Michael stood beside Jacqueline in front of the sinks. Jacqueline was doing the washing and he was rinsing with hot water. She saw that he was very careful and afraid that he would break the plates.
"Queen..."
The deep voice called after they finished the washing-up.
"Yes?"
Jacqueline turned to look at him. He had acted strangely since he came into the kitchen. It was like he was pondering some ideas in his head and could not decide whether to say it out or not.
"How many years have we been separated?"
He asked the question that made her surprised.
"Don't you remember? Nineteen years. "
Her sound was smooth and calm as usual. She walked to dry her hands on a tower hung on the wall and took off the apron.
"Aren't you lonely?"
