The Human Connection

7. My Journal – July 15, 2004

“So,” Gaia said. “What"s the plan?”

Having finished off the mountain of food on her breakfast plate, she was ready for action. She imbued every word with the vague sensation that the day"s activities would amount to a life-defining venture.

“Well, as you said, we should start with the beach. It"s early in the day and so it won"t be too crowded yet,” I said. “Did you bring a bathing suit?”

Gaia c****d her head to the side and a broad smile dawned on her face.

“We"re on the Amalfi Coast. In Positano,” she said, adding in sing-song, “the most romantic place in Italy!” At that, she winked at me and I could feel the red color rise in my neck and cheeks.

“Why would I not bring a swimsuit?”

Again, the radiant smile.

Standing from her chair but before slipping away, Gaia circled the table and left a kiss on my cheek. She squeezed my hand every so quickly, then dropped it. I rose from my chair and we headed off in the direction of the hallway, tearing apart toward separate rooms as we had done the night before.

Before disappearing around the crook in the corridor, I hazarded a look back. Gaia was walking nonchalantly away, but she turned her chin ever so slightly to her right. She didn"t make eye contact, but she anticipated my glance, and was offering a subtle reinforcement.