Zack poked his head through the doorway to the courtyard. He wanted desperately to sneak back to his room unnoticed if possible.

He could not get a full view of the area, but he could see the back of a woman's head. It was Ann sitting on the couch by herself, where the men had enjoyed drinks the evening before.

He quietly pulled the door closed, secured the lock and walked across the courtyard, looking to see if there was anyone else about. Since he could only see Ann sitting there, he decided that it might be a good chance to catch her alone and enjoy her company without the interruption of others.

He didn't want to startle her, so he stepped cautiously on the tiles. Sensing his presence, she turned to see him standing there. A wry smile formed on her lips. She looked at her brother-in-law quizzically, not sure what he had in mind.

"Were you sneaking up on me Zack? I did not see you come from your room. Are you stalking me like a lion stalks its prey?" She cooed.

"No my dear, I've been on a very long morning walk in the surrounding countryside, and it was easier to enter by the secret gate," he said.

Zack sat next to Anne on the couch, and let out a sigh of relief after his long walk. The weight off his feet now, he relaxed into the pillows. His long walk and the day's earlier 'discovery' had taken their toll on him. He was already quite tired.

"You look worn out," Ann said. "Here, enjoy some juice from the orchard," she offered as she poured him a cup of orange nectar. "There's fresh bread in case you are hungry. We don't serve a formal morning meal up here. We don't usually wake before midday. You'll have to make due with that until lunch is served."

"Was it a pleasant walk? Ann asked. She looked up at the sky and around the courtyard. "The weather couldn't be better this morning. It's not too hot yet," Zack knew that Ann was not fond of hot weather.

"If only the air in Hebron was this fresh. If only we were this close to nature", Zack said. "I cannot imagine a better place of retreat. It's a perfect place to relax and gain peace of mind".

"Oh, you're right about that," Anne agreed. "But, after a few weeks it can become rather dull. Nazareth is such a sleepy place, full of farmers and their livestock. There's not much excitement up here ­ compared to the city."

"Have you seen Liz? Is she awake yet?" Zack asked, changing the subject.

"She's inside the house with Mary. Last that I saw of them they were practicing writing. That should keep Mary focused for a little while", Ann said happily.

"I suppose that was Liz' idea," Zack said. "All work and no play for her. I wish Mary would teach her aunt to play stick ball instead." They both chuckled at the thought.

"If it makes her happy to spend hours practicing Hebrew with her niece, then who are we to suggest otherwise. You know? Maybe that's what she needs."

"Yet, her sad and anxious state of mind persists," Ann sighed. Zack was not surprised by her comment. The two of them were very aware of Liz's 'condition', and had discussed it many times. As Liz aged, her moods and disposition seemed to grow even more dour.

Zack could not help but be disappointed with his lot in life. He'd prayed daily for divine intervention on Liz's behalf -- but to no avail. Zack's personal belief in God was based more on the 'idea' of God rather than by a certainty in His real existence. This was not a view that he -- as a rabbi -- could share with others. It was blasphemous. He could be cast out of the temple, or even put to death, for sharing this idea. He had decided early in his training, that a good rabbi is above all, a pragmatic one.

"Does she leave the house much? Does she have any interests at all? I am forever hoping she will write me with news of some happy details of her life. I'd be encouraged if she wrote asking news about our lives, but I rarely receive any word at all from her. I just don't understand what keeps her so melancholy. Do you understand it?" Ann asked. Hoping that he, as her husband, might be able to explain her sister's woeful state of mind.

"I wish I understood her moods. They take such a toll on both our lives," Zack sighed. "I guess I must accept some of the blame. By comparison to you and Josh, our life does not offer much promise. It's bad enough that I am but a minor rabbi to a small and insignificant community in Hebron. That must certainly be a disappointment to her. Without having children, I am viewed by temple elders as disfavored, which means little hope of advancement. I can only think that my status bothers Liz as much as it does me."

Zack wished he could tell Ann about her sister's refusal to make love to him. But he couldn't bring himself to have that conversation with her. He wondered if she thought him responsible for their lack of children. She had never asked the question directly.

Changing the subject, Zack asked how Ann was doing. Was she excited about the new production center in Nazareth? Could she become accustomed to the simpler life in the country?

"I can't imagine myself staying up here very often," she spoke directly. "There is so much more happening in Jerusalem these days. My friends are all there. The best gatherings are there. Josh despises the Roman occupiers, but I find them more worldly with more zest for life than the locals. They are alive and vital. I'll be much happier in Jerusalem, frankly."

"But that would mean you and Josh will be spending a lot of time apart." Zack was surprised by Ann's comment and probed a bit farther. "Is it a good idea for you to be away from your husband, just to keep a busy social life? This was not Zack's idea of a woman's dedication to her mate but did not say anything. He did not want to offend his sister-in-law.

"Zack!" Ann rolled her eyes and smiled, "You know Josh is busy with his work and with his lieutenants much of the time. He'll hardly miss me. We do just fine spending time apart. It's the secret to any good partnership. It keeps you from getting too familiar, eh? I do not want for anything -- my needs are being met. And so are my husband's," she smiled knowingly.

How complicated a life Josh and Ann had constructed for themselves, Zack thought. Quite different from the life he and Liz lead, and so very different from the life Ann would have had, if they had married -- instead of he and Liz.

Zack lacked the ambition that his in-laws shared. For Zack, family, and community was more important. If only Liz would bear him children. His needs would be fulfilled, he thought.

"Is Josh awake yet?" Zack asked, wondering if he and Eran were still making the beast with two backs in the garden shed. His simple question was also a probe to see if Ann was aware of her husband's extra-marital activities.

"He's been gone for hours. He and Eran set out before sunrise to see more suppliers. They should be back in time for dinner, I suppose. Hopefully not too spent," she chortled.

Zack wondered if Ann was covering for Josh. It was hard to tell. There was no sign of disappointment in her voice, or on her face.

(End of Chapter 8)