Now the tears began to flow in earnest, and Anne started crying, sobbing deeply. Dimitri held her in his arms and dried her tears with his handkerchief. When she got her breath back, she went on:
“For two years, until he left for another stable with a better salary, he had me and did whatever he wanted. That was my only boyfriend! That is why, when you asked me, I ran away. That is what I am! Twice a coward. A coward, because for two years I put up with doing and having done to me things I was ashamed of. And a coward for not daring to trust you, and for making you miserable. But maybe it isn’t too late. I am yours, if you still want me”, said Anne with her usual directness and as much courage as she had left.
Now at least, Anne was lucky: most Cypriots at that time would either have rec
