Коллекционер

           ThenextmorningIwentdown,Istillhadaheadache,Iwasreadytogetreallynastyifshewas,butyoucouldhaveknockedmedownwiththefeather,thefirstthingshedidwastostandupandaskmehowmyheadwas.Iknewbythewaysheaskedthatshewastryingtobedifferent.Kind.

           I’mluckynottobedead,Isaid.

           Shelookedallpale,serioustoo.Sheheldoutherhands,shehadgotthegagoff,butshemusthavesleptwiththecords(shewasstillinherdressing-gown).Iundidthem.

           "Letmelookatit."

           Ibackedaway,shehadmeveryjumpy.

           "I’venothinginmyhands.Didyouwashit?"

           Yes.

           "Disinfectant?"

           It’sallright.

           WellshewentandgotasmallbottleofDettolshehad,shedilutedsomewithcottonwoolandcameback.

           What’sthegamenow,Isaid.

           "Iwanttodabthison.Sitdown.Sitdown."Thewayshesaidityouknewshemeantwell.Funny,sometimesyouknewshecouldn’tbelying.

           Shetooktheplasterandlintoff,verygentle,Ifeltherwincewhenshesawit,itwasn’tverypretty,butshewasheditverysoftlyandputthelintonagain.

           Thanksverymuch,Isaid.

           "I’msorryIdid...whatIdid.AndIshouldliketothankyoufornotretaliating.Youhadeveryrightto."

           It’snoteasywhenyou’vebeenlikeyou’vebeen.

           "Idon’twanttotalkaboutanything.JusttosayI’msorry."

           Iacceptyourapologies.

           "Thankyou."

           Itwasallformal,sheturnedawaytohaveherbreakfast,andIwaitedoutside.