Chapter 15
A huge man stood, rolling his eyes, over my bed. His eyelids and lips twitched under the rapid, monotonous buzz of his unpleasant high voice. He was swinging back and forth a little, putting himself in a trance, and me – in embarrassment. When the first drops of water fell from his sharp whiskers and unceremoniously fell on my face, I finally woke up and rested my elbows on my now uncomfortable bed. Stefan, dressed for what appeared a most important service, continued to sing some prayers and sprinkle me with holy water. Quickly getting used to this process, I examined the rest of the room. On both sides of me timidly stood two boys – Stefan’s or God’s ministers. The rare bristles of one and shy glances over the dropped blanket of the other said that these kids had not yet grow
