Читать книгу Everything Happens as It Does - Albena Stambolova - Страница 15

9.

The Hero’s Prize

There was no wedding. They merely signed a marriage certificate. She never allowed him to see her passport. The civil servant was allowed to see it, but not her husband. He had no idea when she was born, or who her parents were, or whether she had any siblings. Whenever he asked her about these things, she laughed, as if his questions were the most inappropriate thing in the world. He was surprised to discover how easy it was to lie to his friends or family when they asked the same questions. And he deluded himself that one day he would surely find out, as soon as Maria stopped playing this funny game. Then he forgot about it and remembered it again only when it was too late.

She did not simply give herself to him—she laid herself out like a gift, like an offering. He sank into her with the feeling that he had never experienced anything like this before. All thoughts and questions vanished. Maria became a world he inhabited. He knew he must have done things, at least he must have eaten food and drunk water. Later, when the doctor asked him, he could not remember anything, only that he had felt tireless and strong.

She stayed at home knitting sweaters. There was always a cooked meal to eat. Maria always had money and the food was always tasty. So tasty that, after dinner, his only wish was to take her in his arms and bury his face in her long hair.

She became pregnant almost by magic. Philip was certain it had happened the very first time. If happiness meant being able to stop thinking, Philip was happy. Things just happened and he was part of the process.

The twins were born. A boy, Valentin, and a girl, Margarita. Philip didn’t recall ever discussing what names to choose. It seemed like they were born with their names.