He nods to Ludmil and Rudy and, after the applause dies down, continues, “I could tell you how thesepast few months have been a wild ride, one filled with unwanted realizations—of friendship, family,betrayal, and power, but I won’t. This speech isn’t going to be about all the people who helped me,though there were many, and they deserve thanks. That will come soon. This speech is going to beabout one person who saved me, who reminded me of what matters when I began to lose sight of it.I’m of course talking about my wife: Joy Vaknin.”
I can feel countless eyes on me, although I can’t see them. I can’t take my eyes off Gavril, who’s nowlooking straight at me. As if there’s no one else in the room. As if this speech is for me alone.
“She’s stuck by me through thick and thin
