Laura was able to take longer walks through town as the days passed. It was the favorite time of the day for both of them. Hardly anyone knew them, so it was as if they were the only two people there.

They spent much of the time talking, about anything and everything. Laura would tell him a story of the mischief that she and Amy had gotten into when they were little girls. Stefan told her about the times he and Alexis had spent together in the Bergmann house, and after Alexis had left to study in the States.

They talked of the bad times, too. But they seemed less important now, each of them slowly learning to let go.

Still, Stefan saw the ache that she tried to hide whenever they would see small children playing in the fields, or when they saw a small toy meant for an infant. He had a feeling that ache might fade, but never go away completely.

And Laura noticed that among the many newspapers that Stefan read, there was always one of his hometown.

"Do you miss it?" Laura asked, handing him a scrubbed plate as they washed and dried the dinner dishes.

"No," Stefan said, after a slight pause. "For most of my life, I wanted nothing more than to belong. But I gradually learned that it was a trap, an illusion. There's a freedom in letting go, a burden that's no longer mine to carry. Alexis tells me it's about time I figured that out."

"I'd like to meet her someday," Laura said.

Stefan smiled at that. They hardly ever talked about the future, and even then it was only vague references.

He knew their time together was quickly coming to an end. Laura was moving around with barely a hint of discomfort. He would need to make the preparations for her to leave.

He pushed the depressing thought away, wanting to enjoy every moment they still had. He took another dish from her, and dried it off with the small towel. He wondered what his mother would think if she saw him doing this menial task. The thought cheered him up.

"Ooh, this is one of my favorite songs!" Laura said happily, as the music from the tape recorder changed to a different song.

Stefan chuckled as Laura sang along, while swaying her head side to side to the song's rhythm.

Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me
I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

He started mouthing the words himself, and Laura's eyebrow shot up in amusement.

"You know this song?"

"Yes, I'm not completely ignorant. And, who doesn't know The Beatles?"

"Well then, hot shot, why not sing a little louder?" she teased.

Stefan did more than that, and took one of her hands in his, while circling her waist with the other.

Laura shivered as his wet hand came into contact with the thin fabric of her dress, and she laid her own damp hand on his shoulder.

Stefan caught her smiling gaze and, pulling her closer, led her in a slow dance. He began to sing the last verse, his voice low and melodious, his eyes still locked with hers.

Something in the way she knows
And all I have to do is think of her
Something in the things she shows me
I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

He spun her around to the last beat of the song, gallantly kissing her soapy hand when she was facing him again. "How was that?" he asked.

Laura couldn't help the soft blush that crept onto her cheeks. "Show off." She handed him another dripping dish. "Now keep drying, Fred."

He gave her a puzzled look, and Laura laughed, shaking her head. "I have so much to teach you."

Stefan smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."