"I try very hard to find a way to come back," Alexei said. "For a long time I try, but no can get exit visa. I meet Nadya, fall in love - what can I say?" He gestured helplessly. Alison felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"So you're married now?"
"Oh no, no. Nadya, she die six years ago. Cancer."
"I'm so sorry, Alexei."
"What about you, Alison? You married?"
"I was, for a little while." Alison sighed deeply. "His name was Dennis. We were married for barely six months when he was sent to Vietnam. I remember so clearly the day I received word that he had been killed. I was six months pregnant with Denny at the time. I was completely overwhelmed and exhausted, what with trying to deal with my grief plus care for a newborn."
"I am so sorry, Alison. My country support that war, say Communism good, whole world should be Communist, but I was against it. I say leave them alone, let them fight their own war."
"I was against it too," Alison told him. It had been one of the few bones of contention between herself and Dennis. He had wanted to be a hero, to fight for the American cause, for...freedom. For everything they were trying to take away.
She had never told Dennis about her brief encounter with Alexei. She had known better than to do that. He had almost managed to stay alive until Nixon had called all the troops home...almost. She couldn't bear to think about it.
"So you have son now?" Alexei's voice brought her back to the present.
"Denny. He's eighteen. He starts college in the fall."
"I likewise have daughter, Darya. She is also eighteen, a good girl, very bright. Spending summer with grandparents. My first summer alone in twenty years, so I thought, why not come back here? Nice place to visit, and just maybe..."
"Maybe?"
"Maybe Alison still here."
"Well." She didn't quite know what to say. "That's interesting, that we both have kids the same age."
Alexei grinned awkwardly.
"Are you still in the navy?" asked Alison.
"Oh no, no. Retired long time ago. I do different job now. You work, Alison?"
"I'm a librarian." It had been her life for fourteen long years - go to work, work all day, come home, spend the evening with Denny, then go to bed alone. All alone.
"You were lonely for long time, weren't you, Alison?" Alexei's voice was surprisingly tender as his hand cradled her chin.
She nodded, tearing up just a bit.
"Well, you don't have to be anymore. I came back just like I said I would."
She smiled, and he smiled back. For just a moment time seemed to stand still.