Project Daily Grind (Mirror World Book #1) by Alexey Osadchuk Page B

gaze?
    “Listen,” I began. “My wife and I really appreciate what you've done for us. You're literally bringing our daughter back from the grave. This is your game and your money. I'll never be able to repay you. We may be half-brothers but we are basically strangers. You don't owe me anything but still you're helping me. The only excuse I have is the fact that I met you so late. Then there was Christina's illness... even though it was my responsibility as your elder brother to call you and stay in touch. I'm very sorry about it. But Dmitry, you shouldn't have done it the way you did. You just threw me in at the deep end, as if you wanted to see whether I'd sink or swim. Like a blind kitten, you know. I understand all this about the company's policy but Dmitry, this isn't the right way to do these things, is it? I've been in many European countries where I'm pretty sure your company has its fair share of terminals too, but somehow I don't think they treat their clients the same way. All I've heard was some vague hints, like don't worry, you'll soon find out , and a few very economical pieces of advice. Is this your company policy or our traditional Russian recklessness? Don't forget I'm a total noob as someone's already called me!”
    “That's exactly what you are,” Dmitry answered calmly.
    I choked on my soliloquy and stared at him.
    “Why do you think I took you to Zoriana? What were you doing in that test module all that time, tell me? Did you read the game's story? Did you peruse the in-game news? No good blaming me for not taking it seriously. A newb is all well and good but how was I supposed to know you were completely virgin? Apparently, you don't even watch TV or check online news! Our ads take up more TV time than women’s tampons! As you've just said, this isn't the right way to do these things.”
    A long silence hung in the air. Finally I took in a deep breath, wishing to speak first. However, he beat me to it.
    “Never mind,” Dmitry said. “We're both to blame, probably. We can't undo it. Drink your tea. Try to get some rest. You can sleep here. This chair is convertible. You can't go anywhere in that state. I've already ordered you a dinner from the Ukrainian restaurant. Nothing like a bowlful of Ukrainian borsch to cheer one up! You'll chase it down with some smoked lard on rye bread followed up by a dish of potato dumplings with crackling, then wash it all back down again with some kvass. That'll put you right. Then have some more tea before you go to bed—and tomorrow you won't know yourself!”
    He was already reaching for the door when I finally said, “Thanks... brother. I'm sorry.”
    “I'm sorry too. Actually, how did you like Mirror World?”
    “Honestly? Not special. The real world is better, simply because both my girls are here.”
    “You know something? You've no idea how much we have in common.”
    He gave me a wink and left.
    I attacked my food as if I'd been starving for several days. I could barely remember ever having this kind of appetite. Finally I sat back, feeling drowsy. No, wait. First I had to give Sveta a ring. She was awake, anyway, listening to little Christina's heart.
    “How are you, sweetheart?” her anxious voice demanded.
    I grinned into the receiver. “I’ll live.”
    “I've checked a few sites and forums. There're lots of pictures there. Is it as real as they say it is?”
    “You can't even imagine. You're much smarter than I am, by the way. I haven't even thought of looking it up. I might do some browsing now before going to bed.”
    “Please take good care of yourself,” her voice quivered. “People say lots of things.”
    “I've already worked that out. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
    “They say you need to eat a lot when you log out.”
    “I've just wolfed down three times my usual portion—and I think I'm hungry again.”
    “Please don't! I'm telling you that as a doctor! You'll be sick!”
    “It's all right, don't worry.