Together they watched them go.

He thought, Peace to you, David. No more nightmares. Sleep quietly now.

Ruth had always breathed a sigh of relief at the ritual tearing up, but Jenny was still and tense.

He smiled at her. "That was always the turning point -• tearing it up. Afterwards it got better."

She spoke with conviction, "And will again."

He wished the lines of strain, would ease from her face. He regretted the burden of pain that he had placed on her. He loved her but couldn't find the words to say so.

He asked her abruptly if she liked Paris.

"What are you talking about?"

Life, he thought, and going onwards. But mainly I'm talking about you.

He tried telling her, clumsily and awkwardly, and her smile came slowly as she listened.