Introduction to the abecedary form of this sequence: click here.

Previous installments:  #1 / #2 and #3 / #4 / #5 / #6

Bathing in the Olt

7.

The past behind its drawn curtains

the train to Slatina

their loved ones emerged from the glittering water

*

their property stood on a hill of red soil, a few hundred feet distant but facing the river Olt

they were making for the other bank

they had no thought for the tragedy that had already

*

this was Violetta now in love with Virgil

though she would have been happy to be rescued

to irresistible longing

to swim where the currents allowed

two nights of absence . . . to her that was evidence enough

urgent matters would force delay

*

Violetta seemed to have handled the short separation well enough

Violetta suddenly disappearing from sight

Violetta took her revenge

Violetta was a powerful swimmer

Virgil Trancu and his family lived close by in the neighbouring village

*

waiting for the scandal to break at any moment

waiting for what he felt sure would happen

warm sand under leafy osiers in the breath of a day drawing to a close

was meant simply to entice him

was out of danger

was wrong and she suddenly burst into tears

*

yawning, carefully, she un-

zipped her “maillot” and lay indifferently, beautiful and seductive