“It was okay. You know… I just went over there to pick up a book.”
“Of course, and are you planning to meet with her again? I mean, outside of work.”
“I don’t know. Why does it matter to you so much?”
“Because I think that you are now ready to begin dating again.”
Yiftach wasn’t at all in the mood to discuss this again, as in only two hours’ time he would have to face the great Sabat and begin questioning his primary witness in the initial direct examination. “I’ll think about it seriously, I promise, Dad.”
“I believe you, it’s just that I’m a little worried about you. You’re alone too much.”
“I’m not alone.”
“Yes you are.”
“I don’t want to argue about it now.”
“I don’t either. Anyway, it won’t lead anywhere.” Max smiled gently at his son and asked, “What’s she like?”
“Melody? She’s smart… beautiful… intriguing.”
“Is she available?”
“I think so.”
“I mean emotionally, not officially. You know… you are too.”
“I’m not sure about that, Dad.”
“My dear son,” Max gazed at Yiftach with a look that pierced his soul, “enough time has passed since your breakup with Nicole… I know that you loved her as you never loved anyone else, but it’s okay to let go, to ‘free’ her and continue on with your life, not just in a practical sense, but emotionally as well. You will do it, won’t you?”
“I know you’re right, Dad, but it isn’t that simple.”
“Nothing that requires real effort is ever simple.”
Yiftach glanced at his watch. “I have to go.”
“Okay,” his father said, “have a good day.” A moment before his son rushed out, he said, “Yiftach, why don’t we invite Melody over for dinner? What do you say?”
“I promise you I’ll give it serious consideration,” his son answered and left.
The critical session in which the last witness for the prosecution would be presented was about to begin.
“Was the book of any help to you?” Melody whispered to Yiftach with bad timing, precisely when the events of the previous night were running wildly through his mind.
Suddenly, Yiftach heard a harsh voice coming from Sabat’s throat like a guided missile headed towards a target that stood no chance. “Are you ready to continue with the prosecution’s case? And please, be prepared with your concluding arguments,” the Chief Justice said, “we need to begin with the case of the defense.”
“Not really,” Yiftach said to Melody, then replied to the ChiefJustice, “Yes, we are definitely ready.” He started out fine but, from there, things began to go downhill. “You were a little late and that gave us time to rethink several other pertinent points,” he continued.
Through his glasses, Sabat shot an eyeful of contempt and hostility. “My young friend,” he thundered, “let me explain something to you. I am never late. In fact, even when I come early, I arrive on time!” The Chief Justice’s words were meant to clarify for the insolent attorney that every living creature must fall in line with his rules.
Sabat’s harsh words seeped into Yiftach’s brain and he suddenly felt a sharp pain throbbing in his temples. “Of course, Your Honor… I didn’t think otherwise.” He felt that he was choking and lost his train of thought. The courtroom turned dim and Yiftach felt a wave of heat wash over him.
He whispered to Melody, “I don’t feel good about this examination, I’m not at all sure that I’m prepared.” And how could he be prepared? The entire night before, he had hardly been able to concentrate as recurring thoughts of kissing her kept surfacing and, when he finally did go to bed, his sleep was disturbed by the strange dream he had.
“Let me do it, I will question him!” she answered assuredly.
Yiftach looked at her. “Are you sure?” he asked and, without saying a word, she stood up and approached the judges. Although, at that moment, the change was barely perceptible, she surely wasn’t the same Melody he knew. She stood erect and was more self-confident and determined.
