Free Calls Across the Pacific by Zoë S. Roy Page A

walked to her and stretched his arms around her back, gently pulling her to him. “I feel the same.” He kissed her eyes, cheeks, and neck. “Do you enjoy this?” he asked. As an answer, she kissed him back. “Can I touch you?” he asked and took her silence as permission. His hand explored under her blouse. He felt her body stiffen and then soften. He lifted her and placed her on the bed. He took off his T -shirt and then slowly unbuttoned her clothing.
    â€œNo,” she whispered.
    â€œWhy not if we both enjoy it?” He stopped touching her. “What has the ancient butterfly done to you?”
    â€œIt’s nothing to do with the butterfly. It’s a moral issue.” She sat up abruptly.
    He sat next to her and gently stroked her hair. “We’re both free. I don’t see the problem.”
    â€œBut we’re not married,” Nina finally said under her breath. “I mean, premarital sex is immoral.”
    â€œWhat?” He stared at her curiously. “What century are you living in? If people don’t have sex before they marry, how can they know if they suit each other? I think these so-called rules prevent you from enjoying life.” When he noticed the determined set of her jaw and the steely look on her face, he got up and went to lie on the other bed.
    A lump swelled in Nina’s throat. She had been taught that premarital sex was wrong, but her body yearned for Bob’s touch, and in her mind she kept thinking about what Bob had said. “Sex is pleasure that can be equally enjoyed by men and women.” She asked herself, Do I enjoy being with Bob? What’s wrong if I make love with him? But what if Dahai is still alive?
    While she debated this with herself, Nina felt her mind grow heavy. She dreamed she was wandering on a riverbank and beneath the moonlight, the surface of the river looked silver white and smooth, floating quietly in front of her. In the distance, she could hear a familiar melody, which she recognized as the song “Moon River,” drifting over the water and coming toward her. That’s a beautiful song!
    She sauntered along the bank and bent over the water. Her fingers touched the liquid, and she felt its lukewarm caress. A couple of yellow downy ducklings swam over to her but then turned around before she could touch them. She could not help wading into the stream. Eventually, the water came to her waist and then to her shoulders as she waded forward. Looking around, she did not see any ducklings but found herself naked.
    She was anxious to get dressed, but she couldn’t find her clothing. She crossed her arms to cover her breasts even though nobody was around, but then she relaxed. Peacefully, she swam in the Moon River, with her arms stretching out and her feet kicking through the smooth surface.
    A familiar voice called out, “Nina!” She raised her head and saw a human figure on the river bank, but she couldn’t tell if it was Dahai or Bob.
    â€œWait up!” she cried out.
    Feeling a hand touch her forehead, she opened her eyes. “Are you all right?” asked Bob, kneeling on the floor by her bed.
    â€œI had an odd dream,” she murmured. “Do you know the song ‘Moon River’?”
    â€œYou want to talk about a song in the middle of night?” he asked, staring at her flushing cheeks under the dim wall light, but he couldn’t speak anymore since his mouth was soon covered by her warm lips.
    Nina woke up, her head snuggling on Bob’s chest.
    He opened his eyes. “Did I hurt you?”
    â€œNot really,” she hesitated. “I…”
    â€œWhat?” he asked and kissed her cheek.
    â€œI enjoyed it.”
    â€œI didn’t know you were a virgin. You’re twenty-three years old. That was a bit shocking. With surprise in his voice, Bob asked, “He never made love to you?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t want him to.”
    â€œDid