It was personal.
He was used to people reacting to his size, to his voice, to his reputation.
He was used to seeing others pull away.
And this woman, who was shorter than almost everyone around him, looked at him as if he was just another person who had to follow rules.
One evening he began to spread a rumor.
That Ralitsa had a “special attitude” towards Martin.
That she helped him because she wanted something in return.
There was no evidence.
It didn’t make sense.
But rumors are easy.
They do not need truth, only people who want to believe in them.
By the end of the shift, two prisoners were laughing when Ralitsa passed by
the cells.
“Mrs. Doneva, will you bring paper to us too?”
“Or just your pets?”
She stopped.
Don’t raise your voice.
“Who spread this?”
No one answered.
“Okay. Anyone who has a specific signal for violation by an employee has the right to submit it in accordance with the established procedure. False claims designed to provoke conflict are also documented.
One of the men laughed.
“So you don’t deny it?”
“I’m not going to argue with people who don’t take responsibility for their own words.
She continued down the hallway.
But when she returned to the office, her hands trembled.
Not out of fear for work.
Not exactly.
Because he knew how quickly a lie could change the way colleagues looked at a woman in uniform.
Especially a woman who already had to prove twice as much.
Vladimir found her there.
“I heard what’s going on.
“I didn’t do anything
wrong.
“I know.
“But the rumor will reach people who don’t know me.
“It’s possible.
“And what do we do?”
He sat across from her.
“We’re doing what you’ve done in the yard.” We do not give Tashev the spectacle he wants. We collect facts.
The cameras
Vladimir ordered to review the recordings.
In prison, every movement is monitored.
Who enters the common hall when.
Who is talking to whom.
Who violates the regime.
