Цветы для Элджернона

           Heleansagainstthewallshovinghishandsintohispockets.Hewisheshehadhisspinner.

           Helikesitbackhereinthebakerywherethefloorsarewhitewithflour—whiterthanthesootywallsandceiling.

           Thethicksolesofhisownhighshoesarecrustedwithwhiteandthereiswhiteinthestitchingandlace-eyes,andunderhisnailsandinthecrackedchappedskinofhishands.

           Herelaxeshere—squattingagainstthewall—leaningbackinawaythattiltshisbaseballcapwiththeDforwardoverhiseyes.Helikesthesmellofflour,sweetdough,breadandcakesandrollsbaking.Theoveniscracklingandmakeshimsleepy.

           Sweet...warm...sleep

           Suddenly,falling,twisting,headhittingagainstthewall.Someonehaskickedhislegsoutfromunderhim.

           That’sallIcanremember.Icanseeitallclearly,butIdon’tknowwhyithappened.It’slikewhenIusedtogotothemovies.ThefirsttimeIneverunderstoodbecausetheywenttoofastbutafterIsawthepicturethreeorfourtimesIusedtounderstandwhattheyweresaying.I’vegottoaskDr.Straussaboutit.

           April14

           Dr.StrausssaystheimportantthingistokeeprecallingmemoriesliketheoneIhadyesterdayandtowritethemdown.ThenwhenIcomeintohisofficewecantalkaboutthem.

           Dr.Straussisapsychiatristandaneurosurgeon.Ididn’tknowthat.Ithoughthewasjustaplaindoctor.ButwhenIwenttohisofficethismorning,hetoldmeabouthowimportantitisformetolearnaboutmyselfsothatIcanunderstandmyproblems.IsaidIdidn’thaveanyproblems.