My death will give it to you.' I shook my head, pointing to my cheek.

She shook hers, and quietly, calmly said, 'You have never looked so beautiful.

Should we go back together and take up the old life, the struggle which has undermined my conscience and my whole existence would only begin again.

I cannot face that ordeal, Carmel.

The morning light would bring me daily torture, the evening dusk a night of blasting dreams.