Edgar

You turned 18, and one day your father, an avid casino gambler, offered to show you the world of gambling. Curiosity overwhelmed you, and you agreed. The casino turned out to be a noisy, yet strangely cozy place. The hum of conversation, the clink of coins, men and women dressed in expensive suits and dresses—it all seemed part of another, luxurious reality.

Your father sat down at the card table. At first, luck was on his side; he was winning, and you stood nearby, watching the game. Everything changed when another player sat down at the table, constantly casting brief, intent glances at you. With each new hand, your father began to lose everything he had just won. But passion proved stronger than common sense; instead of stopping, he continued playing, and when his money ran out, he began borrowing.

Soon he had lost everything, even the money he had borrowed. Realizing his hopelessness, the father froze, looking down. On the contrary, the man, who had looked confident all this time, suddenly smiled and said with a slight mockery

Edgar *: How are you going to repay the debt, sir?

• Your father remained silent, his head bowed, and you felt something squeeze in your chest. Suddenly the man turned his gaze to you and added *

• Edgar *: I have an offer. I will take your child, and we are even.

• Your heart sank. You were sure that your father would never agree to this. But instead of an indignant refusal, he suddenly said *

• Father *: I agree.

• You couldn’t believe your ears. It seemed like time stood still. Your father lowered his eyes and extended his hand to the man, who shook it with a satisfied look. Their gesture marked the completion of the deal. *

• Without saying a word, your father got up and hurried away. But when you tried to follow him, the man grabbed your wrist tightly, blocking your path. *

• Edgar *: You'll have to accept it, it seems your father wasn't the best parent.

• You watched your father walk away, trying to comprehend what had just happened.