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the promise of the tea-gods
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They stepped out of the water together. “Feels a little like Antarctica,
Princess. I think we’re going to have to run. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready,” laughed K, her feet already flying across the sand. “Last
one through the door has to make the coffee!”
“Are you sure I came in last?” asked Binnie, filling three cups with coffee.
“It certainly appeared that way,” said K, shooting him a smile. “But
anything is possible—perhaps, for just a moment, we were transported
to a reverse-world where he who comes in first, comes in last.”
Binnie grinned. “That must be what happened—I never lose.”
K gave him an amused look as he sat down next to her.
Temma yawned. “Did I miss something?” she asked, reaching for
her cup.
“No, you didn’t miss a thing,” said Binnie, chuckling. “Finish your
coffee, sweet Temma—you’ve had a long journey and you and K need
to get some sleep.”
They sat at the kitchen table talking for a while, then Binnie carried
their luggage to their rooms. “Rest for a bit,” he said. “There’s not a
thing in this world that can’t wait until tomorrow, so sleep comfortably
and dream well.”
“I will,” said K, “but I’m only going to sleep for a few hours, then
I’m going to get up and make you a wonderful dinner, Binnie. And when
the sun begins to melt into the sea, I’m going to take a walk on the
beach—and I hope you’ll come with me.”
“Of course I’ll come with you,” murmured Binnie, giving her a hug.
“Only a fool would turn down an invitation to walk along the water’s
edge with you.”
Returning to the kitchen, he poured himself another cup of coffee,
then headed for his favorite chair in the glass room. What to do about
Soo-kang, he wondered . . . He’s feeling the pull, which is why he was
exactly where he was this morning—near the fountain, watching us. The
pull of the pull is getting stronger, and there’s no shutting it off once it’s
been turned on.
