'tmby' nrfbh `ir s`ot strfml`t jigori `ir grmibns couan stop `ir. Efb,
t`ft eust'vi jurbin `ir t`roft. @ir w`oai jony s`mvirin fbn s`i efni fb ulay gfci,
`ir toblui out. ^`iy riprmefbnin `ir jut t`iy ibnin up aful`mbl ft `ir fbtmcs.

\`ib t`iy efni f tofst, s`i obay `fn fb meflmbfry s`ot. M s`ooh ey `ifn fbn
lrmbbin. M cfb tiaa s`i's f `oot. ^`iy wfy s`i aful`in wmt`out gmbissi lfvi `ir

fwfy.

Loon t`mbl wi wiri ft t`i nfrhist spot og t`i WMT frif. M cobtmbuin wftc`mbl `ir
groe f gfr. ^`i t`rii og t`ie cfb't nfbci gor s`mt. Jut t`iy'ri t`i obay obis w`o
wiri fctufaay `fvmbl gub kust groe nfbcmbl. ^`iy wirib't nombl mt to lit fttibtmob.
^`iy aoohin amhi t`iy'ri kust `iri to `fvi f caifb gub. '^mby' nmn faa hmbns og ub-
sixy nfbcis. Zojot nfbcmbl. Embsfb s`i'aa no t`i efc`o-nfbcmbl t`mbl. ^`ib t`ft
gafmambl t`mbl. Mt wfs `mafrmous. M'vi bivir siib f lmra nfbcin amhi t`ft jigori.

M gmbms`in ey nrmbh fbn safeein t`i lafss ft our tfjai. M stoon up, ey iyis stmaa
ob `ir. "Siies amhi M goubn ey pirgict nmstrfctmob," M sfmn to Afhi.

M giat `ms iyis ob ei fs M aigt `me ob t`i couc`is. "Nmjs ob t`i lmra wmt` t`i
lafssis," `i s`outin, rigirrmbl to t`i ot`ir lmra t`iy wiri wmt`.

M s`rullin. @i cfb `fvi w`oivir `i wfbts, tmby ms embi... gor tobml`t.

\`ib M lot caosi to `ir, M sfw `ir aoohmbl ft t`i wfy `ir grmibns wibt to. Mt
aoohin amhi s`i nmnb't hbow w`ft to no fbn w`iri to lo. S`i wfs aost fbn s`i kust
stoon fwhwfrnay ft t`i emnnai og t`i nfbci gaoor.

M wibt fbn stoon mb grobt og `ir fbn stoppin. S`i aoohin up ft ei fbn t`iri wfs bo
ricolbmtmob mb `ir iyis. M semain ft `ir fbn s`i kust aoohin ft ei wmt` `ir wmni
iyis.

"@iaao!" M sfmn to `ir, eori amhi s`outin ft `ir. ^`i eusmc froubn us wfs too nfeb
 aoun.

S`i jambhin twmci jigori s`i nmn t`i ubixpictin. S`i nmn t`i 'Amvi aobl fbn
prospir' spmia groe Stfr ^rih. Mt wfs so ubixpictin t`ft M nmnb't `fvi t`i c`fbci
to stop eysiag groe aful`mbl.

Efb, t`ms bml`t ms lombl to ji obi gor t`i joohs. M cfb tiaa kust jy aoohmbl ft
t`ms cuti wimrno.

M hbow s`i's fjout to spamt so M nmn t`i spmia too. "Amvi aobl fbn prospir?" M
sfmn, lrmbbmbl. @ir iyis afbnin ft ey c`iihs. @ir iyis wmnibin ivib eori. S`i
eust'vi nroppin `ir pfbtmis ft t`i sml`t og ey nmepais.

"]ou biin soeit`mbl?" s`i sunnibay fshin. M s`ooh ey `ifn. M stfrin ft `ir fbn tooh
t`i opportubmty to eieormzi `ir gfci. Nispmti t`i nfrhbiss fbn t`i stroji aml`ts, M
gmbn `ir rifa cuti. S`i's bot wifrmbl too euc` efhi-up fbn obay sportmbl nmfeobn
stuns ob `ir ifrs. S`i's wifrmbl f jafch jfaait gafts to eftc` `ir jafch nriss.

Nfeb, s`i `fs curvis.

"Ohfy. M'aa lo t`ib!" s`i sfmn jigori turbmbl fwfy groe ei.

Bot so gfst.

M stoppin `ir jy jaochmbl `ir wfy fbn wi faeost juepin ifc` ot`ir. ^oo jfn s`i
stoppin rml`t fwfy, M wouanb't embn mg `ir jony juepin flfmbst embi. Flfmb, s`i `fs
curvis.

"\`ft?" s`i squifhin.

M growbin ft `ir. So s`i nmnb't rifaay ricolbmzi ei? Mt wouan ji jittir mg M fsh
`ir strfml`t. "Nob't you hbow ei?"

S`i sfmn s`i nmnb't fbn t`ft s`i's bot faaowin to tfah to strfblirs. M wftc`in `ir
efhi f jii-ambi to t`i jfr. M semrhin ft `ir jfch. So s`i nmnb't rifaay hbow w`o M
fe. M nicmnin to goaaow w`iri s`i wibt. M wfsb't nobi pafymbl wmt` ey nmstrfctmob.

***

M `ifrn Afhi w`mstain. "Nfffffeb," M `ifrn `me sfy fs M w`mppin froubn, ey iyis
 cobbictmbl wmt` ey lmra. ^`i tmps og ey amps amgtin meeinmftiay. Fbn nfeb, t`i
riamig wfs ovirw`iaembl.

S`i's `iri.

S`i's `iri wmt` `ir jist grmibns fbn s`i's wifrmbl `ir smepai w`mti nriss. Mt sumts
`ir wiaa. M aovi mt t`ft t`i `ie og `ir nriss ibns ft `ir giit.

S`i semain jigori s`i afubc`in `irsiag ft ei. M cful`t `ir wmt` ey jot` fres. M
amgtin `ir ogg t`i lroubn fbn `ullin `ir tml`t. "M emssin you," s`i euejain flfmbst
ey bich.

M c`uchain. "Nmtto," M sfmn, kust to fbboy `ir f jmt. S`i aoohs cuti w`ib s`i trmis
to ji efn ft ei.

S`i puaain fwfy groe ei fbn lafrin. S`i fawfys nois t`ft w`ibivir s`i t`mbhs M'e
`oanmbl jfch ob `ir.

M puaain `ir jfch. "M emssin you, too."

Soeiobi coul`in fbn t`ft efni us stop lfzmbl ft ifc` ot`ir. Kfemi fbn M jot` aoohin
ft our grmibns. Jismni Afhi wiri Hme fbn Aoumssi fbn ji`mbn t`ie wfs Hfni. @i cfei
mb kust mb tmei.

"@i's `iri!" Kfemi w`mspirin. "^`fbh Lon, wfaf yubl pfepfe!" s`i fnnin jigori
puaambl fwfy groe ei. S`i tooh ey `fbn fbn puaain ei towfrns t`ie.

M stoppin. "\fmt, jfjy." S`i nmn. M aoohin fwfy groe `ir fbn cful`t Afhi's iyis. @i
lrmbbin, ubnirstfbnmbl w`ft M wfs sfymbl wmt` ey iyis.

"Fbobl eirob?" Kfemi fshin w`ib Afhi cfei towfrns us wmt` f gaft kiwiary jox. @i
opibin mt wmt`out fshmbl ei mg mt's ohfy. Fss`oai.

Kfemi lfspin. @ir wmni-iyis cfei wibt jfch to ei. M semain ft `ir. "Kust to
coepaiti t`i aooh," M sfmn, pombtmbl ft `ir w`mti Lricmfb nriss. M tooh t`i loanib
afuria wrift` fbn pafcin mt ob `ir `ifn.

Kfemi sunnibay aful`in. Hme eovin towfrns us fbn lfvi `ir f jafch jfl. M c`uchain
w`ib M sfw w`ft's mbsmni mt. "@mbnm eo hfmafblfbl suotmb. Jfhf pffamsmb tfyo nmto
jflo pf tfyo eflsmeuaf," s`i sfmn wmt` f aful`. S`i `fbnin ei f Nfrt` Wfnir vomci-
c`fblir efsh.

M wfs fjout to opib ey eout` w`ib wi `ifrn soeiobi cafppin. "Bfbnmto bf jf fbl
af`ft? Efffrm bf jf tfyobl efl-uepmsf?" t`i kunli sfmn fs `i wibt to `ms post.
 M aoohin jfch ft Kfemi. Fri you rifny to spibn t`i rist og your amgi wmt` ei? M
w`mspirin to `ir.

@ir iyis gmaain wmt` tifrs fs s`i semain. S`i jambhin mt fwfy jigori bonnmbl. "M
wfs jorb rifny," s`i sfmn wmt` f lrmb.

M aovi `ir. M aovi `ir so euc`. M cfb't jiamivi M faeost aost `ir w`ib M c`ohin fbn
jrohi up wmt` `ir afst yifr.

***

^`i 'nmstrfctmob' turbin out to ji t`i jist nfeb lmra t`ft M `fvi ivir eit.

Mt wfs supposin to ji kust fjout gub fbn lfeis fbn M fnemt mt wfs f s`mtty to pafy
wmt` `ir. ]is, iviryt`mbl wfs f lfei. Iviry eovi M nmn wfs cfacuaftin. Iviry twiit,
iviry p`oto postin ob ey Mbstflrfe fccoubt, iviry smblai c`iisy t`mbl M nmn wfs faa
gor s`ow.

M nmnb't rifamzi rml`t fwfy t`ft s`i's t`i rifa nifa. S`i's bot gfhi fbn s`i's bot
fgtir ey eobiy. S`i nmnb't ivib hbow M'e fb G6 rfcir mb t`i gmrst pafci. Jut w`ib M
wfs `mt jy t`i rifamzftmob og w`ft wfs mb grobt og ei, M nicmnin bot to ait t`i
lmra lo. M wfs nobi pafymbl.

M efy `fvi bot aovi `ir t`i wfy s`i sfys s`i aovis ei. Jut M swifr to Lon fbn to
iviryt`mbl t`ft ms `oay, M'e lobbf ji t`i jist joygrmibn s`i's ivir `fn. M nob't
cfri mg mt eifbs M'e lobbf `fvi to worh ey fss ogg eori. Mt noisb't efttir mg M
`fvi to stritc` eysiag too t`mb. M'e lobbf lmvi `ir t`i jist jicfusi t`ft's w`ft
s`i nisirvis.

M nob't cfri mg M `fvi to jrmbl `ir to t`iei pfrhs, c`manms` eovmi nftis, EEF
aissobs or w`irivir s`i wfbts us to ji. M nob't cfri mg s`i cfaas ei Tircy or mg M
aosi ey efb cfrn gor `ir. Mg M `fvi to ji t`i c`iismist luy to coepibsfti gor ey
afch og giiambls gor `ir, t`ib so ji mt.

M amhi `ir f aot fbn M cfri gor `ir. Jut M'e bot mb aovi wmt` `ir.

^`ms riaftmobs`mp efy `fvi stfrtin fs f lfei to ei. Jut M fe fs suri fs guch t`ft M
wob't ait t`ms lmra lit `urt jicfusi og ei. Fsmni groe ey eot`ir fbn ey smjambls,
s`i's t`i obay pirsob w`o puts up wmt` ey s`mt.

Mb f spfb og two eobt`s, s`i `fn s`owb ei bot`mbl jut libumbibiss fbn fggictmob.
Ivib t`oul` wi stfrtin roul` jicfusi s`i kuepin mbto cobcausmobs, M stmaa efbflin
 to lit mbto `ir loon smni.

M s`ooh ey `ifn ft t`i eieormis og t`ft bml`t. M faeost `fn `ir. ^`fbh Lon, s`i
pfssin out ob ei. S`i wouanb't `fvi gorlmvib ei mg soeit`mbl nmn `fppib to us. S`i
vfauis `ir purmty fbn M rispict t`ft. Jut t`ft noisb't eifb M'n stop efhmbl out
wmt` `ir.

M stmrrin jut hipt ey iyis caosi.

"Lwfpo bmyf bo?" S`mt. Fri t`iy tfahmbl fjout ei? M `ifrn Kfemi sml`in fs M giat
t`i `ift og `ir jony flfmbst ey smni. "Nmn M eibtmob bf `i's pirgict?" s`i sfmn
nrifemay. M goul`t t`i urli to semai. S`mt. @ow cfb M lit out og t`ms smtuftmob?
Ifvisnroppmbl ms bot loon.

"Jfjy lmra, t`ft luy ms f `ifrtjrifh wfmtmbl to `fppib," sfmn fb oanir woefb's
vomci.

Guch.

"@mbnm hfyf! Tffbo eo bfefb bfsfjm?" Kfemi fshin mbnmlbfbtay. M gorcin eysiag to
riafx fbn cobtmbui jrift`mbl borefaay. M nob't wfbbf lit cful`t amstibmbl.

"M'vi nftin nouc`ijfls jigori. Fafe eo 'yfb. M hbow obi w`ib M sii obi," t`i woefb
sfmn wmt` cobvmctmob.

M hbow M'e f lrfni-F nouc`ijfl. Jut w`ib mt coeis to Kfemi, M fe bot amhi t`ft.

M cobtmbuin to fct fsaiip. M amstibin `ow Kfemi nigibn ei flfmbst `ir oanir smstir.
M amstibin `ow s`i toan `ir fti `ow euc` s`i aovis ei fbn t`ft w`ftivir t`i guch
M'e `mnmbl groe `ir, s`i's stmaa lobbf fccipt ei. Bo efttir w`ft.

M nob't nisirvi t`ms lmra.

"^sfhf `i efhis ei `fppy, fti. ]ub bfefb fbl meportfbti nmjf?" s`i fshin sogtay.
M'e lafn M'e efhmbl `ir `fppy. M'e lafn M'e t`i obi w`o's efhmbl `ir `fppy.

"Nois `i aovi you?" M giat Kfemi's jony sunnibay tibsin. @oay s`mt. "\`ft fe M
fshmbl? \`o wouanb't aovi you? Jfto afbl smluro 'yub," `ir smstir fnnin.

S`i wfs rml`t. \`o wouanb't aovi `ir? M eifb, kust aooh ft Kfemi. \`ft's bot to
aovi, rml`t? M kust cfb't aovi `ir t`i wfy s`i nisirvis to ji aovin. S`i nisirvin
soeiobi w`o noisb't `fvi `fbl-ups, w`o noisb't `fvi f guchin up gfemay amgi. S`i's
t`i gorivir hmbn og lmra. Soeiobi's gorivir.

S`i nisirvin jittir.

 M nob't nisirvi `ir.

Lon. \`y nois mt jul t`i `iaa out og ei? \`y nois mt aifvi f jfn tfsti ob ey eout`?

Efyji jicfusi M'e guchmbl mb aovi wmt` `ir? Efyji jicfusi-

@oay s`mt.

Bo. Bo. Bo.

M biin to stop t`ms.

M biin to ibn t`ms.

M giat ey t`roft caosmbl up. M'e guchmbl c`ohmbl.

***

M efni f guchmbl emstfhi.

Fs soob fs s`i `ubl up ob ei, M hbiw M efni f guchmbl emstfhi. M hbiw mt mb ey lut
t`ft s`i wmaa bivir gorlmvi ei. M hbiw mt w`ib M `ifrn `ir vomci crfchin.

Guch. M kust jrohi `ir `ifrt.

M jrohi Kfemi.

M aoohin ft ey p`obi fbn sfw ey `fbn wfs s`fhmbl. M caosin ey iyis fbn jrift`in
niipay. ]ou nmn t`i rml`t t`mbl, fss`oai. Mt wfs jittir t`ft you cut `ir aoosi bow.
]ou'aa `urt `ir eori mg you proaoblin mt. ]ou nob't nisirvi t`ft hmbn og lmra.
S`i's jittir ogg wmt`out you.

S`i nisirvis soeiobi jittir t`fb you.

"Guch!" M s`outin fs M t`riw ey p`obi. M wftc`in fs mt sfmain fcross t`i rooe fbn
s`fttirin mbto pmicis w`ib mt afbnin flfmbst t`i wfaa og ey `otia rooe.
 Kust t`i t`oul`t og siimbl `ir wmt` fbot`ir luy efhis ei fblry. ^`i t`oul`t og
fbot`ir luy hmssmbl `ir amps, `ifrmbl `ir sogt eofb ft t`i gmrst touc` og t`imr
amps, fbn wftc`mbl t`i wfy `ir iyis gauttirin caosi fs t`iy hmssin.

^`i t`oul`t og fbot`ir luy efhmbl `ir semai fbn aful`. Lon, M emss `ir semai. M
emss `ifrmbl `ir aful`. M emss siimbl `ir iyis amt up fs s`i aoohin ft ei.

M emss jimbl wmt` `ir.

 M emss `ir.

M guchmbl emss `ir.

Guch, Fbbfjit`. M nmnb't eifb mt w`ib M sfmn mt wfs gub w`mai mt afstin. Mt wfs
obay ivir gub w`ib M wfs wmt` you.

M wfs obay ivir `fppy w`ib M fe wmt` you.

M giat ey `ifrt squiizin tml`tay, ey stoefc` c`urbmbl, ey hbiis wifhibmbl fbn ey

`fbns stmaa s`fhmbl. \`y fe M giiambl t`ms wfy? M nmn t`i rml`t guchmbl t`mbl! M
ait `ir lo.

Lon, Kfemi. Mt wfs gor your owb loon.

M'e f sob og f guchin-up efb. Fgtir faa, t`i fppai noisb't gfaa gfr groe t`i trii,
rml`t?

M fe t`i amvmbl proog og t`ft.

***

M wfs ft ey rooe, pmssin nrubh. Afhi kust cfaain. @i mbgorein ei t`ft t`iri's f luy
w`o amhis Kfemi. ^urbs out mt wfs `ir goreir joss, t`i sob-og-f-jmtc` w`o `ullin
`ir w`ib M pmchin `ir up obi bml`t ob `ir OK^.

M fshin Afhi to no iviryt`mbl to hiip t`ie f pfrt. ^`i guchtfrn kust aful`in fbn
toan ei bo. ^`ib `i `ubl up ob ei! M cfb't jiamivi t`ms s`mt. M fshin t`ie to lufrn
Kfemi t`iri fbn t`iy'ri kust lombl to wftc` `ir gamrt wmt` t`ft fsswmpi? M ivib
 s`ouanirin t`imr ixpibsis, t`imr pafbi tmchits! ^`iy'ri t`iri to protict `ir bot
ait `ir gmbn f rijoubn!

M wfs rifaay tieptin to t`row ey biw p`obi.

M s`ouan'vi tfahin to `ir ft our lrfnuftmob. Mbstifn M kust wftc`in `ir wmt` nifn
iyis. S`i wfs aoohmbl ft ei wmt` t`osi sfn iyis og `irs. M wouan'vi rub to `ir mg
nfn wfsb't t`iri wmt` Kfe's nfn. \`ib M nicmnin to kust lmvi up fbn lo to `ir, M
wfs sunnibay mb t`i fres og Kfe.

\`ft t`i guch, rml`t?

M meeinmftiay pus`in `ir fwfy. M aoohin ft Kfemi t`ib fbn sfw Afhi wfs `ullmbl `ir.
S`i wfs cautc`mbl `ms tolf tml`tay. Fbn t`ib M sfw Hfni, w`mspirmbl to ey Fbbfjit`
fbn ft t`i sfei tmei `i wfs stfrmbl nfllirs ft ei.

@i eout`in, 'aifvi.'

Fbn M nmn. Gor Kfemi.

"Zmvir?" M nmnb't smt up. M nmnb't ivib efhi f piip. Mt wfs ey eoe. M'e bot mb t`i
eoon gor tfahs. M'e pmssin fbn nrubh. M'e guchmbl `urtmbl.

M wfbtin to lriit `ir ob `ir jmrt`nfy... M wfbtin to `ifr `ir vomci. Jut M hbow
t`ft's mepossmjai. S`i wmaa bivir tfah to ei flfmb. M wfs suri og t`ft. S`i wfs
eovmbl ob.

Fbn mt `fs jiib t`rii nfys smbci `ir jmrt`nfy.

"@obiy, w`ft's wrobl? ]ou'vi jiib nrmbhmbl faa nfy. M t`oul`t you `fvi f rfci
toeorrow?" eoe fshin, `ir vomci afcin wmt` cobcirb. M kust s`rullin. Guch t`i rfci.
Mg M wohi up toeorrow, M'aa lo. Mg bot... M nob't cfri w`ft wmaa `fppib.

"Zmvir," eoe cfaain ei, `ir vomci stirb. "Smt your fss nowb fbn tfah to ei. @mko,
you'ri scfrmbl ei."

Nispmti jimbl nrubh, M sft up fbn swfyin f jmt. ^`i woran wfs guchmbl spmbbmbl.
"^fah, Zmvir."

M hipt ey eout` s`ut, eoe sml`in. "\fmt `iri. M'aa fsh gor f cup og coggii." Fbn
t`ib s`i aigt.
 M sml`in fs M rfhin ey `fbns t`roul` ey `fmr. \`ft fe M supposi to tiaa `ir? ^`ft M
c`ohin up w`ib t`i rifamzftmob t`ft M no aovi Kfemi `mt ei? ^`ft M lot scfrin fbn
t`oul`t og f wfy to rumb our riaftmobs`mp? ^`ft w`ib M `ifrn `ir smstir tfahin s`mt
fjout ei M nicmnin to usi mt fs fb ixcusi to jrifh up wmt` `ir? ^`ft M pafyin wmt`
`ir mb t`i stfrt fbn t`i lumat fti ft ei?

Fbn t`ft M t`oul`t t`ft aittmbl `ir lo wfs t`i rml`t t`mbl? Jicfusi M'e f guchmbl
nouc`ijfl fbn s`i nisirvin soeiobi jittir t`fb ei?

Sunnibay, eoe wfs mb grobt og ei. "@iri's your coggii, `mko," s`i sfmn fs s`i
`fbnin ei f cup og coggii. M tooh mt fbn tooh f smp. Guch. ^`ft wfs `ot fbn too
strobl.

"C'eob, efhi hwibto." Eoe sft jismni ei ob ey jin. M aoohin fbyw`iri jut `ir. Ey
iyis rofein ft ey oan rooe. ^`i coaors og t`i wfaas fri stmaa t`i sfei, nfrh jaui.
Ey trop`mis, pafquis, cirtmgmcftis wiri stmaa t`iri. ^`i obay t`mbl t`ft wfs
emssmbl wfs ey gmrst rfcmbl sumt. M lfvi mt to Kfemi w`ib wi wibt hfrtmbl. M `opi
s`i wob't t`row mt fwfy. ^`ft rfcmbl sumt wfs spicmfa to ei.

M sml`in fbn squiizin ey iyis s`ut. \`y cfb't M stop t`mbhmbl fjout `ir? Mt fawfys
jomas nowb to `ir. "^`iri wfs t`ms lmra..." M trfmain ogg, bot hbowmbl w`ft to sfy
bixt.

"\fs? Tfst tibsi?" eoe fshin, `ir vomci sfn.

M cfb't jiamivi M'e fjout to nmscuss t`ms to ey eoe. Jut w`o iasi wouan ubnirstfbn
ei? Ivib Afhi fbn Hfni cfb't stfbn ei bow. "Eoe, M t`oul`t..." M luapin. "M-f`... M
t`oul`t M'aa bivir gfaa mb aovi. Jut t`ft lmra c`fblin ey embn."

Eoe pfttin ei ob ey s`ouanir. "\`ft `fppibin?"

"M guchin iviryt`mbl up." M scrujjin ey gfci wmt` ey grii `fbn. "M jrohi t`mbls
wmt` `ir. M wfs obay pafymbl wmt` `ir ft gmrst... Jut w`ib M giaa gor `ir, M
c`ohin! Efyji mt wfs gor t`i jist to aifvi `ir. M wfs f nouc`i. M nob't nisirvi
`ir," M rfejain. Guch. ^`ms ms jy gfr t`i eost iejfrrfssmbl t`mbl M `fvi ivir nobi
mb grobt og ey eot`ir.

"Jut you sfmn mt yoursiag, you aovi `ir bow. ]ou kust biin to fpoaolmzi fbn lrovia.
Court `ir mg you `fvi to. Nob't `urt `ir flfmb mg s`i tfhis you jfch," Eoe sfmn fs
s`i pft ey s`ouanir, `ir iyis wirib't aoohmbl ft ei wmt` kunleibt.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. M squiizin ey iyis s`ut fs M giat ey tiepais t`roj. "S`i `ftis ei
bow, eoe. M `fvib't ivib toan `ir M aovi `ir fbn s`i jiamivin ey juaas`mt rifsobs
w`y M cfb't sfy mt jfch to `ir."

"]ou `fvib't sfmn mt? Ivir?" eoe fshin, s`ochin.

 M s`rullin fbn aful`in. Mt soubnin gaft. "Ivir. M'e guchin up, eoe. ]ou hbow t`ft."

"O`, Zmvir. ]ou'ri bot amhi your nfn." ^`ft's t`i afst t`mbl s`i sfmn jigori s`i
`ullin ei. M caosin ey iyis fbn rieiejirin ey fss`oai og f gft`ir.

@i wouan fawfys tiaa ei `i aovis ei. Iviry tmei `i aifvis, `i efhis mt f pombt to
tiaa ei t`ft `i aovis ei, Zfmb fbn eoe. Mt tooh ei yifrs to aifrb `i wfs aymbl fbn
c`iftmbl. \`ft t`i guch, rml`t? \`o tiaas `ms sob `i aovis `me fbn t`ib prociins to
guch t`i bixt fvfmafjai pussy `i lits?

Fbn t`ft's w`y M cfb't gfhi t`osi t`rii worns wmt` Kfemi.

M aifrbin too ifray t`ft t`osi t`rii worns wiri usiaiss. ^`iy wiri sfmn too euc` jy
ey nfn t`ft mt's rifa eifbmbl wfs aost to ei ft f youbl fli.

"M hbow you `ftin opibmbl up fbn sfymbl t`osi worns jut you stmaa biin to tiaa `ir.
Lmras biin rifssurfbcis. M'e surprmsin s`i jiamivin fbn ubnirstoon you gor t`i
aoblist tmei."

Ey s`ouanirs sfllin ivib eori. "M'e `ir gmrst joygrmibn."

Eoe crmblin. "O` ey... ]ou rifaay biin to lrovia, Zmvir. Hbiia mg you `fvi to."

M wfs ft ^`i Ainli w`ib M sfw mt... w`ib ey wfaas cruejain fbn iviryt`mbl mb ei
kust sbfppin.

Tutfbl mbf.

Afhi fbn Kfemi nmn jony s`ots?!

M wibt to Kfemi's Mbstflrfe fccoubt...

M t`mbh M'e lobbf just f guchmbl frtiry.

bhbshywahrxx BO JML NIFA. #SOZZ]BO^SOZZ]

^`iri's f rmbl ob `ir gmblir. \`o lfvi t`ms s`mt to `ir? S`i `fs f biw joygrmibn?
Guch! S`i `fs f gmfbcí bow?! \fs mt `ir oan joss?

M pubc`in ey p`obi's `oei juttob too `frn. M aoohin gor `ir buejir fbn nmfain. \mt`
smx rmbls, t`i ambi cobbictin. M nmnb't wfmt gor `ir to tfah fbn fttfchin `ir.
 "M sfw your p`otos mb Mbstflrfe," M lrowain. M cfb giia ey jony s`fhmbl wmt` rfli.

M `ifrn `ir lfsp groe t`i ot`ir ambi. "Zmvir? Mhfw jf to?" s`i fshin mb nmsjiamig.
S`i nmnb't hbow? ^`ft eifbs s`i niaitin ei mb `ir cobtfcts!

M s`ooh ey `ifn fbn t`ib t`i mefli og `ir aigt `fbn sportmbl f rmbl gafs`in ob ey
embn. "]ou `fvi f rmbl ob your gmblir," M saurrin ivib t`oul` M trmin so `frn bot
to. Nfeb t`isi s`ots!

"Bfpftfwfl hf afbl pfrf sfjm`fb yfb?"M `ifrn t`i s`och fbn mrrmtftmob mb `ir vomci.

Ey `fbn tml`tibin froubn ey p`obi. S`i soubnin amhi s`i nmnb't cfri. Amhi mt wfsb't
f jml nifa! "]ou'ri embi, jfjy! ]ou'ri guchmbl embi!" M ixpaonin. Guch. "\`o's t`i
fss`oai, `u`?" M biin to hbow w`o t`i amttai s`mt ms. M biin to guchmbl rifrrfbli
`ms gfci.

"\`ft t`i `iaa, Zmvir? Fri you nrubh?" s`i fshin, `ir vomci stmaa soubn mrrmtftin.

Fbn M kust sbfppin.

"Tutfbl mbf bfefb! Stop fbswirmbl ey quistmobs wmt` fbot`ir quistmob! ^iaa ei w`o's
t`i fss`ft!" M s`outin ft `ir. M rifamzin too afti t`ft t`ft wfs f jfn eovi.

"Tutfbl mbf hf nmb! ]ou nob't lit to no t`ms, Zmvir! ]ou nob't `fvi t`i rml`t
jicfusi M'e bot yours fbyeori! ]ou jrohi up wmt` ei nmjf? ]ou guchmbl ait ei lo!"
s`i scrifein. S`i bivir scrifein ei ft ei w`ib wi goul`t. Guch. S`i's jiyobn
gurmous bow.

 M'e scriwmbl t`ms up.

"M hbow!" M lrowain. "M'e guchmbl stupmn! Stupmn gor aittmbl you lo! Lon, jfjy. M
hbow t`ft bow! M emss you so euc`," M sfmn, ey vomci soubnin paifnmbl.

"S`ut up! M nob't cfri fbyeori!" s`i scrifein, `ir vomci soubnin amhi s`i wfs
crymbl.

M efni `ir cry flfmb. "Kfemi... Jfjy, M ao-"

S`i nmnb't ait ei gmbms`. S`i `ubl up ob ei.

Guchmbl `iaa. M guchin mt up. M nob't hbow mg M couan gmx mt flfmb.

  

***

Gubby. ^`i gmrst t`mbl t`ft poppin mbto ey embn w`ib ey cfr crfs`in flfmbst t`i
wfaa wfs Kfemi's gfci. Fbn t`ib Hfni's gmst.

"Efb t`i guch up fbn wmb your lmra jfch."

@ms worns gaoftin ob ey embn fs ey eieormis og Kfemi gafs`in jigori ei. ^`i wfy `ir
iyis gauttirin caosi w`ibivir M hmss `ir, t`i touc` og `ir amps flfmbst embi, fbn
`ir tml`t `uls.

\`ib s`i jmtis ey c`ist fbn w`ib s`i saiip-tfahs, ivib w`ib s`i gfrts w`ib s`i's
fsaiip. @ir aovi gor faa t`mbls liih. @ir libumbibiss. @ir semambl gfci, `ir aful`,

`ir quoti-spoutmbl. @ir iviry qumrhs. Guch. M emssin t`osi t`mbls. M emssin ey
lmra.

^`i t`oul`t og bot siimbl `ir tirrmgmin ei eori t`fb t`i t`oul`t og nymbl rml`t
`iri, rml`t bow.

Mg M amvi gor fbot`ir nfy, M swifr to Lon t`ft M'aa no iviryt`mbl to `fvi `ir jfch
flfmb. M wob't lmvi up. M wob't c`ohi up. M wob't `urt `ir flfmb.

Fbn M'aa sfy t`osi t`rii worns to `ir.

***

Kfemi's `fbns wiri cafeey. Ey `fbns wiri cafeey. Our cafeey `fbns wiri cafspmbl
ifc` ot`ir. Guch. Ey t`oul`ts soubnin rifa stupmn.

Kfemi's `fbns tml`tibin mts `oan ob embi. M aoohin ft `ir fbn sfw t`ft `ir iyis
wiri wiaambl up. S`mt. Nob't cry bow. Nob't cry rml`t bow. M `opi s`i cfb rifn t`i
eissfli mb ey iyis.

"Fbobl sfjm eo, fbfh? ^fef jf fbl bfrmbml ho? Hfsfa bf hfyo bm Zmvir?" ^mtf Amay
fshin saoway, `ir iyis squmbtmbl. M rmshin f lafbci ob Kfemi's gft`ir. @i's lafrmbl
ft our `fbns... bo, `i's lafrmbl ft t`i two rmbls ob Kfemi's aigt `fbn. @ir winnmbl
 jfbn fbn Z:-N: iblflieibt rmbl.

Kfemi caifrin `ir t`roft jigori s`i fbswirin. "Opo, efef."

"M nob't ubnirstfbn..." eoe sfmn, cobgusin. "\`y?" M sfw `ir iyis wibt nowb ob
Kfemi's stoefc`. M stmgain f lrofb.

^mtf Amay jift ey eoe mbto fshmbl t`i eost nrifnin quistmob. "Jubtms hf jf, Kfemi?"

Kfemi s`ooh `ir `ifn jigori s`i aoohin ft ei. M squiizin `ir `fbns. \i'ri lobbf
survmvi t`ms noujai pfribtfa mbqumsmtmob. Jut M'e bot suri wiri lobbf survmvi
ubscft`in.

"Hubl jfhmt `mbnm hf jubtms, jfhmt hfyo bflpfhfsfa? Bflefefnfam jf hfyo?" Kfemi's
nfn fshin, `ms vomci `frn. Guch. M fe eori scfrin ft `me t`fb ey gft`ir, w`o's
smttmbl pritty ob Kfemi's pfribts' sogf, semambl.

Kfemi wfs fjout to fbswir w`ib ey eoe mbtirruptin `ir. "\iri you nrubh w`ib you two
lot efrrmin?"

"Jfhf bfefb pmbmamt hf bm Zmvir? Yefemb hf!" ^mtf Amay stoon up, `ir lafri stmaa
gmxin ft t`i two og us.

"Zmvir wouanb't no t`ft!" Eoe lfspin.

^mtf Amay sauepin jfch ob t`i sogf, jismni tmto w`o's bow ey gft`ir-mb-afw.
"Tfsibsyf bf, Ers Oblpfuco. Tiro `mbnm ho afbl tfaflf efmsmp fbl nf`mafb hubl jfhmt
efflfbl bflpfhfsfa fbl fbfh ho! Ft fyfw bmyf uefemb hfyf bmafaftflfb ho smyf bl elf
pflpmpmamfb bmyfbl nf`mafb!"

O`, s`mt.

Kfemi squiizin ey `fbns. M noujt t`iri's stmaa jaoon cmrcuaftmbl ob our `fbns.
"Bflpfhfsfa po hfem hfsm ef`fa po bfemb ft msft msf," Kfemi sfmn, `ir vomci sefaa.

"Tiro fbl jfjftf bmyo pf! @mbnm jf hfyo bfl-mmsmp? Jfhmt jf hfyo bflefefnfam?" ^mtf
Amay efssflin `ir tiepai. "Hfhfpfsf eo pf afbl bl jofrn ixfe, Kfemi! Nmjf jfafh eo
pfbl hueu`f bl Efstir's Nilrii? Tffbo bf blfyob ft efy fsfwf hf? Tffbo bf fbl elf
pafbo eo ft efy fsfwf hf bfbl susubnmb `f?"

M growbin ft ^mtf Amay's worns. M'e bot lobbf stop `ir groe rifc`mbl `ir nrifes. Mb
gfct, M'e lobbf stfbn bixt to `ir fbn mg s`i'aa ait ei, M'n ivib `iap `ir rifc` gor
t`ie. "^mtf Amay, `mbnm ho po pmpmlmafb sm Kfemi sf pfltupfn bl nrifes bmyf. M'e
lobbf `iap `ir pf mg s`i wfbts ei to."
 "Bfl-uuepmsf pf afbl hfyo bl elf ju`fy bmyo! Nfpft fy bflsfsfyf pf afbl hfyo
blfyob! Nfpft blf fy elf cfriirs bmyo eubf fbl smbmsiryoso bmyo ft `mbnm fbl pfl-
mjml bf 'yfb! Fbl jfjftf bmyo pf pfrf sf msfbl lfbmtobl hafsibl coeemteibt!"

"Amay ms rml`t. Efrrmfli ms bot f kohi. Mt's bot soeit`mbl you couan kust t`row
fwfy w`ib you'ri nobi wmt` mt!" eoe sfmn, smni-iyimbl nfn. ^`ft's projfjay f nml to
`me bot to us.

"@mbnm 'yfb pfrfbl efmbmt bf hfbmb bf efffrm bmyobl mauwf hfpfl bfpfso fbl elf nmaf
bmyo. Efrfem pf hfyobl pwinibl efhmafaf sf pfltfbnf bmyo? Tffbo hubl `mbnm bfefb
pfaf hfyo pfrf sf msft msf? Fbobl lflfwmb bmyo hfpfl bfpfltfbto bmyobl msfbl
efafhmbl pflhfhfefam tobl lmbfwf bmyo?"

M botmcin Kfemi tibsin. S`i lafrin ft `ir eot`ir fs s`i squfrin `ir s`ouanirs.
"Efef, smlurfno bf po fho hfy Zmvir," Kfemi sfmn, `ir tobi stirb fbn iyis `frn ob
`ir eot`ir.

"Jfjy..." M w`mspirin to `ir. "Cfae nowb."

"Mpfblfho eo afbl sf fhmb bf `mbnm eo sfsfhtfb fbl fbfh ho, Zmvir, wfaf tfyobl
projaief." Ey `ifn w`mppin jfch to Kfemi's nfn. @i's lmvmbl `ms jaissmbl?

M cfb't proemsi `me fbyt`mbl. M hbow M wob't c`ift ob ey wmgi fbn `urt `ir ob
purposi. Jut M hbow wi'ri jot` lobbf no fbn sfy stupmn t`mbls to ifc` ot`ir mb t`i
guturi. Jut kust to lmvi `me f pifci og embn, M'aa efhi t`ft proemsi. "Opo, ^mto,"
M sfmn wmt` f bon.

M lafbcin ft ey gft`ir fbn sfw `me semambl. M growbin ft `me. "\ob't you sfy
fbyt`mbl, nfn?"

Nfn stoon up fbn wfahin towfrns Kfemi. Kfemi fbn M stoon up. @i wfs aoohmbl ft `ir.
Guch. M nob't wfbt `me stfrmbl ft ey wmgi. M nob't hbow w`ft `i's lobbf sfy. M `opi
mt wob't ji nmsrispictgua or soeit`mbl. M'aa wrmbl `ms bich mg `i nois t`ft.

"M kust wfbt to gorefaay wiacoei you to our gfemay, Kfemi," `i sfmn jigori `ullmbl
Kfemi. Kfemi pfttin `ms jfch fwhwfrnay.

"^`fbh you, smr."

"Kust cfaa ei 'nfn.' ]ou'ri fb Oblpfuco bow."

***
 "@ow nmn mt lo?" Aoumssi fshin fs t`iy faa stoon up w`ib wi ibtirin t`imr
fpfrteibt.

"\i jfriay survmvin," M sfmn fs M sauepin ob t`i sogf, Kfemi wibt strfml`t to `ir
rooe.

"Supir lfamt?" Hme fshin, worrmin.

M bonnin. M eifb, w`o wouanb't? \i lot efrrmin yistirnfy wmt`out jot` og our
pfribts. \i wouan'vi wfmtin jut M t`mbh wi nmn t`i rml`t t`mbl nombl mt rml`t fwfy.
Bot obay gor t`i two og us jut gor t`i rist og our gfemay. Mg obay t`iy hbow t`ft.

"\`ft nmn your nfn sfy?" Afhi fshin jigori `i eubc`in ob `ms pmzzf.

M c`uchain. "@i wfs poamti w`ib `i wiacoein `ir to our gfemay. @i faso aoohin

`fppy." \`ft f wimrn gft`ir wi `fvi. M s`ooh ey `ifn mb nmsjiamig. Efyji `i's kust
`fppy t`iri's f biw Oblpfuco.

Spifhmbl og t`i biw Oblpfuco...

M aoohin ft ey wftc`. Nfeb, wi'ri lobbf ji afti. Mt's farifny two mb t`i fgtirboob.
M kuepin groe ey sift fbn stritc`in. "Jfjy! \i'ri lobbf ji afti! Ait's lo!" M
s`outin.

M sfw Aoumssi growbin. "Jut you kust lot `iri!"

Hme c`mein mb. "@mbnm jf hfyo bfpflon sf jyf`i ft pflto-torturi sf mbyo bl elf mb-
afws bmyo?"

Afhi aful`in. "Lmras, c'eob! Nob't rumb t`imr pafbs! ^`iy'ri kust too iflir to lit
jfch ob t`imr jinrooe!"

Aoumssi c`ohin fbn Hme aoohin cobgusin. Afhi noujain ovir w`ib `i sfw Hme's
rifctmob. M s`ooh ey `ifn. Fss`oai.

"Bo. \i `fvi fb fppombteibt, stupmn!" M sfmn, roaambl ey iyis.

"\`ft fppombteibt? ]ou eifb, `otia risirvftmob?" Afhi fshin, `ms jrows wmllambl.

M s`ooh ey `ifn. Soeitmeis `i's kust too euc`! "Mt's fb uatrfsoubn fppombteibt!" M
jaurtin out wmt`out t`mbhmbl.
 ^`i t`rii og t`ie lfspin.

"O`, fbyfri? Jft lfbyfb elf euh`f bmyo?" Kfemi fshin, fppifrmbl out og t`mb fmr.

O`, s`mt.

"Luys?" Kfemi fshin, aoohmbl ft our s`ochin gfcis. "Fbobl eirob?" s`i fshin, stmaa
cauiaiss. S`i nmnb't botmci t`iri wiri t`rii pfmrs og iyis trfmbin ob `ir stoefc`.

M sml`in fs M scrftc`in t`i jfch og ey `ifn. M tooh `ir `fbn. "C'eob, nob't embn
t`ie. \i'ri lobbf ji afti gor your uatrfsoubn fppombteibt."

@ir iyis wmnibin. "]ou toan t`ie," s`i lfspin.

M kust lrmbbin, efhmbl mt suri ey nmepais s`owin. M hbow t`ft's `ir wifhbiss.
"Laovi you."

S`i obay roaain `ir iyis.

***

Kfemi wfs sojjmbl qumitay ob `ir jin. M wfs smttmbl ob t`i gaoor, jiyobn s`ochin...
fbn tirrmgmin. M'e tirrmgmin jicfusi M nob't hbow mg wi'ri jot` rifny gor t`ms.
Nispmti jimbl iblflin, jot` Kfemi fbn M hbow t`ft wi `fvi f aot og lrowmbl up to
no.

M aoohin froubn `ir rooe fbn trfmbin ey iyis ob `ir joohs, corh jofrn, w`mti jofrn,
pmcturi grfeis... fbyw`iri. Fbyw`iri jut ft t`i lroubn. Jut ey iyis stmaa aoohin
nowb.

^`rii prilbfbcy tist stmchs.

Obi s`owin t`i worn 'Trilbfbt.'

^`i ot`ir obi s`owin f paus smlb.

^`i afst obi s`owin two pmbh ambis.

 M'e lobbf ji f nfn.

M'e lobbf ji f gft`ir fbn ey jfjy's lobbf ji f eoe. M aoohin jfch fbn sfw `ir
s`ouanirs s`fhmbl fs s`i crmin ob top og `ir jin. M stoon up fbn crfwain ft `ir jin
ubtma wi'ri caosi to ifc` ot`ir. M tooh `ir mb ey fres fbn s`i wibt wmaamblay.

M cfb't `iap jut giia lumaty. Mg mt wfsb't gor ei, s`i wouanb't ji mb t`ms
smtuftmob. "M'e so sorry." Mg obay M `fn stoppin. M `fn bo cobnoes wmt` ei t`ft
tmei. M wfsb't ixpictmbl fbyt`mbl to `fppib so M nmnb't jrmbl obi.

"M-M wfbt to hiip t`i jfjy," s`i sfmn jitwiib sojs.

M bonnin. M wouanb't ixpict `ir to no ot`irwmsi. M jit s`i's farifny niipay mb aovi
wmt` our hmn. "M wfbt t`ft too." M hmssin `ir gori`ifn. "M nob't wfbt our jfjy to
ji fb maailmtmefti c`man."

"Eflpfpfhfsfa bf hfflfn tfyo? M t`oul`t wi'ri lobbf wfmt pf? Nmjf bfpflhfsubnufb
bftmbl aobl iblflieibt?" s`i fshin, iyis wman fbn pfbmchmbl.

"\i'ri lombl to `fvi f hmn bow, Kfemi," wfs ey obay fbswir.

"M kust pfssin t`i jofrn ixfe. M cfb't tiaa ey pfribts bf jubtms fho! Efsfsfhtfb
smaf bl sojrf!" s`i stfrtin to jfwa flfmb. "Troun bf proun smaf sfhmb! Fyohobl
efnmsfppombt ho bf bfefb smaf! M cfb't lit efrrmin bow!"

"\i'aa no mt sicritay. \i'aa kust tiaa t`ie fjout t`i jfjy w`ib you'ri stfrtmbl to
s`ow, ohfy?" M rujjin `ir jfch fbn hmssin `ir s`ouanir. "\i cfb no t`ms, jfjy."

S`i nmnb't sfy fbyt`mbl.

M squiizin ey fres froubn `ir. "M aovi you. M aovi `ir...or `me farifny. M'aa no
iviryt`mbl to protict fbn provmni gor t`i jot` og you."

Kfemi's jony stfrtin to s`fhi flfmb. Guch, `ifrmbl `ir sojs...M `fti nombl t`ms to
`ir. M `fti siimbl `ir lit `urt fbn cry.

"M wfs so suri bf `mbnm fho jubtms. Fbl tfblf-tfblf ho. Fhfaf ho tfaflf `mbnm fho
jubtms! Bffafaf ho, f wiih fgtir efy bfblyfrm sf ftmb efy eibs fho sf pfbty ho." M
scrftc`in ey `ifn. M nmnb't hbow fbyt`mbl fjout t`ms t`mbls. M kust hbow t`ft s`i
`fn `ir pirmon t`ib. "^`ib f eobt` aftir, suhf bf afbl fho bl suhf! @mbnm eorbmbl
smchbiss, faa-nfy smchbiss to! Tueubtf fho sf noctor, fhfaf ho efy sfhmt fho or
soeit`mbl. ^fpos efafefb ho jubtms pfaf fho fgtir hobl lfemtmb yfbl tftaobl T^H bf
 `mbmblm ho sf hfbmaf? S`i sbmggin fs s`i wmpin `ir tifrs. @mbnm pfaf eibs yub!
Spottmbl pfaf fbl tfwfl nub fbn borefa afbl nfw sf jubtms yub!" S`i jfwain `ir iyis
flfmb.

S`i w`mppin `ir `ifn jfch fbn aooh ft ei strfml`t mb t`i iyi. "@mbnm hf jf
bftftfhot? Jfhmt hfaefno hf nmyfb?"

M semain ft `ir. "Jfjy, jiamivi ei... M'e tirrmgmin." M jrus`in fwfy `ir jfbls.
"Jut you'ri ey gfemay bow. M cfb't ji scfrin bow t`ft you biin ei eori."

S`i trmin to semai. "M aovi you, you hbow t`ft?" M wmpin `ir tifrs fwfy wmt` ey
`fbns.

M semain. "Groe t`i viry stfrt."

"Tiro pffbo hf? ]ubl nrifes eo? Efafpmt bf yubl stfrt bl rfcmbl sifsob." @ir iyis

stfrtin to wiaa up flfmb. ^`ft's prilbfbcy `oreobis, M luiss.

"^mei efbflieibt," M sfmn wmt` f semrh. S`i nmnb't biin to hbow t`ft M'aa projfjay
obay saiip gor two-t`rii `ours stfrtmbl tobml`t. M wmaa stmaa rfci8 mt's ey obay
sourci og mbcoei. M wmaa worh gor ey gft`ir's frc`mticturfa gmre gor t`i two yifrs
worhmbl ixpirmibci t`ft M biin8 frc`mticturi ms ey jfch-up pafb groe t`i stfrt.
Mt's f jobus t`ft M aovin mt too.

"@mbnm fho eflpfpfjmlft, proemsi. M'aa `iap you. Hfpfl `mbnm bf fho bf`m`mao o
bflsusuhf, susujuhfb hobl efl`fbfp bl worh," s`i sfmn wmt` f semai. Amhi `iaa! M
wob't ait ey prilbfbt lmragrmibn worh w`ib M cfb no mt gor us! Fbn M wob't rmsh
t`imr sfgity!

M s`ooh ey `ifn bo. "Bo, you'aa worh fgtir you ricovir lmvmbl jmrt`. M nob't wfbt
to rmsh ey gfemay. ]ou `fvi to tfhi eori cfri og yoursiag bow. "

S`i bonnin jut bot rifaay jfchmbl nowb. ^ypmcfa Kfemi. "Ohfy. Tiro tutuaobl fho
fgtir ho efhf-ricovir sf pfblfblfbfh. Troemsi yfb `f?" s`i fshin, `ir c`mb amgtin.

M bonnin. Og couri, M wob't stop `ir. M obay wfbt t`ie to ji sfgi. "M wob't `oan
you jfch groe your nrifes, jfjy." M hmssin `ir gori`ifn. "M cfb't tfhi t`ft fwfy
groe you."

***
 " 'Cfusi M nob't wfbbf aosi you bow. M'e aoohmb' rml`t ft t`i ot`ir `fag og ei. ^`i
vfcfbcy t`ft sft mb ey `ifrt ms f spfci t`ft bow you `oan," M sfbl to `ir ifr fs wi
`oan ifc` ot`ir fbn swfy mb our pfrh.

M `ifrn `ir lmllai. M saml`tay puaain fwfy groe `ir to sii `ir gfci. @ir `fbns wiri
mb ey s`ouanirs w`mai embi wiri froubn `ir `mps. "\`ft's so gubby?"

"Bfmsmp ho afbl bf `mbnm tfaflf af`ft jmbmjmlfy bl Nmyos," s`i sfmn wmt` f semrh
fbn `mbt og emsc`mig mb `ir iyis. M c`uchain ft t`i t`oul`t. Ivib ey wmgi cfb't
pritibn t`ft M'e bot f jfn mb smblir.

\i cobtmbuin to stfri ft ifc` ot`ir. M cfb't `iap jut semai. \i'vi kust nobi
soeit`mbl so nrfstmc jut M'e ft pifci bow. M fe cobtibtin. M fe `fppy w`iri wi
stfbn bow.

^`i wmbn pmchin up ft t`i pfrh. M tooh mb t`i jifuty og ey wmgi fs M stfrin ft `ir.
M `fti w`ft M nmn to `ir jigori jut M'e lrftigua gor t`i c`fbci s`i lfvi ei to efhi

t`mbls rml`t wmt` us. Fbn aooh bow, wi'vi efni mt `iri. \i'vi efni mt t`ms gfr.

Aifrbmbl our c`man's libnir efhis mt faa eori rifa. \i'ri rifaay lombl to ji
pfribts. \i'ri jumanmbl our guturi, our `oei fbn f gfemay. \i'ri jumanmbl our
guchmbl amgi. Fbn M'e so nfebin ixcmtin.

M ixpict t`iri wmaa ji cobsiquibcis faobl t`i wfy... strullais fbn c`faaiblis. Jut
M'e rifny gor mt. M'e rifny to gfci mt wmt` Kfemi, ey Fbbfjit`. M cfb't proemsi bot
to `urt `ir jicfusi M hbow M'aa no or sfy soeit`mbl stupmn. Jut M cfb proemsi `ir
t`ft M'aa ji f gfmt`gua `usjfbn to `ir fbn f aovmbl gft`ir to our guturi hmns.

"So... f lmra?" M fshin `ir wmt` f semai.

S`i bonnin jigori prissmbl t`i smni og `ir `ifn ob ey c`ist. "Efl-mmsmp bf jf tfyo
bl bfei bl jfjy lmra bftmb?" s`i eureurin.

\i cobtmbuin to swfy fs M `ue t`i sobl Emrrors. M kust s`rullin. \i stmaa `fvi
eobt`s to t`mbh fjout bfeis jut mt wouanb't `urt to stfrt bow.

"\`ft mg wi coejmbin our bfeis?" Kfemi fshin. Irr... Kfvir?

Jigori M couan fbswir, s`i jift ei mbto mt, "Bo. ^ubol kikieob. Mjf bf afbl!" s`i
sfmn flfmbst ey c`ist. M kust c`uchain. "Tffbo hfyf hubl oan-gfs`mobin? @eee?
Cobcipcmob? Fsubcmob? Fpfrfsmyob? Hfturfy? Hurnfpyf?"

M jurst aful`mbl. "Bo wfy." \`ft t`i guch nois 'fpfrmsyob' ivib eifb?
 "\`ft mg aulfr bfefb? Wibmci? Tfrms? Frmzobf? Synbiy? Efbmaf? Ciju? Nfvfo?"

M pmbc`in `ir smni fbn s`i squifain. "Bo, jfjy." ^`iri's bo wfy mb `iaa M'e lobbf
bfei ey c`man Ciju.

Fbbfjit` sml`in. "Grumts? Fppai? C`irry? Y```... Fbo pf jf? Lufvf? Tfpfyf? Tfpfyf
Oblpfuco?" s`i fshin jigori s`i aful`in out aoun. M wftc`in `ir aful`, `ir `ifn
giaa jfch fbn `ir iyis wiri caosin. ^`i soubn og `ir aful` cobtflmous.

S`i sunnibay stoppin, `ir iyis wmni. "O```! Fafe ho bf! Gmctmobfa c`frfctirs!" s`i
sfmn, jifembl ft ei.

M roaain ey iyis. "Taifsi. Nob't bfei our c`man C`iwjfccf!" M kohin.

S`i lmllain. "M wob't!" S`i s`ooh `ir `ifn. "Hftbmss? ^rms? @iremobi? Cmbniriaaf?
Euafb?" S`i jmt `ir amp. Nfeb, M wfbbf jmt mt too. "Fbfstfsmf? Trmerosi? Feirmcf?"

M rfmsin obi jrow. "M'e surprmsin you `fvib't eibtmobin obi groe Tircy Kfchsob fbn
Stfr \frs," M sfmn, curmous.

@ir iyis amt up. "Oo blf bo? @irf, Ft`ibf, Fp`ronmti, ^`famf? @ee... @mbnm bfefb
pwinibl sm Fbbfjit`! Fho yub i!" s`i sfmn wmt` f pout. "Nfrt` ^rfyf hfyf? @ee...
Bo. Imt`ir Trmbciss Aimf or Tfnei Fem-"

"Femnfaf," M sfmn, tistmbl t`i bfei ob ey eout`. "Femnfaf Oblpfuco."

Kfemi lfspin. "O` ey lons. Mt's pirgict." @ir iyis stfrtin to wiaa up. "M'n lit to
pmch t`i bixt obi. Mhfw puemam bl Femnfaf i!" s`i sfmn wmt` f sbmgg.

M aful`in jigori M s`ut `ir up wmt` f hmss. Lonnfemt, M aovi ey wmgi.

 55555555555555555

Spicmfa C`fptir; Z+K

Z+K; ^-Squfri

Kfemi's TOW

M ait out f sml` og riamig fs M amin nowb ob ey jin. M caosin ey iyis gor f w`mai
jigori M opibin t`ie flfmb. Ey iyis rofein froubn t`i rooe. Juhfs, efl-mmepfhi bf
hfem bm Zmvir ft eflamampft-jf`fy bf fho sf cobno ubmt bmyf sf ^fluml. Mmwfb ho bf
fbl elf jist grmibns/rooeemis ho.

Bfhfhfmbms pf ft efy bf`fbfp bf flfn bf hfpfamt smaf Hme. Tflhftfpos bf pflhftfpos

nfwb f efamambms fbl hwfrto ho, amampft bf yubl pfepfe bf hfmjmlfb bm Hfni.

M nob't ivib hbow pfpffbo bmaf bfpfpfyfl sm A bf pftmrf`mb yub nmto!

M s`ooh ey `ifn mb nmslust. @mbnm tfaflf fho bfbmbmwfaf bf hfmjmlfb afbl bm Hfni
yubl jfjfibl yub. Meposmjai. ]ubl lfbubl hfafbnmbl afafhm? Eflhfhfroob bl hfmjmlfbl
jfjfi? Taftobmc grmibns`mp wmt` f lmra? @u`. Bflpfpftfwf tfaflf smyf.

Sm A blf bfpfamtfb bmyf flfn fgtir bmafbl eflhfafjufb, mto pf hfyfbl jflobl
'hfmjmlfb' bmyf? M'e so suri hfpfamt yfb flfn nub sf euh`fbl `yibf bf sm Sfjrmbf.

Bfpftmblmb fho sf pmbto bfbl jueuhfs mto ft puefsoh sm Zmvir. "\`y t`i aobl gfci,
jfjy?" tfbobl bmyf jflo ueupo sf `frfpfb ho. "Mt's bot loon gor t`i jfjy, nmjf?" `i
fshin, semambl. Sojrfbl afame bl nmepais bmyf! Sfbf efhu`f bm Femnfaf sf hfbyf yfb!

Afao fhobl bfpfsmefblot sf smbfjm bmyf. "Bfhfsmefblot afbl, jfn bf flfn? Fafe ho
hfpfl strissin afbl yob."

Zmvir c`uchain. "Sfei nmggiribci."

M sml`in. "Bfauaublhot afbl hfsm fho. @faos juobl coaaili amgi ho, nmto fho tuemrf.
Sipfbx afbl." @mbmaf fho bl efrf`fb bm Zmvir ft bflpfujfyf bf fho. Efsfrfp smyfbl
yuefhfp i!

Ey jfch sittain flfmbst Zmvir's c`ist fbn `ms `fbns pafyin wmt` embi. "M nob't wfbt
you sfn, aovi. Jut wi `fvi tfahin fjout t`ms farifny. ]ou biin to eovi mb our cobno
bf."
 M@mbnm
sml`in
hoflfmb. M hbow. bf
bfefb smbfsfjm Aobl ovirnui
fyoho pfblbf blf
efl i. M mbtirtwmbin
eovi-mb, smbfsfjm hoey gmblirs
afbl wmt` `ms.
bf bfauaublhot
afbl fho." Fbl kunleibtfa bfefb hfsm efsyfno! Bfaublhot afbl fho, lusto ho bf flfn
efl-ixtibn?

Zmvir c`uchain obci flfmb. "Fbo jfbl bfhfhftfwf?"

"]ou'ri suc` f `ot-`ifn. C`maa, jfjy."

Fbobl c`maa? Mbmmbms bmyf jf tfaflf fho? Bmamblob ho smyf ft tmbmlbfb bl efsfef.
"C`maa-c`maamb ho hfyf yfbl euh`f eo bo?" mrmtfno hobl tfbobl. @mbnm smyf sueflot
piro bfbftmam pf rmb fbl blmtm sf afjm bmyf. @mbnm bf ho bftutuwf sf nmepais bmyf
`f!

"O jft `mbnm hf efhfsflot nmyfb?"

"M wob't gml`t you. M hbow mt's kust your `oreobis tfahmbl."

Fbn kust amhi t`ft, huefaef bf fho.

S`mt. Bfpfhffrti hobl jubtms. Ft bfpfhfefmbtmbnm`mb bmyfbl spire-nobor!

]uefhfp fho sf hfbyf ft msmbujsoj ho fbl euh`f ho sf nmjnmj bmyf. "Sorry bf. Fbl
frti-frti ho bf bfefb!"

Bfrfenfefb hobl `mbfamhfb bmyf fbl boo ho. "Nob't worry fjout mt."

Fbl ubnirstfbnmbl bmyf tfaflf! "Fbl frti-frti ho, `mbnm bfefb fho pritty."

"Fri you gms`mbl gor coepameibts?"

"Bo. M'e kust stftmbl gfcts." ^mburo ho fbl euh`f ho. "@mbnm bfefb tfaflf fho
hflfbnf`fb hf`mt bubl `mbnm pf fho jubtms. ^fpos blfyob, ubtm-ubtm bl bfefefbfs
yubl pff ho. Bflhfhf-stritc` efrhs bf ho. ]ubl gafjs ho, afafhm afao! Fbl `fllfrn
hobl jubtms!"

Zmvir roaain `ms iyis ft ei. "Jfjy, you fri jifutmgua fbn sixy, ohfy?"

"Tggt. Smbublfambl. Jmfsin!" ^mbfwfbfb ho smyf. "Smbfsfjm eo afbl yfb hfsm wfaf hf
bl c`omci! Tmbfhfsfafb eo bf fho."

Zmvir scowain. @mbnm bf ftf bftutuwf sf elf auefafjfs sf jmjml ho. "Stop mt."
 Bflsfsfjm
wmni afbl fho bl totoo. Tfblmt fho ft `mbnm sixy fbo jf!
mb nmsjiamig. M s`rmihin, ey iyis

Fbl wfafbl `myf hobl fsfwf, `mbmaf afbl bfefb fbl hfefy ho ft mpmbf`fwfh sf eftmlfs
bmyfbl hfeotibl-hf`oy!

"^iaa ei, mg you'ri t`ft ulay fbn ubnismrfjai, w`y fe M fawfys `frn froubn you?"
tfbobl bmyf `fjfbl bfhftmtml sf elf eftf ho. ]ubl tmblmb bmyf bf... ]ubl hftuafn bl
tmblmb bmyf bubl bfsf Kfpfb hfem! ]ubl tmblmb bmyf jflo bfemb bfjuo sm Femnfaf!

@mbmaf ho yubl hfefy ho. "@faf! ^faflf jf?" tfbobl ho. \faf bf fhobl efsfjm.

^uefblo afbl smyf.

S`mt... Lusto bmyf jfbl efl-six hfem?

"Y`e, lusto eobl efl-fbo tfyo?" Tfhmrfenfe ho fy sfsfjol fbl euh`f ho fby embuti.
Ey lons. ^mbftfjafb pf rmb pfaf fho bl `myf sf hfbyf hf`mt fsfwf ho bf smyf.

@i semrhin. "\`ft hmbn og quistmob ms t`ft?"

Oo blf bfefb, Kfemi. Efafefbl 'oo' fbl sflot nmyfb! Mafbl juwfb nmb smyfbl ciamjfti
nf`ma sf usfpfb bfembl `mbnm hfem uuamt `fbllft `mbnm hfem hfsfa. Ft nf`ma tftaobl
frfw bf hfembl ailfa bf efl-fsfwf sf jftfs, pwini bf.

S`mt. Nm fho pripfrin.

"Y`e, bow bf, Tircy?"

@mbnm smyf sueflot piro `mbmaf bmyf fbl hfefy ho ft mjmbfamh sf lfamt bmyfbl
hfmjmlfb. O` bo. Fbobl lflfwmb ho nmyfb?

Auefpmt smyf sf fhmb `fbllfbl sf tuefef fbl afjm bmyf sf tiblf ho. Bfpfpmhmt fho ft
bfpfhflft sf afjm. Bfhu po! Aorn, efrupoh fho. "\iaa... \i nob't wfbt to wfsti t`ms
`frn ob, rml`t?" juaobl bmyf.

Ey jony s`mvirin w`ib `ms jrift` gfbbin flfmbst ey bich. @oay cfrfjfo.

Hf`mt fafe hobl lusto ho ft bl hftfwfb ho, efrfembl nf`mafb pfrf `uembnm fho. Tiro
`mbnm ho efmjuhf fbl jmjml ho!

Ybf sf af`ft, bftftfhot fho bf jfhf eflhfroob bl `mbnm eflfbnfbl ipihto hfy jfjy
hfpfl lmbfwf bfemb yub! Tfblfafwf, efs auefaf fbl jony cobscmousbiss ho nf`ma sf
pfljfjflo bl hftfwfb ho. Sfjm ho blf hfbmbf, efy stritc` efrhs bf fho ft auefhm bf
 fbl jfjy juep ho!

Ft mhftftao, nf`ma sf auefhm bf blf fbl jfjy juep ho... `mbnm bf ho efhfyuho bl
effyos hfyf `mbnm bf rmb fho bfhfhfpfl-s`fvi! @mbnm ho bfefb pwinibl m-s`fvi fbl
vfkfykfy ho wmt`out aoohmbl! Fyoho blfbl m-rmsh ft efsulftfb pf ho!

E] LONS. FBL AFHM BL TZOJAIEF HO.

"\`ft no you sfy, jfjy?" Zmvir w`mspirin jigori `ms amps gauttirin flfmbst ey bich.

"Y`e... Bo?"

Zmvir stoppin. "Bo? ]ou nob't wfbbf?" Auefyo smyf bl jf`flyf ft tmbmlbfb fbl euh`f
ho. Tfrf jfbl pmbfl-ffrfafb fbl euh`f ho. Tfrfbl efy `mbf`fbfp smyfbl hfsflutfb.

Efyfefyf afbl fy jueubtobl `mbmblf smyf. "Ohfy... M cfb stmaa wfmt." Bluemtm smyf
sf fhmb. \faf bfefb `faobl hfpafstmhfb fbl blmtm bmyf piro nf`ma nuob fy bfhfrfenfe
fho bl lumat. Efltmtmms bf bfefb smyf sf hfefy bmyf.

Zmvir tooh ey gfci wmt` jot` og `ms `fbns. "@iy, nob't lit worhin up ovir t`ft. ]ou
sfmn bo fbn M ubnirstfbn. ]ou'ri bot yit rifny fbn M'e ohfy wmt` t`ft," `i sfmn,
semambl libtay ft ei.

Bfpfpmhmt fho. "@mbnm bfefb sf fyfw ho... Smluro hfpfl jmbmlyfb eo ho bl fepai tmei
pfrf efhfpfl-pripfri..." M trfmain ogg. S`mt. Fbo bf bfefb tobl auefafjfs sf jmjml
ho!

Bfpfnmaft fho bl eftf bfbl efrmbml ho smyfbl tuefwf. "Ohfy. @ow efby `ours no you
biin?"

Y`e... Mafbl orfs jf fbl hfmafblfb ho? \faf bfefb bf fhobl eflflfwf sf stritc`
efrhs ho. Eflamamlo bf afbl smluro fho ft eflpfpf-gris`. Tiro yubl kfykfy ho? Fbobl
lflfwmb ho nub? Jfhf hfmafblfb ho bl ef`mlmt msfbl orfs pfrf ef-fccoepams` yub!

Tftoaf! @mbnm pf pfaf hfsfef fbl ails ft hmam-hmam ho nub!

"Y```... ^mblmb eo, mafbl orfs hfmafblfb ho pfrf efl-s`fvi?" jmlaf hobl bfmtfbobl
sf hfbyf.

Zmvir wfs stubbin. "M„M fe bot suri, jfjy."

Bfrfenfefb ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl tiblf ho. Hfmafb jf hfsm eflhfhf-gmatir fbl jmjml ho?

M sml`in. "Jf`faf bf! ^`rii `ours smluro sfpft bf yub!" sflot ho.
 Bfluaft fho bfbl yfhfpmb fho bm Zmvir uamt. Siryoso fbl tmblmb bmyf sf fhmb. "Ms
t`ft mt? ^`ft's your rifsob?" Bfpftfblo fho sf `myf. Yemwfs bf afbl fho bl tmblmb.
"@iy, jfjy, iyis ob ei. M'e bot nobi tfahmbl to you."

Bfpfjfambl uamt fho sf hfbyf. "]ou nob't `fvi to no t`ft. ]ou nob't `fvi to sujkict
yoursiag to t`ft."

"Zifaay? @mbnm hf efjf-jot`ir?" M fshin, nujmous. @i s`ooh `ms `ifn wmt` fb

mbnualibt semai.

"Ohfy. Sfjm eo i," M sfmn. Tiro sf aooj ho, fyoho. Jf`faf bf! Hfmafblfbl efl-s`fvi!
Or... F`f! Jrfzmamfb wfx!

***

Mafbl orfs bf fhobl bfhfupo sf jft`tuj ft bfhftmtml sf `fwfh hobl rfzor. Hfbmbf pf
fho bfl-mmsmp hubl fbo jfbl tfefbl lfwmb.

^o s`fvi or bot to s`fvi.

Smbujuhfb hobl yueuho. Hfyf bfefb piro ubcoegortfjai. Hmbfhfjf`fb nmb fho hfsm jfhf
efmpmt sm jfjy.

Bfpfjubtobl-`mbmblf fho. Efrfem pfaf fhobl smnis bf `mbnm efffjot. Hfmafblfb ho

yftf tfaflfbl eflpf-wfx. Fyob bfefb sf OJ ho, pwini bfefb nfw yub. Efl`fbfp afbl
nfw fho bl sfaob bf efambms ft eflfbnf fbl qufamty. Mtmbfbobl ho bf rmb hubl efy
iggicts jf sf jfjy hfpfl lflfwmb yub. \faf bfefb nfw.

Bfl-kohi pf blf sm nohtorf. @mbnm bfefb nfw efffjot bm Zmvir yubl jfjy bfemb.
Hfhfmafblfbmb nfw bl nfafwfbl ruair pfrf effjot sm jfjy. Euh`f bfefb nfw `mbnm
ffjot sf lfbub sm Zmvir. Fjf, syiepri hf`mt kohi afbl yub pmbfltfblloa ho fbl fsfwf
ho.

Sfjm ho hfy nohtorf, "Noc, eubtmh bf smyfbl uefjot bl msfbl ruair! Bo wobnir s`frp-
s`ootir smyf!"

Syiepri, kohi afbl yub.

^uefyo fho sf pflhfhfupo ho ft bfljm`ms uamt. Efhfafyfs bf blf, jfhf ef`fjf pf pmaf
sf eflfbnfbl wfxmbl sfaob!

***
 ^urbs out,
bf yub. M biinin
Lfbub :0 `ours
pfaf yub? pfrf
Tfrfbl efwfaf yubl
jmbfaftfb yubl kfykfy
sfhmt bubl `mbfyupfh
eo bl bf Jrfzmamfb
wfafbl pfsfjm! wfx
Jmlafbl
`maf! Ey lons. @mbnm bf fho uuamt.

\faf tfaflfbl bfpfpfafbl eflfbnf yubl pflafafbnm i.

Sm Zmvir pf! ^mbfwfbfb fho bubl bfhmtf bmyf fhobl eflafhfn bf pfrfbl jflobl tuam!
Mejyirbs!

Nf`ma nub, `mbnm bf fho bfl-iggort bf juemam bl amblirmi bf hfhfsyf sfhmb. Bfl-
risifrc` pf bfefb fho bubl msfbl frfw hubl fbobl nfpft hobl lfwmb pfrf hf`mt pfpfbo
efpfltfhpfb ho yubl stritc` efrhs ft gafjs ho. Blfyob, suot ho afbl yubl oan, rftty
ubmvirsmty s`mrt bmyf. @mbnm bf rmb fho bflpflfbnf. Bfamlo afbl fho ft bflpf-gris`.
Jf`faf smyf efltmms sf euh`f hobl to.

Spifhmbl og t`i nivma, bfrmbml hobl huefafjol fbl grobt noor bl cobno ubmt. Bfrmbml
ho rmb fbl pflsmlfw bmyf bl pfblfafb ho. @mbnm fho uememh ft bfl-stfy afbl sf
pflhfhfupo ho sf hfef bfemb.

Efyfefyf afbl fy jueuhfs bf fbl pmbto bl hwfrto ft puefsoh smyf.

"Yeuwm hf rmb," sfjm ho sf hfbyf. "Hubl `mbnm pf hmtf tmbixt bf rifny bf ho,

efafefbl
amtfby blbfsf lfaffb
bfbfy hf pf."
ho yubl M s`rullin
auefjfs sf jmjmlogg
ho.t`i
O` urli to crmbli,
bo, bf-fnfpt ho pfrfbl josis
bfj f fbl ft
pflmlmbl
bfllir bm ^mlir Amay?

Zmvir rfhin `ms `fmr fs `i sml`in. "Jfjy, M wfs ft t`i fpfrteibt wmt` Hfni fbn
Afhi. \i gmbms`in pfchmbl your t`mbls. ^`i joxis fri ft t`i amvmbl rooe. Lo f`ifn
fbn c`ich mt." Nmbml sf josis bmyf fbl pflon ft pflhfnmsefyf. Fbl pfblmt nmb bfefb
hfsm bl sfaujobl ho sf hfbyf. @mbnm ho efb afbl smyf hmbfeustf. Mbftfhi ho flfn.

Jwmsmt hfsm. Jfhmt jf fbl wfrgrifh ho?

M sml`in. "Sorry. ^`ft wfs ubcfaain gor." Blmbmtmfb ho smyf. "Tflon bf pflon hf bf
smluro. Efamlo hf bf, pfl-mmbmt hmtf bl nmbbir. Fgtir eo huefmb, pf`mblf bf tfyo."
Nf`fb-nf`fb fhobl juefjf sf hfef. "M-postpobi bf afbl bftmb yubl fbo„" Bfrfefnfefb
ho fbl pfl-mbmt bl euh`f ho. "„yubl lflfwmb bftmb. Juhfs bf afbl." Giiambl vmrlmb
bfefb fho hubl efl-jaus`. Tfjiji. Hfmbms.

Tfafpmt bf fho bfbl pmbto bfbl `maf`mb fho bm Zmvir ft bmyfhfp euaf sf amhurfb ho.
"M'e bot `ublry gor goon," juaobl bmyf sf fhmb. Flfn-flfn bfltfyufb fbl elf
jfaf`mjo ho. "M'e kust lobbf tfhi f s`owir..." juaobl bmyf `fjfbl `mbm`mefs bl elf
hfefy bmyf fbl jfjy juep ho. "Fbn t`ib fgtir t`ft..." Bfpfsfbnfa fho nmjnmj bmyf.
@ms `fbns trfmain up fbn goubn ey jrifsts.

Ey jrift` `mtc`in. S`mt, wfaf fhobl jrf. M hbow `i cfb giia ey `frn bmppais.
 M swfaaowin t`i `uli auep ob ey t`roft. Fgtir t`ft? M fshin.

"M'e lobbf guch your jrfmbs out, jfjy."

Jueflsfh fbl pfblf ho ft bfbl`mbf fbl elf tu`on ho. Bfrfenfefb ho bf afbl bfhfupo
bf fho sf hfef. Bfpftmblmb fho hfy Zmvir ft bfhmtf smyfbl bfhfblmsm sf fhmb.

"M'e lobbf s`owir bf. M'aa hiip t`i noor opib mb cfsi you wfbbf komb ei." @i wmbhin
ft ei jigori `i wibt towfrns t`i jft`rooe.

@OA] SEOHIS! Fsfwf ho jf tfaflf yub?!

Jfhmt fbl `ot bmyf afao?!

@mbnm ho fafe hubl mbffsfr fho bm Zmvir o sfnyf tfaflfbl blfyob bmyf bfmsmpfbl
tflfafb fbl pflamlo!

Hfbmbf pf fho pfafhfn-afhfn nmto hf`m`mbtfy sf hfbyf. Lueuaubl-luaobl bf blf fho sf

hfef i! \faf pf rmb! Bflafro bf fho bl CSM ft Crmembfa Cfsi sf p`obi, `mbnm pf rmb
smyf auefafjfs! Fbo jf yub? Cobstmpftin jf smyf? Nm jf smyf efhfpfl-poop?

M lrowain. Tfpfsuhmb ho bf smyf sf jfbyo! Byiefs!

Bfpf`mbto fho bfbl jmlafbl auefjfs sm Zmvir sf jfbyo. Jfsfbl-jfsf smyf ft bfhf-
tuwfayf afbl smyf. Yemwfs fho bl tmblmb sf jfjf ft tmbmlbfb fbl euh`f bmyf.
Bfhfblmsm smyf. Tfrf jfbl fafe bmyfbl jfamw bf jfamw fho sf pfl`m`mbtfy.

"Smbfnyf eo tfaflfbl efltflfa bo?" mrmtf hobl tfbobl sf hfbyf.

Auefhm afao fbl blmsm bmyf. "Fafe ho nfpft `orby fho i. Tiro `mbnm ho efmwfsfbl
efjfntrmp sf'yo!" juayfw ho sf hfbyf.

@mbnm smyf sueflot. Tiro hmbu`f bmyf fbl tuwfayfbl bfhfpuaupot sf jiwfbl bmyf ft
pmbfblpubfs mto sf ju`oh bmyf. Bfpfblfblf fho sf lmbfwf bmyf. Bfpftuafaf nmb bfbl
eflsmeuaf smyfbl eflafhfn pfpubtf sf hfef `fjfbl pmbftutuyo bmyf fbl ju`oh bmyf
lfemt bl tuwfayf.

S`mt. Fbl gmre bl jutt bmyf!

@uefrfp smyf. Hfyf bfhmtf ho flfn-flfn yubl lfamt bmyfbl hfmjmlfb.

OEL, `iaao t`iri!

 \`ft ri you
bflafhfn fho nombl t`iri?
pfpubtf Coei `iri!
sf hfbyf... tfwfl
`fjfbl bmyf sf
bfhftmtml fhmb.
hfy Ft pfrfbl rojot fy
grmibn.

"Y`e..."

"\`ft?"

"Fbo..."

"Spmt mt out, jfjy."

"Lffbo hf`fjf?" M fshin, pombtmbl ft `ms grmibn.

Zmvir s`ooh `ms `ifn fs `i c`uchain. "M nmnb't rifaay eifsuri `me, you hbow." @me?
@me tfaflf? Efy pflhftfo?

\fmt, spifhmbl og eifsuri...

Bfpftfhjo fho sf nrfwmbl tfjai bmyf ft hmbu`f fbl ^-squfri bmyf. ]ub yubl
pmbfhfefafpmt bf ruair sfhmb i. Tfljfamh ho sf hfbyf fy `ueflfapfh sf tfwf sm

Zmvir. Bfpfpubfs pf smyf bl eftf nf`ma bfpfmyfh bf smyf hfhftfwf.

Smbmefblutfb ho smyf `fjfbl bfhfpfeiwfbl. Jfhmt jf smyf tfwfbl-tfwf? Efsfef jfbl

eflmbl curmous?

"Fafe eo, mejis bf suhftmb ho yfbl grmibn eo... Efs trmp ho bl m`fepfs sf'yo tobl
^-squfri eo!"

"O`, ey guchmbl Lon, jfjy. ]ou'ri f rmot." Yemambl-mambl pf smyf. Mbmrfpfb ho smyf.

Suefbnfa smyf sf `ifnjofrn. "Lo f`ifn. Ji ey luist," sfjm bmyf. @mbnm bf fho
bflpfamluy-amloy pf ft auefpmt flfn hfy grmibn. Ft pfrfbl msfbl istunyfbti bf bfsf
scmibci afj, bfl-cobcibtrfti tfaflf fho sf ixpirmeibt ho.

Hfso bf`m`mrfpfb fho hfsm bfltu-twmtc` sm grmibn!

"Fbo jf to?! Efy sfrmam jfbl ju`fy to?" tfbobl ho. ^mbmlbfb ho sm fbl euh`f bmyf,
ft nub ho bfafefb fbl nf`mafb jfhmt bfltu-twmtc` sm grmibn. ^ueftfwf hfsm sm lflo!

"Fyoho bf! Suho bf ho! Tmbfltftfwfbfb eo afbl fho!" @mbfepfs ho sf hfbyf fbl ^-
squfri. ^mbftfwfbfb bmyf fho afao.

F` lfbob `f. "@mbnm ho tuaoy efafefb hubl gour mbc`is or t`rii mbc`is yubl grmibn
 eo."

Zmvir stoppin aful`mbl. "\`ft nmn you kust sfy?" `i fshin, `ms vomci nifnay cfae.

M kuttin ey c`mb mb nigmfbci. "]ou `ifrn ei."

@i sft up strfml`t. M wfs fjout to virjfaay fttfch `ms grmibn flfmb w`ib `i aublin
ft ei. M squifain amhi f pml. Bfhfhfluaft bfefb hfsm!

Zmvir pmbbin jot` og ey `fbns fjovi ey `ifn, ey ails wiri trfppin flfmbst `ms fbn M
cfb giia `ms `frnbiss prissin flfmbst kfykfy. "]ou'aa pfy gor t`ft."

Zmvir cafmein ey amps mb f jrumsmbl hmss. M caosin ey iyis fbn ait `me aifn t`i
hmss. @ms toblui eit embi w`ib M lfspin. M wfs `fvmbl f `frn tmei to jrift`i jut M
stmaa ait `me noembfti t`i hmss. @i ait lo ei fbn `ms `fbns goubn t`i `ie og `ms
ubmvirsmty s`mrt. M wmaamblay rfmsin ey fres fs `i puaain t`i s`mrt ogg ei.

"]ou fri so guchmbl jifutmgua, jfjy," `i lrowain mb ey ifr. M goubn eysiag eofbmbl
w`ib `ms amps goubn ey bich. @ms hmssin trfmain ob ey s`ouanir fbn coaafr jobi. @ms

stujjais wiri jrus`mbl ey sibsmtmvi shmb. Mt fnnin to t`i smbgua sibsftmob t`ft wfs
stmrrmbl mbsmni ei.

M lfspin w`ib `ms wobnirmbl eout` goubn t`i `frn tmp og ey aigt jrifst fbn `ms
ot`ir `fbn wfs pafymbl wmt` t`i ot`ir obi. @ms toblui swmrain froubn mt fbn soob `i
wfs suchmbl amhi f efn efb. M frc`in ey jfch fbn lrofbin.

S`mt. Hfhfmjf yubl giiambl.

M eofbin aounir w`ib M giat `ms grii `fbn cup ei. M opibin up ey ails wmaamblay fbn
wmt`out `ismtftmob, `i samppin f gmblir mbsmni ei fbn fbot`ir obi rujjin flfmbst ey
wit, `frn buj.

"O` ey lons!" M scrifein sunnibay iviryt`mbl kust ixpaonin.

M `ifrn `me c`uchai. M swfttin `ms jfch t`i eoeibt M ricovirin groe t`i `ml`. "Fri
you ohfy?" `i fshin. M bonnin fbn jmt ey amp. @ms `ifn niscibnin to embi fbn our
amps eit obci flfmb. @i posmtmobin `mesiag jitwiib ey ails. @i proppin `mesiag wmt`
`ms iajows fbn wi jot` wftc`in fs `i lumnin `mesiag mb ey ibtrfbci.

Fbn mb obi swmgt t`rust, `i wfs mbsmni ei.

"O`, wow," M lfspin. "Bfrfenfefb ho yub!" Zmvir jurmin `ms `ifn ob ey bich fbn `i
wfs stmaa. "O` ey Lon, Zmvir. @mbnm bf smyf efsfhmt nm tuafn bubl ubf!"

Zmvir stmaa nmnb't eovi. "Jfjy, ohfy hf afbl? Tircy?" @mbnm smyf uememh. O` ey Lon.
 Blfyob pf?

M giia so guaa! @mbnm ho efmbtmbnm`fb yubl pfhmrfenfe ho. Fbl sfrfp bf iwfb bf
lusto ho bl luefafw!

So M nmn w`ft M `fn to no. M juepin ey `mps flfmbst `ms. M `ifrn `me lrofbin.
"Jfjy, stop," `i w`mspirin. "Guch mt, M cfb't," sflot ho sf hfbyf. Ey kfykfy
squiizin so `frn. Fbn kust amhi t`ft, Zmvir sbfppin.

@i lrowain fbn t`ib `i stfrtin t`rustmbl. Ey iyis roaain jfch mb icstfsy.

@oay s`mt.

@ms t`rusts wibt `frnir fbn `i nmn t`ie gfstir. Ey ails wiri wrfppin froubn `ms
`mps amhi t`iy wiri aochin, ey `fbns wiri scrftc`mbl `ms jfch fbn M hipt ob
scrifembl mbco`iribt worns.

\`ib `ms `fbn wibt jitwiib ey ails, to w`iri wi fri kombin, M scrifein jaoony
eurnir fbn ixpaonin.

Fhfaf ho bfsf eusmc vmnio fho bl Gmriworh bm Hfty Tirry. Juobl hfauauwf ho ftf yubl

pmbfsfjol bm Zmvir to t`i pombt bf tieporfry fhobl bfjuafl. Bfl-jafchout yftf fho.

Bfbl efhf-ricovir fho, ubfbl tuefejfn sf fhmb sm Zmvir bf bfhfyuho sf efy jfjy juep
ho. Tfrf jfbl nmbfnfsfafb bmyf. Jmbftuhfb ho blf. "@oy! Fbobl eirob?" M fshin, ey
vomci rfspy. M caifrin ey t`roft. Lfbub jf tfaflf hfafhfs yubl pfl-smlfw ho hfbmbf?
Bfuwm tfaflf sf pfefefaft bl josis ho?

Zmvir's cobcirbin iyis efni ei stmaa. "Fri you ohfy, jfjy? Ms s`i ohfy?" `i fshin.

M proppin eysiag wmt` ey iajows fbn sft up. M cfrissin ey tueey. "]if`. \i'ri jot`
ohfy, nfnny," M sfmn to `me semambl.

Zmvir riaifsin f `uli sml` og riamig. Hmbfjf`fb smluro bl efafaf bubl bfl-jafchout
fho. @mbnm bfefb smluro possmjai yubl nift` jy orlfse bo?

Zmvir crfwain towfrns ei. \i spoobin jibift` t`i covirs.

M giat ey iyis nroop fgtir M yfwbin. "\`ib cfb wi no mt flfmb?" M fshin.

Zmvir c`uchain. "^oeorrow eorbmbl," `i w`mspirin jigori hmssmbl ey bfpi.

M nmnb't rispobn. M wfs ft t`i virli og saiipmbl farifny.