Not only that, the terrain was rough. As I teetered there, trying to decide what to do, I was aware of how strong the desire to live was. Had it come to it, I could have stood on that ledge for days. I’d been depressed in my life, at times; suicidal, even. But I wasn’t ready to give up my mind or my body. I wanted to live.

I jumped. It must have been twenty feet down. After hitting the earth, every staggering step was perilous. It seemed to be rocky and sandy at the same time. I couldn’t stop to think. I slipped and fell most of the way; it was impossible for me to stay on my feet. My body got cut all over. What was the foliage made of? Tin? Razors? It was like rolling through broken glass. However, to my knowledge I wasn’t being followed.

At the bottom of the hill, I halted. I couldn’t hear anyone following me. I waited for more of the night to pass. Cautiously, I made my way toward the beach. By now, even the copulators had gone.

I broke into the bathroom of a deserted restaurant, where I washed and shaved off my beard. Then I lay down on some benches, pulling a damp tarpaulin on top of me. There were slithery creatures, insects and dogs around, and men who wanted my body. I didn’t sleep.

I was at the harbor before it was light, waiting for the first boat to take me back to Piraeus. I’d get to Athens and decide my next move. I had covered my head in a long, light scarf; I wore a wraparound skirt and dark glasses. I wouldn’t get on the boat until the last moment.

I was sitting at the back of a café facing the harbor when someone whispered the name I’d so foolishly given myself in my arrogance. Even as I thought of running once more, I began to shiver with terror.

Alicia, of course, had come looking for me.

“How did you find me?” I said. I indicated my outfit. “Do these colors suit me?”

“Yes, but not all at once.”

“Some of the men on the island have been threatening me again. I know they work down here.”

She said, “I thought: What would I do here? Where would I hide? And there you were.”

“Right,” I said. “Do I look conspicuous?”

“Only to me. Anyone try to pick you up yet?”

“I’m too much of a tragic figure.”

“A tragic figure with most unladylike hairy ears,” she said. We had coffee together. She said, “You’re running.”

“Time to move on. Did you enjoy it last night?”