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ZIGGURAT
“And Batya, you heard about that tragic firefly attack in Luxembourg”
he said.
“I’m not falling for this again,” Sam said, laughing. He grabbed a handful
of nuts out of the bowl on the table, and started crunching.
“Yes, it was really sad. I think something like nine people were killed. It
was on all the news stations this morning.” She looked down, shaking
her head.
“Wait, really” Sam looked incredulous.
Dan caught her eye, trying to keep a straight face.
“Wait, fireflies don’t bite, do they”
Batya giggled like a naughty child, swinging her legs back and forth and
sinking further into the couch. Sam threw the rest of the nuts at the two
of them. His face was hurting from laughter. It was like being back in
college again, the never-ending Friday nights at Hillel or in friends’ dorm
rooms. Sarah came back in from the kitchen, and he forced himself not
to look up at her.
“Sarah, did you hear about what happened in Luxembourg” Sam began.
An hour later, he offered to walk Batya home.
“Oh, you really don’t need to. I live only just around the corner.”
“Which way”
“Towards McDonald’s. Where do you live”
“Near the park, but--”
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