“Yoni, forgive me and don’t be mad at me for saying this, but she’ll be back soon and I think—or rather, as they say, I propose—you shouldn’t drink any more because you’re not used to it.”

“You want to know something, Azariah baby? Let me tell you something.”

“Just don’t get mad at me, Yoni.”

“Who the hell is mad? Now you listen to me. You’re as much of an asshole as I am. And a little crazy to boot. You, Spinoza, and she are one fucked-up threesome. Come over here! Now if you’d only let me crack open your ugly puss with a good right to the jaw, believe me, it would do both of us a world of good. C’mere!”

“I’m sorry, Yoni. I’ve already asked your forgiveness for everything, and now I’ll pack up right away and clear out of this house and out of this kibbutz for good. I’d be kicked out before long anyway. The way I always am. Because I’m just a little stinker who should be finished off, which is what they said in the army and probably say behind my back here too. And she’s older than me, she’s so beautiful and saintly. And I am just so much filth. Only I do believe in justice. And in the kibbutz. And in having our own country and all the rest. Please, Yoni, don’t hit me!”

“I won’t, pal. You needn’t be afraid. I’m not a Nazi. Though you never know. It’s just that you get on my nerves. See, I think there is a choice. And that I’m not up against any goddamn wall. Spinoza can go fuck himself! You know something? You honestly do deserve her. Let’s shake on that, philosopher. Bottoms up! Meanwhile do me a small favor and spare us the gab. Or better still, why don’t you go get two butcher knives from the kitchen and we’ll see whether or not you are a real man.”

“Whatever you say, Yoni. Just don’t drink any more. You know I love you dearly, as they say in Russian, and I beg forgiveness for everything I’ve done. If you’d like me to get down on my knees—I’m down on them. If it would make you feel better, you can beat me. I’m used to it by now.”

“Get back on your feet, you crucified Christ, and give me a cigarette. You’re some clown, all right. Look how nervous you’ve made Tia. Tia, wha’sa matter? That’s jus’ Rimona coming back.”

Rimona served tea and cake, and turned down the beds for sleep.