From the author: A new story from the series “Tales of Life” is dedicated to substitutes for joy and real joys. Continuation of Fyodor’s story. If you feel a lack of joy in life, join the free online marathon in VK “Overhaul of Joy” ". Details in the video and in the “trainings” tab. Continued. Read the beginning here And then Fyodor’s gaze fell on another sign “Additional services according to the price list.” It had very original methods that he liked more, especially two: GIVE A PAW TO THE DOG (with the consent of the bartender) PETROL THE CAT (with the consent of the cat) Opposite each , there was a figure of 100 units for 3 minutes and a price three times higher than the cost of a cocktail of joy. - Why is it so expensive? – Fedor asked the bartender, pointing his finger at the items on the price list he had chosen. “Because, unlike me, these are living employees of our bar and they get tired of such communication.” They have to take on the negativity of visitors and share their positive energy with them. And this only looks like a simple stroking; our sensors confirm a decrease in energy in animals after each such communication. – the bartender explained. “Why can you pet a cat with his consent, but give a paw to a dog only with your consent?” – Fedor asked. “Cats can monitor their condition very well themselves.” And if a cat doesn’t want communication, then it doesn’t need more negative energy, it won’t be able to transform it. But dogs don't know how to do this. They are ready to give energy to their own detriment. Therefore, I monitor the dog’s condition. If her energy levels are normal, then this service is available, if below normal, then not. – the robot argued. For some reason, Fyodor felt sorry for the animals, and he froze in thought. At that moment, a cat jumped onto the bar counter. It was a huge fluffy red handsome man. He looked at Fyodor with his red eyes, sat down in front of him and said: “Mrrrrrr.” The “pet the cat” service is available for order. – the robot said, blinking the green lights, turning on the timer on its monitor. “Okay,” Fyodor answered with a smile. In fact, the cat was what he needed. He carefully extended his palm to him and the cat began to rub his funny flattened face against it, quietly snorting. Fyodor smiled. With his left hand he began to stroke the cat's soft, silky fur, and the cat purred even louder, turning its head invitingly. Fyodor responded to his call and began to scratch his fluffy cheeks. The cat purred loudly: Myrrrrrr-rrrrryyy and even wagged his fluffy tail. A satisfied smile spread on Fyodor’s face, as if it was not he who was scratching the cat, but the Cat was scratching him. And the Cat did not stop. He reaches out with his short nose to his nose, trying to scratch himself against it. And when Fyodor bent down a little, the Cat began to scratch Fyodor’s nose. He tickled him with his fur, so Fyodor laughed. He suddenly felt so happy just looking at this funny Cat, who, like a true professional, literally pulled him out of the negativity in which he was and filled him with joy. The robot made a sound similar to the sound of a bell and said: “Time is up.” The cat stopped purr and, as if nothing had happened, walked further along the bar counter. Then he turned to Fyodor and, in parting, scratched his nose with his fluffy tail, winking slightly. This feint made Fyodor laugh even harder. And from the abundance of his fur in his nose, he sneezed. It turned out to be a very funny sound. And even in the hall there was laughter. This did not upset Fyodor at all, but rather pleased him. He looked at this man against the gray-green wall - he was giggling at Fyodor. The waves of the fluorescent cocktail have already stopped spreading throughout his body, and he has become natural. His cheeks turned pink. And even the wall against which his table stood was not the same as before. Instead of gray, pink spots appeared on it. Fyodor nodded approvingly. The room somehow brightened. They also giggled behind him. His soul was light and joyful. He thanked the bartender and paid for the additional service.—