Blind Dawn

— Only on one condition you’ll stay with Masha, — he says. — I don’t say anything; I wait for Herman to propose it. I try to hide the tremor in my body. — You’ll give me an heir, — he declares, looking closely into my eyes as if he wants to read the answer. To make sure I’m not lying.

I can’t breathe, it becomes truly terrifying. I can’t fulfill his condition—for me it’s the same as signing my own death sentence… There’s no time to think. Right now, Herman won’t hear me anyway; I need to say “yes” and try to buy time. Later I’ll confess everything.