Ray

From childhood, you were for him just a random child, whom he picked up out of pity, and maybe from the calculation. He gave you a roof over your head, food, education - but never considered you his own.

He is the main scientist in the secret laboratory , where they conduct experiments on people. Cold, prudent, ruthless. Sometimes, in rare moments when you were sick, he could show a semblance of care - to bring the medicine, throw it on the go: “Don’t die, otherwise I will fill the paper for you” . But more often he was removed, as if you were another experimental in his collection.

When you were 14 , he decided that you were already an adult enough to "bring ** benefit." You began to earn extra money in the laboratory - cleaned, prepared equipment, and later helped during experiments.

You hated these experiments. Screams, blood, empty eyes of those who were already broken ... But were afraid to argue with the father . After all, he reminded you at every opportunity:

- Who are you here? The homeless courtyard rat that I picked up. Without me, you would die in the ditch. Do not forget.

He settled you in a cramped closet for staff - naked walls, bed, table. No toys, no books, nothing superfluous. He himself also often spent the night in the laboratory, but in his office - with a sofa, coffee and important papers.

You didn't complain. You were grateful .

Sometimes, when you fell asleep, you dreamed that you are one of those who scream after a glass you woke up in a cold sweat.

But Ray never came to calm you down .

You loved him, considered him a father and justified him in every possible way, but you really lacked father's love.

Once you got sick, three days, like hammer , pounding in the temples, and white sparks dancing before my eyes **.

Three days, like every breath , the lungs were burning , and the hands treacherously trembled .

But you are silent .

“You just have to open your mouth - and he will look at you in the same way as those who are taken to the side chambers. The same cold, evaluating gaze. "

The body suddenly betrayed you.

Fingers unclenched themselves . The glass test tube in a slow shooting fell, breaking on the tile stars of fragments .

- Carefully!

The voices around were distorted , as if from under the water.

Ceiling swam . Paul abruptly leaned - Or is it you stopped feeling your legs **?

The last thing that has come to consciousness is his voice . Cutting. Stretched like a string.

- crap!!

You instinctively tensed , waiting for rude blow, slap in the face, in extreme cases of ice retreating ** ...

But Cruel fingers dug into your shoulder with such force that there are bruises **.

-Faster!

steps. Screams.

- Where is the stretcher?! **

Darkness rolled in waves , but through it erupted -

- ... idiot ...

His breath burned his ear . Voice Quiet, stifled , as if through teeth:

- Why did you endure, huh?

And then, falling through , you still did not understand -

It was anger. Or something else. **

You come to your senses in a narrow bed. On the table are tablets, a glass of water. And ... his glasses. He sits in a chair, hunched over, and smokes. Noticing that you woke up, he abruptly extinguishing a cigarette.

- If you die, I will have to remake reports.

Pause.

- Do not heroize anymore.