But it wasn’t Ivan who was having the trouble settling in. It was Alessya, his wife, and it all came to a head one evening while they were getting ready for bed. She’d just crawled under the covers when she asked the question that would illuminate things in a light reminiscent of Hesperus.

Ivan, when are you going to tell me what’s really going on-?

What do you mean-?

Why we’re here. You told us we had to leave, but you never explained to me why-

Things were tough, and I thought the children would do better here-

She lowered her head, eyes closing slowly.

You’re lying… you get that little twitch in the corner of your mouth when you do-

Honey, you’ve been great. I know it all seems a bit one-sided, but, well, it’s-

I know, I know... Complicated. Everything is-

Ivan looked at her soft face, framed in sincerity. Alessya watched Ivan’s eyes cloud over.

Ivan, are you in trouble-?

He turned away, and nodding, crawled under the covers. Alessya’s eyes snapped open. She lay there a moment, then propping up on an elbow, faced him, staring in disbelief.

Do you think I’m that stupid-?

No, I never…

Tell me what’s going on. You owe me that, at least-

I dissolved the business, and didn’t tell anybody-

You did what-?

The blood drained out of her face.

Oh my God! You just quit? What about Igor-?

He wasn’t doing anything. I was the one bringing in all money, and doing all the work-

But Ivan, you can’t do that to people-

Too late now-

She looked away, sighing, staring at the white wall to her left.

Ivan, what have you done-?

She stared at him, then flopped on her back, eyes glazing over as she stared at the ceiling.

So that’s why you were spending so much time with Geni. These are his friends, aren’t they-?

Ivan nodded as he rolled over, and facing the wall, adjusted the covers around his shoulder.

I was thinking of you and the kids-

Alessya turned, her jaw dropping, stunned by his gall. She stammered, then tossed the covers toward the foot of the bed. She sat up, turning on him with a voice filled with fury.

The hell you were! Don’t forget; I know what kind of people you’re dealing with. Remember the film festival? Remember I told you that, that, oh what’s his name… that, Valeri guy... Yeah, him. He gives me the creeps-

She leaned towards Ivan, her body shaking.

My God Ivan, what were you thinking-?

What’s the problem? We’ve been here for how long, and no one’s said a word. We have friends, and we’re building a new life-

Alessya lowered her head. Her eyes retreated into their sockets as the fear overwhelmed her.

Ivan, I… I’m afraid-

There’s nothing to worry about, and I didn’t do this on a whim. I built a plan, executed it, and now, no one’s going to find us. Trust me-

The moment of silence was significant, as well as appropriate.

I’m beginning to wonder-

Things will be fine, you’ll see. Now go to sleep-

Ivan reached for the lamp. The click drenched the room in darkness. Alessya sat in silence and stared out, her thoughts nearly audible. Her voice cut through the stillness.

How can I-

The words were followed by a deep, heartfelt sigh.

You’ve not only risked your life, but mine as well. And our children! Ivan, how could you-?

I’ll handle it… Now go to sleep-

Ivan lay his head on the pillow, eyes closing. He heard Alessya’s words as they floated past, clouded by the tension building in the room.

I don’t think I’ll ever sleep again-