Цветы для Элджернона

           Idon’tknowwhomadeitforhim,orwhatbecameofit,butIseehimstandingtherefascinatedasthestringuntwistsandsetstheringsspinning

           Sheisscreamingathim—no,she’sscreamingathisfather."I’mnotgoingtotakehim.There’snothingwrongwithhim!"

           "Rose,itwon’tdoanygoodpretendinganylongerthatnothingiswrong.Justlookathim,Rose.Sixyearsold,and—"

           "He’snotadummy.He’snormal.He’llbejustlikeeveryoneelse."

           HelookssadlyathissonwiththespinnerandCharliesmilesandholdsituptoshowhimhowprettyitiswhenitgoesaroundandaround.

           "Putthatthingaway!"MomshrieksandsuddenlysheknocksthespinnerfromCharlie’shand,anditcrashesacrossthekitchenfloor."Goplaywithyouralphabetblocks."

           Hestandsthere,frightenedbythesuddenoutburst.Hecowers,notknowingwhatshewilldo.Hisbodybeginstoshake.They’rearguing,andthevoicesbackandforthmakeasqueezingpressureinsidehimandasenseofpanic.

           "Charlie,gotothebathroom.Don’tyoudaredoitinyourpants."

           Hewantstoobeyher,buthislegsaretoosofttomove.Hisarmsgoupautomaticallytowardoffblows.

           "ForGod’ssake,Rose.Leavehimalone.You’vegothimterrified.Youalwaysdothis,andthepoorkid—"

           "Thenwhydon’tyouhelpme?Ihavetodoitallbymyself.EverydayItrytoteachhim—tohelphimcatchuptotheothers.He’sjustslow,that’sall.Buthecanlearnlikeeveryoneelse."

           "You’refoolingyourself,Rose.It’snotfairtousortohim.Pretendinghe’snormal.