О мышах и людях

           GeorgecamequietlyoutofthebrushandtherabbitscuttledbackintoLennie’sbrain.

           Georgesaidquietly,«Whatthehellyouyellin’about?»

           Lenniegotuponhisknees.«Youain’tgonnaleaveme,areya,George?Iknowyouain’t.»

           Georgecamestifflynearandsatdownbesidehim.«No.»

           «Iknowedit,"Lenniecried.«Youain’tthatkind.»

           Georgewassilent.

           Lenniesaid,«George.»

           «Yeah?»

           «Idoneanotherbadthing.»

           «Itdon’tmakenodifference,"Georgesaid,andhefellsilentagain.

           Onlythetopmostridgeswereinthesunnow.Theshadowinthevalleywasblueandsoft.Fromthedistancecamethesoundofmenshoutingtooneanother.Georgeturnedhisheadandlistenedtotheshouts.

           Lenniesaid,«George.»

           «Yeah?»

           «Ain’tyougonnagivemehell?»

           «Giveyahell?»