A strong sympathy for this girl with such a difficult fate but a noble soul appeared in my soul.

– That's why I asked for a place in this orphanage… Don't think I'm telling you all this to make you feel sorry for me! I won't bore you for long, and as soon as I get my salary, I'll move into a flat.

– Oh, Mary! You can live as long as you like! – I said hurriedly, not wanting such a noble girl to be so inconvenienced. Now I wished with all my soul that she would live with me. – You don't bother me at all!

– Really? – Mary asked with hope in her voice. – You see, I really don't have any money.

– Of course, you said it yourself: we'll have fun living together! – I smiled. – I'm so glad you're here.

– It's so kind of you! Thank you, Marsha. We're going to be good friends! – She hugged me tightly.

I felt awkward, but I hugged her back, trying not to squeeze her too tightly. It was a new, strange feeling: I was hugging a person. Was this the right thing to do? Why am I doing this? I'm not supposed to be friends with people, and she said let's be friends!

What would my family say if they found out? And Mariszka? They'll just take me home!

«But they don't have to know. I think one human friend won't hurt me. Especially since she's a nice, kind girl, and maybe living with her will help me fit in more quickly with the human world, life and surroundings. Mary will help me become a human being in the eyes of society. And, yes, it will be fun» I decided firmly.

«Will you show me around the orphanage?» – I wanted to ask, but then I changed my mind: I didn't want to see homeless children.

– Just please don't call me Marsha» I asked instead. – My name is Misha. Misha.

– I'm sorry, did I call you Marsha again? – Mary wrinkled her nose. – I promise, that was the last time.

I smiled.

– Misha, you're so nice! – Mary said softly, looking into my eyes. – I didn't even expect you, so beautiful, to be so kind too!

«Is she talking about me? I'm the good one? That's funny. If only she knew that instead of cucumbers and tomatoes, I feed on human blood… Oh, and I'm supposed to get it today! I have to run home right away!» – I thought fondly.

– But you don't know me at all! – I was surprised.

– Yes, we met only today, but I feel that you are nice. Believe me, I'm a good judge of character» Mary replied in a serious tone.

«Oh, Mary, how wrong you are this time!» – I thought, but I did not object to her persuasion.

– I am to have a parcel sent to me today, so I think I must go home at once» I said hastily.

– Then let's go! Let's quicken our step!

We walked briskly up Cowley Road, reached the turn into our alley, and suddenly Mary stopped.

– You know what? You go home and I'll go to the orphanage and talk to Reverend Charles. I need to find out when I can go to work» she said. – And don't worry about groceries, I'll stop at the supermarket on the way back. So what can I get you?

I thought about it: I didn't need human food, but I needed something to eat in Mary's eyes.

– I don't want to bother you with my problems. I'll buy it myself» I said, to discourage her from monitoring my diet.

The fact that Mary would make me have to mess around with human food I didn't need irritated me a little, but I was willing to put up with the inconvenience.

«What good timing she's leaving: she doesn't need to see my 'humanitarian aid!» – I thought with relief.

– 'Well, suit yourself, if anything, the supermarket is on the other side – you certainly won't miss it. Well, I'm off! I'll meet you at home! – Mary started to leave.