Chapter One - Richard Lewis

something to drink." He poured her a glass of water from the earthenware jug. "I'd make
you a fruit juice but Mrs. Nyoman quit and I'm not real handy in the kitchen."
She thirstily drained the glass, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand.
He put the empty glass on the table.
In the bushes lining the ravine, a flock of birds broke out in a noisy quarrel.
She moved forward and slipped into his arms and held him, pressing her face
against his chest.
"It will be all right," he said.
Still holding tight against his chest, she shook her head. "It won't be all right." Her
hair tickled his nose. "I was with Desak and her husband in their shack. Dirt floor. Mud
in the cracks to keep out the wind. But so much love. The baby they are having. They
were so happy. I was so sad."
Reed pushed back her shoulders to look at her. She smiled through her tears. He
touched the scar on his cheek, faded to a fine white line. "I have a confession," he said. "I
did this on purpose. Deliberately cut my cheek. Hurt like hell, but I had to go back and
see you. I was desperate."
Her gaze didn't leave his.
"If I can do this small thing," Reed said, "then I'll figure out a big thing."
She reached out and touched the scar. "We only have today."
He took her hand and led her into his bedroom. Her fingers clutched his and soon
traced patterns on his body.
He spread her hair upon his pillow, and she gave him back more than he had ever
lost.
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