The coconut trees were bending to the strong ocean breeze and the palm leaves made such a racket that he could barely hear Mozart playing a sonata on his stereo in the background. “It looks like Maui is having a little shower,” he called to his wife in the kitchen. She did not hear. Glancing to the right he added, “Lana’i is wearing his cloud hat as usual. I suppose it keeps him warm on these brisk mornings.” Mrs. Manette’s back was toward him while she unloaded the dishwasher. Staring further into the distance he remarked, “Kaho’olawe is trying to peak through though I am sure he is growing quite impatient with the morning mist.” “What,” she called back to him. “Are you speaking to me?” Doctor Manette smiled and asked, “Is there any coffee?” His wife had often heard his morning ramblings about the islands and he spared her the recap.
