Bill smiled in fond remembrance. “Well, I would probably spend the day with my parents. My sister and her husband would drive in from Rapid City, and our day would be a lot like it is here. We would eat and drink and talk and just enjoy each others' company. And in the evening, before we all went to bed, we would sing.” His look turned wistful. “You don't happen to play an instrument, do you?”
“Of course I do!” she exclaimed. “What proper woman does not know how to provide entertainment at a gathering?” She stood and marched out of the room. In a few minutes she returned, carrying a wooden instrument with three strings and a triangular body.
“It is a balalaika,” she said in response to Bill's inquiring look. “Now. You sing. And when I have the tune I will join you.”
Bill began tentative
