Chapter 121

He hadn't spaced out like this in a long time. He thought he must be a little neurotic to want to continue this relationship with the young mute girl. Memories of the noon flashed over his mind. He went to her building only to see her cheerfully talking and laughing with Sam. She was dressed in her homely attire, standing in front of Sam, looking like a little wife... someone else's little wife. Unpleasant! Annoyed, he absent-mindedly opened the bedside table drawer. Light streamed in, falling onto the photograph inside. Groups of boys and girls, laughing and full of youthful exuberance. Anna. He looked at the woman in the photograph, somewhat entranced. He had almost forgot about the minute details of their time together, her face now appearing somewhat unfamiliar. At some point the sound of water had stopped, and a pair of fair feet paused at the side of the bed. "It's only Eliza." Eliza reached out and took the photo, putting it back in the drawer. After speaking calmly, he met his