For two years you were on medication. Eventually everything returned to normal and you recovered.

  Throughout the whole story Gobby’s mother never looked at him. She only stared at her hands, slowly turning the wedding ring on her finger.

  When she finally raised her head and she looked up at Gobby, clearly surprised. His face was red, his cheeks puffed out, and the moment their eyes met he burst out laughing. He laughed for almost two minutes, trying to calm himself and say something, but every attempt only made him laugh again. When he finally managed to speak, he said, Mom, this is the best one yet. Did you come up with that yourself, or have you been watching too many sci-fi shows? Wait… are you filming a prank? Where’s the camera?

  His mother had clearly expected a very different reaction. Irritation crept into her voice as she tried to explain that everything she said was true. Do you want me to call your father? He’ll confirm it.

  Gobby didn’t believe her words, but he could see that she believed them. Slowly a thought formed in his mind. Alright, Mom. Let’s say I believe you. Then how does the guy who attacked me know about the hospital?

  I don’t know. Maybe an employee. Can you describe him?

  That’s not easy. Everything is blurry. Like there’s fog in my head.

  Gobby tried to remember, but nothing came back. Then an idea crossed his mind. Mom, is there a vending machine here?

  Yes, I saw one downstairs. Do you want me to bring you something?

  No. Just tell me – can I leave the room?

  The doctors didn’t say anything. How do you feel? We can go together.

  No, I’ll go alone. It’ll be easier to think. Can you give me some money?

  His mother handed him some cash and Gobby stepped out into the corridor. Walking along the corridor he ran straight into nurse Katya from episode six, who immediately blocked his path.

  And where do you think you’re going, sweetheart? Planning to run away? We had one patient slip away recently. No one slips away on my shift.

  Auntie, I’m not trying to run away. I just need to remember something, but my stomach is completely empty and my brain refuses to work.

  Katya heard the word empty and paused. Ooooh, I understand that very well. She looked at him again. Lunch will be soon. Cutlets today.

  Gobby instantly brightened. How soon?

  Katya perked up too. They were both already shifting impatiently from foot to foot. About thirty minutes.

  Gobby’s face fell. No… I need food now. I won’t last that long.

  Katya sighed and waved a hand. I get it. Take the elevator downstairs. Right in front of it there’s a vending machine with snacks and drinks. Just be quick – buy something and come straight back. If you don’t return, I’ll dig you out from underground myself. No one escapes me. Understood?

  Yes, auntie. Deal.

  Katya walked away and Gobby pressed the elevator button. Time dragged, but the elevator refused to come. It felt as if the world had paused. He couldn’t think about anything except food.

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  Turning his head to the left, he noticed a door leading to the stairwell. Without thinking, he pushed it open and headed down.

  When he reached the first floor, the vending machine was the first thing he saw. Gobby walked up to it, looked around to make sure no one was watching, then hugged the machine.

  He stood there for a while, trying to decide. Eventually he bought a chocolate bar and a drink and pressed the elevator button. He was already about to step inside when something stopped him. Something pulled him back toward the vending machine. He turned back and bought a soft snack bar.

  He had to call the elevator again. While waiting he finished the chocolate, washed it down with a sip of the drink, and started opening the bar. He stepped into the elevator, rode up two floors, pressed Stop, then Down – the bar was already gone.

  He stepped out again. Bought peanuts. By now a small crowd had gathered near the elevator, so Gobby decided to take the stairs. By the time he reached the fifth floor the peanuts were gone. It didn’t even occur to him how absurd the situation was – he simply enjoyed eating and choosing.

  He went back down twice more. Maybe he would have gone again, but the money ran out, so he finally took the elevator back to his floor.

  The moment the elevator doors opened, the smell of food hit him. That was it – he completely lost his head.

  Two nurses from episode six were pushing a cart loaded with meal containers down the corridor, delivering them to the rooms. Katya noticed him and smiled slyly. What? Got scared? Good. You should be.

  Then she added, By the way… want to have lunch with your friend?

  Gobby blinked, not immediately understanding who she meant. Then it dawned on him.

  German?

  Yes, he’s two rooms down from you. Go on. I’ll tell your mom you’re with him.

  Katya handed Gobby two food containers. Gobby was already curious about what was inside and hurried toward German’s room.

  The door opened and Gobby stepped inside. The moment German saw him, he almost jumped out of bed. You’re alive! Everything’s okay! Man, I’m so glad!

  Gobby quickly sat down on the bed. He handed one container to German, placed the other on his own knees and muttered under his breath, I’m glad too. Tell me what happened. I don’t remember anything. Then he opened the container.

  That was all the permission German needed. I hit him with a bottle. Can you imagine? He came at us – and I just swung. I still don’t know who he was, but… German continued his story with growing excitement.

  Gobby never took his eyes off the cutlet. From time to time he nodded, showing he was listening, while piece after piece of excellent food disappeared into his mouth. He slowly savored every bite. The only moment he stopped chewing was when German described the attacker. When the description ended, Gobby calmly continued eating.

  Gobby finished his meal while German was still talking. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to remember the taste he had just experienced. His body felt steady again, his energy returning. When he opened his eyes and looked down at his knees, he suddenly realized that he had eaten everything – not only his own food, but somehow German’s as well.

  His eyes quickly scanned the room. Near the wall stood another bed. An old woman was lying there, thin, shriveled, pale as death.

  Gobby stood up and approached her bed. He reached out his hand to take the container – and instantly received a sharp slap on his hand. He grabbed his wrist and began rubbing it. The woman had woken up immediately. She frowned and said, What do you think you’re doing, you rascal? You ate yours, you ate your friend’s, and now you want mine too?

  Gobby stepped back like a scolded puppy. German fell silent and simply watched the scene.

  Realizing the plan had failed, Gobby pointed a finger as if to say I’ll be right back, quietly opened the door, looked left, then right, and spotted who he needed. Auntie Katya! German didn’t get enough food. Have you seen how small and skinny he is? He needs to eat a lot to recover. Can we get one more tray?

  He waited for her answer and ran off. A minute later he returned carrying a tray and handed it to German. Eat. Now I’ll tell you what my mom just told me.

  German listened carefully and took the story far more seriously than Gobby. At one moment he even exclaimed, So that patient was the one who attacked you? How is that even possible?

  German shouldn’t interrupt the story. Gobby’s hand had already started moving toward German’s tray again. German noticed immediately. After a moment he gave Gobby a look that clearly let him take the broccoli and asked him to continue.

  When Gobby finished the story, German said, We’ll tell the police what he looked like. Let them search for him. And when I get out of here, we’ll go see that psychiatrist together. I hope he still remembers you.