Коллекционер

           ThattheH-bomberswereabsolutelynecessary—andsoon.GraduallyastheywerearguingtheybegantorealizethattheyratherlikedtheAmerican.Becausehefeltverystrongly,andhonestly,abouthisviews.Itwasn’tonlymyfriend.Theyallagreedaboutitafterwards.Theonlythingthatreallymattersisfeelingandlivingwhatyoubelieve—solongasit’ssomethingmorethanbeliefinyourowncomfort.MyfriendsaidhewasnearertothatAmericansergeantthantoallthegrinningidiotswhowatchedthemmarchpastontheway.It’slikefootball.Twosidesmayeachwanttobeattheother,theymayevenhateeachotherassides,butifsomeonecameandtoldthemfootballisstupidandnotworthplayingorcaringabout,thenthey’dfeeltogether.It’sfeelingthatmatters.Can’tyousee?

           C.IthoughtweweretalkingabouttheH-bomb.

           M.Goaway.Youexhaustme.You’relikeaseaofcottonwool.

           C.(hestoodupatonce)Idoliketohearyoutalk.Idothinkaboutwhatyousay.

           M.No,youdon’t.YouputwhatIsayinyourmindandwrapitupanditdisappearsforever.

           C.IfIwantedtosendachequetothe...thislot...what’stheaddress?

           M.Tobuymyapproval?

           C.What’swrongwiththat?

           M.Weneedmoney.Butweneedfeelingevenmore.AndIdon’tthinkyou’vegotanyfeelingtogiveaway.Youcan’twinthatbyfillinginafootballcoupon.

           C.(therewasanawkwardsilence)Seeyoulater,then.

           (ExitCaliban.Ihitmypillowsohardthatithaslookedreproachfuleversince.)