Таинственная история Билли Миллигана

           Whatwouldyoudo?"

           Billyputhishandtohischeek."Iwouldjuststepasideandwalkaroundher."

           "Allright.Supposeamanwalkeduptoyouandcalledyouadirtyname,calledyouarapist,andthenpunchedyou,knockedyoudownonthestreet?Whatwouldyoudo?"

           "Dr.Caul,"Billysaid,"Iwouldjustliethereratherthangobacktoprison.Iwouldjustliethereandhopethathewouldgoonandleavemealone."

           Caulsmiled."Maybeyou’velearnedsomething.Iguesswerejustgoingtohavetogiveyouthechancetoshowyouhave."

           ThefirsttimeBillywenttotownalone,hefeltamixtureofheadinessandfear.Hecrossedthestreetscarefullyatcomerssothatthepolicewouldn’tcitehimforjaywalking.Hewasawareofthepeoplewhopassedhim,prayingthatnoonewouldcomeupandattackhim.Ifanyonedid,hewouldn’trespond.Hewoulddoexactlywhathe’dtoldDr.Caul.

           HeboughtartsuppliesandthenwentintoYourFather’sMustachebarbershop.NormaDishonghadcalledahead,alertingthemanagerandstafftothefactthatBillyMilliganwascomingtohavehishaircut.Peopletheregreetedhimwith"Hi,Billy,""Howsitgoing,Billy?"and"Hey,you’relookinggood,Billy."

           Bobbie,theyoungwomanwhocutandstyledhishair,spoketohimsympatheticallyandrefusedtoacceptpayment.Hecouldcomeinatanytime,shesaid,withoutanappointment,andshe’dcuthishairfreeofcharge.