The men were discussing John's requirements when I suggested that Ann and I left them to it and I would show her the beach."It's beautiful here, isn't...it?" she said as we walked out into the garden each with a cold juice. Then she said that she sometimes came to the beach whenever there was a party.I said that we'd only just arrived that day, but that I'd love to know when there was a party."They get a bit naughty sometimes," she laughed.I replied that I sometimes got a bit naughty too and she. She'd turned out a little strange though, hard and cynical ... and then there was her thing with the dog ... and that gave him an idea."Tell you what, Mae," he said in a somewhat conciliatory tone. "You play ball with me in this and I'll give you a little reward. You can have Hector for an hour."The girl's eyes suddenly became very alert."When?" she asked sharply."Why, right now, and maybe again after you've done what I asked you." Then he saw the changes start to come over her face. It always. It willcomplete the image, you know." Yes," I replied without hesitation, my pretty face breaking into a dazzlingsmile. I had always thought about it, been tempted, yes, even wanted to, butnow she was suggesting it!"Take off your things while I choose your new outfit." What should I take off?" I asked innocently, hoping for all."Why, everything, of course !" she said, her tone indicating it a sillyquestion.I felt odd, shy, sure that my excitement would show. Turning my back, Iquickly stripped. A rough agreement for re-settlement had been hashed out; the remaining days would be devoted to detailing where and how additional Palestinian refugees might be sheltered, together with a support process for fully integrating them into Jordanian communities.The phone in my pocket purred. Smiling, I slipped it out.“I miss you,” Yael’s words were immediate and heartfelt. I felt my chest ache again.“Miss you more,” I replied.“The house feels so empty without you.” I could hear her voice echoing.