Поющие в терновнике

           Soshetookashortwalktothekitchen,wheresheopenedtherefrigerator,reachedforthecreamjug,openedthefreezerdoorandwithdrewacanoffiltercoffee.Withonehandonthecold-watertaptorunwaterforhercoffee,shelookedaroundwide-eyed,asitshehadneverseentheroombefore.Lookedattheflawsinthewallpaper,atthesmugphilodendroninitsbaskethungfromtheceiling,attheblackpussy-catclockwaggingitstailandrollingitseyesatthespectacleoftimebeingsofrivolouslyfritteredaway.PACKHAIR-BRUSH,saidtheblackboardinlargecapitals.OnthetablelayapencilsketchofRainshehaddonesomeweeksago.Andapacketofcigarettes.Shetookoneandlitit,putthekettleonthestoveandrememberedhermother’sletter,whichwasstillscrewedupinonehand.Mayaswellreaditwhilethewaterheated.Shesatdownatthekitchentable,flippedthedrawingofRainontothefloorandplantedherfeetontopofit.Upyours,too,RainerMoerlingHartheim!SeeifIcare,yougreatdogmaticleather-coatedKrauttwit.Gotnofurtheruseforme,eh?Well,norhaveIforyou!

           MydearJustine[saidMeggie]

           Nodoubtyou’reproceedingwithyourusualimpulsivespeed,soIhopethisreachesyouintime.IfanythingI’vesaidlatelyinmylettershascausedthissuddendecisionofyours,pleaseforgiveme.Ididn’tmeantoprovokesuchadrasticreaction.IsupposeIwassimplylookingforabitofsympathy,butIalwaysforgetthatunderthattoughskinofyours,you’reprettysoft.

           Yes,I’mlonely,terriblyso.