Цветы для Элджернона

           ImighttakehimuponitafterI’vefinishedmyworkatthelab—ifthereistime.That’stheproblem,ofcourse.Idon’tknowhowmuchtimeIhave.Amonth?Ayear?Therestofmylife?ThatdependsonwhatIfindoutaboutthepsychophysicalside-effectsoftheexperiment.

           June30

           I’vestoppedwanderingthestreetsnowthatIhaveFay.I’vegivenherakeytomyplace.Shekidsmeaboutmylockingthedoor,andIkidheraboutthemessherplaceisin.She’swarnedmenottotrytochangeher.Herhusbanddivorcedherfiveyearsagobecauseshecouldn’tbebotheredaboutpickingthingsupandtakingcareofherhome.

           That’sthewaysheisaboutmostthingsthatseemunimportanttoher.Shejustcan’torwon’tbother.TheotherdayIdiscoveredastackofparkingticketsinacornerbehindachair—theremusthavebeenfortyorfiftyofthem.Whenshecameinwiththebeer,Iaskedherwhyshewascollectingthem.

           "Those!"shelaughed."Assoonasmyex-husbandsendsmemygoddamnedcheck,I’vegottopaysomeofthem.YouhavenoideahowbadIfeelaboutthosetickets.IkeepthembehindthatchairbecauseotherwiseIgetanattackofguiltfeelingseverytimeIseethem.Butwhatisagirlsupposedtodo?EverywhereIgothey’vegotsignsallovertheplace—don’tparkhere!don’tparkthere!—Ijustcan’tbebotheredstoppingtoreadasigneverytimeIwanttogetoutofthecar."

           SoI’vepromisedIwon’ttrytochangeher.She’sexcit­ingtobewith.Agreatsenseofhumor.