Decommunization '89

Feliks Łukasiewicz sighed happily in his study, admiring the effects of his hard work. He always thought that communist-approved version of his coat of arms was just wrong, and after the years, an urge to fix it became unbearable. Now, for the first time since WWII, the White Eagle had its crown back... painted hastily with yellow watercolour. Temporary solution, of course.

Feliks put the paintbrush away and laughed. He hasn't felt so good in years, as if a huge burden clutching his chest was completely removed. 'From now on everything will be different', he thought to himself. 'I can't wait!'

His pet stork, Kajtek, walked into the room and looked curiously at the coat of arms, cocking its head to the side. Blonde boy's smile widened.

-'Podoba ci się?' – he asked, patting the bird – 'It's just a beginning, you know. There are many, many things to do! Like telling the world that I'm officially independent from that carnivore Ivan. Without anyone's help, mind you! Oh, and I should totally change my name, too! I mean, People's Republic of Poland? Kinda obsolete, don't you think?

Suddenly, Feliks' good mood passed when he heard someone approach his home. 'Speak of the devil, huh?' he pondered, recognizing his guest. Kajtek flew out the open window, clacking disapprovingly.

The air's temperature dropped significantly when Ivan Braginsky entered the room. He was covered in snow, despite the June sun shining brightly outside. His facial expression would make most people turn white with fear, but Feliks was apparently unamazed.

-'You know, it's sorta rude to come in without knocking first.' – he said – 'And don't make yourself too comfortable, 'cause you're not welcome here.'

Ivan's eyes narrowed.

-'Not welcome, you say? Is that the famous Polish hospitality?'

-'Well, I think there's a difference between being hospitable and being forced to cater to your stupid whims and house your freakin' troops! What am I, a boarding house?

Feliks' face twitched with irritation, but it was nothing compared to anger emanating from Braginsky. The man looked as if he was about to explode with pure wrath.

-'Svoloch'! How did you dare to leave?!' – he shouted – 'You had no right to do that!

-'Because you say so? Ha! Sorry Vanya, but you're totally no longer in charge of my life! I quit! I'm not gonna be your freakin' comrade anymore!'

Feliks crossed his arms on his chest and looked defiantly at Ivan, who, after miraculously managing to calm down, was regarding his former satellite with mix of disdain and curiousity. When he spoke, his voice sounded almost non-threateningly:

-'So you want independence, Pol'sha? Are you sure it's wise? After all, it's been a really long time since you actually governed yourself without outside's help... What if you don't cope with it?'

-'Oh, I'm so moved by your concern, really' – jeered Feliks – 'But fear not, I'm sure I'll be just fine. In fact, I have some plans already. For example, this year I'm gonna have the best birthday party ever! I'm gonna finally celebrate the proper day, 'cause my birthday is in November, you know. Not that it should matter to you, 'cause you're totally not invited anyway!'

For a moment, Ivan stood silently and then started to walk around the room, not looking at Feliks. When he finally did, he had sad eyes and hurt expression on his face.

-'This is no way to treat your family!'

His words brought the effect completely opposite to the one he wanted. Instead of making Feliks feel bad, they almost literally sent him to the floor laughing.

-'Come on, that's cheap! I have never, EVER considered you a family member to begin with! I'm totally not buying this crap!

Upon hearing such response, Braginsky's mood changed drastically from wounded to bloody furious. He started shouting again.

-'I can't believe how stupid you are! Why would anyone want to break an alliance with me?!'

-'Well... Genocides, reign of terror,  messed up economy, censorship, secret police, repressions, hypocrisy...' – Feliks gleefully started to count on his fingers. He knew that angering Ivan was like playing with fire, but he just couldn't resist – 'Should I go on?' – he asked.

-'Do as you please, Pol'sha' – said Braginsky, hate burning in his eyes – 'You know it's all pointless; in the end, you WILL become one with me, whether you like it or not!'

-'I honestly don't think so' – replied Feliks with a smile showing no signs of mirth – 'Żegnam ozięble' – he added, pointing at the door.

Ivan passed him by and walked towards the exit. Before leaving, he stopped to look at Feliks and said:

-'You will regret that decision.'

Then he turned around and walked away. At this point, he couldn't see Feliks' face and self-confidence painted on it. Neither could he hear his words:

-'Gadaj zdrów, śmieciu.'