39. Cherish

I despise waiting.

If this ordeal has taught me anything about myself it is that I truly hate waiting around and I really hate not being charge of my own life. The room just feels smaller, more enclosing with every passing minute. By the time I hear footsteps I am almost frantic with worry.The last time this kind of meeting was called Ivan was almost whipped to death.

He knocked softly at the door as I pulled away the chair and unlocked it. His face was ghastly white, green eyes vacant as he almost stumbled back into the room. “Ivan, what’s happened?”

Taking his arm I guided him to the huge mattress and made him sit down. Then I ran over to the fire and prepared a kettle of tea. He looked to be in shock. He sat looking down with his elbows on his knees, hunched in silence. I placed the hot drink by his side then softly sat next to him.

“There is no escape now. I’m sorry but that plan is over,” he said flatly.

“Do you want to talk about it?'' The chill in his voice made me cold,