I wanted to help. I knelt down in front of her. But when I reached for the knot, Belka kicked me out of the way.
I was so surprised I fell flat on my back.
Belka stood over me, legs apart, shirt raised. It was like being hemmed in between two posts. She might well be insane but it wasn’t very nice. She was still a woman. Should have some shame.
I touched her leg. I wanted her to move aside. She stood planted in place.
I used a little force. She moved a little.
Sternly, I said:
“Belka, what will Evsey think about you and about me? You mustn’t stand like that with a man. Do be sensible, Belka.”
Belka lifted her head up and breathed out a long “oh”.
But didn’t budge. She just lowered the shirt and it hung over my face like a sack.
I dealt with Belka. Landed her face down in the grass
