Chapter 92

Johanna reached out, without any bad intentions, and touched my face. She touched the scar on the side of my mouth with the tips of her fingers that didn’t quite dare to make a move. I almost closed my eyes, giving in to the impulse to let myself be comforted for a moment. It was as light as the touch of a feather and as gentle as a mother’s caress, but I felt the pity, concern, and anguish that she transmitted to me with that simple gesture.

“It’s been six months, but you still can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she told me.

The tone of her voice touched me; I tried to stay firm.

“It’s complicated,” I murmured, shaking my head. “These months have been chaotic.”

“For all this returning to Russia and public life, you mean?”

“Among other things.”

“Have you tried getting away from everything and everyone? It worked for me, you know.”

“I’ve given it a thought or two,” I lied again.

She pulled away after a moment and put her han