breaking ice, and David sank back in his chair.
I understand how you feel, Ruby spoke gently, his voice in contrast to
the Brig's. But we will go in from behind the hairline, there will be
no disfigurement. The scar will be covered by her hair when it grows
out, and the incision will not be very large anyway - I won't have her
suffer more. David was trying to control his voice, but the catch and
break were still in it. She has suffered enough, can't you see that, We
are talking about giving her back her sight the Brig broke in again. His
voice was hard and cold. A little pain is a small price to pay for
that.
There will be very little pain, David. Less than an appendectomy. Again
they were silent, the two older men watching the younger in the agony of
his decision.
What are the chances? David looked for help, wanting the decision made
for him, wanting it taken out of his hands.
That is impossible to say. Ruby shook his head.
Oh God, how can I judge if I don't know the odds? David cried out.
All right. Let me put it this way, there is a possibility, not
probability, that she may regain a useful part of her sight. Ruby chose
his words with care. And there is a remote possibility that she may
regain full vision or almost full vision. That is the best that can
happen. David agreed. But what is the worst? The worst that can
happen is there will be no change.
She will have undergone a deal of discomfort and pain to no avail. David
jumped out of his chair and crossed to the windows.
He stared out at the great sweep of bay where the tankers lay moored and
the far hills of the Tygerberg rose smoky blue to the brilliant sky.
You know what the choice must be, David. The Brig was ruthless,
allowing him no quarter, driving him on to meet his fate.
All right, David surrendered at last, and turned back to face them. But
on one condition. One on which I insist. Debra must not be told that
there is a chance of her regaining her sight, Ruby Friedman shook his
head. She must be told The Brig's mustache bristled fiercely. Why not?
Why don't you want her to know?
You know why. David answered without looking at him.
How will you get her there, if you don't explain it to her? Ruby asked.
She has been having headaches, we'll tell her there is a growth, that
you've discovered a growth, that it has to be removed. That's true,
isn't it? No. Ruby shook his head.
I couldn't tell her that. I can't deceive her. Then I will tell her,
said David, his voice firm and steady now. And I will tell her when we
discover the result after the operation. Good or bad. I will be the
one who tells her, is that understood? Do we agree on that? And after
a moment the two others nodded and murmured their agreement to the terms
David had set.
David had the hotel chef prepare a picnic basket, and the service bar
provided a cool bag with two bottles of champagne.
David craved for the feeling of height and space, but he needed also to
be able to concentrate all his attention on Debra, so he reluctantly
