Цветы для Элджернона

           Frankclearsanareabetweenthemonthetable,andGimpypullsoffamediumsizedpieceofdoughforCharlietoworkwith.ThereistalkofbettingonwhetherornotCharliecanlearntomakerolls.

           "Watchuscarefully,"saysGimpy,puttingthependantbesidehimonthetablewhereCharliecanseeit."Watchanddoeverythingwedo.Ifyoulearnhowtomakerolls,you’llgetthisshinygood-luckpiece."

           Charliehunchesoveronhisstool,intentlywatchingGimpypickuptheknifeandcutoffaslabofdough.HestudieseachmovementasGimpyrollsoutthedoughintoalongroll,breaksitoffandtwistsitintoacircle,pausingnowandthentosprinkleitwithflour.

           "Nowwatchme,"saysFrank,andherepeatsGimpy’sperformance.Charlieisconfused.Therearedifferences.Gimpyholdshiselbowsoutasherollsthedough,likeabird’swings,butFrankkeepshisarmsclosetohissides.Gimpykeepshisthumbstogetherwiththerestofhisfin­gersashekneadsthedough,butFrankworkswiththeflatofhispalms,keepingthumbsapartfromhisotherfingersandupintheair.

           WorryingaboutthesethingsmakesitimpossibleforCharlietomovewhenGimpysays,"Goahead,tryit."

           Charlieshakeshishead.

           "Look,Charlie,I’mgonnadoitagainslow.NowyouwatcheverythingIdo,anddoeachpartalongwithme.Okay?Buttrytoremembereverythingsothenyou’llbeabletodothewholethingalone.Nowcomeon—likethis."

           CharliefrownsashewatchesGimpypulloffasectionofdoughandrollitintoaball.