Reading with sight words

Sight Words | Sight Words: Teach Your Child to Read

Learn the history behind Dolch and Fry sight words, and why they are important in developing fluent readers.

Follow the sight words teaching techniques. Learn research-validated and classroom-proven ways to introduce words, reinforce learning, and correct mistakes.

Print your own sight words flash cards. Create a set of Dolch or Fry sight words flash cards, or use your own custom set of words.

Play sight words games. Make games that create fun opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the lessons.

Overview
What Are Sight Words?
Types of Sight Words
When to Start

Scaling & Scaffolding
Research
Questions and Answers

Sight words instruction is an excellent supplement to phonics instruction. Phonics is a method for learning to read in general, while sight words instruction increases a child’s familiarity with the high frequency words he will encounter most often.

The best way to learn sight words is through lots and lots of repetition, in the form of flashcard exercises and word-focused games.

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Sight words are words that should be memorized to help a child learn to read and write. Learning sight words allows a child to recognize these words at a glance — on sight — without needing to break the words down into their individual letters and is the way strong readers recognize most words. Knowing common, or high frequency, words by sight makes reading easier and faster, because the reader does not need to stop to try and sound out each individual word, letter by letter.

Sight Words are memorized so that a child can recognize commonly used or phonetically irregular words at a glance, without needing to go letter-by-letter.

Other terms used to describe sight words include: service words, instant words (because you should recognize them instantly), snap words (because you should know them in a snap), and high frequency words. You will also hear them referred to as Dolch words or Fry words, the two most commonly used sight words lists.

Sight words are the glue that holds sentences together.

These pages contain resources to teach sight words, including: sight words flash cards, lessons, and games. If you are new to sight words, start with the teaching strategies to get a road map for teaching the material, showing you how to sequence the lessons and activities.

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Sight words fall into two categories:

Frequently Used Words — Words that occur commonly in the English language, such as it, can, and will. Memorizing these words makes reading much easier and smoother, because the child already recognizes most of the words and can concentrate their efforts on new words. For example, knowing just the Dolch Sight Words would enable you to read about 50% of a newspaper or 80% of a children’s book.
Non-Phonetic Words — Words that cannot be decoded phonetically, such as buy, talk, or come. Memorizing these words with unnatural spellings and pronunciations teaches not only these words but also helps the reader recognize similar words, such as guy, walk, or some.

There are several lists of sight words that are in common use, such as Dolch, Fry, Top 150, and Core Curriculum. There is a great deal of overlap among the lists, but the Dolch sight word list is the most popular and widely used.

3.1 Dolch Sight Words

The Dolch Sight Words list is the most commonly used set of sight words. Educator Dr. Edward William Dolch developed the list in the 1930s-40s by studying the most frequently occurring words in children’s books of that era. The list contains 220 “service words” plus 95 high-frequency nouns. The Dolch sight words comprise 80% of the words you would find in a typical children’s book and 50% of the words found in writing for adults. Once a child knows the Dolch words, it makes reading much easier, because the child can then focus his or her attention on the remaining words.

3.2 Fry Sight Words

The Fry Sight Words list is a more modern list of words, and was extended to capture the most common 1,000 words. Dr. Edward Fry developed this expanded list in the 1950s (and updated it in 1980), based on the most common words to appear in reading materials used in Grades 3-9. Learning all 1,000 words in the Fry sight word list would equip a child to read about 90% of the words in a typical book, newspaper, or website.

3.3 Top 150 Written Words

The Top 150 Written Words is the newest of the word lists featured on our site, and is commonly used by people who are learning to read English as a non-native language. This list consists of the 150 words that occur most frequently in printed English, according to the Word Frequency Book. This list is recommended by Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D., Professor of Learning Development at Yale University’s School of Medicine.

3.4 Other Sight Words Lists

There are many newer variations, such as the Common Core sight words, that tweak the Dolch and Fry sight words lists to find the combination of words that is the most beneficial for reading development. Many teachers take existing sight word lists and customize them, adding words from their own classroom lessons.

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Before a child starts learning sight words, it is important that he/she be able to recognize and name all the lower-case letters of the alphabet. When prompted with a letter, the child should be able to name the letter quickly and confidently. Note that, different from learning phonics, the child does not need to know the letters’ sounds.

Before starting sight words, a child needs to be able to recognize and name all the lower-case letters of the alphabet.

If a student’s knowledge of letter names is still shaky, it is important to spend time practicing this skill before jumping into sight words. Having a solid foundation in the ability to instantly recognize and name the alphabet letters will make teaching sight words easier and more meaningful for the child.

Go to our Lessons for proven strategies on how to teach and practice sight words with your child.

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Every child is unique and will learn sight words at a different rate. A teacher may have a wide range of skill levels in the same classroom. Many of our sight words games can be adjusted to suit different skill levels.

Many of our activity pages feature recommendations for adjusting the game to the needs of your particular child or classroom:

Confidence Builders suggest ways to simplify a sight words game for a struggling student.
Extensions offer tips for a child who loves playing a particular game but needs to be challenged more.
Variations suggest ways to change up the game a little, by tailoring it to a child’s special interests or making it “portable.”
Small Group Adaptations offer ideas for scaling up from an individual child to a small group (2-5 children), ensuring that every child is engaged and learning.

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Our sight words teaching techniques are based not only on classroom experience but also on the latest in child literacy research. Here is a bibliography of some of the research supporting our approach to sight words instruction:

Ceprano, M. A. “A review of selected research on methods of teaching sight words.” The Reading Teacher 35:3 (1981): 314-322.
Ehri, Linnea C. “Grapheme–Phoneme Knowledge Is Essential for Learning to Read Words in English.” Word Recognition in Beginning Literacy. Mahwah, NJ: L. Erlbaum Associates, 1998.
Enfield, Mary Lee, and Victoria Greene. Project Read. www.projectread.com. 1969.
Gillingham, Anna, and Bessie W. Stillman. The Gillingham Manual: Remedial Training for Students with Specific Disability in Reading, Spelling, and Penmanship, 8th edition. Cambridge, MA: Educators Publishing Service, 2014.
Nist, Lindsay, and Laurice M. Joseph. “Effectiveness and Efficiency of Flashcard Drill Instructional Methods on Urban First-Graders’ Word Recognition, Acquisition, Maintenance, and Generalization. ” School Psychology Review 37:3 (Fall 2008): 294-308.
Shaywitz, Sally E. Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003.
Stoner, J.C. “Teaching at-risk students to read using specialized techniques in the regular classroom.” Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal 3 (1991).
Wilson, Barbara A. “The Wilson Reading Method.” Learning Disabilities Journal 8:1 (February 1998): 12-13.
Wilson, Barbara A. Wilson Reading System. Millbury, MA: Wilson Language Training, 1988.

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Teach Your Child to Read

Print your own sight words flash cards. Create a set of Dolch or Fry sight words flash cards, or use your own custom set of words.

Follow the sight words teaching techniques. Learn research-validated and classroom-proven ways to introduce words, reinforce learning, and correct mistakes.

Play sight words games. Make games that create fun opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the lessons.

Learn what phonological and phonemic awareness are and why they are the foundations of child literacy. Learn how to teach phonemic awareness to your kids.

A sequenced curriculum of over 80 simple activities that take children from beginners to high-level phonemic awareness. Each activity includes everything you need to print and an instructional video.

Teach phoneme and letter sounds in a way that makes blending easier and more intuitive. Includes a demonstration video and a handy reference chart.

Sightwords.com is a comprehensive sequence of teaching activities, techniques, and materials for one of the building blocks of early child literacy. This collection of resources is designed to help teachers, parents, and caregivers teach a child how to read. We combine the latest literacy research with decades of teaching experience to bring you the best methods of instruction to make teaching easier, more effective, and more fun.

Sight words build speed and fluency when reading. Accuracy, speed, and fluency in reading increase reading comprehension. The sight words are a collection of words that a child should learn to recognize without sounding out the letters. The sight words are both common, frequently used words and foundational words that a child can use to build a vocabulary. Combining sight words with phonics instruction increases a child’s speed and fluency in reading.

This website includes a detailed curriculum outline to give you an overview of how the individual lessons fit together. It provides detailed instructions and techniques to show you how to teach the material and how to help a child overcome common roadblocks. It also includes free teaching aids, games, and other materials that you can download and use with your lessons.

Many of the teaching techniques and games include variations for making the lesson more challenging for advanced students, easier for new or struggling students, and just different for a bit of variety. There are also plenty of opportunities, built into the lessons and games, to observe and assess the child’s retention of the sight words. We encourage you to use these opportunities to check up on the progress of your student and identify weaknesses before they become real problems.

Help us help you. We want this to be a resource that is constantly improving. So please provide us with your feedback, both the good and the bad. We want to know which lessons worked for your child, and which fell short. We encourage you to contribute your own ideas that have worked well in the home or classroom. You can communicate with us through email or simply post a response in the comments section of the relevant page.

Read online “Under the Sight of the Eye”, Maxim Yurchenko – LitRes

Cover designer Maxim Yurchenko

ISBN

Created with the intellectual publishing system Ridero

Words by the author

All names of events and places described in this book are only a figment of my imagination and have nothing to do with reality.

This is just a fantasy.

And I sincerely hope that in real life this situation has never happened and never will.

Happy reading everyone. I hope you enjoy my novel and enjoy spending a couple of evenings reading this book.

Part I

Chapter 1

She covered this whole black-and-white city with her deep piercing gaze. All its colors, executed in gray tones, seemed to whisper melancholic melodies into her ear. Her movements were so graceful and bewitching that all the people passing by could not take their eyes off her. In this gray palette of colors, only her bright red dress was an absurdity that wanted to destroy the harmony of long-established standards. She walked past gloomy storefronts, past ordinary people who only had to look enviously after her. In this forgotten city, she looked like an angel descended from heaven, for a mission understandable only to her. Dark hair, not bright, but very stylish makeup betrayed her image even more unnatural shades for this place. She was God in this universe of lost and lost souls.

Large drops of rain fell from the sky, killing the remnants of what was beautiful that remained in this city. People in a panic began to hide under the awnings of shops, afraid to come into contact with this moisture. Everyone... except for her. The woman in the red dress, with the same confident gait, continued on her way forward, without a single drop of doubt. With all her being, she showed protest against this hated world. Her heeled shoes cut through the puddles, leaving behind a wry reflection of her body. People were afraid of the rain and looked at her with bewilderment and delight. They wanted to imitate her, but they lacked the courage to do so. They only cast envious glances from under their gray umbrellas, secretly dreaming of being like her. Be like this mysterious woman in red. Be the same confident people.

Raindrops turned into hail. Crashing against the windshields of cars, they played their own tune. The people on the street with every second gathered more and more densely under the canopies of shops and entrances. They looked at the sky in horror, not understanding what was happening. Their bodies began to shiver from the cold. The woman in red took out a poisonous yellow umbrella from her purse and opened it over her head. The Grad with confident force tried to break through his defenses, but all attempts were in vain, the woman still continued on her way forward.

She suddenly felt a special gaze on her. From the presence of his eyes on her appearance, she became uneasy. For the first time in her entire journey in this black and white city, she began to understand that not everything here is like a mannequin. The hail pounded on her umbrella with all its might. She turned her head towards the glass reflection of the shop windows, trying to find her opponent in this gray scale, but she never saw him. This person, if he really existed, has already left their chess field, having made his far from the last move . ..

She tried to put these thoughts aside and think about what it all seemed to her. That in this world only she is the queen, and all the rest look after her with envy. But suddenly, from afar, she heard a terrible, terrifyingly disturbing sound that was getting closer every second. Her heart began to beat furiously, signaling danger. This incomprehensible frightening noise was approaching, mixed with the wind and the roar of hail.

The illusory world of gray tones began to merge into one dirty mess. A woman in red ran up in horror to people who got in her way, but they looked at her like lacquered frozen masks, not expressing a single emotion. Everyone just froze. It's like they never existed. She shook people by the collars, trying to get through to their blurred consciousness, but no one answered. Everyone froze, as if in a photograph. And only she, only the woman in red, was a moving unit, inexplicable.

- Chris... Christina, wake up. We have arrived…

Chapter 2

Autumn took the remnants of warmth into its arms. The janitors lazily removed the leaves from the sidewalks. The fast train from the capital to Bortsov City arrived at 12:00. The brakes worked, and he stopped on the platform of the station, the doors opened.

One of the first to come out was a guy of about twenty-eight. He was dressed in dark sweatpants, white sneakers covered in dust on his feet. A new sports sweatshirt from NIKE, and over it an unbuttoned sports vest. He was lowering a large bag down the steps, and almost dropped it on the asphalt, but having kept his balance in time, he still managed to put it on the ground.

- Careful granddaughters. - I heard the voice of an elderly woman coming out of the vestibule.

- Yes, everything is fine, grandma, don't worry. Give me your hand. - The young man answered her and held out his hand, helping her down the stairs.

- Oh! Thank you, Vitya, what would I do without you! Grandma is very old.

- How old are you? Victor answered with a smile on his face. - You will give odds to the young.

- You lie beautifully, prankster. Well, okay, and that's nice, granddaughter. Worthy fellows in the world have not yet died out.

An elderly woman, taking Victor's arm, went to the man who was standing not far from them.

- How much to Surov? Victor asked the taxi driver, putting the bags on the asphalt.

- One and a half.

- Well, apparently I haven't been here for a long time, since prices have jumped like that.

- Looks like a long time ago.

- Okay. Open the trunk.

The guy brought the bags to the car. The driver opened the trunk, and together they loaded all the things of the old woman. Victor opened the door and helped his grandmother into the back seat of the car.

- All right, grandma Zina. It was nice to pass the time with you,” Victor said smiling. - See you. Health to you!

- Son, I hope everything works out the way you wanted. I hope you meet her again. - The old woman answered through the open window, and the car started moving.

“I hope grandma, I hope…” Victor said in a half whisper, looking after the departing taxi.

Chapter 3

– Christina, wake up. We arrived...

Opening her eyes, Christina realized that everything that was happening was just a dream. She wasn't wearing that red dress and high heels. And her hair left much to be desired. Looking into the reflection of the phone, she saw mascara smudges on her face.

The car came to a slow stop, sinking into the mud that was all over the place due to hail and heavy rain. These two friends were furiously operating behind the windows of the car. Christina heard the same sound that she had dreamed of just a couple of minutes ago. All the same hailstones, with a roar, killed particles of themselves against the windshield. Turning her head to the right, she saw the tear-stained face of her younger brother Nikita. And just a few weeks ago, he turned seventeen years old. A very young, but at the same time absolutely broken and confused young man was sitting next to her just a few centimeters away. Christina saw great pain in his eyes, even though he did his best to hide his tears.

- I can handle it. Don't you dare look at me like that, you understand?

He picked up two elbow crutches that lay at his feet, opened the car door and inhaled deeply the smell of the cemetery they had arrived at. Following her brother, Christina also came out. Nikita leaned on his crutches and stood up, trying with all his might to keep his posture straight and proud. He was wearing a warm gray sweater with a high collar and an autumn leather jacket with a hood on top. A dark red hat covered his head.

Christina looked at her brother and her heart sank treacherously. She began to remember how five years ago he was a healthy, purposeful and strong guy who dreams of becoming an Olympic champion in gymnastics. But one unsuccessful element of the program destroyed all his dreams, closed the path to a full life. At least for now. But he did not give up, and literally in a few years, thanks to physiotherapy, he got on his feet, but, nevertheless, this was not enough for him.

Now, dear people who supported both Kristina and Nikita with all their might, beloved parents, Tatyana and Mikhail Klimov, will arrive not in good and expensive cars, but in a small minibus. Or rather, inside it. More precisely - inside the coffins that are in it.

Christina pulled the hood from her khaki jacket over her head. She had short dark hair that blew awkwardly in the wind. Not as many people came to their parents' funeral as she expected. Apparently their friends and colleagues were just as busy as her parents were in life. “Business is everything,” as her father used to say.

- Business first, Dad? Here, look now. Your friends don’t even have time to say goodbye to you and your mother... Do you think it’s normal that your children are now surrounded by flowers and farewell cards, but there are no closest people, and will never be there again? - Christina said, then took out a pack of Marlboro from her jacket and lit a cigarette. Nikita came up behind, hitting a puddle with his crutch, he stared at his sister.

- Listen! The fact that you came from your Zadrischensk, or where you have been lost all these years, to the funeral of our parents, does not give you the right to say such words! It's not their fault that you got out of the house and left us, it's all you. It was you who abandoned us! You abandoned us! They were looking for you! I hate! - Nikita buried himself in her jacket and quietly cried ...

- I'm here now brother, I'll never leave you again. Exhaling smoke from her mouth, she hugged him tightly and kissed his head.

Chapter 4

Having soiled his white sneakers along the way, Victor got to the sports school. It was located almost in the center of the city. Of course, the first thing he wanted to do was get home, but the school was on the way, and he still decided to come in and say hello to his coach. Here he spent his childhood and youth, doing what he loved most in the world, namely boxing.

In this sports hall, he hit his face with his fist for the first time, hit back the opponent for the first time. Here he got so many cuffs from his coach that it's hard to count. He was young, impulsive, energy gushed out of him. Victor looked at this building, and everything inside began to burn. Fragments of memories rolled in a wave. Good, bad, but still it is his memory. No matter how hard it was for him here, he loved this place with all his heart. Here there were first defeats and failures, but here there were also first victories.

Victor opened the door and went inside. Not far away, the same Natalya Andreevna was sitting at a table, acting as a concierge. The door slammed shut behind Viktor, and she looked up at him. This woman was about fifty years old. All the same red-dyed hair, a shawl on the shoulders, so as not to catch a cold from the draft. She put on the glasses that hung on her chest, looked at the guy and immediately recognized Victor in him.

- What kind of people! - The woman said with a little hoarseness.

- Yes, there are, Natalya Andreevna. And you all get better every year, I see.

- Viktor Mechnikov, and you will still flatter the old woman!

- How old are you? In the prime of his years.

- Yes, yes. You are as always. Haven't seen you in a while, how long? Two years, three?

- Almost five, Natalya Andreevna. Victor took the bag off his shoulder and put it on the bench.

– Where did you spend so much time? Did you go to work? Got married.

- Where do I go, what are you talking about. It's still early, Natalya Andreevna, early. Seems not mature yet.

- Yes, where is it early. And so already under thirty I suppose. It's time, Vitya, it's time.

- Well, as soon as possible, Natalya Andreevna. Is Sergeich in place, training? Teaching the young mind to reason?

“Yes, he died, Vitya,” the woman answered, crossing her fingers. - It's been like a year. The heart couldn't take it. Yes, and where there, there was no health at all. And so he died, a year before the anniversary was not enough. This year it would be sixty. They buried him next to his wife, Marina, in our cemetery. You were at her grave, after all, she was your Russian language teacher at school? So if you want to visit, you will find. It's a pity for him ... He was a good man. You rarely see these now.

Victor stood in a daze and said nothing. He didn't even know how to react to that. He had never lost loved ones before. And Kirill Sergeevich was like a father to him. All the time he was out of town, he missed him very much, but did not dare to call or write.

- Health to you, Natalya Andreevna. - After these words, Victor picked up his bag from the bench and went to the exit.

Chapter 5

Rain mixed with hail gave up their positions and soon subsided altogether. Those few close Klimovs who came to the funeral began to gather in groups near the graves. Men dressed in branded suits, their ladies in expensive black designer dresses to maintain mourning. Everyone was quietly whispering and most likely already impatiently waiting for the end of the ceremony in order to quickly return to their business. Only Kristina and Nikita could not take their eyes off the white fabric, which cut through the gray-yellow color of this atmosphere with its color. Coffins containing their parents were lowered down this cloth. Those who supported their children with all their might in grief and joy.

People came up and threw wet and sticky earth. And only their children could not decide on this. After all, it meant the end. Everything. After that, they will be buried in the ground, and only a memory will remain of them. Christina took a handful in her hands, went to the grave, and a tear flowed from her eyes. Only one. Like a lonely wanderer in the desert, this drop ran down her cheek.

“I won’t forget you,” she said in a whisper and threw earth on the lids of the coffins.

Nikita, looked at his sister and gathered all his strength. He wiped the tears from his face, firmly taking the crutches in his hands, went up to the graves and threw two handfuls. First in one, then in another. He never uttered a word, the people around him could only guess what was going on in the head of the young guy.

Funeral home workers have started digging the graves. The sight of shovels digging tightly into the ground made Nikita feel worse. With every movement he made, he felt that a piece of his former life was disappearing. Now everything will change. There are no more loving people who will monitor his grades at school, look for clinics that can put him on his feet. There will be no mother who controlled the diet of their family, she will not grumble every time she and her father eat something fatty or unhealthy.

All these thoughts were killing him from the inside. But, looking around, he saw a man in the distance. The guy was kneeling near two graves and weeping quietly. He was wearing a vest, white sneakers stained with clay and mud, and a sports bag. Now Nikita began to understand that he was not alone in this world, who at that moment felt so bad that he wanted to die. That guy has the same bad heart as him. Which means he's not alone.

Tired trees under the pressure of the wind threw off their leaves like unnecessary ballast. Car doors began to slam shut, and those present began to disperse. Everyone went about their business, returning to everyday worries. In the end, they left bitter words about the loss of their parents, and their business cards.

Nikita hated them. He hated them with all his heart and soul because they were all insincere and deceitful. He wanted to spit in their faces, but something held him back, and he just got into the car, slamming the door with all his might. With his eyes, he again looked for that guy with a sports bag, but he had already disappeared. On the other side, the door opened and his sister got into the car. The driver started the engine and they started off.

Chapter 6

Viktor paid off the taxi driver, opened the door and stepped into a puddle, finally soiling his sneakers. He took a crumpled letter envelope from his pocket and checked the address. Having found the right entrance, he dialed apartment seventy-four on the intercom. After a couple of rings, a woman answered.

- Mom, open up! It's me.

- Vitya! - A joyful voice was heard from the speaker. - Come on, let's open it. The intercom made a characteristic sound, and the door opened.

Viktor went inside. It was his mother's new address, he had never been here. They never had their own apartment. She and her mother and younger brother have always lived in rented accommodation. And during the five years that he was absent from his native city, his mother moved several times from place to place. Climbing up to the fifth floor, he saw how the door of the apartment opened and Olga Mikhailovna Mechnikova, Viktor's mother, ran out in slippers.

This woman was in her early 50s. Short white-dyed hair, a round charming face with a smile that could not help but elicit a smile in return. On the flight between the fourth and fifth floors, Olga met her son with strong hugs and kisses.

- Well, hello, son! - She took his face with two plump hands and pulled him away from her to get a better look, and then gave him a kiss on the forehead in pursuit. - You are so angry! Just do not know! He got better, how!

Victor smiled. Inside it was warm and joyful. At that moment, he realized that he was finally home.

- Well, let's go and look at your home.

Victor and Olga Mikhailovna entered the apartment and the first thing he felt was the aroma of baking, which his mother loved to cook. The smell of his childhood hit pleasantly on the nose.

- As always, you greet guests with your signature pastry, mom.

- Come on, what a guest you are. - Giggling sweetly, said Olga Mikhailovna. - Take off your shoes, come on. Hungry, probably from the road? Now I'll figure out what to feed you.

“No, mom, I’m not hungry, honestly,” Victor answered, taking off his shoes in the corridor. - I had a hearty lunch on the train before arriving, so even though I want to try your cooking again, but only a little later. Don't be offended, Mom.

- As you know. Lord, Vitya, how I missed you. A tear ran down the woman's cheek.

- Well, that's it, Mom, let's not lyric. I am here, I am near, I am with you. Don't cry... - He hugged her tightly, and after that, he began to take off his outer clothes and hang things in the closet. - And where is the little one, mom?

- Yes, he is so small, - smiled Olga Mikhailovna. He's already twenty! He is already as tall as you, probably, if not taller.

– Come on, you will say the same! He is small, and at thirty years old he is small. Well, where is he?

- Yes, he should be here any minute, he called ten minutes ago and said that he would be here soon. - After her words, the intercom rang. - And here he is, probably going to open it. Olga went to the door and picked up the phone. - And what are you without keys? Ah... I see... Come on, come in, Vitya is already here. Olga Mikhailovna pressed the button and hung up the receiver. - Well, now look at your little brother. Meet. Giggling, she went to the kitchen.

A minute later the front door opened and Maxim entered. A rather tall guy, about one meter eighty-five, Victor's mother did not lie when she said that he had outgrown his brother. On his head is a red cap with a straight visor, a sports jacket that is clearly oversized and pants with the same inappropriate size. There is a small beard on his face, he, as always, in his usual manner, chewed gum.

– Hey-yo! Boy! What people! Come here dude! Hugs, everything is as it should be! - Maxim took off his shoes, came up and tightly, like a brother, hugged Victor, slapping him on the back several times. - A hundred years, a hundred winters, brother!

Victor did the same in response.

- Well, you give, bro! – Stepping back a couple of steps, Victor said. - But I told you, you shouldn't have watched so many comedies with black people. You are dressed up, you are an unfinished rapper.

- Go ahead! It’s just that you are already the last century and don’t cut anything.

- Yes, that's how they dressed in the last century, Max!

- Did you come to lecture me about my species or what? Maxim asked with a smile. - If you don't like it - don't look, forget it. Come on, let's get up at the entrance.

- I quit, why did you start smoking, kid?

- So, first of all, I'm not small anymore, my uncle understood! Secondly, you are not my father to scold me, truncated, potz! Look, I’m already half a tower above you, so I don’t need to make propaganda here. - With these words, he took out a pack of "KENT" from his pocket - If you haven't grown up, then this doesn't threaten me, dude. Maxim winked at his brother and left the apartment, lighting a cigarette.

Chapter 7

A black Mercedes stopped near a high-rise building on Chkalov Street. The driver got out of the car, completely bald and in a black suit. The man tried to open the doors, but they beat him to it. He wanted to help the guy get on his crutches, but Nikita said in a nervous tone that he did not need help and that he could do just fine on his own. Nikita got up and looked at his sister. Christina first of all, getting out of the car, lit a cigarette. She greedily inhaled the smoke, looking at the passing cars, so it seemed to everyone around, but in fact she was just looking into nowhere.

- Will you be escorted to your apartment? The driver asked in a calm voice.

- No. - Nikita answered, approaching the entrance and taking out the keys from his pocket.

- Nikita, stop! Christina shouted and ran to the already closing door to the entrance. - Don't act like that! They were my parents too.

- Yes? And why did you then dump it for five years?! Sister called, where were you when I needed your support? BUT?! Where? He turned away from her and pressed the elevator call button.

“It's just that you don't know much…” Christina said quietly.

- You know, I don't care what your troubles are. - He kept pressing this elevator button with a frequency of a couple of seconds. Then he took a deep breath, turned to face Christina and said calmly. “It’s just that I’m on edge, Chris. My world suddenly collapsed. Let me be alone, please.

The elevator door opened, Nikita entered it and pressed the nine button. The door closed right in front of his sister's face. Kristina went out into the street, took a deep breath of air, wiped the remnants of tears from her cheeks and went to the bus stop.

She had to wait no more than five minutes for a minibus. Together with other people, she climbed the steps and took an empty seat. Taking out her phone from her jacket pocket, Christina plugged her headphones into it and turned on her favorite Frank Sinatra. The minibus started moving, and Kristina began to stare out the window to the familiar tunes. She used to love to ride the bus around her city, without any goals. She liked to look at shop windows, on the roofs of five-story buildings, where pigeons were sitting. Watch couples passing by. She loved this city. But all this was a very long time ago. Now she simply could not find a place for herself among these streets. Everything here made her feel ambivalent.

Looking out the window, Kristina felt her heart beat faster, her back began to be covered with cold sweat. There was a sharp pain in the left side of the chest. Breathing became difficult. With trembling hands, she dialed the number of Dr. Miller on her phone and waited for the beeps to go, but no one picked up the phone, the answering machine turned on.

- Hello. This is Dr. Miller. Unfortunately, I can't answer your call right now. If you are my patient, then leave your message, and as soon as I listen to it, I will definitely contact you.

- Doctor. Again! It started happening to me again, I thought… No. I was sure that everything was already in the past. But it starts to consume me again, I can't! Panic! She envelops me ... Doctor, call me as soon as possible.

Kristina pulled the headphones out of her ears, and as soon as the minibus stopped, she ran out into the street. Standing at the bus stop, resting her hands on her knees, she greedily gasped for air.

- Ten very deep breaths. Ten very deep breaths. - Concentrating on these words, Christina did this, after which she felt some relief.

- Ten confident steps forward. Ten confident steps forward.

Collecting herself, she walked forward. After ten steps, she felt even better and the panic attack began to recede. Christina looked around, it turned out that she got out exactly where her favorite cafe "Lady" once stood. Here, as a teenager, she and her friends came almost every day. It was not far from the school where Christina studied. This place brought back good memories, and she decided to stop by.

The sign has changed a little since then, and the exterior design too, but when she went inside, she realized that everything remained almost exactly the same as it was when Christina was a schoolgirl.

She went into the room and took a free table, a young waitress immediately approached her. She looked to be eighteen years old. A sweet girl with short white hair and a small piercing in her lower lip.

– What will you order? The waitress took out a notebook and a pen from her pocket.

- I'd like a latte, please, girl. - Tapping her nails on the table, answered Christina.

- One latte, anything else? Dessert? Today we have Panacotta. Very tasty. - The waitress said with an emphasis on this word. - We advise everyone.

- No, girl, just coffee, please.

Christina sat waiting for her order and looked at the people around her, putting her thoughts, feelings and emotions in order. Focus on something, someone, Dr. Miller advised her. Following this advice, Christina did just that. Behind her sat a young couple, they drank coffee and laughed together, looking at something on the tablet. On the left is an adult man of forty or forty-five years old, he was discussing something very vigorously on the phone. A guy in a black hoodie was sitting in front of her, his back was to her, and Kristina did not see his face. To the right are young women. They were sixteen years old, and they were quietly gossiping about something.

Life in this cafe went on as usual. Christina's thoughts came to order. But all this lasted only until the front door opened and all the visitors saw the person entering.

A man entered the hall and pulled out a weapon from under his cloak… Way – Rivals

Justin Bieber, benny blanco – Lonely

Bea Miller – Like That

Melanie Martinez – Pacify Her

The Kid LAROI – Lonely and f*cked up

Billie Eilish, Khalid – Lovely

Melanie Martinez – Tox9ic

Soldier

Cirma02 – Irreplaceable

James Arthur –Breathe

Ashes Remain – On My Own

Ali Gatie –It's You

Nessa Barrett feat. Jxdn - La Di Die

Bruno Mars - Talking To The Moon

In the end, each of us will find his life ticket. Ticket called - HAPPINESS.

***

Youth is given to us only once, so why not break away from the soul? But when a person is young, he is not aware of his actions or spoken words.

They say you learn from your mistakes, right? But what is it worth to make a mistake in order to hate the whole world? That's exactly the mistake Christopher made. A mistake that nothing can change...

Chapter 1

CHRISTOPHER, March 4

Several years ago.

– When will you stop playing the fool and finally do something normal!? Zachary asked nervously.

– Why are you like a father? Christopher sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. - I did not come to you so that you would point out to me, like a dad, what is right in this life and what is not!

- If they gave me free rein, I would shoot you on the spot! Zachary pointed a finger at Christopher's head, then he clenched his hands into fists.

Zachary's patience was running out. His younger brother, Christopher, was carefree and acted like he was five years old. Zachary understood that Christopher was seven years younger than him, and there was still much he didn't understand, but at times he was insufferable. His actions and words made no sense. He constantly disappeared in nightclubs. There were times when he would disappear for days and not return calls. Then Zachary was terribly worried and could not find a place for himself.

- Let's shoot! Christopher looked at his brother as if he were his main enemy. - What's stopping you?

- You! Zachary paused for a moment. "You're bothering me, you fucking asshole."

Christopher looked at Zach. He did not expect such a life in the new city. After moving to Seattle for his studies, he thought he had finally made it out of the family routine and into real life. But it was not there. In every place there is that person who, like a nanny, will look after you and teach you about life. And most importantly, the right life, which he sees within his own framework. But no one will take an interest in your opinion or your desires. No one will see this world the way you see it.

Christopher was not like his brother Zachary. They didn't even look alike. Zachary had short black hair and dark eyes. He was correct, hidden, harsh and constant in business. Christopher, on the other hand, is the exact opposite - thick dark blond hair, eyes in which fire burned. Tattoos occupied most of the body, but his "feature" was partial heterochromia. He had different eyes. Since childhood, he hated his "feature", because of this he often wore lenses. And in character, he resembled the devil in human form.

Christopher always worried about one thing - where does his brother go at night? Unable to resist, he decided to follow his brother that night. The clock was 1:24. Christopher noticed the figure of his brother outside the window, and a couple of minutes later a black Ford Mustang 6 drove up to the house. Three people got out of the car. They were talking about something and all lit cigarettes. Christopher slightly opened the window and tried to listen to their conversation:

- Do you think Dorian planned everything correctly? - after taking a little puff, one of the guys said.

- Not sure. Zachary sat on the hood of the car and ran a hand through his hair. - Come what may.

“We are going to die,” the tall guy said with a grin.

– Excellent support, To. We'll just all die in this fucking factory.

Christopher stared at the figure of his brother through the window in confusion. What did they think and why such talk.

Zachary's phone rang and at the same moment they got into the car and drove off in an unknown direction. Christopher jumped up and ran into the living room. Taking the keys to his motorcycle, he put on his helmet and ran to the garage, where a black Yamaha YFZ-R1M was parked. It was Zachary's motorcycle. Adrenaline seethed in his blood. He got on the motorcycle and rushed at full speed after the car. The city was empty and only the roar of a motorcycle was heard throughout the block. Slowly but carefully, he followed the car, trying not to be seen. After some time they were in the south of the city, where the old factory was located. Christopher left the motorcycle in a small dark alley and surreptitiously made his way to the factory. From the corner, he watched as the cars grew in number, and the crowd of people gathered in one heap. Everyone was holding something in their hands. Someone had a bat, someone had a gun. They were all like ferocious wolves, and as a pack of wolves is supposed to, they also have a leader. Another car pulled up and a tall, broad-shouldered man got out. Apparently he was the leader of this pack. Chris was watching them when suddenly someone abruptly grabbed his jacket and pulled him towards him.

- Who are you?! With all his strength, the guy hit Christopher against the wall. As soon as Christopher came to his senses, the guy punched him in the face. Christopher fell to the ground, blood gushing from his nose. A sharp pain ran all over his face. It was hard to see his face in the dim light. Chris gritted his teeth as he rose to his feet, kicking the boy in the stomach with all his might. The blood began to boil, and the veins swell.

The guy looked at the stranger angrily. He clenched his hands into a fist and smacked Christopher in the jaw. He was swayed to the side. The guy grabbed Christopher by the collar of his jacket and smeared him again. In the same minute, Chris hit back and another and another. The boy pulled out a gun from his pocket.

- Jumped! He wiped the blood from his face with his hand. - Little bastard.

Christopher was numb, but his eyes were angry. His hands were clenched into a fist, and his teeth were gritting…

“Someone was following us,” the guy said, pushing Christopher into the center of the crowd. The guy knocked down the young man and he fell to his knees.

Zachary turned around and began to look at the commotion in the crowd.

“What! What the hell! Zak thought.

Stop! Put the gun away, he ordered To. Zak looked at his younger brother and covered his face with his hand.

- Who is this? To raised an eyebrow.

“This is my brother,” Zachary said with a sigh.

- What is this freak doing here! Dorian pointed his finger at Zachary. “If he doesn’t leave within a minute, I will personally kill him.”

Zachary looked at Dorian and nodded.

- Go home! I beg! Zak announced and turned around, heading for the car.

Christopher got up from his knees, wiped his face on his jacket sleeve and tried to get through the crowd. Something made him stop, and out of the corner of his eye Christopher noticed a figure on the roof of the building, and from it came a small red light. He was watching the figure when suddenly a red light headed towards Zachary. His eyes darted from the figure to his brother.

“Sniper,” Christopher said in a whisper. Instantly he ran up to his brother and pushed him aside. The bullet hit Christopher's shoulder. He growled in pain. The heat went through the whole body. It seemed that he had been cut off, a whole hand. Consciousness became slightly dreary.

- K-Chris. Zachary ran to his brother.

- Damn! Dorian yelled furiously.

A shootout has begun. Zachary tried to hide his brother. He was terribly angry, but at the same time excited.

- Sit here and don't stick your nose out! Shoot if anything.

Zachary handed his gun to his brother. He got towels and water from the car. Having made a bandage on his brother's shoulder, Zachary moistened a towel with water and handed it to his brother. “God forbid, you damn asshole get hurt again!” Zachary pressed his lips together and left.

He was furious that someone had touched his brother. Although Zach hated Christopher at times, he was HIS brother. And for this he was ready to kill. Zakri took out a second pistol and started walking on the spot.

Christopher, leaning against the car, tried to control himself and concentrate. My shoulder hurt and burned terribly, but this was not the time to snot. He tried to get to his feet. Looking at what was happening, the guy was a little horrified. In a word, it was a bloody mess. Christopher did not understand which of the crowd was Zach's company. He watched what was happening. Inside, everything was shrinking and it became difficult to breathe ...

EMILIE

Today

Four years ago, Emily moved to Seattle because her application was accepted by the best university in Washington. The unusual city of Washington State seemed to her a wonder of the world. The combination of mountains and ocean, as well as a warm maritime climate, is a dream, isn't it?

Every time you wake up and see the sleepy face of your beloved in front of you, this morning becomes wonderful. You look at him, and he is like a little child. You run your fingers through his hair, light as the first rays of the sun. Wake him up with a light kiss. What could be better?

Smiling slightly, Emily got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she winced. Her blond hair was like a ball. Large bags under the eyes and red eyes. Her appearance was clearly similar to a drug addict who urgently needed a dose.

“No more partying until morning,” she muttered wearily.

After exposing her body, Emily went into the shower stall. Water began to run down her hair and body. Like a breath of fresh air. Cool shower cheered up Emily - "New Day and New Me"

Emily wore black sweatpants and a red crop top. Kevin mooed from the room:

– Amy? Why don't you lie next to me? With difficulty, Kevin opened his eyes and looked at the other half of the bed. "I'm still waiting for you," he called out.

Emily rolled her eyes and headed to the bedroom. She looked at Kevin: a rumpled face, messy blond hair, and sleepy amber eyes.

- Come to me. I want some affection from you. You always leave me alone in bed,” he whined like a small child who has not been given a toy.

She followed his words. Sitting next to him, the girl looked at the features with a smile.

- And I would repeat tonight, or rather morning! Kevin looked at Emily with a smirk.

- Don't even remind me. Emily blushed visibly and pursed her lips.

- Why? I remember how you asked and how you tore off my clothes at the entrance.

Emily grabbed a small pillow from the bed and threw it at Kevin.

- Amy! Stop doing that! You know I don't like to play the fool in the morning! He frowned. "Better get something ready." I'm terribly hungry. It seems that my body is completely saturated with alcohol. He got out of bed, put on his jeans and T-shirt, and headed to the bathroom.

“Like I'm not hungry,” Emily hissed in disgust.

- I hear everything! Kevin shouted.

Emily came into the kitchen and started preparing breakfast. She made a vegetable salad and fried eggs and bacon. It looked delicious.

- What is it? Kevin said, wrinkling his face a little. “Amy, I'm not some garden goat to eat vegetables and eggs.

- You know, Kevin! Prepare yourself! Emily threw the towel in Kevin's face, turned around and left.

- Amy! Sorry! I--I was just joking! Clutching the towel in his hands, he turned around and noticed that the door had slammed shut. Kevin grabbed his head. - What a difficult one. Rising from the table, he threw a jacket over his shoulders and left.

Emily wandered the streets. I breathed in the freshness of the early morning. People gradually began to fuss. Someone was doing a warm-up for the upcoming run, and someone was sitting on the fresh grass, having a picnic. Emily liked this city.

The people there were especially kind and polite. Everyone could help you not only physically, but also morally.

Seattle is a small universe. These are the morning rays of the sun and the melodies of the city, which are created by street musicians.

Emily's phone received a text message from Melissa:

“I know you're awake. See you at Starbucks on 5th Avenue.”

Melissa is Emily's friend. On the first day of training, Emily met her. Melissa was a tall, long-haired blonde. Her fox gaze always concealed some secrets. Mel was the one who chooses who she gets into bed.

Emily arrived at the meeting point, but Melissa was not there.

- Well, of course, as always, you have to wait for her! she muttered, rolling her eyes.

The aroma of strong coffee drove her crazy. Emily didn't like creaming her coffee. It seemed to her that the coffee itself was already so beautiful and it was not worth spoiling it with various additives, including sugar.

- Hello! - Sharply grabbing Emily by the shoulders, said Melissa.

Emily jumped in surprise.

- Hello Mel. Emily smiled slightly.

- How are you? We had a lot of fun yesterday! Melissa narrowed her eyes and slyly looked at Emily.

Emily laughed a little in embarrassment.

- I think you not only had fun, but also dragged someone into bed.

- Y—yes. Melissa blushed visibly. But to be honest, I expected more!

Emily raised an eyebrow and looked at her friend.

- He passed out. Can you imagine, just took it and passed out when I was on it. - It became noticeable how Melissa began to get angry. After a minute she added, “But his friend made me very happy.

– Wh-wh-what?! Emily choked on her coffee.

- He's so big. Melissa laughed slightly and covered her mouth with her hand.

- Oh my God, Mel! Emily made a face as if she had eaten a slice of lemon.

- Girlfriend, don't be a jerk. You sleep with Kevin yourself.

Emily blushed a lot. She bit her bottom lip.

- Yesterday you obviously turned him on. She danced in front of him and rubbed against his dignity. Melissa took a sip of tea and looked at her friend with interest, waiting for her answer.

- It was alcohol, but not me!

Melissa rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

- Sometimes you act like a fifteen year old girl. Amy, you're twenty-one now and what you're doing with your boyfriend is nothing out of the ordinary.

Emily didn't answer, she just pursed her lips and took a sip of her coffee. Leaving the coffee shop, the girls headed along the sidewalk along the park. The sun's rays pierced through the trees. Street musicians played a pleasant tune, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the block. Emily was deep in thought and often bit her lower lip.

– What are you doing? Melissa asked, poking her friend in the side.

- I don't know Mel. I just sometimes think that Kevin is not the right person. He is constantly dissatisfied with something. Often disappears with his friends. He doesn't even care where I am now. I think it was a stupid idea to LIVE TOGETHER. The girl took a deep breath and looked at Mel.

Melissa hugged her friend.

- Everything will be fine! She looked at Emily and smiled.

Suddenly, a motorcycle roared through the block. The girls turned to the road and noticed a black varnished motorcycle.

“Something new,” Melissa said excitedly.

The motorcycle stopped at a traffic light. The guy behind the motorcycle turned his head towards the girls. He was in a strict black suit. A tattoo of wings was visible from under his shirt on his neck. He opened the faceplate on his helmet and looked at Emily and her friend. His cold gaze made Emily wince. She stared at the boy, looking into his blue eyes. Melissa shot at her friend and watched her behavior. The light turned green, and the guy, like a ghost, disappeared into the crowd of cars. Only the roar of the engine was heard for a while.

- He's nothing. Melissa tugged at her friend's hand.

- Another major! Apparently the son of someone's big bump.

- But you seem to like this brutal major.

- Don't talk nonsense! I have Kevin! Emily said and started forward. They walked for an hour, but Kevin never called Emily. The friends said goodbye, and each went about his business. On the way, Emily bought groceries and a bottle of wine. The apartment was empty. There was an untouched egg on the table. Emily sighed wearily and put the groceries in their proper places and put the bottle of wine in the top drawer. All day Amy lay on the bed waiting for Kevin. But in her mind, the image of that guy constantly came out. His look. He reminded her of an iceberg, inside of which there were only ice floes ...

Chapter 2

CHRISTOPHER, March 5

Zachary paced around his brother's bed. Christopher lost consciousness that evening and fell to the ground with all his strength, hitting his head. Zachary himself was covered in bruises. The lip is broken. Under the eye, blue trace. All the bones in his hands were torn to pieces. That evening, Zach was stabbed, fortunately it was not serious. He did not find a place for himself. His younger brother followed him and was shot in the body, saving Zach.

- Hey Zach! Everything will be fine with him. You're his mother, Addison! Anthony said, trying to support his friend.

- He is not me, That! He is completely different. He is like a thorn in one place! Zachary growled. Also, you beat him up.

- Y—yes. Anthony chuckled slightly and scratched the back of his head. I didn't know he was your brother.

Zachary ran his hands through his hair and covered his face. He turned his attention to the wrist where his only tattoo lurked. TRISKELION is like a mark for life. An ancient symbol in the form of three rays coming out of one point. But it was not just a drawing on his body. This is the mark of a gang that he joined a very long time ago.

“But…

“…that idiot donkey saved my ass,” Zack interrupted his friend. “I don't know how he knew there was a sniper on the roof. But I'm proud of him.

***

After a while, Christopher came to his senses. With difficulty, he managed to open his eyes. Zachary slept in a chair nearby. Apparently he's been sitting here all the time. As soon as Christopher decided to get up, he was seized by a burning pain. He winced and looked over his shoulder. It was wrapped in a bandage, but there was a large bloody stain. The head was ready to be torn apart. Gathering his strength, Chris got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he gritted his teeth. Broken lip, patch on nose and cheekbone. Muck!

- Hey? How are you? Someone put a hand on Chris' shoulder.

Frightened, Christopher punched the guy in the face with all his foolishness.

Anthony flew back and grabbed his jaw. - Fuck! What the hell are you doing!

Christopher shook his hand and looked at the boy. Suddenly Zak ran out of the room.

– What do you have again?! he asked menacingly, looking first at his brother and then at his friend.

- Now I understand how you are alike! He started moving his jaw. “Your hands are like bricks.

Zachary chuckled and walked into the living room.

“S-s-sorry,” Chris said, narrowing his eyes.

- Nothing! I also met your brother. We just got into a fight in a bar. To turned around and went after his friend, but stopped and looked at Christopher. – Anthony. Anthony Starks,” he said, holding out his hand.

- K-k-Kris. He shook the boy's hand in return.

- Do you always stutter? He raised an eyebrow and looked at Chris.

Christopher shrugged.

- No, but sometimes it's out of control.

- You're weird! Although what am I talking about. Your chick brother was the same.

Christopher put on a faint smile...

Zachary, Christopher and Anthony were sitting in the living room. They drank beer and rested after a hard week.

- When you get better, you will return to your studies and don't even remember what happened. You understood me! Furrowing his brows, Zachary looked at his brother.

“That’s the thing…” Christopher panicked a little and scratched the back of his head. - ... I have been expelled there for half a year already.

- What—oh! And where is the money that your parents send you allegedly for "study"?

Christopher swallowed hard.

– I—I… Well, you yourself understand. My age and my hobby.

- I understand only one thing, that my brother is a DEFINITE ASSE! Zachary crossed his arms and glared at Christopher angrily. “And why the hell did you get kicked out of there!?”

- Fight. Chris pursed his lips.

- Because of the girl? Taking a sip, To intervened.

- No.

– What then? Zach looked surprised.

- I got into a fight with the rector.

Anthony laughed at what he heard, and beer poured from his nose. His face instantly turned red and he began to cough. Zachary covered his face with his hand and began to laugh too.

“And set fire to his office,” whispered Christopher, gritting his teeth.

“You say this asshole doesn’t look like you,” Anthony said looking at Christopher.

- Shut up. Zachary somehow held back a smile.

- Forgot how weird you were?! He began to look suspiciously at Zachary.

- Don't you dare! Zak was red up to his ears.

- One day your brother went too far with alcohol, came to the university and flirted with everyone. And then he began to dance a striptease and howl like a hermit wolf. It was something! Anthony was barely holding back tears from laughter.

Zachary laughed, clutching his stomach. Christopher rarely saw his brother laugh. After all, he was a serious goat, but today something has changed.

EMILIE

Emily heard the keyhole open. She jumped out of bed and walked into the hallway. It was Kevin and he was drunk.

- My princess. I missed you so much,” Kevin muttered. “You know, I want you.

- Not now! Emily was always angry that he showed up like this. She folded her arms and walked into the kitchen.

- Well, wait. Sorry! My friends called me, I could not refuse them.

- Kevin just go to sleep, please! Looking at him wearily, Emily sat down on the floor by the window.

- No problem! - the young man said with a psycho.

Taking a deep breath, Emily took a bottle of wine and went out onto the balcony, closing the door from the outside. Luckily there was a soft carpet and a warm blanket on the balcony. She took cover and sat down, leaning against the door. Opening the bottle, Amy took a small sip. A hot tear rolled down her cheek. A year ago, Kevin wasn't so selfish. He was gentle towards her and always sought a compromise, but what is happening now? A complete mess. Sometimes she herself did not believe that it was Kevin. It's like he's been replaced.

It happens. People who lurk near the heart cause the most pain! With their actions, behavior and words. And so, you just sit with the door closed from your boyfriend and shed tears. That's what Emily came up with. She was in pain. Although she tried not to look soft and vulnerable on the outside, she was just a child inside. A child in pain, who wanted to cry non-stop.

She wiped away her tears with her hand and took another sip of wine. The city fell asleep, but the sound of cars and music remained unchanged. Lanterns illuminated the streets. Bright signs shone with iridescent colors, and only somewhere far away, in the sky, sparks of stars could be seen. A cool breeze made Emily shudder. She wrapped herself in a blanket and fell asleep ...

In her sleep, Amy heard a knock on the glass. Opening her eyes, she lifted her head and spotted Kevin. He pointed to the door with his finger. At first Emily did not understand what was happening, but then it dawned on her that the door was closed. She got up and opened the door.

- Sorry. I know that sometimes I behave like a kritin, and my words are offensive. But Emily, I love you very much. I am terribly uncomfortable with my antics. Kevin looked at Emily and smiled slightly.

Emily rubbed her eyes and walked over to Kevin. Looking into his eyes, she hit his chest with her hands.

- Damn you! - she exclaimed. “Why can’t I be angry with you for a long time?

Kevin lifted her chin and kissed her. At times, Emily didn't feel the same spark from the kiss that was at the beginning of their relationship.

- Promise you won't come home like this again.

- I'll try. – Kevin approached the girl and hugged her. “Today I will leave a little early. Hunter asked me to take over for a couple of hours. Kevin worked as a bartender and often helped his buddies...

Emily worked in a bookstore owned by Mason O'Brien, son of Max O'Brien.

Max O'Brien was a big businessman, he bought houses in solid areas and resold them for two prices.

Mason changed the sign from CLOSED to OPEN.

- So what? How did you spend your weekend? Mason asked, holding a mug of hot chocolate in his hands.

Nothing to complain about. Emily laughed slightly.

- But I'm unsuccessful! I had a fight with my boyfriend. He's a real kritin," Mason said with resentment.

Emily has known Mason for a long time. Despite his drawl and sometimes acting like a child, Mason was a very good person. He was tall and curvy. His light brown hair was always pulled back into a loose bun or little ponytail. He was elegant, but at the same time fashionable. He had a small "IF ONLY" tattoo above his eyebrow. To be honest, Emily didn't understand the meaning of those words. Like Emily, Mason was blue-eyed.

Mason was a man who loved his life despite all the difficulties. In every day, he found any piece of joy, even if a hurricane went through his soul. After Emily met Mason, her views changed. He was always able to support Emily. Arriving under a downpour in the dead of night, when she literally howled in pain. Only he can do this. After graduation, Mason immediately offered Emily a job in his shop. Working with a good friend and also making good money, why not?

- Why did you fight?

Mason frowned:

– He was hugging another guy! At the weekend, we decided to go to a bar with him, as soon as I turned away, he was already with another guy. I gave him a good brainstorm.

- Maybe it was his brother or friend? Emily raised her eyebrows.

- Netushki! Friends are not grabbed by the buttocks.

Emily laughed:

– And you turn out to be a jealous dove.

Mason turned slightly pink and disappeared behind the bookshelves.

- How are things with Mr. Murphy? He took a couple of books and went over to Emily.

Mason did not like to call Kevin by his first name, and, in general, he could not stand him, but only because of our friendship he tried to somehow maintain a conversation about him.

Emily pursed her lips and looked at her friend:

– Honestly, I don't even know. Yesterday I sat and sobbed bitter tears from his indifference, and today he, as if nothing had happened. He pretended that everything was smooth and fine.

- My girl. – Mason put his arm around Emily's shoulders. - Remember the simple rule: DO NOT CHASE ANOTHER FIRE, OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT NOTICE YOUR LIGHT GOING OUT. After placing the books, he made his way to the exit. - I'll be there soon! Don't be sad here without me! – He made the “air kiss” gesture

Emily smiled and did the same.

After a while, people started going into the store and buying books. Mason hasn't returned yet, but Amy was looking forward to him. Suddenly, Emily's gaze shifted to one strange person. He held a jacket in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Emily approached the person:

– Mister! Do not enter the store with cigarettes! Please throw it in the trash or get out.

He turned to her. The tall, broad-shouldered guy looked at Emily through his sunglasses. His hair was decently styled, but one strand fell over his face. His torso was fitted with a vest from a classic suit. The top buttons of the shirt were undone. It gave off a woody aroma with subtle notes of bergamot and musk, but it was all mixed in with nicotine.

“Excuse me,” the guy said hoarsely and left the store. Emily noticed wings on his neck. The same ones she saw yesterday at the motorcyclist's. Emily watched him go…

– Romeo is with Juliet again! - suddenly entering the store, exclaimed Mason. In his hands he held a bag of croissants and cups of coffee.

Emily looked at him with a smile:

– What happened?

- Ray texted me. - He smiled with happiness and began to walk around Emily like a child. - He wrote that I was in for a surprise tonight, and he wants to apologize!

“And you forgive him so easily?!

- Stupid, of course not. First I find out what his surprise is. Then I'll shake his nerves a little, but then I'll forgive him.

- And you are treacherous. Emily laughed and took a croissant.

- A little. – Mason narrowed his eyes and showed a gesture with two fingers.

Time passed imperceptibly. Outside the window, people were bustling about. Cars were driving along the highway. Emily sat on the soft couch and read a book. Plunging into another world, she did not notice at times what her clients called her. Many buyers have already studied Amy. They were so welcoming and kind to her. After all, she not only helped to make a purchase, but also gave people a ray of happiness with her smile. Emily knew every section of the book like the back of her hand. Mason loved flowers, so there was always a vase of flowers by the window. And the smell of books and wooden shelves mixed with the floral scent, giving the store a magical atmosphere. For the fifth time in a row, she called Kevin. But all this was meaningless, because he did not answer. And now the sun goes below the horizon, and from him no message, no call. Emily became visibly sad and immersed in herself.

- Hey? – Mason went up to his girlfriend and looked at her. - Why so gloomy, like a cloud?

Emily looked up at Mason and pursed her lips:

- Strange feeling.

Mason looked at her with confusion and sat down next to her.

- You know, Mei, sometimes it seems to me that the whole world just falls under my feet. You're doing something, but it's like it doesn't make any sense. Everyone thinks that as soon as he leaves parental care and becomes an adult, then life will suit him a piece of paradise. But how the hell are we wrong. Life only arranges torture for us.

- This goat is not answering again?

– N—no. It's just that I ... - Emily did not have time to finish, as Mason grabbed the phone and began to look at the call history.

- It's because of him! I'm right?! – Mason looked at her and frowned.

Emily clenched her hands into fists and whispered yes. Mason hugged the girl.

- I ... I'm sure he will call, or at least write.

– Hey Mei, there used to be a guy with a tattoo on his neck that came into the store…

– … in the form of wings, – he interrupted her.

- Yes. Who is it?

- This is Eddie, he is a longtime customer, but he only comes to the store on a certain day.

– Is everything on schedule with him? Emily tilted her head in curiosity.

Mason shrugged his shoulders:

- Busy man, they say he doesn't even have time to sleep.

- And what does he work as?

– Did he interest you? Mason laughed slightly.

- No! It's just that I've never seen him in the city before.

- Sometimes it is called the ghost of the city. Mason winked at his girlfriend.

Emily just pursed her lips and stared.

The sudden ringing of a bell on the door made Emily and Mason start.

– Who is this late? Emily looked at her friend.

They started towards the door.

Reading with sight words

Sight Words | Sight Words: Teach Your Child to Read

3.1 Dolch Sight Words

3.2 Fry Sight Words

3.3 Top 150 Written Words

3.4 Other Sight Words Lists

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Teach Your Child to Read

Read online “Under the Sight of the Eye”, Maxim Yurchenko – LitRes

Words by the author

Part I

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

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