Christina runs her fingertips across the nape of my neck.
"Let us enjoy this trip together."
The words enter my mind seductively, like a caress, but I detect a subtle plaint in her tone.
I rise from my seat and offer my hand. Joining hands, we walk to a window with a panoramic view of the Free Zone.
Putting my arm around her waist, I draw her close. "What do you see, Christina?"
She smiles equanimously, pressing her body into mine, whispering into my mind: "The Free Zone."
"Yes, but what do you see?"
I watch her scan the Free Zone. "I see beauty."
"Yes."
Her eyes settle on an impressive array of buildings. "I see order."
"Yes."
She pauses, realizing that I need a less obvious answer, and then looks me in the eyes. "I see a scape in stasis."
I give her a squeeze. "Exactly."
"And so ..."
"And so, how can such a place as this ..." I sweep my hand across the Free Zone. "... be free with no hint of growth?"
"The Free Zone is a sacred place."
"Yes, but ..."
"But what?"
I release my thought process.
Sensing the release, Christina regards me pensively. "We're going to the Pleasure Zone for more than just pleasure."
I reflect her gaze without thinking or saying a word.
