Page 103 of A Pawn in the Game
She dims them to just low enough so that we can move around without bumping into things. I bring Sophie right back to the bed, placing her underneath the covers. The dogs drop from their current spot on the sofa and follow Sophie to the bedroom.
I close the door behind me, finding the attendant at my heels, her face showing discomfort. “Uhm, we should really all be seated with our seatbelts on for the takeoff,” she says, with a plastered-on smile that’s barely holding on.
“Not today,” I respond, passing by her to check if all our stuff was loaded onto the plane.
She stands there with her mouth parted, but I couldn’t care less. It’s not my intention to be rude, but waking Sophie up is not an option. She deserves every minute of uninterrupted sleep.
After checking our luggage is all here, I join Sophie and the dogs in the bedroom, taking off my clothes before slipping into bed next to her.
I envelop her with my arms and her scent envelopes me.
Time to go home.
Epilogue
LUKA
We landed in Croatia three days ago. But it took us just as long to get to the cemetery in a small Dalmatian village where my ancestors are from.
The sun is high in the sky, the shade of the cypress trees sparse to find. An old church sits on top of a small hill, surrounded by headstones, most of them forgotten. There aren’t a lot of graves here, maybe fifty all together, but every important family member of mine is here.
When Father died, we brought his body here to bury him, next to the woman he loved most. Their grave is dark marble, polished and kept, because Leon and I pay people to maintain it. Yellow carnations adorn the flowerpots, fresher than any flower in the whole graveyard. A wooden cross sits on top of the headstone, signaling Father’s recent death.
A sniffle escapes me, and Sophie wraps her hands around my biceps. We both look ridiculous. Her head sports a large straw hat and she’s wearing a flowery sundress. She looks amazing, but the look is not her. I’m in a beige baseball cap and grey sweats.
It’s why it took us so long to get to the village. We needed to make sure we wouldn’t be recognized. It’s why we’re wearingthese ridiculous outfits, and we came bright at noon, when the sun is beating down on us with merciless force.
“What was she like?” Sophie asks, her voice barely audible.
“I never met her.” My throat constricts.
“I know. But you must have heard stories about her.”
My lips turn up into a small smile. “I know she loved flowers, yellow carnations in particular.” I point to the flowerpot and Sophie shoots me a smile. “She also loved the sea, and her favorite movie was The Breakfast Club. But mostly he talked about how much he was missing her.”
“He must have loved her a lot.”
I scoff. “He was crazy about her. Even after so many years, he spoke about her like she was right there. Like his memory and love were as fresh as day one.”
“That’s beautiful.”
“Well, now they’re both dead.”
“Or they’re finally together again…”
Moisture pools in the corners of my eyes to the point where it becomes uncomfortable.
She breaks the silence. “Maybe you should talk to them.”
I let out a huff.
“I’ll take a seat there.” She points to one of the shaded benches. “Take your time.”
I see her settle on the weathered old bench and turn around to face the place where my parents lie, hopefully in peace.
I shake my head because what I’m about to do is stupid. “Hi,tata,” I start, hoping no one can hear me. I look back to see Sophie checking her phone, paying me no attention. I clear my throat before continuing, “It’s me, Luka. I was supposed to avenge your death, to kill the man responsible.” I sneak another peek at Sophie. “I didn’t. And I don’t regret it. I think you’d understand.” I let out a soft cough, trying to push back tears. “Hi,mama. I should have visited more often. I hadn’t really known what to say. I’m not sure I do now.” I slip my hands into my pockets, rocking on my heels. “I’m not sure you’d be proud of themen Leon and I became. We do bad things. I’ve killed, tortured, and kidnapped, sold drugs and weapons. Butmama, I’m pretty sure if you’ve met the girl I’m here with, you’d be proud. She’s the smartest and strongest person I know. She doesn’t take my shit, and she makes me want to be a better man.” I huff a laugh, surprised by my cliché speech. “I’m pretty sure if I told you I planned to marry her, you’d be squealing with joy. And I am. I will marry her. That’s what I wanted to say, I guess.Volim vas. Until next time.”
My hands turn into fists in my pockets, but the efforts are worthless. My vision is hazy with tears. I turn to reach Sophie, and she jumps up from her seat the minute she notices me. Extracting a tissue from her purse, she hands it to me. I wipe my eyes and blow my nose; grateful she doesn’t expect me to talk.
