Цветы для Элджернона

           Butthosethingswerereal—somethingIwasjustifiedinbeingafraidof.Thisterroratbeingkickedoutofthebakeryisvague,afearIdontunderstand."

           "Getholdofyourself"

           "Youdon’tfeelthepanic."

           "But,Charlie,it’stobeexpected.You’reanewswimmerforcedoffadivingraftandterrifiedoflosingthesolidwoodunderyourfeet.Mr.Donnerwasgoodtoyou,andyouwereshelteredalltheseyears.Beingdrivenoutofthebakerythiswayisanevengreatershockthanyouexpected."

           "Knowingitintellectuallydoesn’thelp.Ican’tsitalone

           inmyroomanymore.Iwanderintothestreetsatallhoursofthedayornight,notknowingwhatImlookingfor...walkinguntilI’mlost...findingmyselfoutsidethebakery.LastnightIwalkedallthewayfromWashingtonSquaretoCentralPark,andIsleptinthepark."WhatthehellamIsearchingfor?"

           ThemoreItalked,themoreupsetshebecame."WhatcanIdotohelpyou,Charlie?"

           "Idon’tknow.I’mlikeananimalwho’sbeenlockedoutofhisnice,safecage."

           Shesatbesidemeonthecouch."They’repushingyoutoofast.You’reconfused.Youwanttobeanadult,butthere’sstillalittleboyinsideyou.Aloneandfrightened."Sheputmyheadonhershoulder,tryingtocomfortme,andasshestrokedmyhairIknewthatsheneededmethewayIneededher.

           "Charlie,"shewhisperedafterawhile,"whateveryouwant...don’tbeafraidofme—"

           IwantedtotellherIwaswaitingforthepanic.