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Angry kid vine


Popeyes Kid / Dieunerst Collin

8

124,581
2
13
Part of a series on Vine. [View Related Entries]
Meme
Status
Confirmed
Type:
Reaction, Viral Video
Year
2013
Origin
Vine
Region
United States
Tags
fat kid terio, ooh kill em, cousin terio dancing, side eye, eyes, maleek, black kid looking side to side, confused black kid, popeyes, popeyes kid meme, dieunerst collin, football, vine, reaction, dieunerst collin meme, from memes to dreams popeyes

About

Popeyes Kid or Terio at Popeyes is a viral Vine video of a young boy named Dieunerst Collin at a Popeyes fast-food restaurant standing next to a pair of garbage bins and giving side-eyed glances at the camera. An older man jokes that the boy resembles the Vine celebrity Terio as the boy looks uncomfortably at the camera. In memes, people typically use reaction images and GIFs of the scene to express judgment of another's comments or actions. In January 2023 following a social media push by Collin, Popeyes gave him an NIL deal for his college football contract, which was widely celebrated and reported on.

Origin

On August 21st, 2013, Vine[1] user TheRealSnoopy published the video "Terio At Popeyes." The post received more than 19 million loops, 670,000 likes and 591,000 revines in less than seven years (mirror below). In the video, a man says, "Yo, this nigga Terio at Popeyes." He responds to these comments with a series of side-eyed glances.


Spread

The following day, Twitter [5] user @Drummerboy_015 posted a two-frame image macro of the scene with the caption "When I see my teacher at a store" (shown below, left)

On June 5th, 2014, Redditor [2] published a GIF of the scene in the /r/reactiongifs subreddit. (shown below, left). They captioned the reaction, "MRW my wife sees my comments on gonewild."

Screenshots of the video have also been used in a series of image macros. For example, on March 18th, 2016, Instagram [3] user @dallaswhatsgood shared a meme that has the caption "When the Japanese heard the U.S. was testing nuclear bombs after attacking Pearl Harbor" (shown below, right).

On February 20th, 2019, Redditor[4] mudda1 asked the /r/OutOfTheLoop subreddit about the meme. They wrote, "I never paid attention to Vine when it was around, which was probably a good thing. Lately though, I've been watching some compilations, and this is one that I just didn't understand. I know through cursory searching that Terio was well known, but can someone explain to me why this one in particular was funny?"

Redditor SplitParadox responds, "Basically, the guy in the Pop Eyes vine was making a joke that the kid he found in the restaurant looked like Terio. The funny part is that the kid just stares at him awkwardly."

Football State Championship Win

On December 5th, 2021, it was reported that the East Orange High School football team, which includes Collin, won a triple-overtime victory against the Mustangs, taking home a state championship.[7] Twitter[8] user @Jerseystar973 posted a side-by-side image of the original meme next to Collin holding the championship cup, gaining over 135,000 likes and 18,000 retweets in two days (shown below). Collin also posted about the win on his Twitter[9] account.

The win was reported across the web by sites including Total Pro Sports,[10] HITC[11] and Sports Illustrated,[12] which interviewed Collin about the win. In the interview, Collin said he "felt sad about [the Terio meme]" when it first happened and took it as bullying when people called him Terio in public. He said he "cried a little bit" about it at first but grew to like the meme over the years.

On January 8th, 2023, Dieunerst Collin made a post on his Instagram and Twitter calling for people to help him get in touch with the Popeyes company, as he is now a college football player and they are allowed to enter into sponsorship deals with brands of their own accord (shown below). This attempt at "getting a bag" was praised by many on social media, who voiced their support for Collin to receive an NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal and argued his meme brought business to the fast-food chain.

I NEED EVEYONE TO GO TO MY INSTAGRAM dieunerst</a> REPOST MY RECENT POST AND TAG <a href="https://twitter.com/Popeyes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Popeyes I JUST WANNA TALK🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Fq00ylsJqs

— Dieunerst Collin (@CollinDieunerst) January 8, 2023

On January 11th, Popeyes then completed the NIL deal with Collin as it was widely reported on in the media. The terms of the deal are not disclosed, but the partnership was largely celebrated on social media.

On January 13th, 2023, Popeyes uploaded a video to its Instagram account alongside Collin with the caption "from memes to dreams. @dieunerst reads a letter to his younger self." The "memes to dreams" video was subsequently reported on by media outlets and reposted online, accumulating over 11,800 likes in two weeks (shown below).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @popeyes


Various Examples



Search Interest

External References

[1] Vine – TheRealSnoopy's Post

[2] Reddit – /r/reactiongifs

[3] Instagram – @dallaswhatsgood's Post

[4] Reddit – /r/OutOfTheLoop

[5] Twitter – @Drummerboy_015's Tweet

[6] Complex – Exclusive: An Interview with The Kid Who Saved Vine, Terio

[7] North Jersey – East Orange completes perfect football season with controversial, 3OT win over Clifton

[8] Twitter – Jerseystar973

[9] Twitter – CollinDieunerst

[10] TPS – Viral Kid In Popeyes Meme Has Grown Up

[11] HITC – MEET DIEUNERST

[12] Sports Illustrated – popeyes side eye meme kid grows up

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Read online "Grapevine", Irina Yarich - LitRes, page 2

III

Choosing a groom is not an easy task.

The Shah was thoroughly looking for a suitable match for his eldest daughter. Trying to protect himself, he decided not to pass off as the offspring of the royal families of neighboring countries, although this would be flattering, but also dangerous. Ishtuvegu considered an obedient, but not timid young man from the family of the prophet Zoroaster himself quite suitable. And the young Amethis, the eldest daughter of Ishtuvegu and Ariennis, recently became the wife of Spitam. She moved from the female half of the capital's citadel to her husband's chic house, although, of course, it was significantly inferior in size and luxury to the ruler's palace. nine0005

The time has come when Mandana turned from a girl into a girl. “Strong in body like her father, but my character,” thought Ariennis somehow, sighing. And why was there more contentment or regret in this sigh, and she herself would hardly have been able to answer. But you have to think about the chosen one. Ishtuweg would be flattered if the son of the ruler of some other significant state, such as Egypt or Babylon, married his daughter, but Ishtuweg remembered the prophetic dream and its interpretation, so he was afraid of the strengthening of these states, did not want Manda to become a tributary again, having lost independence. Suddenly, one of these or other states will become the strongest, then it will begin to impose its will. Attack, take away land and people. And you will not have to annex possessions, but to protect what is already rightfully within the boundaries of Aryan influence. nine0005

Ishtuvegu did not want to marry his daughter to an Aryan dignitary, even if he was loyal and intelligent. And for your relative - it is doubly dangerous. Then there were tributaries, the sons of the rulers of subject states.

The Shah thought a lot, collected information about the offspring, compared the military capabilities and characters of the rulers, the resources of the state and the ethnic composition of the inhabitants, the religious preferences and customs of the rulers' environment.

Many significant circumstances that satisfied Ishtuweg converged on the young Shah of the Parsumash region. More often called for prestige and, allegedly, the continuity of power that passed to the Parsis, the ancient name of Anchan. Among the Parsis, Ishtuwegu chose Cambodia 13 , his Pasargada tribe is known for its glorious past, and relatives and ancestors occupied a leading and dominant place there for several generations, starting with the legendary Hahamanisha. Chaishpish 14 , son of Khakhamanish 15 outdid his father in luck and left the obedience of the ruler of Manda, captured Anchan 16 , one of the main cities of the Elamites, who once set the tone for the entire district. His descendants slowed down his agility and now his grandson Kambujiya does not oppose the will of Manda, does not try to get out of dependence, and besides, he has a calm disposition. Cambodia rules in Anchan over two tribes of Parsis, not counting non-Aryans, like his father Kurush 17 , to whom the elder brother Ariaramnus allocated an allotment, leaving himself most of the land over a dozen kindred tribes. Calling himself the Shah of Shahs, the Shah of Parsa, Ariaramna went to the neighboring nations, but failed from Khshatri 18 , the Shah of Manda and fell into dependence, which spread to Anchan. After the death of Khshatrit, Ariaramna planned to become independent again, but his own son prevented him. Arshama reasoned that the kingdom of Manda was stronger and it was useless for his father to compete with him, but there was no point in arguing. A father's anger is unpleasant, but the Shah's anger is dangerous. And Arshama with his soldiers went over to the side of the son of Khshatrita, Uvakishtar 19 who took the throne after the death of his father. Since then, Parsa and Anchan regularly send tribute to the now Ishtuveg.

Ariennis supported her husband. Although she admitted to herself that if she had objected and had argued not in favor of Shah Anchan, Ishtuvegu would have acted in her own way. Ariennis agreed and was even delighted, because she sincerely believed that Cambodia was the most suitable choice for Mandana. The worried mother exclaimed fervently, extolling the wisdom of Ishtuweg. In her opinion, her daughter will finally leave the palace and it will be more difficult for hired killers to get to her. And Mandana will not become, as in these years gone by, a constant reminder of a prophetic dream warning her father of the danger that may come from her. And, no less important: the future husband of his daughter is not an evil or treacherous person, it is a great honor for him to intermarry with the Shah of Manda. nine0005

Ariennis feared for a long time that her husband would not want to send her daughter outside the city to keep an eye on her and marry her off as the offspring of one of the local noble families, to whom, after interpreting the dream, she had suspicions. Among relatives and various dignitaries, there are many who secretly dream of becoming his heir through the Shah's daughter, and then taking the throne. And there are many ways to speed up the fulfillment of a dream. But Ariennis wasn't the only one who thought so. Ishtuvegu decided to stop the groundless dreams of his relatives and entourage, thereby eliminating, as he thought, the temptation of a conspiracy against himself. nine0005

An alliance with Cambodia will not disgrace him, he himself is from the ruling family. And it will be easier for the daughter to take root on a new soil for her: the beliefs are similar, although the local nobility revere the teachings of Zoroaster only someone in the third, and someone only in the second generation, but there is not much difference in language. Mandana will easily understand the speech of those who will surround her in the same way as they will her words. The inhabitants of Parsa, Anchan and Manda among the multi-ethnic population had common ancestors - the Aryans.

Ariennis had high hopes for an alliance with Cambodia and dreamed that her daughter's life would be devoid of danger. nine0005

They didn't wait for the bride to grow up. The young maiden grew prettier every month. And it is necessary to marry while the flower of youth is not yet fully ripe, so that the body of the wife remains attractive to her husband for many more years.

Chapter three.

The threat remained
I

The calculations of Ishtuvegu and Ariennis came true, the young people lived peacefully in Anchan, they fell in love with each other. The couple in Manda calmed down: Ariennis stopped worrying about her daughter, was convinced that the danger had passed and that nothing threatened her anymore; Ishtuvegu considered Cambudia to be a loyal subject and, judging by the information of informers, nothing foreshadowed that a threat, an attempt to seize power, would come from Parsa or Anchan. nine0005

This continued until Mandana became pregnant. At first, everyone was delighted with the upcoming offspring. But one day Ishtuweg had a dream.

Mandana lies among bright pillows under a silk coverlet. And suddenly a sprout appeared from her womb! Immediately began to grow up! It's a vine! She grew not only in height, but also in width! The branches grew flexible and infinitely long. The branches spread: from the bed to the floor, from the floor to the walls. They slipped through the windows, opened the door. As if snakes crawled along the corridors. From the porch and windows of the palace, they crawled over the stones, walls and towers of the fortress. Some found a loophole under the gates, others crawled over them and the walls. Shoots rushed, growing and branching in all directions. Already the whole land of Anchan, then Parsi is covered with them. The shoots of the vine crawled, covering the mountains and plains, filling the houses of the poor and the palaces of the rulers. nine0005

Bypassing and crawling on obstacles, more and more new branches grew, spread along the land where Ishtuvegu ruled. It was as if bridges were thrown over rivers, enveloping lakes, making their way along mountain passes, creeping in gorges, hugging houses, houses and palaces.

The green and flowering vine kept expanding and expanding. Branches and shoots descended, passing the lands of several countries and reached the sea. The sprouts spread to the boats and sailed towards Egypt. The vine occupied all of Asia, which was known to Istuveg. nine0005

II

The interpreters of dreams again stand in front of the Shah, just now they were explaining the meaning of the vision sent by God. The dream warns of a threat that will not pass from the daughter's offspring.

– Are you sure there is a danger?

- Yes, our all-merciful lord! Mandana will have a son, he will become a check over the checks! - said a gray-haired strong old man, the elder of the interpreters-magicians.

- Will my grandson go to war with me?

- A prophetic dream, our lord, shows that your daughter's son will become shah over the lands that we know. nine0005

Ishtuwegu released the interpreters. Those, bowing, withdrew and solemnly proceeded along the corridors to the exit from the palace.

Shah, as if frozen in thought. He remembered the dream and relived anew the horror that seized him at the sight of a nightmarish huge and incessantly spreading vine. She was so real and filled the space so quickly that she was frightening to the core. It was impossible to hide from her or stop her by cutting off the branches. Immediately shoots grew from neighboring branches, and even faster crawled and took root. nine0005

Ishtuwegu sighed, as if he wanted to get rid of the weight that suddenly piled on and squeezed his chest, making it difficult to breathe. What happens, the main enemy of Manda is not the neighboring strong states, but the subservient and insignificant Anchan?! Even if not now, but when Mandana's baby matures. For sure, there may not be a threat for another two decades. But then, when Ishtuveg's years go downhill, old age approaches, all his efforts to strengthen the power of Manda will be in vain because of the boy, the son of a tributary! nine0005

Ishtuvegu got up and walked across the room. The face is stern. The gaze glides over the objects, over the benches, the table and the wall, and flickered over to the window. He ran into a cumulus cloud, sank down on the tower of the fortress wall, where a warrior with a lance and a bow over his shoulders was on duty. Far behind the wall of the fortress, plots of cultivated land were full of cultivated land, people and donkeys stretched along the paths like ants. In the foothills the forest was green, on the horizon the mountains were blue. He presented the land subject to him: cities and villages, foothills and valleys. No, he will not allow the boy, the son of a tributary, to take all this away! Do not be that! With what difficulty his ancestors gained power, exalted their own people. And now no one dares to attack Mandu ... How can such a small and weak state defeat us? Unthinkable! Unless, by the will of the devas, the unthinkable happens...

The son of Mandana... he certainly has the blood of our kind, and despite this, he cannot be allowed to stand at the head of Mandana. What does it mean to transfer power to a grandson? The main thing is that he is the son of a Parsi, he will grow up surrounded by Parsis, which means that Parsis, recent tributaries, will be in charge in Manda. Oh, it is well known what happens to former masters! The most noble and hereditary Aryans will lose their lives. The Manda State will cease to exist! And my father bequeathed to me to keep what was obtained in the long-term struggle, to prevent them from becoming tributaries again. nine0005

Ishtuvegu knew that no one from the environment should show his doubts, and even more so, his weakness. Everyone should see: the rulers of neighboring countries, their relatives and dignitaries, that he is a strong ruler. And all his actions are aimed at the good of the country. He knew that some grumbled that they had not gone on campaigns for a long time, it would not hurt to snatch booty from the cities behind the mountains and add pastures in the valleys. He knew that such discontent of the nobility was caused by their greed, it was not enough for them that they were taken out of Assyria. He knew that the absence of campaigns favorably affects the people, peaceful life contributes to population growth and an increase in the number of livestock, there is someone to cultivate the fields and, paying tribute, they themselves remain. And what you take from the hungry, so Ishtuvegu wanted the people of Manda to be fed, dressed and shod. And if necessary, they will willingly go to battle for the ruler, because they know what they will lose along with his loss. nine0005

Well, the infection that interferes with life must be destroyed, especially if its source is known.

III

Ariennis lost her composure. She knew the content of the second prophetic dream. She knew that her husband was scared, but at the same time firm in her decision. Prayers are useless. On the contrary, more severe measures can be taken. Ariennis' generosity and affection for sympathetic informers increased. They were afraid of change and afraid of the Shah's wrath, but they continued to sympathize and help with Ariennis' intelligence, mostly for a fee. Far from all tried out of sheer sympathy, they wanted to survive on their own in that dynastic upheaval that could happen, and survive, preferably for their own benefit. nine0005

Ariennis became even more considerate with her husband, dissolved in his worries, tried her best so that no one and nothing irritated the Shah. But thoughts about the impending dangers, not only of the present, but also of the future, spoiled the character of the ruler.

Ariennis tossed between her husband and daughter. Mandana, obedient to the will of her father, at his command, returned to her father's palace. Ishtuvegu explained that he was taking care of the health of his daughter and the child who was still in her womb. He hopes that among the native walls, under the supervision of loving relatives, the birth will be favorable. Mandana believed because her father spoke the right words and they sounded caring, but something was alarming. Mother, as always caring, but sometimes fear flickered in her eyes, and her face expressed wariness. “Is it really that scary to give birth? Yes, there are sad cases ... Father is gloomy and preoccupied. Yes, of course, he needs an heir. Or is there some other reason? Perhaps someone wants to go to war? nine0005

No matter how Ariennis hid from her daughter about the strange second dream, Mandana nevertheless found out and her sister blabbed. Amethyst spoke in a burst of frankness. It goes without saying that carelessness left Mandana and never returned. The young woman began to listen carefully and peer in order to notice the slightest hint of danger to herself and her child. Then, thinking that she would still not be able to compete with her father, she would not even be able to run away, because her return to her husband could provoke a military conflict, she did not want to be the cause of the death of people who did not cause her anything bad. Yes, and whether the baby would survive in such a turmoil and could not guarantee that she would not be given to her father in order to get rid of cruel revenge for harboring. After all, her father is master over the Parsees. Mandana did not consult with her mother, because someone could notice and hear their secret negotiations, and then pass them on to the Shah. After much deliberation, Mandana surrendered herself to the divine powers. She prayed earnestly and asked for more for the baby that was soon to be born. Although she is the daughter of the Shah, but like all subjects, she is subject to both her father and her master. And only God is above everyone, including those who own lands and peoples. And, if the gods decide that the child is destined to live, then he will live, despite all the efforts of those who are sure of the opposite. Mandana resigned herself and calmed down. nine0005

Cambodia was worried about his beloved wife, but there was no point in arguing with his father-in-law and lord. Cambodia resigned himself, but did not find peace, he had to endure and wait.

IV

The news spread through the chambers and corridors: “Mandana has been relieved of her burden! Cambodia has a son! The ruler of Manda has a grandson!” The messenger rushed to Anchan to tell the news to the Shah of the Parsis.

Ishtuvegu looks at the shriveled face, the miserable body of a newborn, which lies near Mandana, clutching the edge of the coverlet in a tiny fist, and sleeps serenely. Tired of pain, the daughter dozed off. Now her sleepy face expresses peace. The right hand hugs the baby. nine0005

Ariennis sits by her daughter's bed, dead or alive, looking from her grandson to her husband, from him to Mandana. Ariennis can't save the baby and barely holds back his sobs. From the posture and expression of her husband's face, she knew that the decision had been made, and it was adamant. Grief cannot be avoided. When and how?..

Ishtuvegu looks at his grandson. It is impossible to imagine that this frail and helpless creature would become a threat to his power years later… “Is it really that I was?..”

Ishtuvegu turned abruptly and walked out of the room. Relatives and servants were waiting in the corridor, he ordered that Harpag, a dignitary and military leader, whom the Shah trusted most of all, come to him. nine0005

V

Ishtuweg's view from the window rested on the road. She rolled out of the palace, led to the gates in the fortress walls, and then the city streets ran away from her. The road passed into a bridge over a moat, then invisible from the window, lost among the bushes... Harpag went there, into the forest.

* * *

Through the thick walls almost did not penetrate the cries that announced the women's part of the palace. At night, the baby died, he turned blue and became so terrible, so the Shah forbade showing the body of the unfortunate inconsolable Mandana. nine0005

Then he ordered to be buried in the family tomb. Ariennis, choked with tears, was indignant, but it was not in her power to change anything. I had to console my daughter through tears:

- In infancy, children are very weak, and one must be prepared for loss. One must pray to Anahita for the gift of another healthy child.

Mother and daughter understood each other, but they were afraid to speak aloud a terrible assumption, so as not to turn the anger of the ruler on themselves. Ariennis and Mandana exchanged tearful glances, embraced and sobbed...

* * *

A rider was pushing his way through the branches. He turned off the road, for some time his horse followed the paths of forest animals, deepening into the thicket. His clothes were soaked with sweat, but the midday heat was not the cause. The sun did not burn, but gently warmed the earth. For the first time in many years of service, Harpag left the usual unquestioning diligence. Before, he never thought, but carried out the order. Why? Because this is the order of the ruler, in whose power the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, including him. And this never aroused doubts, the question never came to mind: “Is it necessary to perform it?” And no matter how cruel the consequences of the execution of the order were. But why is it now so difficult for him to fulfill the order of the Shah? Harpagus seems to hear again and again: “Take me to the forest, leave it to the wild beasts! And so that no one would know!” nine0005

Harpag dismounted. He took out a sack from the saddle sum. Looked at the face. The baby is sleeping. Before leaving, his nurse kept him at her breast for a long time. The kid ate, warmed up. Harpagus carefully wrapped it in a woolen blanket and took it away at the time when the nurse fell asleep after eating barley porridge with sleeping grass mixed in there. The monotonous and unhurried step of the horse in the quiet of the night coolness not only did not wake up, on the contrary, contributed to the sound sleep of the baby.

Harpag sat down on the grass of a small clearing warmed by the sun, put the child next to him so that the shadow from the cedar trunk fell on his face and head. nine0005

Harpagus sits and looks at the pretty face of a baby, so calm and peacefully sleeping, as if there is no danger at all. Sometimes Harpag peers through the branches. Looking for wild animals? Sometimes it raises its head and looks through the crowns into the bottomless blueness. Tries to beg Ahura Mazda? Does he ask for something? Or is he listening for an answer or a sign from the supreme deity? Around the unceasing roll call of birds in different voices. Did the sign pass through them, which Harpagus might be waiting for? nine0005

In front of him lies a baby - the offspring of three clans of shahs. He has the blood of the ruling families of Lydia, Manda and Anchan in his veins. And he, Harpagus, must doom the child, so highly exalted by fate, to death.

Prophetic dreams of the king. What's this? Ahura Mazda's warning about avoidable danger or a sign of the inevitable? But what if dreams were granted to Ishtuweg by divine providence, so that he would prepare his grandson for the high mission prepared for him from above?! And, if the Shah misunderstood and destroys the divine messenger, which, perhaps, this baby is, then he will face retribution, from which not only Ishtuvegu will suffer, but everyone who serves him! Harp sighed. What is the point of looking for an interpretation. For this there are knowledgeable people, odd to him. And his situation is hopeless. If he does not fulfill the order of the ruler, punishment will fall immediately and not only on him, the family will also suffer. And it is not known whether anyone will survive, and if they do, the crippled will still not last long. nine0005

Will Ishtuvegu later regret that he killed his grandson? If, after the lapse of years, the shah comes to his senses and wants to see his grandson alive, because so far he is the only male heir. And Harpag will be guilty of killing the baby, and the shah will forget about his order out of annoyance. How it will become, it is not given to know, for the time being, death threatens for disobedience.

And yet, deep in his soul, doubts grew, but Harpag did not even admit it to himself.

Harpag looks at the little one. Soon his wife will give birth. If there is a son, what will be his fate? Previously, Harpag was more confident in his future, the shah appreciated his devotion and diligence. But now Harpagus seemed to have stumbled, and when he got up, he saw everything differently. Harpagus, though still young, doubted very much that a deity could be deceived. What is destined must come true. Perhaps that is why he is not able to act as he used to, decisively and boldly, without delving into the meaning of the deeds, but only fulfilling the will of the lord. And if his doubts are the sign of the supreme deity? But how is it possible to disobey the order of the Shah? nine0005

Chapter four. The shepherd's son

I

A disheveled boy, sobbing, runs along the path, wiping his tears with a caftan sleeve made of fine wool, painted with intricate embroidery. There is an abrasion on the cheekbone. Gray eyes, set off by blue, especially the left one. The bruised back begins to whine. The boy is hurt and hurt. While no one is around, she cries bitterly.

Runs up the stone steps of the porch. Servants and households, seeing the roaring son of the owners, began to fuss. The victim's mother came out to the noise. Seeing her beaten and crying son, she rushed to him with questions. nine0005

- Who beat you up, son?

- Si-eun pa-a-stu-u-ha-ah! the boy squeezed out through his sobs.

What?! How dare he?

- We were playing... Choosing a check! Everyone agreed that Kurush, the son of the shepherd Mithradates, would be Shah. We wanted to laugh at him... He began to lead us... We argued with him, but I refused to obey. Kurosh got angry. He said that he was a check and we should not argue with him, but do what he orders without objection ... I laughed at his words, and he ... attacked and beat me ...

An indignant mother rushed to her husband's side.

- Artembar, my husband, some shepherd boy beat our son! - the woman exclaimed indignantly and described the suffering of the poor son, begged her husband to punish the impudent offender.

Artembar flared up, righteous anger demanded vengeance. But first you need to find out who this insolent person is.

The father asked his son in detail where the fight happened, whose flocks were guarded by the shepherd and where he lives. It turned out that it was not possible to punish himself. Judging by the description of the boy, the shepherd belonged to the shah's slaves. nine0005

Artembar is a proud dignitary and could hardly contain his indignation. Wide sleeves and the hem of a long robe fluttered from fast walking, which gave him a majestic appearance, but before entering the palace he slowed down, hid arrogance in the depths of his nature. Restrainedly going into the chambers of the ruler, he bowed low to Ishtuweg.

- I fall at your feet, our lord, I ask for protection from your slaves!

– What does this mean, Artembar?

The dignitary spoke about the insult and humiliation that his son received from the shepherd. nine0005

The Shah agreed, impudence unheard of, although in the game of children the boundaries of what is permitted and what is not permitted are erased. And yet it is necessary to punish, so that he does not forget his true place.

Read online Grape Vine. Collection of stories, Egor Vasilievich Maleiko - LitRes, page 6

- You're lying, you're lying to me!

The knight threw the boy to the ground. At that moment, Richard ran out of the smoke at him - miraculously surviving from a collision with a deer - holding a stone in his hand:

- Don't touch my son! nine0005

The stone hit the knight in the face, breaking his nose and splitting his lips with a couple of teeth. He fell to the ground screaming. On his belt hung a small blade, with which you cannot go against a dragon, but against a man - please. Richard noticed this blade and used it to alleviate the knight's suffering: he stuck it in his throat. From all the perfect actions, the wound left by the deer to Richard began to bleed even more. The father sat down by the tree.

- What's wrong with you? Why are you covered in blood? Rob asked. nine0005

- I got hurt a little. It's OK.

The boy's eyes watered.

– Are you… Are you dying?

Richard's eyelids began to droop.

- Get out of here, son. Protect your family. I love you…

Richard fell into the void, and Robert, crying, hugged him and buried himself in his chest:

– I love you.

There was a roar followed by human screams. Rob stepped back into the clearing and found that the remaining knights were also dead. Amid fire and smoke stood a dragon. The boy wiped his wet face with the still-dry shirt sleeve. nine0005

- I know you didn't want this. Evil people infected you and you became just like them.

Rob got closer and closer to the dragon.

- I know you're good on the inside. I can be your friend.

A couple of meters separated them from each other. The dragon just looked at Rob. When the boy came close and extended his hand to his muzzle, he did not mind. Robert stroked it, then the dragon snorted, turned its face away, and flew away. "I was right. I've always been right. He didn't want this, thought the kid. nine0005

His legs were tangled - he left his strength on the field, along with the body of his father. He just wanted to see the dragon, and those men in iron ruined everything. It is they who are to blame for everything, it is because of them that the dragon was evil, it is because of them that the father died. The biggest evil is people.

Where Robert was walking, there was almost no smoke anymore. The fire did not reach this part of the forest, the central tree remained intact.

He thought about how he would tell his mother and brother about everything. What will the old lady say? The dragon let you touch him - so you can still get along with him? So you can live in peace with him? nine0005

A dragon roared somewhere.

“I want to go home,” he shouted, choking on tears. - Pick me up.

But no one heard him.

- I will eat beans. Mother, please find me.

Mother didn't hear him either.

When Robert went out to the city, he found only a pile of ashes. He was no longer at home.

Timur took the photograph - framed, with a black diagonal stripe - in his hands. Memories of thirty years spent with Marina, his only, true love, swirled in his head. Their life together was like a role model for tabloid love stories. These are: in paperback, small in size so that you can put it in your pocket and easily enjoy reading on the subway or trolleybus on your way to work; or from work, or just while walking down the street, maybe on a park bench - in general, those that you usually see in women's hands, looking for those same shoulders for lifelong hugs. nine0005

He didn't cry now. At first, the tears did not succumb to any way to stop. However, to be honest, he did not want this. Tears had to go - this is normal - it was necessary.

Timur was ready for Marina to leave him. He was ready from the moment the doctor named the diagnosis, and after it the terms - a couple of months, no more. Marina cried a lot, and he reassured her, saying that, apparently, it was so necessary; to each his own time. When Timur began to cry, there was no one to calm him down. nine0005

Marina passed away on a sunny July morning.

They had one child. No matter how hard they tried, they failed to conceive another one: the complications that arose during the first birth made themselves felt. The birth was difficult, but the boy is their first child! - was born strong and healthy. He received the name Andrew.

At the moment when his father was looking at the photo, Andrei, a handsome twenty-five-year-old youth, was heading to his hometown, where his mother's funeral was to take place tomorrow. nine0005

♥

It was evening when Timur was sitting in the kitchen drinking freshly brewed coffee. The doorbell rang, he knew who was there.

Timur opened the door:

– Hello, son.

“Hi, dad,” Andrey said, holding back trembling all over his body.

He went into the house, and the father and son embraced. They stood in each other's arms until the wind that slammed the door interrupted them.

- Andryusha, let's go to the kitchen. I made coffee.

- Let's go. I got terribly hungry on the way. nine0005

They sat down at the table, Timur served his nearly full cup to his son.

- Hold on.

Thanks, dad, but it's your coffee. I'll make a new one.

- No need - I don't want to.

- Would you like some coffee? I do not believe. I'll cook now.

Andrey got up and went to the stove where the unwashed Turk was standing - he rinsed it under water and poured in a new portion of coffee. He opened the refrigerator in the hope of finding ingredients for a sandwich, but failed the task: the refrigerator was empty of artifacts. It contained only a few eggs and moldy cheese. nine0005

- When was the last time you ate?

– Maybe yesterday... Maybe the day before yesterday... It doesn't matter.

- No, it's important! You need to eat. Get dressed - we're going to have a bite to eat in a cafe.

- But I'm not hungry...

- Dad, this is not even discussed. I'll wait for you in the car.

♥

They ordered cherry pie, Andrey's favorite treat as a child. He often came with his parents to this cafe and always asked for a pie. To the cake they took a teapot with tea.

– Father, are you sure you don’t want to talk to me about your mother? nine0005

- No, I don't think so.

- We knew this would happen, so...

- Yes, I know, dear. It’s easier for you: you have a new life, your own family is already appearing, and for me it is everything that was. From the very beginning to the very end.

Andrey got a lump in his throat.

- Dad, I didn't mean to hurt you.

- Everything is fine, son. Tell me what do you know about love? How to understand that you are in love? Do you love your Nastya?

- Stupid questions! Of course I love!

- Are you sure?

- Yes!

- All right, dear. I hope this is true.

– Are you leading to something?

- Right. Did I ever tell you how I met your mother?

- No.

– So now is the time.

♥

She was the prettiest girl in school - no, in the city. So many guys ran after her, not to count; but she was unwilling - she only twirled them as she pleased. Clever, you know, there was a girl. As you might have guessed, I was one of them. nine0005

I was not like them, I was more modest. Of those who are the first to speak to a girl only in their dreams. Oh, how many times in these very dreams I confessed to her - and we were together! But every morning I woke up, and our pronoun broke again into two parts: I and she.

Thus the first year passed, the second passed by. On the third, I decided to act: I wrote a poem and decided to toss it to her with a signature - let her know! I came up with a plan how to turn it all around, and started implementing it. nine0005

I skipped one of the lunches in the cafeteria and snuck into her office where she was supposed to have a lesson. Found her bag, but couldn't put down the note with the poem. I do not know why. Something just suggested that they don’t confess love like that - you need to do it personally. Therefore, I tore out a sheet from the notebook on the next desk and wrote the following: “After the lessons I will wait by the mirror in the hall. I’ll say this - go nuts! ” Maybe not the best way to lure a girl, but they're curious, right?

She came and I called her for a walk. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I definitely stuttered and mumbled, so I don’t think it will decorate the story. Just know that I was bad. nine0005

In the end, she agreed. The meeting was scheduled for the next evening. “All day to prepare,” I thought as I fell asleep, waiting for a new meeting in a dream.

♥

- So you conquered the city star with a poem? Pa-ap, you're such a romantic.

- Almost, son, almost.

Timur took a sip of tea and continued his story:

That's what happened next.

♥

We walked around the city with her for about an hour. I heard about how she loves clothes and dreams of opening her own boutique. She hardly listened to me. To my passion for wooden models, she replied that if she had not seen me in front of her, she would have thought that I was 60 years old. It became easier for me to talk to her, so I decided it was time to act. nine0005

– Hey, let's go up somewhere, shall we?

- Where to?

- On the roof, not far away.

- Oh, I'm afraid.

- Do not be afraid: just a little, I will catch.

– If you promise…

We went to the roof. It was easy to get into the entrance: I had a friend there who easily let us in. I climbed the stairs faster than she did - emotions were seething in me! That is why I could not stop when I flew into the girl who opened the door of the apartment. Books fell from her hands. nine0005

- What are you doing?! Watch where you're going!

- Oh, I'm sorry. Let me help you collect.

- Not needed. You seem to be in a hurry.

She quickly collected her books and went into the apartment. It was the last floor, so I waited on it for my companion, and we went up to the roof.

♥

Timur fell silent.

- So what happened next, dad?

- We went up to the roof.

- Eee?

- We looked at how the sun sets over the horizon. Then they went home. nine0005

- Did you read the poem?

- I couldn't.

- Why? You seemed to be ready.

- Yes, it is. But that's not why I couldn't...

– Huh? Why?

- Didn't you guess it yourself?

- I guess not...

- I couldn't help that girl with the books, but I was able to look into her eyes.

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