FLOWER

CHAPTER 9.2

 A few minutes before the bell rings for class I go to get a book. I was previously warned by Erich not to let the librarian look for the book under any circumstances. It will take me faster if I look for it myself. The books are arranged alphabetically on the shelves according to the authors' surnames. So I follow the advice of an experienced colleague. I approach the librarian with the book. I put it on the top of her desk.

The woman is of old age. Dyeing thinning hair auburn. It only highlights their small number. The black henna on your eyebrows was probably from yesterday. It is unpleasant to look at. But one wash and it will be perfect. A woman's nails can be envied. And it was my mother who made them. Recently I added them to her profile. A simple blue dress emphasized the librarian's beauty. Along with carefully done makeup. I don't feel like taking care of myself like that now. And she is tireless. I envy her enthusiasm.

- Wait a minute, sunshine, I need to find my glasses.

She carefully checks the top of the desk. Then each of his drawers. Then the bag. I start helping her look for her. I look at the shelves and window sills. I draw your attention to the exhibition of old photos. Probably from the construction of the city. Here and there he now recognizes ruined buildings.

A librarian with glasses on her nose approaches me.

- I was told that you have one of the two pictures of Istanbul?

- Oh yes. But here are some older photos, you need to move to the right at the bottom of the last photo.

The photo shows a construction site. And in the foreground three men smiling at the camera. One of them points to a worker carrying a bag.

- This is Istanbul. The guy was like an oak tree. - The librarian's manicured hand points to the last of the men. - Few people had that much strength. His beauty was inherited by his grandson Alexander. You probably know him. Surely every student at school knows him. - He looks at the photo with a smile. - Tupã Caiuby was laughing so hard. Finally, a photo was taken of him and his friend. He is the one who points to Istanbul.-I probably wouldn't have recognized him on my own. Although it seems similar now to how she enlightened me. - They were successful together, unstoppable.

I look again at the man carrying the bag. By tilting the head forward, the hat covers the entire face. He has a bandage around his neck as in the photo u Caiuby.

- Something happened to his neck.

Oh, I don't remember that? But he came from this sect. They seem to be good people, but in some cases they have no mercy.

- For example. Even young people don't take photos of their faces. My granddaughter once showed it to me. They guard it like the eye in their head. The school even complied with this wish. And surveillance recordings are deleted after three days. Irreversibly. I don't know much about it. What is it about? But people from the sect take care of it.

- I can borrow a book.

- I totally forgot. Give me a moment.

She turns and walks to the desk. Sitting behind him. She takes his time and starts the paperwork fun. In search of replenishment. I use the time to scan a photo with my phone. And I freeze for a few minutes before I get the book in my hands. I don't have time anymore, it's time to go to class.