Ruth watched them talk for a few minutes intimately and was surprised. Since when was Leigh intimate with the Reverend? The husband did not return to her. He started to help with what needed to be organized, assembling a sound system, carrying tables, opening towels. Handy service she never thought to see him perform.

Patricia arrived with her husband and went to coordinate the services in the kitchen. Other people prepared the games they would have. Everyone got involved and by mid-morning everything was ready.

─ Ruth, I’m glad you came. Great! ─ Hope greeted her happily. Introduced her husband. Elton just nodded in formal greeting. Hope sat with her. In the distance some men were playing baseball and the policeman joined them. Ruth looked around for Leigh. Again he conversed with the pastor intimately. Patricia and Nancy joined them.

He was quickly distracted and amused himself with the women's stories. She understood why Patricia had the nickname "Big rocket". She laughed at how Nancy narrated her children's adventures. She met the two boys, aged eight and six, and fell in love with them. Annette pointed out her daughter Ashley in a group of teenagers, who, full of hidden giggles, were looking at Leigh who was preparing to enter the game in the receiver position. Ruth straightened in her chair. She didn't know he played.

─ Your husband is young and handsome, Ruth. ─ Patricia said taking a fruit. ─ You shouldn't let it run around. Our little friends are not a threat, they are just admiring and dreaming. But there are others... – she signaled with a discreet gesture a woman walking towards the game - that would not let you escape.

Ruth studied the woman who had stopped in the corner of the field staring at Leigh. Voluptuous body, aligned features, dark skin that gleamed gold. She couldn't see the color of her eyes, but her facial features and frizzy hair neatly combed into a modern bun framed an exotic beauty. It was the only word that came to him to describe her. The kind of woman Leigh would want.

─ My husband knows his responsibilities – she said, trying to keep her tone indifferent. ─ As long as he fulfills them, what he does does not interest me.

─ This is not right. I can't believe you really think that way. – Nancy hissed, almost hitting the table. ─ Ruth, listen: Becky Sune is a gold digger. She believes the only way to have anything in life is if a man gives it to her. And laid eyes on your husband! You cannot allow...

─ Nancy, stop! ─ Hope asked.

─ I agree. Even if they're not okay, you shouldn't let this type of woman into your life. There is love between you and your husband. I don't know what the problem is, but it can't be greater than what they feel.

─ You two, stop! ─ Hope asked again.

─ She is not in my life. And it will only be in Leigh's life if he allows it. And if that happens there's nothing I can do' Ruth stood up tensely 'excuse me. ─ she left the table almost running. Nice caught up with her and together they entered the chapel.

 

Becky watched her target play. As the teams were mixed, he took the bat and went to replace the opponent's batsman. She stopped on Leigh's back, shifting his body as if he were actually looking for a good position for the swing. She looked back and winked mischievously. Missed the first ball. She laughed out loud and turned away in amusement.

─ Ooops!!! Better for you, guys. ─ Leigh did not respond.

She swayed a little more, hit the second shot hard and darted into the field, coming around unhindered. When she was close to Leigh again, in an almost theatrical gesture she pretended to stumble and let herself fall. The two rolled onto the grass from the impact. Becky finished on him, then they face each other.

─ Get out of here ─ he ordered furious.

─ Don't you like me this close?

─ No ─ he pushed her away abruptly.

He leapt to his feet in time to see Ruth take refuge in the chapel.

He strafed Becky with some curse words in her own language. She laughed as she held out her hand for help getting up. He took off his glove, threw it in the corner, and left the field ignoring her. She still screamed indignantly but wasn't nimble enough to stop him. Leigh strode to the chapel. James intercepted him.

─ Leigh ─ she called, trying to keep up with the long strides. ─ Your wife had already left the table and had her back to the field. She didn't see what happened. Leigh stopped tense, breathing fast. ─ Come on, let's have something. ─ James guided him towards the drinks table. She opened a bottle and gave it to him.

Leigh took a long drink and then spat it out.

─ What is this? – Asked looking at the drink with an air of disgust.

─ Beer ─ she took the bottle out of his hand. ─ Sorry. You said you didn't drink just a few days...

─ I can't drink at certain times, actually ─ he justified as he reached for a bottle of water. ─ I am in a period of withdrawal and abstinence. No drinking, no partying, no battles. It is a time of prayer and purification.

─ Okay. Sorry. Let me know when it's over. ─ observed the movement. Becky was coming towards them ready to attack again ─ Come, let's help organize the children. They're going to do a sack race. There are too many mothers around for Becky to approach. You will be safe and already train.

Quickly, he pushed him to the area where boys and girls between four and eight years old ran back and forth in different games. Leigh got lost among them, surprised, not knowing how to act. He received a handful of bags and repeated what James was doing. He helped them into the bags and positioned them at the start line. He laughed with satisfaction when one of those who helped won. Prepared another class.

Another who helped also won. He laughed out loud. Got a cotton candy from one of the mothers. The boys lined up to be helped by him. Twisted. It won again. The next race was for the younger children. Most received help from their parents. Leigh stood watching them until a small hand caught hers and pulled.

─ Dad! I want to play. Can you help me? ─ He bent his knees and still stood taller than the little girl. She had shoulder-length golden hair full of curls. He wore jeans and a T-shirt. The smile formed two dimples in his face. The eyes were blue like the sky.

─ I can, little one. He replied feeling a wave of heat warm him. ─ But I am not your father. – Leigh said softly adjusting the bag for her to enter.

She put her little hands on his shoulder and Leigh shivered, not understanding why. He took a good look at the child. And her heart overflowed with tenderness.

─ Are we going to stay until we see the fireworks, Daddy? – she asked looking at the sky.

─ Fireworks? ─ It entered the bag.

─ They always set off fireworks on the Fourth of July.

─ I don't know if we will have fireworks today. It's November. I'm not your father, darling,' he said again.

He got lost in her eyes. The child held his face looking him over.

─ Wow, it still isn't. What are you doing here, Daddy?

─ Young lady, I am not your father. I don't have a daughter. Want help finding him?

─ Ah, so that's why you're here. Why don't you love me yet. he muttered sadly. ─ Why don't you love me, Daddy? If you don't love me, I'll die and I won't exist.

─ What? ─ shocked stared at the girl. She looked around.

The location was the same, but the people were different. Nancy was talking to a pre-teen. Her son, but he was only eight! He looked for other evidence to buy his distrust. It was hot. Too hot.

─ Fourth of July? ─ She nodded. ─ Do you know how I ended up here? ─ I was scared. Time jumps were rare and prohibited. The child took his hand. Leigh looked down at the little hands in hers. Something like pain cut him.

─ I don't know how. I know why. It's because you don't love me yet and if you don't love me soon I won't exist.

─ Who are you? What is your name?

─ From what you explained to me, I cannot say.

─ Who is your mother?

─ Ruth Lescaut!

─ And your father? ─ He asked fearfully.

─ You. If you decide to love me ─ she smiled at him. ─ I don't have another father. Only you. I don't know how I got into Mom's belly. She wasn't the one who called me. Here, at this time, you love me so much. We play every day and you put me to sleep. Reads to me, takes me to school, helps me with chores and cooks too. I like the food you make. You cook well. I just don't like the salad that makes me swallow, but I eat it because you always make me laugh when you want to talk me into eating vegetables. You do a lot of other things for me. He just doesn't comb my hair because he says there's no way. Grandma does that. - He smiled - He says he loves me every day, protects me from any danger, that's why I believe he really loves me. It hurts Dad so much to think that he still doesn't love me. ─ made a crying face. The little arms encircled his neck. ─ Will you let me die? she asked, her voice choked with contained crying.

Thrilled Leigh hugged her in his arms.

─ No. Never. ─ tightened his grip. He pushed her away and without realizing it he smiled. He looked at the child, recognizing his wife's features. The eyes, the nose, the shape of the mouth. ─ Wasn't Mom calling you? ─ she waved no. ─ Where is she?

─ Hmmm ─ she lowered her eyes without looking at him.

Leigh looked around. He wanted to see his wife.

─ Can't she come? ─ she asked touching her little face. She was beautiful. Who wouldn't love something so beautiful and sweet. ─ What's your name, dear? Where is your mother?

─ From what you explained to me, I cannot tell you. ─ the child replied in a whisper She smiled at him. ─ Affff!! ─ looked at the arrival with an adorable childlike rage. ─ It's better to stay away from this one!!!

Leigh turned to see who the child was referring to. Becky Sune was coming towards him. He stood up giving the child a hand. The girl stopped beside him arrogantly. It was the same Becky. His hand felt empty. It had come back.

─ Could you give me a minute of attention?

─ No ─ he said and hurried away. Leigh was too confused to give this woman anything. And if a child, at least five years in the future, told you to stay away from her, that's what he would do.

Becky followed him, walking beside him, talking non-stop. He didn't even hear her. He stopped and turned, almost making her crash into him.

─ Leave me alone. I don't want anything to do with you. I won't have anything to do with you. hissed looking around. He didn't see his wife. ─ I can reward you for taking your time. How much you want? - He saw the offended expression and laughed mockingly - Now, please. I know your greatest interest has always been what you could get out of this relationship.

─ Okay. How much did you intend to spend? About ten thousand?

─ I will send you a check. Now get out of my way.

Half surprised, but pleased, she backed up a little, hands raised as he shot past, her eyes sweeping, flustered. I was looking for the sick little wife. I should have asked for twenty, thirty… He was terrified that she would tell him what had happened between them. Ten was fine. To begin.

 

Leigh managed to get rid of Becky and all she wanted was to find Ruth.

The place was even more crowded with people milling around making it difficult to see the tables. He thought he saw her in a corner, but when he got closer he couldn't find her. He spun around, feeling something very close to anguish. In the distance he saw her talking animatedly with Saul Tisdale. She listened to him with interest. From where she was, she could see that the boy was casting all his youthful charm on her, extending his hand. He saw Ruth laugh openly.

The hands touching was a stab. He felt the anger split him in two. Her Koryak side ready to slaughter the wretch who touched her. The human struggling to keep his sanity. He held back. It was just an ordinary greeting. He himself removed his wife's veil and thus gave her permission to greet and talk to anyone, whether male or...

No, it was not. He still held her. He saw her get up and approach the boy. He saw her smile as she should just smile at him. He saw the two walk, hand in hand, to the dance floor that was starting to fill up. He saw the boy speak and she nodded in agreement. Then he ran his hand over her delicate waist, touching, tasting, wanting. The tenuous attempt at control collapsed. Everything repeated itself. It started with a dance. As before. Just like before. I knew what was going to happen.

I would be betrayed.

 

Ruth came back from the bathroom feeling better. She hadn't felt sick for days, but just thinking about her husband in that woman's arms... She was beautiful, perfect. Leigh had loved that skin tone from the earliest times. He always looked for company with the same physical type. Apparently, their preferences didn't change over time. She found a table and sat alone.

Nice went to get a plate, saying she needed to eat. From where she was, she saw her husband helping the children. He smiled. He had assured her he didn't have a milenec. He gave his word as a prince. A prince crouched helping children to play. And he didn't like children. Never liked. They were the worst weakness, the only means by which they could be overcome, he claimed. And it was the desire to procreate that permanently removed him from his real half. Maternal love has always been stronger than the bond between peers.

Maybe that was what kept him from her. Saw him vibrate and twist with the races. Laughed when he got a cotton candy. Then he stopped and stared at nothing for a few seconds. The woman they called Becky Sune approached. They walked side by side. From where he was, they couldn't hear them talking, but he realized they were talking intimately. They really knew each other.

─ Interesting couple, don't you think? ─ Saul Tisdale stopped beside her.

He was talking about Leigh and this Becky woman.

─ Do you know them? ─ she asked seriously.

─ From sight. He's new in town. Too bad you're already tangled up with that one over there.

─ This one? Looks like they're just talking.

─ Ah, they are together. ─ Saul laughed almost whistling. ─ I saw them at the bar in town a few days ago and they just rolled in the grass here! ─ the boy looked at her interestedly and continued talking ─ It's a very hot relationship. Becky Sune knows how to use all the attributes that nature has given her to keep a man interested. ─ He held out his hand ─ Do you remember me? I'm Saul Tisdale.

Leigh knew the woman. They met in bars and every afternoon when he left without saying where he was going. At least one night they spent together. He slept with Becky Sune and the night invaded his wife's room. Lied.

─ Hello ─ she accepted the outstretched hand. ─ You can call me Ruth.

He smiled holding her delicate hand.

─ Shall we dance, Ruth? ─ she hesitated. ─ We pay two dollars for each dance with a beautiful lady! It's a way to raise money.

─ If that's the way it is, we can't stop contributing! ─ she approached the boy smiling.

They walked arm in arm to the lane on the other side. Polite Saul asked if he could put his hand on her waist, and she nodded in agreement. The touch was gentle. They danced two, three steps when someone jerked them apart. Saul even muttered a hey. It took a few seconds to absolve the unfolding scene. Lescaut almost yelled at the woman in a strange language and she responded in the same language and in the same tone.

─ What do you think you are doing?

─ Much less than you did.

─ You know that no man can touch her.

─ Oh, of course not!!! But can you roll in the grass with any woman? Here the law that applies to me applies to you too. What you do, I will! I warned you that I will not accept you publicly humiliating me!

─ Get in the car! ─ Leigh hissed angrily to his wife.

─ Hey!! ─ Saul stood beside her raising his arm to envelop her.

─ If you touch my wife, you will be a dead man! ─ Leigh hissed low and furious.

The young man interrupted the shocked gesture with the word wife. Everyone stopped to look. Saul backed off. Leigh turned to Ruth. The pent-up fury showed in his hard eyes. The friends approached slowly.

─ Get in the car! ─ hissed struggling to maintain control.

─ Is she your wife? Sorry, I did not know. I was just going to pay for this dance…” Saul trailed off as Leigh scrunched up her face in clear disgust.

─ Already returning to the old profession? ─ he looked at his wife with disdain making the young woman's eyes fill with angry tears!

Ruth slapped him. The face spun with the force of the blow.

Leigh held the breath she inhaled, feeling her face redden. In a nervous reflex he raised his hand to run it through his hair, but his gesture was misinterpreted and Saul stepped between them and pushed him away defiantly.

─ If she doesn't want to go, you won't make her ─ this time his arm went around her shoulders. Ruth walked away as her husband cocked his fist and hit Saul hard. The women screamed.

The boy fell spinning to the ground by the force of the blow. The nose bled. The men who, until then, had only watched rushed towards them. Jeffrey and the chief of police placed themselves in front of Leigh who prepared to fight back. Theodore lifted his brother, restraining him

To Monsieur! Mademoiselle! ─ Nice appeared scared after a short run. He protected Ruth with his body. Patricia and Nancy also arrived.

─ If you come near my wife again, I'll kill you. ─ Leigh hissed at Saul. He turned to Ruth. ─ Get in the car! Take her Mrs Lanfond. It's an order! he said struggling to contain his anger.

─ Come on, madam!

─ No. I will not come back with you. ─ Ruth countered in English. Leigh made a fist.

─ Don't challenge me ─ Angrily he took two steps. Ruth backed off.

─Leigh ─ the pastor voice stopped him. ─ Go home. Ruth and I are going to talk for a while. Later I'll take her. Go home, boy.

─ No. She goes with me. You won't have friends anymore, you'll wear the veil again, you'll... be reclusive, as it should be when a Koryak gestates far from home. She gestates my child and lets herself be touched for a… ─ He looked at Saul with contempt. ─... a common unworthy.

─ Your child? ─ Ruth repeated bewildered. Nobody heard her.

─ I'll talk to her, Leigh. Go home ─ the cleric repeated.

─ No ─ was furious. He tried to contain himself. ─ She goes with me.

─ Please Leigh let me guide you. I take it myself.

─ I can wait for the madame, monsieur ─ Nice volunteered.

Leigh's eyes turned to Saul who was ready for the clash.

─ Theodore, get your brother out of here ─ the pastor said seriously. Saul resisted a little, but, pushed by his brother, he walked to the exit. ─ Go home. Pray a little. Try to calm down. Ill leave your wife at home in an hour ─ he added.

Leigh looked at the small group that had moved between him and his wife. The lip quivered angrily. He couldn't get her out of there without hurting someone. He turned and walked to the parking lot. Furious glared at Saul and his brother who were standing a few meters ahead. He got in and started the car.

 

─ I ask, Ruth ─ the pastor placed a glass of water in front of her and sat down. They were in the same place as the first conversation. ─ Why, knowing your husband as you know him, you agreed to dance with young Tisdale.

─ I thought he was too busy with this Becky woman to notice anything else.' He shrugged. Then he looked up, his eyes hurt.

─ Ah! ─ Sympathetic, the cleric smiled at her. ─ Your husband has already repented too much for looking at Becky Sune.

─ So it's true. ─ she held back the tear. ─ He lied to me.

─ What do you think is true, my daughter?

─ Him and Becky Sune. Together. Every afternoon.

─ Who told you he sees Becky every afternoon? Was it young Tisdale?

─ I shouldn't care. We are married, but we are not together.

─ I find it difficult to understand. How can you be married to someone and not be together?

─ We share an alliance, not the heart.

─ And you don't want to?

─ What?

─ Share the heart?

─ No ─ she said coldly. ─ Leigh doesn't want to either. Being free he can have as many women as he wants. And I cannot interfere. It's the tradition. Now if he thinks I'm just going to sit and watch, if he thinks he can... ...that I won't...

─ ...that there won't be other men? the cleric asked with an air of laughter.

─ No! ─ Shouted in horror. ─ No. ─ she repeated more quietly. ─ I want to have a family. When we split up Leigh will have to find another husband for me. I can't be alone and it will have to be a Westerner. That way his father won't have a claim on me and... I'll be safe.

─ Leigh has already told me about their laws and customs. It's hard to understand. I would like to know: Is this what you want? Wouldn't you rather take over your marriage and give the two of you a chance? ─ he took her hands. ─ You love him daughter. Very.

─ I will not give up my son.

─ Did he ask you to? ─ she nodded.

─ If he accepts my child as his, he will not be able to regain the family rights he lost. And he wants the rights back. And I will not give up my son. He made a choice and I made mine.

─ He already told me that he would give up everything if he could just be happy with you.

─ When did he tell you that?

─ I think a couple of weeks ago. In one of the conversations we have every afternoon, I later give him Bible studies. ─ Ruth reflected what he said.

─ Does he have Bible studies with you?

─ Yes.

─ Every afternoon?

─ No. Twice a week.

─ Oh...

─ On other afternoons he goes out with me and works as a volunteer at the nursing home. We also talked there. I've already invited him to go to the orphanage, but he declined saying he's not very good with children, but I think maybe he'll change his mind after today. ─ smiled at her. ─ Your husband is a fantastic man, my dear. He repented himself for looking at Becky Sune.

─ They...?

─ No. He looked at her. You rejected him every day and gave him permission to have... what's the word? One...

─ ...milenec ─ Ruth completed

─ Yes. A milenec. So he sent some presents, asked her out, but didn't go to the meeting. He spent the night here in the chapel praying, asking God to turn away from temptation. And then, when he realized he couldn't resist his own wife's charms, he spent another night and two whole days peniting himself for loving her when he shouldn't. ─ took her hands again. ─ he has not been involved with another woman since he met my daughter. He loved her when he saw her and he never took her from his heart. Now try to get this love out anyway. If you want to help him, you would do well to dance with young Tisdale. Now ─ he got up. ─ Maybe it's your turn to take the first step.

 

Ruth saw the curtain pull back as the car parked. Gentle the pastor escorted them to the door. Upon entering, they found Leigh standing in the middle of the room. The expression was a stone mask. The eyes two ice cubes. He pointed to the office without a word.

─ Madame, do you want me to accompany you? ─ Nice asked worriedly.

─ You can go home, Nice. It's all right. ─ smiled at the lady. She faced her husband without fear. Leigh didn't wait to see if she was following him. With firm steps he entered the room. He closed the door slowly.

To Leigh...

─ Shut up! I didn't give you permission to speak. ─ sat in front of the desk. With his head down he was writing something. ─ I have already taken steps to have her taken to a convent. You will be confined until my child arrives. At the right time it will be brought back to the birth and...

─ Why are you telling your child what gesture? she asked tensely, her heart racing. He had discovered something...

Leigh pursed her lips. I knew I couldn't tell.

─ You bear my child. I know that now! And because of that I can't tolerate any common touching it, so the convent you'll go to...

The chair swiveled and he stopped talking in surprise when Ruth sat on his lap.

─ I knew it was your legacy! ─ hugged him happily and kissed him.

Even confused, shocked, surprised he received the kiss. She sighed emotionally.

─ Ruth, your baby is my child, but not my legacy ─ he carefully set her down. Got up.

─ No? ─ Leigh touched her surprised face

─ It's not my legacy, but I know it's my child.

─ How...?? ─ he just shook his head in silent denial and she understood that he couldn't clarify anything. ─ But if it is not your legacy, if you accept it you will lose your rights.

─ I was once renegade. I lost all my rights and duties, I can't go back. Salastiel says that everything works out if I do it differently than I did last time, but he never explains what he's talking about. But it does not matter. I want you to be my wife and I accept the child you bear as my child. I know I hurt you too much, but all I want is to be happy with you, with our child, here and now. If you accept me...

─ Of course I accept and accept being your wife ─ she kissed him again.

Leigh squeezed her in her arms, then released her slowly.

─ Why did you decide to accept? Because of the boy? What did he do? ─ a mixture of pleasure and pain dominated him.

─ I don't know which boy you're talking about! ─ Touched his face ─ I love you. The only thing that made me deny our union was her doubt of my loyalty and her rejection of my son. If you got over both and you want me, we can unite. You... don't doubt me anymore, do you?

─No, he murmured emotionally. I know now that you did not wish to conceive. I will never be able to forgive myself for having doubted.

─ And my son? You sure...

─ Your child is my child. She will have no father, no protector, but me. ─ The eyes watered. ─ If you accept to be my wife, we will be together forever. ─ touched the long black strands with reverence.

─ Forever and ever?

─ For all eternity.

─ In any cycle?

─ Yes ─ came closer. He took her delicate face in his hands. Unable to contain himself, he began to kiss her. Then he found it and brushed the fabric off the bodice of the dress as he placed it on the table.

─ Yes. And I accept.

─ Are you sure? ─ touched the delicate face.

─ I have.

─ So it can't be like that. Must not tarnish. Go get ready. ─ put her down slowly. ─ Let's consummate our alliance.

 

Ruth went up to her bedroom. He opened the old chest that stood beside the wardrobe. She took her wedding garment from him. A black nightgown with a long lace train and silver accents. He took a long shower and dressed her. She didn't go overboard on perfume or makeup. Consuming a Koryak alliance needed no mundane gimmicks. If she were in Koryakia the women would be there helping her to meet her husband amid laughter and jokes. Preparing her with advice and tips on how to please him. It was all she wanted. Know exactly how to please him.

He went through the communication port.

Leigh wasn't in her own room. She felt frustrated. He had given up. He was on his way back when the half-open door across the hall caught his eye. entered slowly. The place was all lit by colored candles and, as usual, Leigh was already standing beside the bed where all the Conanlescaut had been born. He wore his own wedding garment. A long white and gold tunic. The play of lights made her hesitate. He opened the robe. It was all he wore.

─ I can go back to my room. - He muttered devouring her with his eyes. ─ But that would make me suffer.

─ No. I want. ─ walked with slow steps towards him.

─ Are you sure? If... I start, I won't be able to stop...

─ I do ─ she muttered, coming to a stop in front of him. Leigh hesitated. He kissed her turgid lips. ─ I must not do more than that, not before...

─ I know. I am well. I'm ready.

With her consent, the husband slowly laid her on the bed. She pulled the nightgown up to her waist without touching her exposed skin. He was breathing heavily and tense. He leaned back and positioned her under him. He joined the sexes. Stopped. Eyes to eyes.

─ Do you want me to stop?

─ No ─  she replied on a soft moan.

Leigh moved a little more, stopping at the entrance to her body.

─ I stop now if you want. ─ moaned, not sure what he would feel if she told him to back off. He took several breaths, controlling the moment. ─ Do I stop?

─ No ─ Ruth spread her legs further and arched her hips.

The union of bodies began. Leigh struggled to contain herself. It was Ruth who moved, boosting her body and completing the join. Leigh, you lost your breath. Between one impulse and another, he covered her completely with the tunic, dove completely into the secret corners of the female body and split.

Then the sun stopped on the horizon. The bodies glowed. The room was flooded with light and color. Red fire enveloped her. Sky blue covered him. The essences of both intertwined, divided, shared and completed crossing the real, time and space. The cosmos stopped moving and thousands of years of Koryak history passed from one to the other. The essences found rhythm and synchrony, hovering in the air in the golden of unification. Formed a single Koryak. Almost complete. A tiny part was missing to be full.

─ Sorry ─ he muttered breathlessly as the lights began to dim.

─ For what? ─ looked at him without understanding. The eyes were clouded.

─ It was very fast. ─ kissed her slightly embarrassed.

─ Fast? ─ fun looked at the time. More than two had passed. He sighed. ─ We can start over...

 

The days that followed were the best since the reunion. Sometimes they left early for a walk, sometimes they stayed in bed late. They ate breakfast together with laughter, amusing conversations and games.

After the walk and coffee Leigh would go to the office and Ruth to the garden. They ate lunch together and he went out in the afternoon. They arrived around five, had dinner at seven and sometimes went out into town to go dancing, dine out, cinema or theatre. Leigh no longer smoked, nor did she accompany her neighbor on Wednesday nights. All he wanted was to be at home with his wife.

He had found a routine that made him really happy.

I thought a lot about the little girl I had seen. No doubt a mighty little Koryak. She called him Dad and they were at the Fourth of July picnic in the city of Cupertino. It meant that after five years he and his wife were still living there and that they were fully integrated into the community. That was good.

For the first time, he believed they could have a cycle of peace.