Nikolas kept the fire going all night, as they slept on the floor in front of the fireplace, fused in body and soul-moments they never wanted to end.
***
At ten in the morning, Angelo brought them a tray of fruit, toast, honey, butter and a pot of freshly brewed coffee, whose aroma sliced through the morning's crisp air and became irresistible.
"Bon giorno," said a smiling Angelo.
"Kali mera," replied Nikolas.
"Ah, Greco, eh? Yes, si, every stone you turn, you'll find a Greco or perhaps an Italian, sometimes even together, yes?"
"Yes indeed, Angelo," said Anna.
"Excuse me," continued Angelo as he exited the cabin only to return a few moments later bringing a small, classically shaped GrecoRoman vase.
"I want you to have this."
"Oh, that is wonderful. Angelo, thank you! Did you make it?"
"Eh … " Angelo replied with dignity, straightening up his body. And then, in nearly perfect Greek, he said, "Ego patrioti."
"Yes, Angelo?"
"Yes, yes, and I am proud of it! My grandfather would also be proud to see my work, keeping the old traditions."
"I am sure he would, Angelo. We are proud of you, too!"
***
It was almost noon before they left Carmel-by-the-Sea, and only after Angelo had prepared a full brunch for them in his tidy home, surrounded by a lovely vegetable and flower garden. All of a sudden, surveying the vast beauty around him, he became teary-eyed.
They stopped in Monterey to see the fishermen come in with tons of calamari and fish, destined for the huge canning factories. It was afternoon when Anna and Nikolas arrived at the small coastal fishing town of Santa Cruz. There, they could not resist a ride on the largest rollercoaster of its time. Anna teased Nikolas, because he had never been on one before. Anna held on to Nikolas as her hat flew away. They had never laughed so heartily before, never been so happy. On the way back, Nikolas could not comprehend the majesty of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and tall redwood trees. They were all "a first" for him. The radio was playing "I've Got a Pocketful of Dreams," sung by Bing Crosby.
"Did you know my father is coming tonight?"
"No, I didn't Anna, but I am glad he is, because I would like to talk to him."
"Do you want to come to the house tomorrow? Mother won't be there, she went with friends to Yosemite. I guess she wasn't that anxious to see my father … Okay, tomorrow night then. I will arrange it. Of course, I must ask him first."
"That is fine, Agape."
"I will pick you up tomorrow at noon, okay, love?"