Chapter 8.
Today, the air was filled not only with the fragrance of sweet flowers but also with the freshness of yesterday's rain. The April weather delighted all the inhabitants of the nearby surroundings with its warmth and clarity. Trees and grasses began to grow thick. Frequent rains gave strength to these silent living organisms. The sun also generously bestowed its energy upon them. The flowerbeds and neatly trimmed lawns in front of Steve and Veronica's shop also began to take on lush forms. It always smelled of greenery and grass here. Their scent attracted not only insects and birds but people as well. In these days, the city residents love to take a stroll or go shopping. Around them, it was quiet and cozy.
The hum of a small truck approaching the shop broke the silence. Killing the engine, Paul stepped out of it. He brought a shipment of new mannequins for the shop. A minute later, another truck belonging to John Ruban's factory arrived. Several workers stepped out of it to unload the goods.
— Boss, we're here! — Paul, Steve's cousin, greeted him. — What other tasks do we have ahead?
— Thanks to you, Paul, — Steve patted his shoulder. — For now, there is no work for you. You can rest today, but tomorrow you will start our new plans regarding the summer camp for youth recreation.
— It will be done, brother! — Paul smiled. — And when will we rest ourselves?
— In the summer, my friend.
— Will we be at the camp too?
— Yes. You know, this is our business. I have appointed you as my assistant—the head of the camp. You've been dreaming about this for a long time.
— But, Steve, I won't manage alone.
— I'll be right there, don't worry. This business is ours; we came up with it, my friend.
— I'll share the profit with you, — Paul said, — because without you, I wouldn't have thought of this.
— I know, Paul, — the wise Steve answered him. — You are not only my friend but also my brother. You always get the hard work. I use you like a servant, but you never lost heart and never ran away from difficult tasks. You always help me and my little sister.
— You are my own brother, Steve!
— We have the same blood, Paul. We will always share the income from the business together.
— Thank you, Steve. I will try to organize our camp business perfectly.
— I have no doubt about it, brother!
In a few moments, Steve and Paul, with the help of several hired workers, were already dragging all the mannequins into the building of their shop.
— I think that's all, — Steve slapped his palms together.
First, Steve settled up with the workers and sent them back to the factory. After that, Veronica called Paul and Steve for tea. But Paul said he was tired and wanted to sleep a little. Therefore, refusing Veronica's offer, he decided to leave for his home immediately.
After Paul left with the loaders, it became quiet around again. But now this silence was broken by the sweet singing of birds. Veronica loved to listen to them. In the shop, she also had songbirds that she specifically ordered. In a good mood and in a beautiful new dress, she began to examine and dress the mannequins. The girl was the soul of the shop. Without her presence, it was impossible to imagine either this building or these goods. Roni jumped and twirled, not hiding her joy over the new mannequins. "Now I can invite my girlfriends and the guys," she thought. "Emma will be delighted with my new dresses and mannequins."
— Steve, look at this mannequin! — Veronica suddenly said in surprise. — She looks as if she's alive. And besides, she is dressed. I won't touch her; let her stand in the very center of the display window. How beautiful she is!
— I didn't know they could manufacture such a specimen at the factory, — Steve said, studying her. — Maybe she is made of a different material?
— Perhaps, my dear brother.
— Also, I didn't know that dolls could be more beautiful than ordinary girls, — Steve did not take his eyes off her.
— Of course! Dolls can be more beautiful than ordinary girls, — Veronica smiled at him. — And am I beautiful?
— They can't compete with you, my little sister. But this doll is like you: very fragile and elegant! — Steve did not stop admiring the mannequin.
— Maybe I should stand with her in the display window, eh, brother? — Veronica put her hand on her narrow waist and stood coquettishly next to Elisa. — How do you look at that?
— You would look not bad! — Dex's grandson said with amazed eyes. — There would be no end to the fans coming for you.
— That would decrease the number of buyers, my brother.
— It would be good.
— And you wouldn't be jealous of me for them?
— Why? — Steve replied. — But if you were one of these specimens, then no.
— Fine, brother! If that's how you are, then I'll seriously think over this plan, — Veronica answered him, then looked slyly at her brother and said: — So, you want to put me in the same place as these mannequins, right?
— But why not? You would make a good specimen! — Steve's face did not change.
— Fine, everything is clear now! So, you like beautiful mannequins. Tomorrow I will become your mannequin. And also, I'd like to see if you can manage the work without me, together with your girlfriend Vicky.
— Don't worry, we'll manage! — her brother smiled. — But she is not my girlfriend and won't be.
— I don't know, I don't know, — his little sister looked at Steve.
Veronica sometimes made it look as if she was offended. Но in reality, she was very smart and supported her brother in everything. Therefore, Steve loved her very much. Without her, it was boring for him in this shop. She was very much like her mother, Alice. And besides, she handled everything regarding the quality of goods perfectly. Looking at her, Steve saw his mother in her. Her presence gave him peace and comfort in his soul. Even though Veronica was a few years younger than him, she was like an older sister to him. She was interested in everything her brother was doing. She wanted to help him in everything and be present in all his affairs. This did not bother Steve; on the contrary, it inspired him. In her eyes, he was and always would be a hero! Steve knew this and wanted to prove to her that she was not mistaken.
After that, Veronica began to dress the other mannequins. And Steve looked into the beautiful eyes of Elisa. Suddenly, her eyes began to express despair. It was as if she wanted to say something to him. This very much surprised and touched Steve. He didn't believe his eyes and began to look at her even more closely. Elisa's eyes looked sadly into his face. Steve wanted to tell Veronica about this, but after thinking for a short while, he decided to remain silent. He stood before her even when Veronica finished all her work. Going home, Steve said goodbye to her. He stood in front of the doll for a little while and spoke:
— Tomorrow I will come to work early, but do not despair. Everything will be excellent. You will be treated very well here, and you will forget about sadness, beauty.
Steve did not notice Veronica, who was stealthily watching him.
When they left, the cleaner Vicky remained in the shop. She worked and lived in the shop, performing the duties of a cleaner and watchman. She approached Elisa and then gave her an injection.
— What are you doing? — the revived Ellie screamed.
— I know you, — Vicky laughed. — I came to destroy you and Dex's grandsons. Torsken himself sent me here. By the way, he sends his regards. You will do everything I want, or you will die a terrible death.
— You won't break me! I won't go back anyway.
— Torsken himself is hunting you! He will never leave you in peace, know this. Accept defeat if you don't want to die!
— I am not defeated yet. What defeat are you talking about, you foolish girl?
— Shut up, or I'll stick a knife in your throat, — Vicky became seriously angry.
— What did you inject into me, you crazy woman? — Ellie screamed in pain.
— You won't move for several days. Until I or they destroy you.
— Why are you helping Torsken? You are a living doll! — Elisa stroked her right shoulder with her hands. — You will yet answer for everything you've done, you evil spy! May you and your Torsken die as soon as possible!
— Yes, it's true, I am his spy. They prepared me a long time ago. You won't escape from us, you foolish girl. You must go back and marry Torsken.
— Never! Better death! A living doll will never become the wife of some pretender, — Elisa answered with pride. — Tell Torsken that I am not afraid of death! I am no coward!
— Then stay motionless until we destroy you, my sweet little fool, — Vicky hissed in a vile voice.
— Oh, you poisonous snake! — Elisa shouted at her. — Bite as much as you can, but I will not grovel before you. I will perish with pride; legends will be told about me. But you, snake, no one will even remember. That's how it is!
— Shut up! Do you think you're a heroine? — Vicky struck Elisa several times. — You're just a miserable, frightened little girl! I'll still teach you good manners. Soon you will be very obedient.
— Do with me what you want, traitress! You don't know me. I never give up. I am very strong in spirit!
— Imagine yourself as whoever you want! No one will help you anymore, — Torsken's spy sneered. — You are in safe hands now.
At this time, Torsken appeared in the corridor of the shop. He was tall and stood in some unnatural way. His eyes burned with rage. It was clear that he heard what the girls were talking about. He looked at Elisa with a predatory gaze. He was ready to tear the poor victim apart if she showed even a drop of weakness. Но Torsken had picked the wrong target. Ellie's spirit was harder than steel. She showed him her face, full of courage and fearlessness. Torsken, knowing that he couldn't influence the girl, began to walk back and forth. He wore a gray jumpsuit and black trousers. Torsken always wore dark glasses because he hid his red eyes from everyone. And he always looked at everyone with a piercing gaze. An ordinary person would feel ill from his look. Torsken usually appeared at night; during the day, he always hid in dark places.
— You're handling the job well, Vicky! — Torsken finally spoke. — Just don't overdo it with her. I need her alive.
— Fine, Master, as you say, — Vicky laughed vilely. — I'll kill her a little more slowly.
— No! Have you lost your mind, you crazy little fool? — Torsken shouted. — Under no circumstances should you kill her. I told you that I will marry her.
— But what about me, Master? Shouldn't I be your queen? Do you consider me unworthy?
— You will become the queen of humans! I must marry her to get the crown, — the villain explained to her. — Therefore, your task is to win her over to our side. And in the meantime, I'll find another spy.
— From where? — Vicky asked.
— From the friends of that little one, Veronica. I hope we will also win over this Veronica to our side soon.
— Excellent, Boss! — she winked one eye at Torsken.
— And what shall we do with Steve? — Vicky asked.
— Nothing for now. We must hinder Elisa's relationship with this fellow. If we don't interfere, this Steve is capable of much. Not for nothing is he the grandson of our inveterate enemy, Dex.
— Did you manage to liquidate him, Torsken? — Vicky asked seriously.
— No, on the contrary. He and his friend Volien destroyed half of my squad at the plastic products factory. After the war, I must return to Marionis to gather a new force. There will be a new war between humans and dolls. Dex forced me into this by his actions. This time we defeated the "living dolls"; now it's the humans' turn. If we don't liquidate Dex with his descendants in time, we won't be able to carry out our plan. In the past, he was an ally of the "living" and contributed to the victory of our enemies. Dex must die as soon as possible.
— Dex remained alive? You didn't kill him? — Vicky asked.
— Yes, my revolted mannequins could not kill him! Но he went into the forest with his friend, — Torsken answered gloomily. — Now all these places are left without a protector. Taking advantage of this occasion, we will attack Veronica and Steve's shop. Finishing with his grandsons, I will finally take my revenge on him.
— And you won't kill him yourself? — Vicky looked at Torsken in a strange way.
— No, why touch him after that? — the villain laughed loudly. — He will die of grief himself. It will be very amusing for me to see how he reacts to this.
The lord of the "lifeless" hated not only his enemies but also his spies. Because he trusted no one. The villain could easily betray or abandon his supporters. Therefore, if he couldn't accomplish something, he immediately fled, hiding. From this, it followed that it was very difficult for his enemies to get him. Torsken always remained elusive.
— And when will you come? — Vicky's face became desperate. Tears appeared in her eyes. — I might fail the operation here...
— Very soon, Vicky, but I promise you that I will certainly finish off Dex. And you work slowly, without rushing. You must not be exposed under any circumstances. If you fail the operation, I will destroy you immediately! So do not neglect my threats, Vicky! Know that if you don't cope, I will find out about it immediately. I have many spies whom you do not yet know!
— Everything will be executed, Master! — Torsken's spy smiled again.
— Excellent, then I'll go, — saying these words, Torsken vanished, going out through the shop door.
When he disappeared completely, Vicky approached Elisa. She embraced her and looked toward the door again.
— May you perish as soon as possible, you terrible creature! — Vicky said after him, wiping away tears. — We'll still see who defeats whom! Elisa, dear little sister, are you all right?
— Since when did I become your little sister, you two-faced wretch!
— Elisa, my name is not Vicky, and I am not this villain's spy.
— Have you decided to deceive me? Don't try to lure me to your side, spy. I'm not interested in what your real name is. From your conversations, I've just learned your and Torsken's plans. Now you are an enemy to me, just like him, — the princess of Marionis replied.
— I am Evinetta. The granddaughter of the hero Dex and Queen Gloria!
— Why are you deceiving me? I know what you are! You are a girl with dirty intentions. I won't believe a single word of yours. Say whatever you want.
— No, no, sister, you must believe me, — tears flowed from Evi's eyes. — I have come from hell itself to help you and my brother Steve. You don't know what torments I endured to become who I am now. I became like this only to take revenge on the "lifeless" for my relatives. All this just to help you and be near you when the new war begins. I have come to give my life for you if you need it. My sister Elisa! Believe me, please!
— How can that be? Did Dex and Gloria have descendants?
— They loved each other but couldn't be together.
— Why?
— Because they couldn't complete the rite of "Dissolution of Love." According to the law of Marionis, without this, they cannot marry. From Gloria, Dex only got a son, but he also went forever into Marionis when he grew up.
— But you just injected me with some vaccine. Vicky, are you deceiving me? Admit it.
— Don't worry about it; I injected you with a beneficial vaccine. It will help you quickly adapt to the human world. I did all this in order to deceive Torsken. It is very difficult to deceive this villain. His dark silhouette can appear wherever he wants to visit. He is very dangerous; there is almost no escape for enemies from him.
After this, Elisa embraced her and began to cry. Evinetta began to tell her her whole story. And, of course, they did not forget about vigilance. A month had passed since Elisa was brought to the shop along with the other mannequins. The May weather was more generous with warmth than the April weather, but was stingy with moisture. Nature now rarely gifted the earth with rains. Elisa had already grown accustomed to her role as a mannequin. She thought that returning to her former life was already impossible. Whether her parents and loved ones were alive—she didn't know. Whether someone would come to her aid—it was unknown. Would Steve help her, who thinks she is artificial—it was also unknown. Confess everything to Steve? It looks ridiculous. "After all, he looks at me every day," Elisa thought. "Maybe I only like him as a doll? Yes, he once told Veronica that he only likes lifeless dolls. Will his attitude toward me change after I come to life? No, it's still uncomfortable. Where has it been seen that a person helps a doll? How will she handle the enemies without friends and without weapons? There is only Evinetta. And how can she resist Torsken's army alone? Probably, she won't be able to. Apparently, the heavens have prepared a bad end for me. Well, let's see if Grandpa Dex told the truth about Steve. He is his grandson, but Steve is not Dex. And what if Dex is mistaken? I must return to the former plan. I was supposed to meet my Uncle John Ruban. But the army of Torsken flooded the factory. They've already removed John. No, now the first plan doesn't work. It remains only to hope for Steve."
Never had she felt as bad as now. Vicky-Evinetta was with her all the time. She helped her in everything. Thanks to her, Elisa did not starve. Every day after the owners left, they developed a plan for further actions. Torsken had not appeared since that very day of their acquaintance. But the day was approaching when he was to attack the shop. Therefore, the girls behaved very cautiously. They were worried that they had no weapons to resist the villain. Evinetta counted on Dex's friends, but there were no signs of the secret protectors of Nomilis. If they don't tell Steve about everything, it will all be over. The "lifeless" will defeat everyone. The girls did not know what to do next. They sometimes cried, then sat for a long time and talked among themselves when Steve and Veronica went home. Evinetta told her about the past times she spent among the enemies. The girls thought they were doomed to death. "If we are to die," they said, "then let's die with pride." They did not know that they had relatives in the person of Steve and Veronica, and many protectors stood behind them.
One day, the silence of the coming morning was broken by the conversations and laughter of an approaching crowd. A group of young men and girls walked along the city sidewalk, laughing and talking among themselves. Looking at them, one could give them about 14–16 years. Ahead walked one girl, possibly the main one among them. They were heading to Steve's clothing shop, which was located near their school. This girl's name was Veronica, or Roni for short. She was Steve's sister. Along the edges of the sidewalk stretched perfectly groomed lawns with exotic trees. Lunchtime was approaching. Despite yesterday's hot day, today the weather was cool and at the same time warm; the smell of morning rain was felt in the air. Everywhere the singing of sweet-voiced birds was heard. But the voices of Veronica's friends were restless. They either joked with each other or seriously listened to Veronica. Today she invited them to her shop. The weather was as if made to order: the sky clear and blue, the entire road cleaned by the rain. It looked impeccably clean. No clouds in the sky.
Finally, the friends arrived where they were heading—to Steve's shop. In the front part of the shop stood a display window with mannequins. The teenagers looked at the clothes. They were very surprised by the variety of goods: everything was intended for young people.
— Wow! — Emma said, looking around. She kissed her friend and continued: — Veronica, why didn't you tell us about your shop before?
— I didn't know you would like our shop.
— And who does your brother work with, Roni? — one of her girlfriends asked.
— He has a friend named Paul and also an assistant, Vicky, — Veronica replied.
— But you told me about his close girlfriend, — Emma, putting her hand on Veronica's shoulder, asked curiously.
— Vicky, in my opinion, is his close girlfriend, or maybe not. I will definitely ask him about it today.
— Good, friend, — Emma smiled sweetly, then continued: — Also ask: if not, then I am ready to become his close girlfriend.
— Fine, Emma. I'll tell him.
— Hey, look at that mannequin! It's as if she's alive, right, friends? — one of the guys saw Elisa, then said jokingly: — Maybe she is the close girlfriend of your brother?
— Stop joking with my girlfriend, Bud! Veronica, many now are talking about your brother, who fell seriously in love with a doll, — Emma said. — You know, we specifically came to look at her and at your legendary brother. Are you sure he isn't sick?
— Да, — Veronica smiled a bit sadly. — My brother really loves her. But rest assured, my brother has not lost his mind. Just, maybe, he wants to find a girl similar to her? After all, it's possible, right, friends?
— Of course, — the other girls confirmed her words. — After all, the doll was made in the prototype of a living person. He should find the maker of the doll, Veronica. And then through them, you will go to the real girl, the prototype of whom was this doll.
— Yes, perhaps that's what I will do. Then, when I find her, I'll tell my brother. But will he listen to me?
— Of course, he will listen.
— But I don't want to interfere in his personal life. After all, you don't know my brother. He is so smart. I don't want to bother him with my silly questions and antics. Steve for me is the model of a real man and a hero!
— True, — Emma's eyes flashed, — I haven't seen him yet, but I'm already dreaming about him! How foolish I am, right, friend?
— No, you aren't foolish, — Veronica smiled at her. — I would be happy if you become his close girlfriend.
In a few seconds, Steve himself came out to them.
— Roni, are these your friends you told me about?
— Yes, — Veronica kissed her brother.
— Hello, friends! My name is Steve, — his brother greeted Veronica's friends politely.
— Hello, Steve! We are very glad to meet you, — Veronica's friends greeted Steve. — Everyone wants to see the legendary Steve.
— Thank you, guys. But I am not as they say about me in reality. I am no hero and no legend. I am an ordinary, simple guy. Come inside, friends, look at the goods.
The friends went into the shop and bought the clothes they liked. Then Steve talked to them about his new firm, which dealt with trips to nature.
— We have an excellent bus and a picturesque place in "Paradise Corner." You will get a good rest and unforgettable impressions.
— Hi, my name is Emma! I am your sister's close friend! — Emma gave her hand to Steve.
— And my name is Steve! It turns out you are very beautiful! Veronica told me a lot about you.
— Thank you! She told me a lot about you too, — the charming friend of Veronica smiled. — I am happy that I've finally seen you. I hope in the future we will be excellent friends.
— Yes, and I hope for that too! — Dex's grandson replied.
— Then my friends and I will go, goodbye!
— Thank you, Emma, for coming to us. Come again, my sister and I will be glad to see you and your friends!
— I'll come! — Emma smiled, saying goodbye.
— I liked him very much! — Emma told her friend. — Don't forget about my request, friend.
— No, I won't forget, — Veronica kissed her friend, saying goodbye. — You are my closest friend.
— You know, Veronica, when I come to your cottage, — Emma said, hugging her, — I will fight for him. Even if all the girls of your "Paradise Valley" oppose me. I want him to be mine only.
— I wish you luck, friend! Goodbye.
— Goodbye, Roni! I love you, — Emma said goodbye to her friend. — I will be visiting you quite often now.
— Come, I'll be waiting for you, — Veronica said in response.
— Wait then, Roni.
Having settled with the clients and Veronica's friends, Steve sat down on a chair that stood at the entrance. Veronica, after seeing off and saying goodbye to her classmates, returned, and then sat down next to Steve.
— Well, how are things going, brother? — she asked Steve.
— Everything is very excellent! Now you too will be my assistant.
— Always glad to help you! Please, just don't send me home.
— But you told me that you are very good there, at the cottage.
— Yes, it's very interesting there, but only when you are there. And here I want to live forever later. — Steve's little sister looked at him with a serious face. — Well, and now what are our plans, Boss?
— Today we will only trade; after lunch, a load of goods should come to us. Tomorrow the mannequin customers will come to us, those that Paul and I bought cheaper.
— And you, brother, turn out to be just a real superstar. All the girls in the city know about you.
— Maybe so, and maybe not. You are exaggerating.
— And how do you like my friend? — Veronica smiled at Steve.
— She is charming!
— She is very beautiful and charming! — Roni corrected her brother's words. — I think that soon you and she will be close friends.
— You're right, little sister.
— Why do you always act as if you agree with me, but in practice never do anything?
— This time I promise you and your friend to do everything your way.
— Eh, brother, brother, if only you knew how much Emma and I worry about you.
— Thank you both for your care, my dears! — Steve replied to her. — What more can I say to you.
They sat opposite each other in silence, each thinking of their own thing. Then, breaking the silence, Roni said:
— Steve, now Emma will come to me more often. If you don't have a girl, she agrees to be friends with you.
— I agree too, little sister.
— In that case, I will inform her about it. Agreed?
— Yes, if you want, then inform her, little sister.
— Excellent, brother!
— And what did your friends say about the mannequins?
— These mannequins are very beautiful, — Veronica said enthusiastically. — My girlfriends liked them very much too, especially the one you put in the very middle of the glass display window. You've told me several times that you like her very much. The whole city is now talking about your love with this doll.
— Yes, — Steve answered thoughtfully. — All these are the gossips of your classmates and girlfriends. They found out thanks to you.
— No, brother, I never slander you, don't even dare to think about it, — Roni said quietly. — Steve, do you have a close girlfriend now? Just tell me the truth.
— Not yet. I told you no. After I quarreled with Chloe at the cottage, I have no one else. Roni, was it your girlfriends who told you to ask about this?
— No, I said they have nothing to do with it, — Roni got a little upset. — Steve, and this Vicky? You and she aren't...?
— She is some kind of strange, this Vicky. She behaves unnaturally, talks like a robot. Vicky doesn't talk about her relatives. It's unknown where she goes and from where she returns. I've started to distrust her. Little sister, she is hiding something from us.
— It's you who are strange, my brother! Not only did you let a street stranger deceive you... And how one can love a lifeless doll—I don't understand at all! — Veronica said, as if scolding him. — You weren't like this before. Now everyone is laughing at you. Do you know how difficult it has become for me to go out lately? Everyone is whispering behind our backs.
— Don't pay attention to them, Veronica. But believe me, dear sister, I don't know how it happened... For me, she is like a living thing. I look at her and don't want to look at anyone else!
— You are seriously ill, brother. You are ill! You need a doctor. I see you every day, how you look at her and talk to her. You understand: she is not alive!
Listening to their conversation, Elisa pitied Steve. She began to cry again. She really wanted to tell them everything, but she thought that the time had not yet come. "Steve is holding up well," she thought. A spark of love for Steve appeared in her small head. But she didn't know that soon it would become a big flame and begin to burn already in her heart. "Steve!" she whispered for the first time quietly. She wanted to repeat his name once more. She stopped crying and began to think about him. Dex's descendant had a very developed sense of hearing. He heard Elisa.
— There, do you hear? Someone spoke my name. Maybe it's her talking?
— You've finally gone crazy, Steve, — Veronica didn't believe him. — I will call a doctor immediately.
— No, I don't need a doctor. Listen, Roni, forgive me if you can... I've opened my secrets not only to you but to all my friends and acquaintances. I'm not sick, and I'm no maniac, and no pervert or some kind of fetishist. Oh, what am I saying! Please forgive me for the indecent words, sweet little sister. It's just that I like her very much, and that's it. You know me, how I am.
— Yes, I know what a correct brother you are. But you can't love a doll. When you find a normal girl, this condition will pass. Maybe this doll has bewitched you? They say evil spirits can inhabit them. I must help you overcome the spells of this doll, brother. For this, you must get rid of this doll immediately!
— You've seen her, Roni. She is so beautiful! How can I get rid of her and how can she cause harm to anyone? You know, every time I look at her, she seems to want to say something or inform me of something. But for some reason, she is silent. Silent... Her face is somehow sad... She looks at me, Roni! Sometimes her eyes are wet, as if she is crying. I feel very sorry for her, understand, Roni. I know: something happened to her. Even if she is a mannequin doll, I think she has a soul.
— I believe you, brother! — Veronica embraced him. — I love you very much! I want nothing to happen to you. But what can I do for you? Also, this Vicky fell on your head. You're doing the right thing by not believing her.
— Roni, look at her eyes, she is crying again, — Steve approached Elisa. — I only want to find out why she is always so upset and sad. That's why I look at her. Don't think badly of me, okay, little sister?
— Fine, brother, — Veronica looked intently at Elisa. She was very surprised when she saw her.
Elisa's condition very much upset Steve. His face became very sad. He didn't know how to help the poor lifeless doll. "Maybe we aren't treating her well enough? Maybe she doesn't like our shop? Or she doesn't want to be a mannequin?"—various thoughts came to Steve's head.
— Indeed, she is crying, — Veronica embraced her brother even tighter. — I can't see you like this, seeing her in this condition. I've started to feel very bad too. Let's drink tea, you must calm down.