a woman in the hall across sang opera this morning.” “Was it any good?” I asked. “Awful,” Vera said. “Just awful.” I smiled. “Why the smile? Less competition?” “It’s … just nice to picture.” “Maybe we inspired her.” Vera beamed. “See. Helping.” “You just want applause.” Ginta sounded quietly annoyed. “If I do,” Vera said, “it’s ‘cause applause is a good indication that people are happy.” “It’s fine if you just like applause, too,” I said. “Any reason is fine.” “I don’t even know mine.” Ginta played with her empty sleeve. “I didn’t have anything else to do. Is that awful? I enjoyed it, really,
...more
