An original man of Leonid Andreyev 
A short silence reigned among the guests, amid the buzz of conversation around the tables distant and muffled noise of the footsteps of the servants, who brought and carried the dishes, someone said a sweet voice quiet:
- I love the black!
Anton Ivanovitch, the deputy head of the office, little if he drops the glass of vodka to his lips, a servant went to that had uttered such words a look of amazement, all turned their heads to see who had said this strange thing. And everybody saw the face with red mustache, small eyes and the head carefully opaque Semen combed Vasilievich Kotelnikov.
For five years he had worked in the office every day he shook hands on arrival and departure, every day he spoke, every month, after charge, ate with him, as that day, in a restaurant, and yet, they fancied that they saw that day for the first time. They saw and were filled with wonder. Observed that it was not ugly at all, despite their absurd mustaches and freckles, like splashes of mud thrown by a car. They also noted that not wearing bad neck and wearing a very clean.
The deputy, after fixing his gaze with wonder at length in Kotelnikov, said: "But
Semen ...
- Semen Vasilievich! "Pronounced with a certain dignity, Kotelnikov. Semen
Vasilievich
"But, did you like black?
"Yes, I really like.
The deputy looked at him with eyes of astonishment to all employees at the table, and burst out laughing:
- Ja, ja, ja! He likes Black! Ja, ja, ja!
And everyone laughed, even the thick, sickly Polsikov, who never laughed. The same Kotelnikov laughed, a little confused, and blushed with pleasure, but at the same time he was struck by a slight fear: that what he does cause trouble.
- Did you say seriously? Asked the deputy when he finished laughing.
- And so seriously! Black women are in a great burning and something ... exotic.
- Exotic?
They rushed back to laugh, but at the same time everyone thought Kotelnikov was certainly a clever and educated man, when I met a strange word "exotic." A discussion started, ensuring that it was not possible like black, besides being black, their skin as a cover of varnish, and thick lips, and smell bad.
- Y, however, I like! Kotelnikov modestly insisted.
- There you are! "Said the deputy. For my part, I hate those beasts color of frosting.
all felt a kind of satisfaction that you had among them a man so original that fell for the black. For this reason, the diners asked Kotelnikov six bottles of beer. They looked with contempt at the other tables, where there was a man of much originality.
The talks ended. Kotelnikov was very proud of his role. He no longer lit their cigarettes, but waited for the valet switch-ons.
When the beer bottles were empty, they asked other six. The bulk Polsikov Kotelnikov said reproachfully:
- Why do not we tuteamos? Since so many years working together ...
- I have no problem! With pleasure! Kotelnikov-accepted.
As soon got to grips with the joy of being, at last, understood and admired, as was the vague fear that stick.
After drinking "Brudeschaft '" Brotherhood "with Polsikov, drank Troitzky, Novoselov and other comrades kisses to everyone and changed the look with loving eyes and tender.
Deputy Chief not drink 'Brudeschaft "with him, but he said amiably:" Come
at home sometime. My daughters will be with curiosity to a man who likes black. Kotelnikov
saluted, and though he staggered a little because of the beer, all agreed that it was very chic.
After leaving the deputy head, drank more, and they all took to the streets, bumping into pedestrians. Kotelnikov walked among his comrades, and Troitzky Polsikov sustained.
"No, lad," he said, you can not understand. In the dark there is something exotic.
"Nonsense," replied severely Polsikov. I do not know what you find in it. Polish color ...
"No, friend, no taste. The black is one thing ...
Until then I had never thought of the black, and could not quite fair to the definition.
- have temper!
But let Polsikov not convinced and continued discussion.
- You are wrong to argue! Troitzky "he said. Our friend Kotelnikov has his reasons. In addition, accounting for taste there is nothing written.
And to Kotelnikov, added:
- Ignore, Semen! Follow pirrándote for your black. I'm so happy that I have wanted to make a fuss.
"Nevertheless, I do not understand," insisted Polsikov. Polish color ... For me, not even women.
- No, friend, you fool! "He insisted in turn Kotelnikov. Because, look, there's something in the black ... Iban
staggering a little, slightly drunk, talking loudly, pushing people and very pleased with themselves.
A week later, the whole department was already known that public employee Kotelnikov was very fond of black. Some weeks later, this fact was known by the doormen of the neighborhood, by applicants who came to the office, even by the police officer on duty at the street corner. The ladies of the neighboring sections typists peered for a moment at the door to see the original man who liked Black. Kotelnikov these samples received attention with his usual modesty.
One day he decided to make a visit to his deputy, as he took tea with cherry jam, talked about the black and something exotic that was in them. The minor girls were a little confusing, but most, Nastenka, who liked to read novels, was clearly intrigued and insisted that Kotelnikov him to explain the true reasons for their fondness for black.
- Why just black? -Preguntábale.
Everyone was happy, and when he went Kotelnikov, spoke of him with affection. Nastenka even declared that he was the victim of a morbid passion. The truth was that she had fallen in grace. Nastenka also caused some printing Kotelnikov, but he, as a man who only liked the black, he considered it his duty to conceal his inclination toward the girl, and while being polite, manifestose with it a little reserved.
On returning home at night, he began to think of black, body color of frosting, covered with fat, and they seemed repulsive. To imagine embracing one, felt sick and I was tempted to mourn and to write to his mother, who lives in the provinces, to come immediately as a serious danger threatened him. After he controls. When the next morning arrived at the office, well groomed and dressed with a red tie and a certain face of mystery, no doubt that the man she loved the black.
Shortly thereafter, the deputy, who expressed great interest in Kotelnikov, introduced him to a theater magazine. This, in turn, led to a cafe singer and presented to the director, Mr James Duclot.
"This gentleman," said the magazine to director, advancing to Kotelnikov-loves Black. Nothing more than the black, the other women are repugnant. An original first order! I would be delighted if you, James Ivanovitch, might be useful, it is very interesting, and such trends ... You understand? ... should be encouraged. He tapped
friendlies in the narrow back Kotelnikov. The director, a Frenchman and militant black mustache, looked at the sky as if searching for a solution, and with a strong signal exclaimed
- Perfectly! Since you like black you will be satisfied: I have just in my three beautiful black troupe.
paled Kotelnikov slightly, which did not notice the director, in a muse about cabaret.
"You have to give a free ticket for the entire season.
The director consented.
From that evening, Kotelnikov began courting a black woman, Miss Korrayt, who was the whites of the eyes the size of a plate and the pupil no bigger than a Olivitos. When putting this machine in motion, playing her eyes flirtatiously, Kotelnikov felt his body go cold and deadly legs falter. At that time felt a great desire to leave the capital and go to see his poor mother. Miss
Korrayt I knew no word of Russian, but, fortunately, there was no shortage of volunteer interpreters who were responsible gustosísimos the delicate task of translating the enthusiastic compliments the black way to Kotelnikov.
, says she has not ever seen such a handsome and charming gentleman. Is not that, Miss Korrayt?
She shook her head yes, showed his teeth, like the keyboard of a piano, and again all over the course of his eyes. Kotelnikov also moved his head, waving, and stammered: "Do
favor of saying that black women are exotic.
And everyone was so happy.
When Kotelnikov kissed for the first time Miss Korrayt hand, the exciting scene was witnessed by all the artists and not a few viewers. An old trader, even cried with excitement in a fit of patriotic sentiments. Then he drank champagne. Kotelnikov had palpitations, bedridden for two days and often began to write to his mother: "Dear Mom," he wrote, and his weakness prevented him from ever finishing the letter.
Three days later, when he came to office, he was told that his excellency the director wanted to see him.
Fixed a brush hair and mustache, and full of terror, entered the cabinet of excellence.
- Is it true that you ... that you ...?
The director was looking for words.
-...¿ That you like black?
- Yes, Sir!
The director looked astonished eyes Kotelnikov, and asked: "But we
... Why he likes you?
- I myself know, Excellency! Kotelnikov
suddenly felt that the value left him.
- How? Would not you know? Who will know then? But do not disturb you, young man. Be honest. I am pleased to see my subordinates in a spirit of independence ... naturally, if not cross certain limits defined by law. Well, tell me frankly, as if you speak with her father, why he likes black.
- There is in them something exotic, Excellency!
That night at the English Club, playing cards with significant others, His Excellency said two assets:
"I have an employee in my department who likes black. Pásmense you. A simple scribe!
Her playmates were also excellent, department directors, and experienced to hear a bit of envy; each of whom also had at his command an army of employees, but were all men, gray, opaque, with no originality, vulgar.
And I pásmense you, "said one of the top" I have an employee with a side of the black beard and a red.
hoped and take revenge, but everyone understood that a beard, not like that, but polychrome was unimportant compared with a passion for the black extravulgar.
- claims that original man in black there is something exotic! "Added His Excellency.
Gradually, the popularity of Kotelnikov in bureaucratic circles of the capital became too great. As always, wanted to imitate him, but his imitators were lamentable failures. One of them, an old clerk who had twenty eight years of service and held a large family, said he knew suddenly bark like a dog, and had no success. Another employee, very young still, pretended to be madly in love with the wife of Chinese Ambassador, for some time on it failed to attract attention and even compassion, but experienced people soon realized that this was only a miserable imitation of a genuine originality, and everyone turned back contemptuously. There were many other
attempts of the same nature. In general, we noticed among public employees some anxiety of mind, which led to efforts to be original.
A young man of good family, failing to find means to be original, ended by telling your boss a lot of profanity, and, naturally, had to abandon the use point. Kotelnikov
created many enemies. Insidiously claimed that he was fasting in atañedero Black. However, not long after, a newspaper published an interview with him, which stated Kotelnikov frankly liked the black because they had in them something exotic.
From that day, his star began to shine even more brightly. At that time a frequent visitor to the family of his deputy, who received him with open arms. Nastenka cry sometimes thinking about the terrible fate reserved for those fond of black. Kotelnikov, sitting at the table he felt about the looks of pity for all the family and tried to give his face a melancholy and yet exotic. Everyone was very pleased that a man so original frequented the house as a good friend, everyone, including deaf grandmother washed dishes in the kitchen.
original He retired home late and inconsolable crying, because he loved with all his soul Nastenka and could not see Miss Korrayt. Around Easter
word spread that he married Miss Kotelnikov Korrayt which, on this occasion, was converted to Orthodoxy and left the café cantante Mr. James Duclot. According to these rumors, the director had agreed to be the godfather of the young husband.
Fellow, applicants and porters Kotelnikov congratulated, thanked them and bowed with a heavy heart.
The evening before his wedding was spent at the home of deputy chief. He was received as a hero, and everyone seemed very happy, except Nastenka, which went to her room from time to time to mourn at home, and that to hide the traces of tears, they put so much dust that came off of his face in such abundance as a stone flour mill.
During the dinner and provided congratulated the groom in his honor. The deputy himself, who had gone a little drink, gave her a little disturbing question:
- Could you tell me what color are the children?
- will be striped! "Observed Polsikov.
- How to scratches? Exclaimed, astonished the audience.
"Very simple: a white stripe, one black, one white stripe, a black ... As the zebras, "said Polsikov, whom he inspired great pity his unhappy friend.
- No, not possible! Kotelnikov exclaimed, turning pale.
Nastenka could no longer hold back the tears, and weeping, fled to her room, filled with emotion to the audience.
For two years, Kotelnikov seemed the happiest man on earth, and was glad to see him. Until one day he was received with his wife by the director. When was the father of a child was given, by way of subsidy, an amount quite swollen, and he was promoted.
The son was not striped. He had a slight gray tint rather olive color. Kotelnikov told everyone he was delighted with his wife and his son, but never made haste to return home, and when he returned, he stopped long over the door. When his wife went to open and teach him his teeth, like the keyboard of a piano, and the whites of your eyes, big as a plate, when pressed against him, the poor felt invincible and felt repulsion, with a cruel pain in the happy beings who were white women and white children.
- My dear! "She said.
And at the behest of his wife was headed to the room where her child. I could not see that boy with thick lips, gray as asphalt; but I took her in his arms and tried to pretend that he drooled, great job fighting the temptation to throw it away.
after many hesitations, he wrote to his mother news of his marriage, and with great astonishment, received a lively response. She too was happy that her son was a man so original and that the director had been his godfather.
Two years after their wedding, Kotelnikov died of typhus. Moments before he died he called the priest. Which, to see his wife, stroked his beard and took a deep breath. He also felt a certain admiration for Kotelnikov, because of its originality. When he leaned about dying, it, summoning all his strength, he said:
- I hate that black devil!
But a minute later, as agreed to its excellence, the subsidy given him, his deputy chief of Nastenka, and saw his wife mourn, he added, in a sweet voice: "I love
Black ... There is in them something exotic.
tries to illuminate his face with a happy smile, and the smile went to another world.
Earth welcomed him indifferent, without asking if he liked or did not like black and mixed their bones with those of other dead. But in the bureaucratic circles still a long time there was talk of that original man, who became insane and was black in them something exotic.
(Translated by Nicholas Tasin)
has demostardo that while pregnant women who have used the correct amounts of oily fish individuals have given birth have a higher coefficient of verbal skills, better motor skills and better social interaction. 
The only food that naturally contains EPA and HA is oily fish. 
