“... With a suitcase in her hand, Maya looked into the next room. Gunnar lounged in a chair and, as usual, read a Latvian newspaper, which he received by subscription. Maya took her husband out of Latvia. “I’m leaving!” – said Maya. “Where to?” – asked Gunnar. – Do you remember Matis, it’s written here: he won first prize at some competition! – I’m leaving for good! – Maya continued. “As they say in Russian,” Gunnar did not show the slightest concern, “don’t talk nonsense!” Gunnar’s Olympian calm was the very character trait that irritated Maya the most. She turned around and nervously, with deliberately long steps, unnatural given her small stature, stepped towards the exit. Gunnar continued reading the newspaper. ..."