They dined at table 205 on deck 14. Myriam wanted them to go see what was playing in the theater – a review called Broadway Hits, some of the principal scenes and music from Cats, West Side Story, and Phantom of the Opera. It wasn’t unforgettable, but pleasant, a kind of easily consumable pastiche. They returned to their room after eleven. Myriam was happy, and that was the objective. ‘Are you okay, my love?’ she asked him. ‘You seem very distant today. Do you feel all right?’ ‘I’m fine, Myr. Don’t worry.’ ‘Did you talk to Ben tonight?’ ‘I did,’ he lied. ‘I’m going to call him again at midnight, if you don’t mind. Today was an important day for him.’ ‘So late? And even later in Jerusalem?’ she objected, wrinkling her brow. ‘Yes. He asked me to.’ ‘Okay, but don’t stay on the phone an hour. You know I’m cold at night.’ ‘Relax, dear. I’ll be quick,’ his voice rose a little. He hadn’t been able to reach little Ben. The phone was always busy.
