Fima said:

“I didn’t give them the push. It was the other way around.”

Annette said:

“Tell me anyway. Some other time. Not today. Today I can’t take it in. I just need you to tell me the whole truth. Am I boring? Selfish? Self-centered? Repulsive? Do you find my body repulsive?”

Fima said:

“On the contrary. I don’t think I’m good enough for you. And yet I can’t help feeling we’re in the same boat. But look, Annette, the weather’s cleared. These beautiful winter days in Jerusalem, the sunshine between the showers, as though the sky is singing. Shall we go for a walk? Nowhere in particular, just a stroll? It’s half past four now: it’ll be dark soon. If I were bold enough, I’d tell you that you’re a beautiful, attractive woman. Don’t get me wrong. Shall we go? Just for a stroll, to look at the evening light? Will you be cold?”

“No, thanks. I’ve already taken hours of your time. Actually, yes. Let’s have a stroll. If you’re not too busy. That’s beautiful, what you said, that the sky is singing. Everything you say comes out so beautiful. Just promise me you’re not expecting anything from me, so you won’t be disappointed. You see, I just can’t. Never mind. I shouldn’t have said that. Sorry. Let’s go on talking while we walk.”