"There were times it was useful." There are precious few things she was taught that are not, when it comes down to it. "And there is a lake, by my house..."

Is, not was - she still hasn't surrendered, not entirely, the dream that she will get back to her home someday. But her tone is much more wistful than it has been before - someone remembering the Old Country, rather than a simple statement of fact.

It has been so very long.