Цветы для Элджернона

           AtfirstIthoughtofinvitingherovertomyplace,buteverythingwastooneatandorderly—toomanystraightlinestoerase—andIknewitwouldn’tworkhere.SoIwentoutintothehallway.Iknockedatherdoor,softlyatfirstandthenlouder.

           "Door’sopen!"sheshouted.

           Shewasinherunderwear,lyingonthefloor,armsoutstretchedandlegsupagainstthecouch.Shetiltedherheadbackandlookedatmeupsidedown."Charlie,dar­ling!Whyareyoustandingonyourhead?"

           "Nevermind,"Isaid,pullingthebottleoutofthepaperbag."Thelinesandboxesaretoostraight,andIthoughtyou’djoinmeinerasingsomeofthem."

           "Beststuffintheworldforthat,"shesaid."Ifyouconcentrateonthewarmspotthatstartsinthepitofyourstomach,allthelinesbegintomelt."

           "That’swhat’shappening."

           "Wonderful!"Shejumpedtoherfeet."Metoo.I

           dancedwithtoomanysquarestonight.Let’smeltemalldown."ShepickedupaglassandIfilleditforher.

           Asshedrank,Islippedmyarmaroundherandtoyedwiththeskinofherbareback.

           "Hey,there,boy!Whoa!What’sup?"

           "Me.Iwaswaitingforyoutocomehome."

           Shebackedaway."Oh,waitaminute,Charlieboy.We’vebeenthroughallthisbefore.Youknowitdoesn’tdoanygood.Imean,youknowIthinkalotofyou,andI’ddragyouintobedinaminuteifIthoughttherewasachance.ButIdon’twanttogetallworkedupfornothing.It’snotfair,Charlie."

           "It’llbedifferenttonight.Iswearit.