meant he changed the subject. I didn’t pursue it out of respect.’
Lila glanced down at the baby, smiled, and looked up at Andreas. ‘The Protos said, “I live amid a world that many think is unsoiled. Whether or not I agree is not important, only that I realize no one from that world could have done what you did.”’
‘Yeah, I know, he was saying he needed a sinner to deal with sinners.’
‘No, he wasn’t calling you a sinner. He was describing his world, one “that many think is unsoiled.” Whether intended or not, “unsoiled” is an anagram for another word.’ She paused to kiss the baby’s forehead.
She did not look up when she said, ‘“I live amid a world that many think is…” delusion. “Whether or not I agree is not important, only that I realize no one from that world could have done what you did.”’
The thought just hung there, as if no one wanted to touch it. Any vigil for the truth seemed further from an answer than when it began. Assuming there was any truth to be found.
Andreas cleared his throat. ‘Could you guys give us a few minutes?’
They left, leaving Lila and Andreas alone with their baby.
Andreas sat on the edge of the bed, the baby between them. He held Lila’s hand. ‘I guess you were right about what you once said about us.’
‘And what was that?’
He drew a circle in the air around the three of them. ‘This is the only thing that “is what it is.” Us. “The rest is illusion.” I’m just beginning to realize that. It’s why a parent will run into a burning house to save the children.’ He touched his son’s fingers. ‘Or kill himself to spare them a life of shame.’
Lila squeezed his hand. A tear ran down her cheek.
‘There was something else in our conversation with the Protos that bothered me. I didn’t like the way you both kept referring to me as the “unborn child’s father.”’
She scrunched up her face and sniffled. ‘Sorry, I just couldn’t bring myself to lie about something like that to a holy man.’
Andreas nodded. ‘I understand, I had the same problem. I think we have to come up with another way to describe me, one that’s honest.’
She shrugged. ‘Okay, what would you like to be called?’
Andreas paused. ‘Your husband.’
Lila smiled. ‘Done.’
