— Darling, Dad will sort out a couple of errands right now, and then we’ll go to a children’s store, and I’ll buy you everything you want. Deal?
A guest leans toward the capricious little girl of about five.
— I don’t want to go to a children’s store!.. I want… Buy me a mom! I want her! This red-haired mom!— A child’s finger points at me.
The man looks at me closely, squints, and I understand—nothing good.
He’s not serious? He isn’t going to buy a person!.. Or is he?
— I promise that before the New Year holidays you’ll be home. My daughter gets bored with toys quickly— the man whispers, burning with the heat of his breath.