"He said when Hassan grows up, he'll take him to Lake Tiberias. To see that bridge."
"The bridge hasn't been built."
"It will be."
Alvarez took out that half chocolate bar from his pocket, the wrapper was crumpled. He broke off half and put it in his mouth, very sweet. He handed the other half to the old man, who took it and held it in his hand without eating.
"Lieutenant, are you still going to the Golan Heights?"
"Going. When the bridge is built."
He stood up and patted the dust off his pants.
"Have the beans dried?"
"Dried."
"Roast them and send them to Damascus. Send them to that olive tree yard. Assad receives."
He picked up the basket and walked down the hill, the old man squatted there holding that half chocolate bar, watched him walk away.
The midterm elections are over.
The ruling party lost about ten seats, but remains the majority in the House of Representatives. The opposition's Pamela won, won a lot.
