The Day After E-Book

Shani Roffeh

• Herausgeber: BooxAi
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

The Day After

Leseprobe

Contents

1. She is 54

2. He is 43

3. She is 54 Part 2

4. He is 43, Part 2

5. He is 35

6. He Is 37

7. He Is 39

8. She and He

9. He Is 41

10. The World and Her

11. The Wake-Up Call

12. The Great Crisis

13. The Day After

14. She Is 56

Notes

About the Author

Shani Roffeh

The Day After

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2021 by Shani Roffeh

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by BooxAi

ISBN-13: 978-965-577-901-1

1

She is 54

It was 5:00 in the morning; the sky was still dark and forbidding. Suddenly, a small spark appeared from nowhere. Noa sat, enveloped in her own small piece of heaven, on the porch overlooking the sea, watching the sunrise as it slowly peeked over the horizon. She held a steaming cup of coffee in her well-groomed hand, with her long fingernails expertly decorated with red nail polish. She wore her favorite pink silk gown, and her smooth, long blonde hair fell down over her straight back.

She tapped the cup with her fingernails. It was as if she wanted to create a melody that would blend into the wonders of nature. She knew that when she did this, thoughts would come unbidden into her mind. This was her way of expressing to herself those secret, hidden things she was unable or did not know how to express to the world.

Noa had never gotten up so early. She had never had time for herself in the relentless race of her life. That was her reality until that defining moment, just four years ago, that changed her life.

That was the moment she decided to take her good friend Efrat’s advice and attend the ‘Mindfulness at Sunrise’ seminar, which was held at a small and intimate hotel in the north of Israel. It was a pastoral location surrounded by the peace and tranquility, the beauty and the strength of nature.

The seminar lasted for three whole days, during which she finally made the decision to take time off from her personal and her professional life to try and understand herself better and to draw closer to herself.

The time had come to get organized.

Noa gathered herself together after finishing her coffee. She said goodbye to the peace and tranquility that reigned outside, but not before she stopped in front of the mirror to look at herself. This was part of the daily ritual that she had adopted since the seminar. A ritual that had become an inseparable part of her.

She stood in front of her room’s large and beautifully designed mirror and removed the dressing gown with the pearl buttons and the pink hue she had bought in Paris. This was the color that had always put a smile on her face, even when she was a child.

Naked as the day she was born, she slowly and with endless love examined her sculpted, 180 cm tall body.

“You have the body of a model,” her colleagues would tell her. But such was the reality of her life that, as a senior and successful attorney, she was often required to match her clothes and professional expectations to her body. But she was always a woman who could not be ignored …

Her clothes were ready, hanging on the large stand with a variety of hats she had purchased on her travels around the world. They covered the top of the stand, creating a burst of color, like a tree filled with beautiful, ripe fruit.

She wore a white button-up shirt tucked into a tight, black mini-skirt. The two separate parts blended together into what seemed to be an elegant black and white dress. Pantyhose covered her long, tanned legs, and the black high heels on her well-groomed feet, concealing the red nail polish on her toenails, completed the outfit.

Noa loved to match the color of the nail polish on her fingernails and toenails, just as she loved to match her clothes to every event. Even more so on the important day that awaited her outside of her home.

She looked in the mirror once again. She wanted to confirm her outfit and look were perfect and, if something were missing, to choose the missing part that would make her perfect. She sat on the chair next to her elegant dresser and opened her draw of surprises. But suddenly, something disturbed her tranquility.

A knock on the door.

“Noa, good morning. Are you awake?” Elizabeth asked apprehensively.

“Come in, Elizabeth. I’m getting ready,” she answered.

Elizabeth entered the room that had always been the most sacred place in the home, one that could only be entered after being given permission.

Elizabeth’s expression was different than usual. She looked at Noa in amazement, and there was a moment of unexplained silence.

Noa looked at her, attempting to understand what she was thinking and whether something was bothering her.

“Elizabeth is everything alright?” she asked.

“Yes, yes. Everything is fine. But something is different about you today, and I wonder if everything is alright?” said Elizabeth, smiling awkwardly.

For a moment, a familiar look passed over Noa’s face. A look that she remembered from the day she hired Elizabeth as a housekeeper, to be a warm and loving figure who would care for her three children after she had decided to continue in her career.

“Something good or something bad?” Noa asked with calm mixed with uncertainty. She wore a mask that she was intimately familiar with, a mask she used to conceal the storm raging inside her. She was an expert at this and knew that the mask was impenetrable to everybody – except Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had been hired because of her positive energy and a huge smile. For the past three years she had lived in the house and knew every room, every corner of it like the back of her hand. For years she had witnessed all that happened in the house and had come to recognize Noa’s true self. The façade of tough lawyer who peels off everything reminding her of the storm outside as soon as she enters the safety of her home, revealing the soft, sensitive person beneath.

“Everything is fine. I’m in a bit of a hurry and haven’t even put on my makeup yet. Do you need something from me?” Noa asked in a strong voice, attempting to cover up the feeling of insecurity that enveloped her.

“No … ah … no … I only wanted to ask if you want me to wake Mor up. She has her last lesson with her driving instructor today, just before her test. She asked me to arrange it for today with… Just a moment, I can’t remember the instructor’s name. How could I forget it? Ah, yes, it’s Noam. How did I forget?” She laughed naturally like a little girl who had told a funny joke.

Noa loved Elizabeth’s naturalness and sometimes wondered whether she was the only person who thought this or whether everybody saw the same quality in her.

“Yes, you can wake her yourself. I’m in a bit of a rush and won’t have the time. Anyway, she usually wakes up with her alarm clock. Did she ask you to get me to wake her up?” For a moment Noa felt that waking Mor could be an excuse and that Elizabeth wanted to tell her something else, but something stopped her.

“She didn’t ask, but since this is her last lesson before her test, I’d prefer that she didn’t get upset if the alarm doesn’t wake her,” she said, lowering her head for no apparent reason.

Noa held the new makeup kit she had recently bought during a day when she had indulged herself. Slowly and sensuously, with fine circular motions, she covered her face with a real mask.

Elizabeth waited by the door for her answer while Noa attempted to find a suitable reply.

She knew that she was a loving and caring person, but for a moment she wondered about her maternal abilities. She felt a burst of jealousy and, in a single moment, felt anger rising to her throat threatening to burst out. Thankfully, the words stopped.

“Yes, you can wake her. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it,” she said with half a smile, trying to convey a motherly message despite the turmoil caused by the emotions that gripped her.

“Thank you, Noa, and good luck today in the interview.” Elizabeth smiled and closed the door behind her.

Noa didn’t have time to thank her, and for a moment she thought about the nature of their relationship.

After she finished putting on her make-up and applying her trademark red lipstick to her full lips, she looked at herself in the mirror again.

She liked what she saw and was ready to go.

Her mobile phone was on the bed as if it were resting before the busy day awaiting it with Noa.

It rang, Amir Dadon’s “Choose Right” was the ringtone. Noa hummed the words and went to answer. An unidentified number flickered on the display. Noa wondered if she should answer, and something inside of her made her accept the call.

“Hi Noa, good morning. How are you? This is Dana from “Voice of the Waves.” We’re going on air, and you have to arrive at least half an hour before the broadcast. Will you be able to make it? It’s already 8:00.” A childish and irresistible voice emerged from the other end of the line. Dana’s words reminded her that she had to arrive half an hour early.

“Good morning, Dana. I’m great, thank you. Don’t worry, I’ll be there half an hour early. See you!” She spoke confidently, trying to imitate Dana’s pace and in the same breath to show maturity and restraint.

“Wonderful, excellent. See you later.” The childish voice repeated itself, this time with greater enthusiasm.

Dana’s enthusiasm reflected Noa’s reality. She was a busy, well-known, and successful attorney who still found time in her busy life to come for an interview after a lengthy, three-month courtship by the show’s producer, whose vision was to incorporate quality, intelligent content into his program with mainly Israeli music.

She was being interviewed on the popular morning radio show, “Morning for Thought” hosted by Neta Boganim, a broadcaster with a radiophonic and sexy voice.

Noa said goodbye to Dana and hung up. Later on, and on time, she arrived at the studio in all her glory, representing, first and foremost, herself and also her latest success in the most talked about trial and verdict in the country.

On Air

The broadcast began. Neta, full of energy, dominated the beginning of the program with her lovely voice. She had a huge smile and gazed directly at Noa, who sat opposite her. Wearing a headset over her ears and with a large microphone hiding the red lipstick on her lips, Noa began to answer Neta’s questions. The Internet cameras looked like Paparazzi on the walls, filming every angle and every moment.

She was in a place that she always liked being in. In the spotlight. She was clear, sharp, full of charm, and showed the humor that was so characteristic of her.

Her charisma conquered everyone and also carried across the radio waves.

The interview ended.

Neta signed off at the end of the program, thanking Noa for her time and the memorable interview. Noa thanked her as she removed the large headset, leaving quickly because she needed time to get herself organized for a hearing in the Tel Aviv Court.

The black Mercedes waited for her. The sun’s rays illuminated the luxurious beauty of the car that Noa was so proud of. As befitting a lawyer and her position, this luxury sedan was a testament to her status and to the fact that she has never given up, whether it was to achieve the perfect appearance, the respect and status she so richly deserved or anything else that was important in her life. Her car, the luxurious villa in a prestigious Tel Aviv neighborhood, the ability to live in luxury and give her three children a better life.

Unlike others in a similar situation, Noa also had a modest side to her character. She was sensitive to her immediate and distant environment. When she first saw a person, she accepted him as a human being and, only later, considering all that he represents. Her hand was extended to help all those who wanted it, even the interns who admired her and the image she portrayed. She was always there for them, to give advice, sometimes even on a personal level. She sometimes wished she could stand back and distance herself from those who needed her aid, but she soon realized that this was part of her being. Her heart was open to all, even if the problem was a minor one.

Just before she started her car, she remembered to wish Mor good luck. Even though Elizabeth was waking her on this special day when she reached the age of 17 and took that first step towards independence with a driver’s license. But, as a mother. She had to wish her daughter good luck. Her three children came before anything, and she would give up everything for them.

She called her. Trance music was heard from the car’s hands-free unit. Noa waited patiently for Noa to answer, trying to enjoy the unending rhythm of the music.

A sweet, feminine voice answered.

“Good morning, mother. How was the interview?” Mor asked.

Noa took a moment to breathe as she tried to assimilate the beat of the music and the sound of Mor’s voice, which had changed miraculously, making Noa feel as if Mor was growing up and she with her.

“Good morning Mor. It went really well. Did you listen to it?” she asked, not certain whether the answer would be yes or no.

Mor cleared her throat, trying to think of a good reason why she hadn’t listened to the interview.

“I didn’t get to it. I’m sorry. I'm sure there's a recording. We'll listen to it together when you get home." She tried to soften her mother’s disappointment, feeling guilty for hurting the person who was always there for her.

“It’s fine, Mor. Sure, let’s listen to it together. I just called to wish you good luck before your test. Be yourself and believe that you’ll succeed. OK?” Noa swallowed the sense of insult she felt. She wanted to believe that Mor truly cared about her and that she would do everything to listen to the broadcast with her mother. But this was not the first time Mor had been disappointed her.

But her heart was filled with love and compassion, so she chose to ignore her own feeling and focus on Mor.

“Thanks, mom. I love you,” said Mor naturally. Noa was moved to tears when she heard the word that meant so much to her – I love you.

“I love you too, Mor. I believe in you. I’m sorry, but I have to go, so enjoy your day and good luck on your test.” As she uttered these words, a love song to her darling daughter, her heart once again filled with love and an almost overpowering feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.

They hung up, each returning to their day and the fulfillment of their own dreams.

Noa walked to the courtroom in her shiny heels as she posed as a ballet dancer. She carried a black designer bag, and elegant sunglasses hid her beautiful blue eyes.

She went through the attorneys’ entrance. In a few more moments she would put behind her all thoughts of her personal and romantic life. She would don the black robe that shouted to all that she was an attorney and that she demanded the respect that she deserved.

As the robe covered her body, she became a tough adversary, unstoppable, a lioness who would show her claws and teeth to anyone who dared stand in her way, man or woman.

Shachar stood in front of her. 1.85 meters of black curls, like the color of darkness in the early morning hours. He had full lips, a small nose, and honey brown eyes. The muscles in his arms stood out as they emerged from the short sleeves of the sky blue “polo” shirt, which made him look like a model and emphasized the unique color of his eyes.

“Hello, Noa,” he said, with a big smile.

“Good morning, Shachar” she answered in an authoritative but pleasant voice. Shachar was the client who she would be representing later on in court.

They shook hands as Noa assessed him with her eyes.

The smell of his intoxicating cologne made her lose control of her senses for a moment, but she recovered quickly. This wasn’t the first time she had encountered clients who caused her heart and body to flutter. But she was dedicated to her work and to the ethics of her position and had never fallen into the trap of temptation. A trap that, had it not been for her position and status, she would have entered willingly, allowing her senses to motivate every emotion and sensation in her body.

They walked side by side to Courtroom 17, where the hearing would be held behind closed doors.

Shachar had selected Noa from the few attorneys with knowledge and experience in cyber law. She was highly recommended and well-known because of the considerable publicity she received in social networks, the press, and TV and radio programs.

Noa was aware of her value. She knew that her clients chose her because they wanted the best representation possible. She knew that her clients could afford to pay for her services, for her total loyalty and commitment to their cause, and for her fighting spirit. She was determined to win her case, whatever it cost.

Shachar knew he had chosen well. He knew that he was starting an adventure that he would end victorious and free of blame. He was willing to pay any amount to win and destroy all those persistent rumors that followed him like a cloud over his head.

The hearing ended. It was noon and time for Noa’s lunch.

Lunch for Noa was the most important meal of the day as in the mornings. She rarely had time for more than a cup of coffee and a few crackers. It was a time that she devoted entirely to herself, to collect her thoughts and plan the rest of her day.

“I’m going to have lunch. We’ll keep in touch,” she said as she turned to leave Shachar.

“A moment … Noa. Can I join you?” he asked. Something in his eyes expressed what he was unable to say in words. Noa sensed this and agreed.

They walked together to a nearby Asian restaurant that Noa loved, mainly because of its Pad Thai.

They sat at an outside table overlooking a green and relaxing park. The view reminded her of the view from her bedroom’s veranda, different but just as beautiful.

A feeling of discomfort flowed between them. Noa usually refrained from getting too close to her clients. She preferred keeping their relationship totally professional. But this time, she decided to deviate from her usual custom, and not just because she felt that something was troubling him. The truth of the matter was that his request flattered her because here was somebody who trusts her and who was willing to share with her the secrets of his heart. He felt that Shachar was able to see into her soul and see the inner Noa, the one she usually kept hidden beneath her black robe.

They each ordered different types of sushi.

“You know, I’m glad I chose you.” Shachar began the conversation while pulling his hand through his curls.

Noa recognized this as a sign of embarrassment, as well as attraction.

She smiled slightly and sipped some water that the waitress placed on the table.

“Thank you,” she murmured, sipping water with the straw still in her mouth.

Shachar smiled. It amused him, but rather than laugh he gave just smiled.

“I dream that this whole business will be over soon,” he said, and the expression on his face changed.

It was obvious that he was going through a difficult period and was trying, with all his strength, to make it seem, at least to the outside world, that everything was fine.

“It will be over soon. Don’t worry.” Noa tried to calm him as her maternal feelings grew, something that always surprised her. She understood that by the end of the meal, he would open up his heart and leave with renewed energy, hopefully, because of their conversation.

“I hope so.” He lowered his head, the sadness clear on his face. He wanted to believe but found it difficult.

The waitress served them their sushi with sauces and dips before moving to another table to take its order.

Noa picked up the chopsticks and Shachar a fork. She concealed her surprise and the smile that came to her face. There was something natural in him, he wasn’t afraid of what people think or say, and this touched on her sensitivity. Something in her made her admire him, perhaps the manner in which he carried himself and his impressive appearance. She decided not to fight her feeling and asked him politely, “You don’t like Asian food?”.

“I’m Israeli, and I prefer Israeli food. I’m not used to eating with these sticks. I feel ridiculous eating with them.” He said this confidently and continued eating with his fork.

As she ate her food, Noa thought about the differences between them. He is a man; she is a woman. He is 1.85 meters tall; she is 1.80 meters. He is the manager of a young and unknown company; she is a successful and famous attorney. He is natural, she is … perhaps less so.

“I wanted to tell you something,” he said, looking into her eyes. He wanted to know whether she would answer him honestly or would avoid answering. He was tense and on edge as he asked the question.

“Yes?” she answered, a little surprised because he spoke as he gazed directly into her eyes.

“There is something I didn’t tell you in our first meeting.” He looked around and immediately continued.

“I need to tell you now but need to know that I tell you won’t be revealed later. During the trial, I mean.” He blushed faintly.

Thoughts raced through Noa’s mind. For a moment she regrated, agreeing to let him join her. The last thing she wanted was for a client to reveal his feelings towards her while she was trying, with all her strength, to avoid any such relationship.

She became even more concerned but knew to conceal it.

She tapped her fingernails on her glass because this was how she could collect and calm the thoughts that raced through her mind.

“I’m listening,” she said in as calm a voice as she could manage.

“I have a child, Eviatar. I never married, but four years ago, I got my former girlfriend pregnant, and she wanted to keep the child and raise him by herself. I foolishly agreed and continued on with my life as normal. Today he’s four years old.” A tear slid from one of his beautiful, honey-colored eyes.

Noa was unable to find the words that would voice the questions that ran through her mind. She wondered how this story was connected to the court hearing.

There was just one piece of sushi left on her plate. Noa looked at it, wondering herself whether this was the time to eat it and finish the meal and leave or to respond to Shachar’s revelation. She chose to respond.

“Is he like you?” she asked naturally. She couldn’t really think of what to ask. The tear said it all.

“I don’t know. I wish I knew.” The tears fell from his eyes, refusing to stop, like a waterfall that plunges down into a lake. A lake of tears.

She wanted to get up and hug him, but she knew that she couldn’t. She felt a sharp pain in her heart. Her real world around her threatened to enter into her inner soul, to reveal the secret Noa that she kept only to herself.

She gave him a serviette to dry his eyes. This was the only way she had to comfort him.

He was embarrassed by the gesture and wiped his tears with both hands. He calmed down and continued.

“I want to see him. To feel him. To play with him. What was I thinking four years ago? Why did I give him up?” Something was obviously tormenting him.

“I was a bachelor. I loved partying and going out. I was chased by all the girls. I could have gotten anybody I wanted without any effort at all. That’s why I gave in. I didn’t want to give up my freedom. But how can my freedom compare with a child who needs a father figure? I’m his biological father, a father who preferred to have his own life instead of raising the being that I created.” The tears filled his heart, but this time he controlled them and his emotions.

Before Noa’s eyes, he calmed himself down. For him, she was a mirror, a mirror that reflected the truth and the longing that he concealed in his heart for so many years.

For Noa, he was a mirror reflecting her need to be a caring and considerate human being, despite the tough masculine world that she lived every day.

“What stops you from seeing him?” she asked in her calm voice. A feeling of elation accompanied her.

“His mother,” he answered as his eyes filled with anger.

“I think I understand,” she said as she tried to show him that she understands what he is going through. She searched again for the right words.

“Let’s order coffee,” she said, hoping that the coffee would help divert his thoughts from the anger that gripped him.

“She’s angry at me for giving in and because she had to raise him by herself. There’s some justice in what she says but so what? I’m still his father. Three years ago, on his first birthday, I asked her if I could see him and give him a present. She slammed the phone down on me, but not before she told me that she would never let me see him.” He lowered his head and stroked the glass of water that was as empty as his heart. Empty of love.

“Shachar,” said Noa in a quiet voice, “Thank you for sharing with me. It’s not something that I take for granted. But I have to ask, why was it important to you to tell me your personal story?”

“I wanted you to know the truth behind the person facing you. So that you will know that behind the mask I wear, there is a sensitive man. A man in pain, who made a big mistake four years ago, a mistake that totally changed his life. With your help I want, on the day when I finally get to see my son, to put this story behind me. I don’t want him to suffer the rumors and unending criticisms that made me look into myself and think about what I did. I know that if he were in my life, he would be the best medicine that I could have in this difficult period of my life. Right now, I’m placing my hopes in you,” he said with hope and confidence and looked straight at her.

Noa moved uncomfortably in her chair as he continued. “I hope you’ll remember our conversation because I want to make a promise to you,” he said. “I promise that on the day that all this is over, I will go to see Eviatar and will do everything to win paternity and be the best possible role model for him. I will, finally, be his father, and he will be my son.” A huge smile covered his face. A smile that was full of hope and that illuminated his soul.

The waitress brought the couple coffee as Noa replied. “I’ll do everything I can to win your case so that you can finally see your son,” she said, with a smile. She had no way of knowing how these words would resonate in the future. She didn’t know what was to come. She only knew that she had an important task. To see Eviatar.

2

He is 43

Shai organized the “Tel HaGivah” elementary school reunion party at his home in Herziliya, the city where he grew up.

He organized the event down to the smallest detail, as only he knew how. It was vital to him that everything is ready on time and as planned because he loved the people he was expecting and wanted, more than almost anything, for the group to be together once again.

25 people were invited to the reunion. All the friends who had kept in touch over the years after having gone their own separate ways.

Six months previously Shai opened Facebook and WhatsApp groups especially for the event and posted a message, “Dear friends from our “Tel HaGivah” elementary school sixth grade. Don’t you think it’s time to get together? “I know that each of us has moved on, but we still remember the good times of our childhood. I decided it was time to get together and renew our friendship. So, I want to invite you to a special reunion party. Let’s get together to remember the experiences of then and share those of today. But mainly, let’s meet to be together once again. So, who wants to go back in time?”

He signed the message in his special and exciting way. “I can’t wait to hug each and every one of you. Shai.”

People began replying, both in the groups and with private messages.

“Shai, how are you? Dude. Wow, years,” wrote Daniel, his friend who had found religion. At first, Shai didn’t recognize him from his profile picture with a French beard and a yarmulke (skullcap) on his head.

“You haven’t changed, Shai. You were good looking then, and you’re good looking now, even without hair,” wrote Yifat, the class beauty whose profile picture showed that she hadn’t changed at all.

He received one private message that especially shook him.

“Hi, Shai. This is Sima, remember me? Well, how would you remember … you barely paid attention to me then, but I want you to know that I paid attention to you, a lot! I’ve been divorced for four years, and I hope you’re still single. Perhaps we could close the circle together.” As her profile picture was slightly blurred, Shai couldn’t identify her face. He thought to himself that even if the picture were clear, he wasn’t certain that he could identify her. In elementary school Sima was introverted and not noticeable. Perhaps she was even slightly strange.

Shai had a thought that shocked him. What would he do if she came on to him when she arrived? He couldn’t uninvite her at the last moment. He decided to ignore the fear and to deal with it when, and if, it came up.

In just two hours his friends will arrive at his luxurious villa, with its large pool and well looked after garden with many bright and colorful flowers, and, at its center, a fountain with the statue of a woman pouring water into a well from a bucket.

Soon, he will be reunited with all his friends, some of who he hasn’t seen for forty years and others he has been in contact with all the time. He will see how they have changed, both externally and internally. Will they have changed beyond recognition? Will he recognize them? Are they as successful as he is? These thoughts and others passed through his mind as he prepared the marinade for the meat, the scent of which would soon spread through the streets surrounding his Tel Aviv home.

Shai loved to eat but especially meat with good red wine. He never hesitated and always got the very best and the most expensive.

Shai could afford to indulge himself. He lived a life of luxury and didn’t compromise on anything. He loved to dress well, drive luxury cars, ride horses, play tennis and golf, and he especially loved to travel around the world.

Everything that he loved the most was prestigious, fashionable, and beautiful, like the red Le Moulin wine with its rich, smooth taste, that cost 4,000 shekels a bottle.

He had bought a selection of fine wines for the event. Each bottle was wrapped in brown paper, tied with a different colored ribbon.

Shai decided to open the evening with the wine with the pink ribbon. The prettiest and most sparkly of the ribbons, he thought.

The grill master knocked on the door. He was late. Shai had already prepared a lot because of his tardiness. Now he had finally arrived, Shai wanted him to handle everything connected with the meat, from start to finish.

When Shai opened the door, a young man of about 17, wearing black, stood there with the logo of the company he had hired for the event printed on his hat, shirt, and pants. Good marketing, Shai thought to himself.

The young man and Shai shook hands. “Hello, Shai. I’m David. Sorry to be late,” he said in a mature and confident voice.

“Hi David, it’s fine. Come in,” Shai beckoned him in and, as he came into the house, his face lit up with wonder. “Wow, what a beautiful house. I wish I lived somewhere like this,” David said, failing for a moment to conceal his envy.

“One day, perhaps you will also have a house like this. Believe it, and it will happen,” Shai said in a paternal manner and knew he was giving hope to the young man whose whole life lay before him. For a moment Shai recalled how he had been and looked at that age. The many dreams he had, and one dream in particular, which he kept to himself.

Shai took David to the yard and showed him the magnificent grill that he would use to grill the food to perfection. Shai expected no less.

“What a huge grill. Where is it from?” said David. He was amazed at its size, the largest he had ever seen since he had been working for his company. David was one of the company’s best grill masters, which was why the manager had sent him to Shai’s. Shai was a new client who demanded the very best. Shai was an excellent cook on the grill, but because he wanted this evening to be extra special, he wanted something even better from David. David walked around the grill and the nearby smoker while moving his hand over it to feel every single brick and stone.

Shai looked at him all the time. He wondered what the young man was missing in his life because he was so enthusiastic about big and beautiful things. For a moment he thought to himself about what he was missing. Despite all the luxury he enjoyed and the many good things surrounding him, he still wondered if, at the age of 43 perhaps there is something lacking in his life?

He stopped thinking about it and answered David. “I imported the grill from Italy, and it includes an old brick grill and a stone outside kitchen,” he explained patiently and continued. “Let’s get on. I already prepared the meats, and all you have to do is to get organized here. Do you want to drink anything?”

“I’d love some water,” David answered in a relaxed tone. Shai made him feel at home.

Shai went to the kitchen, filled a large glass with cold water and ice, and returned to the garden to give it to David. David took a number of gulps and nodded his thanks. It was obvious that he had been thirsty.

Shai returned to the kitchen and carried on with his preparations. An hour remained until everybody was expected to arrive and, finally, he would see everybody and himself through their eyes.

He stood at the start of the path to the front door with an assortment of candles and began to lay them down, one opposite the other, in the floating candleholders lining the path to light the way for his guests. In just a few minutes they would begin arriving. He had to light each candle, one by one, before the guests arrived. It was only then that he understood how much work he still had to do. This made him smile because he knew that when he likes what he is doing, nothing is difficult for him. For him, this was occupational therapy and fitness training as well.

He finished laying out the candles just before he had to get organized for the guests’ arrival. Little did he know that this path would change his life forever.

Shai looked around to see if he had forgotten anything. It was important that nothing be missing or forgotten. But everything was exactly according to the list he had prepared beforehand, and all that was left for him to do was to put some music on his prestigious sound system with its large speakers spread around the house.

Jazz was his great love, and he particularly adored Frank Sinatra, so he chose to make enjoy the remaining time until the start of the party with his favorite song, “My Way.”

The song, which so suited Shai's charismatic personality, played in the background. He was a true leader, one who knew how to sweep people away with his personal charm and verbal ability that served him so well in both his personal and professional life. Because he was a handsome and impressive man and spoke in an eloquent manner that captured everybody’s heart, Shai was courted by many women. He had always known this but had always been faithful to his wife, whom he loved from the depths of his heart. Under no circumstances was he willing to embark on an adventure that, even for a moment, meant that he might lose control and possibly his family.

He went to the garden before going to his room to shower and get ready. He wanted to make certain that David, the grill master, was managing and that everything was going as planned.

David was sitting in an armchair, engrossed in his cell phone, when he noticed Shai. He jumped up in surprise. He seemed to be a different person from the confident man who had first entered the house and politely shaken Shai’s hand.

Shai noticed David’s alarm and something else that he hadn’t noticed previously, maybe because of the pressure or because he had simply chosen to ignore it. Something in David’s appearance unexpectedly made Shai recoil. But he immediately understood that it wasn’t his appearance but something in his almost feminine movements that caused Shai a sense of discomfort.