It was about eight o'clock in the morning on the 11th of May, 1941, and the warmth of the sun felt good on Nikolas's face. Anna rubbed his back gently and then laid her cheek on it as she gazed into the sky in a dreamlike state. Although she could see a plane in the distance, she said nothing. She figured it was probably a British surveillance plane, checking for German submarines. As if reading her trepidation, Nikolas said:
"Agape, I think it would be best if we got ready." He too had seen the plane sometime ago.
Hurriedly, Nikolas boiled some coffee and offered it to Anna, along with melomacarona, sweets made with crushed walnuts and soaked in honey, prepared by Kostas' wife.
"Thank you, Niko," Anna murmured as she brought the aromatic drink to her lips. Then she took a few bites from her melomacarona, and Nikolas followed suit. The last two days had been pure magic, despite Nikolas having to leave. There was a hidden smile on her face and she knew he would be back soon.
"These have been the two most wonderful days of my life, Niko. Thank you for that, love. I wish we could stay longer," she said.
"That would be nice," he agreed.
"Can we stay a little while longer then?"
"Wishful thinking, agape. You know I must return to my unit as soon as possible. We are at war. There is no way to escape that fact."
"People have fought wars throughout history. And if they took more time for love and kindness, there would be no need for wars." Anna sat close to Nikolas and felt safe.
"Anna, we should get ready."
Nikolas got up, not waiting for her reply. He quickly started loading the skiff. Suddenly, Anna cried out:
"Nikolas, I hear an airplane close. Do you hear it?"
"Yes, I hear it," he said, turning his ear toward the sound. "It's probably British. Don't worry, darling."
"I don't like this, Nikolas. I don't like it at all," Anna said with anxiety filling her voice.
"The British are here in full force to protect Crete," responded Nikolas, trying to diffuse Anna's fears.
"I hope so, love," said Anna with a nervous sigh.
"Anna, I have everything on the boat.
Let me help you in."
"I can manage, Niko. Thank you."
***
Not more than twenty meters into the sea, Nikolas began rowing as fast as he could.
"Niko look! That plane is turning right toward us!" cried Anna, pointing wildly toward the sky.
"I see it and it doesn't look British at all. Let's get back to land!" he shouted.