Chapter 13 - Page 173 - Tunnel Vision

   As Rhasha parked the jeep, Jim watched the water flow over the edge of the cliff and crash into the clear pool. Mist hung in the air around the pool. People sat all around the waterfalls on blankets, eating sandwiches and drinking tea. Two men were fishing with their homemade fishing poles and several children played in the water. Jim could hear laughter over the noise from the falls.

   Jim and Rhasha unloaded the jeep and laid everything neatly on their blankets. Then they went swimming, keeping mostly to themselves, but occasionally returning the greetings of passing swimmers. Jim and Rhasha played in the water until Jim got tired, then they swam toward the shore. They waded onto the bank, dripping water onto the ground.

   Jim threw two sandwiches together as Rhasha set out paper plates and plastic forks. He placed the sandwiches on the plates and dished out some potato salad. Rhasha poured two glasses of iced tea and handed one to Jim.

   When they finished eating, Jim lay back on his pillow with his hands behind his head. Rhasha lay on her side facing him, with her elbow on her pillow and her cheek resting on the palm of her hand. Her hair fell around her wrist. Jim moved his right hand to cover his face and block the sun.

   “Are you going to sleep?” Rhasha asked.

   “You could easily talk me into it, Rhasha,” Jim murmured.

   “You know, Jim, you really need to do more exercises. You’re really out of shape.”