Page 152 of Porcelain Lies

He nods vigorously. “Yes! It was just like… like having a friend.” He looks away for a moment, and I sense that he’s trying not to upset me.

“That’s good,sinok,” I say. “Friends are important.” I fold my hands, considering. “Did she ask you any strange questions?”

Blyad, the last thing I need is word getting out about my son living here. Although I can’t think of a reason why she’d want to share this information.

Can’t be too careful, mudak.

“Strange questions?” He frowns slightly. “No. We just talked about science and… and you.”

My gaze sharpens. “Me?”

He shrugs. “Just that you’re my father and that you’re very busy. She seemed interested.”

“I see.” I suppress a scowl. Is she interested in me as her captor, or something else? Something more?

Bullshit.

There’s nothing more.

“I liked her.” He smiles again, almost shyly. “I’m glad she came to visit. I wish…” He trails off.

“You wish what,malysh?” I watch his face closely.

“I wish she could have met Mama.” His voice is small.

Jesus. My heart shatters a little. I reach for his shoulder, ignoring how bony it is, and squeeze it gently.

“Mama can see her, Bobik. I’m sure she approves.”

Of course she would. Olga approved of everything that made our son happy. And… perhaps I should too?

“So, I can see her again?” His eyes lock on my face.

Blyad!

I nod slowly. Trust Diana to overstep boundaries. But perhaps this isn’t such a bad thing. Stella wouldn’t endanger Bobik’s secrecy. Somehow, I’m sure of it. “Yes,malysh. You can see her. I’m glad you enjoyed her company.”

His smile is radiant. “Thank you,Papa!” He reaches for a book. “Will you read with me?”

“Da,”I reply, a small smile tugging at my lips. “But first, I have important news.”

He straightens in his chair, anticipation shining in his eyes. “What is it?”

I turn in my seat to face him. “Dr. Malhotra called. He believes you’re ready for the AI operation we’ve discussed.”

His eyes widen. “The one that could help me walk?”

“Da,”I affirm. “It’s a complex procedure—”

“I know.” He nods quickly. “I researched it. The integration between neural networks and AI assistance. It’s very new, but the data is exciting. I told Stella, and she agreed.” He’s already talking about her as if she’s a firm fixture.

“I’m sure she did.” I ruffle his hair. “Anyway, the doctor is cautious about the outcomes, but he thinks the timing is right.”

“I could walk!” Bobik is practically vibrating with excitement. “I could play like other kids!”

“Yes. Like other kids.” I’m trying so fucking hard not to let this thought take root too soon, but it’s impossible not to feel the hope blooming. “Just don’t forget about playing badminton with your old man.”

“Never,Papa!” He puts his little hand over mine as if he’s really worried about hurting my feelings. “I would never do that. You will always be my best friend.”

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