Reading: "KALAS" (A.Glass 2020)

 

...seeing that the first letter is on a company letterhead which she does not recognize, with her left hand she turns it over, checking the following page which shows schematics of a building with what looks like a basement sub level. Folding the letter and picking up the key, Kalas lifts up her briefcase and places the document within a single divided compartment and the key into a small zipped area, closing the brief case shut. She then places the bag onto her lap, looking back at the attorney across from her.

“It’s all in order. Thank you.”

“Well, that's all, could you also please sign the release form.”

“Of course.” Kalas signs the form.

Both women stand.

“Take care Ms Kalas”

“You too,” Kalas replies, as she leaves the boardroom of the legal firm.

Tommy Novik looks at Kim Liana, sitting across from him in her studio apartment which she lives in.

“Do you mind if I shoot up?”

“No,” Novik replies, folding his trench coat over, so that it covers his legs. Noting that her apartment has a chillness to it.

Liana prepares the fix, ensuring that a vein is prominent on the top of her left hand. She then angles the syringe with her right hand, piecing the skin so that the tip of the needle penetrates the vein. “I'll make you dinner later, to thank you for saving my life. I have some nice wine...” Liana gently exhales “...That's it…” She whimpers to herself, leaning back into her chair, removing the needle from the vein. Placing the syringe onto a laid out piece of tissue paper, as she feels the immediate hit of heroin taking grip. Leaning forward, Liana's eyes beginning to droop, reaching across with her right hand, as she rests the left hand onto her lap. Lifting a single tissue from the box on her small kitchen table, her head begins to gradually drop, in a slow manner she wipes her nose. “...No virus, just the start...” Breathing in a peaceful and relaxed way, her eyes fully shut. “...of dope sickness... She begins to fall asleep. “...Got it, just in time.”

Novik stands, looking down at Liana. Her tattooed hands, then her face. “She's at peace”, he says, noting a blanket draped over a chair near the main window, he lifts it up and in a caring way, places it around her. So that she is warm and safe. With his right index finger, he gently brushes back a strand of her hair, that is dangled over her left eye, which remains shut. Yet, he sees a smile. Novik reciprocates, smiling at Liana.

She opens her eyes in sleepy manner, looking up at Novik. “Make your self a cup of tea, there are...” She begins to close her eyes again. “...some biscuits, food…” Pausing, she lets out a breath. “...Help your self, you're my guest.” Her head then nods back down.

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Reading:  "KALAS" (A.Glass 2020)