It was dawn.
The first light of morning was slowly appearing through the windows of the small cottage.
Ivan pulled on his boots and stood quietly.
He looked toward the bed.
Klara was still lying down, apparently asleep.
Ivan did not want to wake her. He quietly picked up his coat and moved toward the door.
He had barely reached it when he heard her voice.
"Sneaking off as usual?"
Ivan stopped.
He turned around and saw Klara sitting up.
"I have to go back," he said.
Klara rubbed her eyes and looked at him.
"I wasn't stopping you."
Ivan gave her a small smile.
Klara sighed.
"But the least you can do is say goodbye. At least thank me for last night's dinner."
Ivan looked at her.
"Thank you very much."
Klara nodded.
"You're welcome."
She then pointed toward the door.
"Your horse is in the barn. I fed it last night."
"Thank you."
Ivan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch.
He held it toward her.
Klara immediately shook her head.
"No."
