Chapter 35

Okay, I was beginning to succumb under the rigor of living in tension. I couldn’t help it. Who, in a situation like mine, could remain impassive? We reached the top of the stairs and Ivan stopped, but he didn’t let go of my elbow. Sasha had fun with my hair down and grabbed handfuls, laughing and enjoying herself in her little bubble of innocence.

Ivan stood still for a moment, as if he didn’t quite know what to do.

“Good, yes. That’s what I fear: that the cats will skip the patrol and come directly here, thinking that we will be more vulnerable. I don’t want to take any more risks. Are you sure you feel okay? On the arm, I mean. I’d like to check those bandages,” he told me, and his voice really sounded worried.

“I’m fine, I already told you. Really. Hans gave me a hand; he was very kind.”

“Okay.”

Finally, he let go of my elbow and put his hand behind his back. He hesitated, I realized, not sure what to do next, or rather, not sure what to do with me.