Chapter 44Two years passed. Esther and I married. At first, I thought of myself as her protector. As time went on however, our relationship became more intimate. It was Esther who made the first move and it was she who said, “I want you for my husband, Mordecai. Together, we can build a new life.” I didn't know how to say no.
And now Esther felt dizzy and nauseated and lay in the cabin below while I strolled the deck buffeted by the blustery winds. At last, I said to myself, my life is starting. I looked about the enormous ship and saw other men, inadequately dressed in light trench coats and fedoras they clutched to their heads, while the wives suffered below.
The voyage on the General Heintzelmann took ten days. Esther remained ill the entire time. I could barely get her to eat some so
