"But I should have protected her…"

The conversation was interrupted by a slight movement on the bed. Sophia opened her eyes—clear, conscious, not as cloudy as before.

"Mom?" her voice was weak, but recognizable. "Anna Vitalyevna?"

"I'm here, sweetheart," Elena Andreevna took her daughter's hand. "How do you feel?"

"Tired," Sophia tried to smile. "And my head feels heavy. As if… there's something extra in there."

"You need to rest," Elena Andreevna stroked her daughter's hair. "Build up your strength."

Sophia shifted her gaze to Anna.

"Did you catch him? Doctor Berkut?"

"Yes," Anna nodded. "He's been arrested. And he'll answer for everything he did."

"And Igor? The physical education teacher?"

"He escaped. But we'll find him, don't worry."

Sophia closed her eyes, as if gathering her thoughts. Then she looked at Anna again.

"They're not alone. There are many of them. Collectors. And they'll come for me… for us."

"Who are the collectors, Sophia?" Anna leaned forward, but caught Elena Andreevna's warning glance—don't tire her. "You can tell me later, when you've rested."

"No, I have to now," the girl's voice became insistent. "While I remember. While everything is clear."