After a few phone calls, the gang decided to meet at TLV-north Beach, just a short walk from the apartment. Max said he’d bring the paddleball set, and David, Lev, and Serge promised to join later.
On the way to the beach, Lily suggested we buy two bicycles so we could easily move between Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv, and the beach. My protests about the risks of physical exertion and sun exposure, given her health, were useless. Lily had decided, and that was final. I even tried to threaten to report her to the department head, and she threatened in return to break up with me…
“Michael, I know my limits. I know how to manage, believe me,” she insisted. I gave up, realizing nothing could break her determination. That was our first argument – one of many to come – about her condition. I tried to protect her, while she insisted on proving her “normal” health. My medical knowledge only magnified my fears and my desperate desire to keep her as healthy as possible.
“And how will you pay for the bikes?” I tried another angle, which also failed.
“I saved a bit, and besides, I have a father I work for … remember?”
We were the first to arrive at the beach. We spread out the blanket and towels from my backpack. When Lily took off her shirt and was left in a light blue top, I realized it wasn’t easy to be thrust into such a tight-knit group. I also worried about the reception she’d get. When she unbuttoned her jeans and lowered them slightly, I feared she’d forget the scar. But she didn’t. Clearly, she was used to trying to catch as much sun as she could.When I lay down on the blanket, she lay beside me and rested her head on my chest.
A few minutes later, Max showed up, his swimsuit already wet, and his body covered in sand.
“I already know you,” he said, turning straight to Lily.
“Lily, this is Max, from that night in Savyon.” Lily smiled, sat up, and shook his hand. Seeing that handshake, my worry vanished – she had passed the Max test, which wasn’t easy.
Serge and Lev accepted her immediately too. David, who arrived last, greeted her with a friendly “Hello” as if they’d been friends for years. David looked for a paddleball partner, and Lily jumped up to stand next to him.
“Do you know how to play?” he asked.
“What do you mean by know how to play?” she answered innocently.
“David, let’s show her.”
David and I had spent countless hours playing paddleball at the beach, mostly during exam periods as a way to blow off steam. On weekends, Max often joined us for paddleball and coffee.
David and I found a spot, not far from the blanket. It had been months since our last game, and at first, we stumbled. But soon the ball was flying fast, paddle to paddle, staying in the air for long stretches. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lily watching, but soon she got bored and started chatting with Max. I was glad to see their conversation flowing, full of hand gestures and laughter. I relaxed.
“Want to play with David?” I asked her later.
“I’m not on your level, but I’d love to play with you, if you don’t mind.” When we faced each other, my worry deepened. I knew I had to concentrate fully so Lily wouldn’t have to jump or run. The fear she might get hurt hung over the game. Every time she missed the ball, I ran to fetch it.
“Tired?” I asked gently.
“A little, but I just want to play a bit more.”
“Are you sure?”
“I haven’t played since I was fourteen. You brought back the urge.”
“Maybe you should rest?” I suggested carefully.
She was breathing hard.
“Just a little longer, please.” I stepped back and tossed the ball toward her. She hit it hard. Even when I tried to return it softly, it veered away. When she chased it, she slipped and fell. In seconds, I was at her side, my heart pounding wildly, not from the game.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Guilt flooded me. Why had I been so careless? Why didn’t I stop it sooner?
“I hit the scar,” she whispered.
“Can I see?” I asked.
“Are you crazy? Not here,” she said quickly. Her face suddenly resembled one of the terrified figures in her painting back at the apartment. David, who must have been watching us, came over.
“Are you okay?” he asked calmly.
“Yes,” we answered together.
