now than it had at any time since then。 She didnt know if it was the
change of scenery; or the start of true healing。 But it felt good。
Of course; Mitch was still gone。 Though it was after nine; he hadnt
returned。 Just as well。 They were like fire and water。
She had to give him points; though。 He hadnt gone on and on about what
a shame it was; how young a widow she made; how tragic that Jeff had
been taken from life in his prime。 Shed had enough pity to last a
lifetime。
So he cant be all bad; she mused; even if he does make bitter coffee。
The evening passed quietly。 Anne left her chair only to feed the fire。
After a time; her lids grew heavy。 She fell into deep sleep from which
only the sensation of movement much later disturbed her。 She opened
groggy eyes to find herself in Mitchs arms。
〃What are you doing?〃 she cried and began to squirm。
He held her tighter。 〃Putting you to bed。〃 They were already at the door
of her room。
〃Put me down。 I dont need your help。〃
He dropped her on the bed。 〃Dont worry。 Im not doing you any favors。
Im thinking of me。 You were sleeping in my chair。〃
Before she could begin to call him out; he pivoted and left; slamming
the door behind him。
Sunday brought more of the same。 On the plus side; the weather was
grand; crisp and clear once the early…morning fog lifted。 Having slept
her fill; Anne was up early; putting on her own pot of coffee to assure
herself a cup to her liking; before showering and dressing。 The door to
the attic remained closed。 If Mitch was still asleep; he slept soundly。
Everything overhead was silent。
After breakfast; she rewalked yesterdays route; this time extending it
to the brook that babbled down the far hillside。 In keeping with the nip
in the air; the first of the birch leaves were starting to yellow。 The
sun picked them out from the rest and added a glow。
Removing her sneakers; she rolled up her jeans and; where the water was
shallow; waded across flat granite boulders。 It was the kind of thing
she and Jeff would have done。 Now she was alone; yet strangely peaceful。
Enjoying herself; she leaped lightly from stone to stone。
Returning invigorated to the house; she tackled the first of the papers
she had to translate; making good headway with the English…to…Spanish