Saving Fish from Drowning - Heal Burma

AMY TAN
Bennie stepped into his. The interior was of pleated rattan, the
floors covered with hemp mats, the low twin beds adorned with
simple white linens and enveloped by gauzy mosquito netting. Oh, he
loved that last touch, so tropically romantic, reminiscent of former
nights of sweaty tangled limbs. On the walls were painted rendi­
tions of celestial creatures and carvings on bone, the sort of mass-
produced native art that passed as chicly primitive. The bathroom
was a nice surprise, spacious and free of mildew, the floor covered
with a plain white tile, and the shower built a step lower and sepa­
rated by a half-wall.
In Heidi’s room, the bellhop opened the windows. They lacked
screens, and nearby were coils of insecticidal incense and pots of cit­
ronella, all signs that alerted her to the fact that the stagnant waters
beneath the walkways were mosquito breeding grounds. One door
over, Marlena and Esmé were all oohs and ahs over the views of the
lake, marveling that this place truly was paradise, a Shangri-La.
Harry was even more pleased than the others. His bungalow was
at the far end of pier five, and its secluded location made for a per­
fect love nest. Oh, look. The resort had thoughtfully provided
lemon-scented candles, a romantic touch. He went outside to the
small porch. It held a couple of teak chairs with adjustable reclining
backs—fantastic, ideal for lying together to do a bit of moon gazing
and set the mood for an exquisite night of lovemaking.
Marlena and Esmé had stepped out of their bungalow just two
piers away from him. A porter who looked to be about the size of
Esmé had arrived, dragging two mammoth suitcases, a duffel slung
from each shoulder. Harry waved to catch Marlena’s eye, and she ea­
gerly waved back. They were like two lovebirds flapping their wings.
The message was clear: Tonight was the night.
A half-hour later in the Great Hall, Heinrich poured champagne
into plastic tumblers. “To pleasure and beauty, to new friends and
lasting memories,” he said warmly. Soon he would bestow on them
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