The gulf between the earths was too wide to jump in a few hours, or a few days, or even a few years. The memories and regrets would stay sharp, just under the surface. He figured the colonel and his crew would be saying goodbye before long, and going their separate ways.
Nara caught him staring at her. She smiled sadly, then looked away, poking at the fire with a long stick.
Krysty came up from behind, slid her hands over his shoulders and leaned close to his ear. “When are you going to tell me what happened between you and that woman?” she asked.
Ryan rose from the chair and turned.
“I need to know how jealous I should be,” Krysty said, searching his face.
He put his hand on her chin, gently pulling her mouth onto his. He kissed her tenderly for a long time before he drew back. Krysty’s eyes were shining. As he took her hand and started down the path between the vacant shanties, he said, “I’ll tell you all about it, after we make love.”