Going to the website and starting the recording, Violetta heard the mechanical voice of the man she had once admired.
"This is the last gift from my girl, whom I loved with all my soul. She recorded a large number of audiobooks. The development of the internet made me consider sharing her gift with the whole world. These recordings helped me survive her loss. There is a person in this world who needs them no less than I do… and perhaps even more. Little one… I know you won't be able to forgive me. Because I will never forgive myself. I simply hope that what she left behind will help you."
Violetta had been listening to these recordings for many years. And every time, they caused her pain.
The cat and dog she had been given many years ago were still with her. There was a time when, under the sway of grief and resentment, she had thought about killing the dog — because it had been a gift from Ray. At first, it seemed to her that she would hate him her whole life. But growing up, she understood: if Ray had been the one who died, she wasn't sure her sister could have coped with it.
Honestly, she didn't know what was worse — bearing the burden of losing loved ones, or dying oneself.
A part of her wanted to tell Ray that she forgave him. But he didn't seek her out, and her current guardians were against them meeting.
Remembering herself back then, Violetta was even glad Ray had been in a coma. She could have said things to him that she would have been ashamed of for the rest of her life. Even now, she felt ashamed of her behavior toward Amy. Once, she had even said: "It would be better if Ray had died." And now, with Amy gone, she had no opportunity to apologize. The girl was certain: the words she had spoken then would torment her soul until her death.
Despite the drastic changes in her life, Violetta still hadn't given up on her dream of becoming a doctor. All these years, she had studied diligently. One of the reasons for her hard work was that many people had toiled to give her this chance — starting from her sister and Ray, their friends, and ending with the doctors who had fought for her life.
Moreover, she wanted to live a worthy life — so that the person whose heart she had received would never have to regret it.
The thirst for knowledge forced Violetta to grow up very quickly. And her experience had taught her to value time.
The following morning, Violetta got up and, under the disapproving gaze of her cat, headed to school accompanied by her four-legged protector. She could afford to bring her friend along only because she had warm relations with the security guards of the Chopa School, who were responsible for safety. While the little one gnawed on the granite of science, her friend remained outside the perimeter.
This school was elite. To get in, you had to be either very smart or pay a considerable sum. In this, it was very similar to the one Ray had once attended.
Today was one of those days when Violetta stayed late after classes. For her, this was not uncommon.
At this school, extra lessons were held every day. Today — chemistry, a subject that particularly interested her.
The teachers very much liked Violetta's lively interest in their subjects. So her conversation with the chemistry teacher — a girl in a wheelchair — dragged on, and both lost track of time.
When the interlocutors returned to reality, Violetta said guiltily:
"I'm sorry, teacher. I've always been interested in this subject. But ever since you started working here, you've managed to multiply my interest several times over."
"As a teacher, it's nice to hear that. Especially considering how much effort I put into getting this position," the girl replied with a smile.
"Yes, I think your story will become a source of inspiration for many people."
"Your words are far too grand, especially considering I'm merely a copy," the teacher said. "I myself was inspired to this feat by the story of Ray Evans. Even after enduring such a thing, that man found the strength to live on. Against that backdrop, my problems always seemed to me merely an insignificant trifle."
When Violetta heard these words, she felt a bit awkward. But she tried not to show it — and it seemed she succeeded.
No one, except her relatives on her father's side, knew that she knew Ray, who over the years had occasionally flickered across the TV screen.
Violetta had strained relations with her family.
Her sister and grandmother had been forced to cope with all the problems on their own — including her heart condition.
But a part of Violetta understood that those were things of the past and that now they truly cared for her. They had initially been against her parents' relationship. To be with her mother, her father had to renounce his inheritance and sever all ties with his family. He even took his mother's surname.