"He did not have to ask twice. Stella could not think of anything she liked better than walking in the park with Eric, except maybe listening to his d...ep, soothing voice. A voice she could listen to forever and not get tired of it.As usual, he took her arm as they slowly made their way to their favorite park bench. It was empty as they arrived, just as the sun started to disappear behind the tall trees to the west. There was the promise of a colorful red sunset, and Stella was looking forward. And I realized that both parts of that thought weretruly literal. I suppose this was me giving up. But I was justexhausted. I couldn't stand his mind games any more. He may be offeringme an unpleasant life. But it was definitely a simpler one."Not so fast. The fun for me was in your fearful anticipation of thisproposed future. I mean I could make you live it. But what lesson am Iteaching you?" It's rhetorical as he waits for no reply. "Although youdid kind of go there yourself. Remember how. After we arrive in Belfast, we all head to our rooms where the girlsprepare for a hen night- all except Becca and Adeola, that is, who Iencounter in the hotel restaurant."Hi girls," I say. "Not joining the big night out?" Nah, underage," Adeola moans. "I mean, would it have killed them to waita couple of months?" Mary will be HUGE by then," I say. "And the way things seem to be goingbetween Viks and your cousin, you may not have to wait too much longerfor another wedding..." Yeah, my uncle. But it was raining both in the north and in the east, and it would all be coming downstream. Eddy gave a good talk about the hundreds of kinds of eucalyptus and the uses of several kinds. He showed where several of the trees were scarred over.They all walked back to the bus. Sam saw a small tiger snake, but didn’t mention it. Though highly venomous, it wasn’t interested in people.Back at the “village,” where the tourists used the services and were given snacks (including some bush fruits), Eddy.