Serializing a new novel.
Chapter 27: Epilogue
A year after the court case in New York, a new building was
completed on a once-vacant-lot in Geulah. Each floor
consisted of one apartment.
Daniel walked past the building on his way home for the
evening meal and looked up at the gleaming windows, noticed
the small garden that had been created at the entrance, saw
that all evidence of the builders and their equipment had
been removed.
He continued on his way home with quickened pace.
"Esther, it is a beautiful evening. Would you like to come
for a walk? I want to show you the apartment block where my
parents will live when they arrive next week."
"So you found something?"
"Yes. I told you not to worry. I told you we would find
something in time. Come now."
Soon they were standing in front of the new building. "What
do you think? Isn't it fine? The building belongs to my
parents. They approved every detail of the plans. I wanted to
keep it a secret. I hope you aren't upset with me."
"No. But how did you find a place to build here? I thought
every square inch of land was already in use?"
"I knew of this vacant plot in Geula because of my walks in
the early morning," he said. "It took a while to trace the
owner, but he agreed to sell it. The first floor is where my
parents will live."
"What about the other two floors?"
"The second floor is for their friends, for David and his
wife. They have always wanted to retire here, but they
thought they couldn't afford it.
"What would have happened to my parents if not for the help
that David gave them? Their lives remained in danger after
their return from the jungle. It was David who saw to their
well-being. It was David who arranged their trip to
Jerusalem.
"Now they can help him. For many years he discussed with his
wife their dream of living in Jerusalem, but it seemed
impossible. Now my parents can help him fulfill this wish.
The top apartment is still vacant. Come. I want to show it to
you."
Together they went and, taking out a bunch of shiny new keys,
Daniel opened the door.
Esther saw the large salon. She saw the beautiful kitchen.
She saw the three small bedrooms that led off a central
passage. "It's beautiful," she said. "Who will live here?"
Then Daniel pointed to some stairs leading from the passage.
"Come. There's more to see."
Esther went up the stairs. She found herself in a small room
with large windows, surrounded on both sides by a large
balcony. Then, turning, she noticed a large tripod and,
balancing upon it, a very large artist's sketchpad.
From behind her she heard Daniel's voice.
"Welcome to your new studio. Welcome to your new home," he
said.
For some moments Esther stared at him. Then it occurred to
her that she too had a gift for him. She handed him the small
slip of paper that she had collected earlier that day from
the health clinic.
Her husband looked at the paper and then he beamed at her.
"Besha'a tovah," he said.
The End.
