Kabanata 11: Chapter 11

TIBET

Anatoly is standing next to the bed and the monk is standing close to the door. Ivan still lies unconscious.

“He woke up last night and kept asking for someone” the monk informs Anatoly.

“Did he say a name?” Anatoly asks, his back to the monk, eyes fasted on the lifeless looking Ivan.

“Something that sounds like…Cassandra?” The monk says unsure. “He broke down in fever and was shaking uncontrollably. We had to sedate him.”

Anatoly scratches his chin thoughtfully.

“That’s strange…” he mumbles then turns to the monk. “That’s all, thank you. You may leave.” The other man nods and leaves the room. Anatoly starts pacing the room speaking to the body.

“And who might Cassandra be, Ivan? You could have asked for anyone, but…why her?”

The bed shuffles and a whispered ‘Fuck you’ id heard in a strained voice making Anatoly stop dead in his track.

“You’re awake?” He turns to Ivan. “You’re awake!”