Anger by May Sarton

can’t believe you’re here.” Something though was troubling him. And as he turned at the door on his way out, he murmured, “My room is better.”
    â€œIn what way?”
    â€œIt has a double bed,” he said, running down the stairs leaving Anna laughing in spite of herself at how little Ned could express, at how terribly self-contained he was even on this momentous occasion. But will it be a bridal night, she was wondering? Or will it turn out to be a huge mistake? What did it matter? For the moment Anna felt happy, excited and happy, and, she realized, unexpectedly at ease.
    Somehow coming into this house had broken a spell. It didn’t feel like a foreign country, after all, and when she went down and found Ned mixing a salad in the kitchen, he did not feel like a stranger.
    â€œItalian peppers, you marvelous man!” She seized a strip of one from the bowl and chewed it. “What are we having for supper?”
    â€œThe great American meal … steak, baked potato, salad.”
    â€œAnd ice cream?”
    â€œHow did you guess?”
    And they laughed. Why was it so funny? Not really, but it was such a relief to be able to laugh and to be at ease. And then at last Anna ran a finger along Ned’s cheekbone and along his mouth. “I’ve wanted to do that,” she murmured. She felt the tremor under the skin—sensed Ned’s acute sensitivity to her touch.
    â€œCome and have a drink,” he said crisply. “We have lots to talk about.”
    And there they were, sitting side by side on the sofa by the fire, forgetting to drink their drinks on the table in front of them because Ned was holding Anna’s hand, hard and fast. “I’ll never let you go,” he said. “Never.”
    â€œDangerous statement. Someday you might want to get rid of me.”
    â€œMaybe I made a mistake,” Ned sat up straight. Whatever was this about, Anna wondered. “I left Fonzi with a friend.”
    â€œWho’s Fonzi?”
    â€œMy dog. He’s a dachshund. I’m sure I’ve told you about him.”
    Anna took a sip of her drink. “Why didn’t you bring him?” At this question, Ned too swallowed a mouthful of Scotch, began to laugh, and choked on it. When he had recovered he said,
    â€œBecause he sleeps on the bed. And …” Ned hesitated, “he might be jealous.”
    â€œWell, of course a bite in the night might be a little startling,” Anna responded very gravely. But it was too much and when she began to laugh she laughed till tears rolled down her cheeks and Ned was doubled over. “Oh Ned, you dear funny creature!”
    â€œSooner or later you’ll meet Fonzi. He’s really a very affectionate fellow,” he said when he could speak.
    â€œI’m sure he is.”
    â€œTomorrow we’ll go for a walk along the beach …” But Anna was thinking tomorrow is an eternity away and …
    Ned caught her withdrawal, let go her hand and took a swallow of his drink. “When you go away like that I feel left out. Look at me,” he commanded.
    But Anna put her face in her hands.
    â€œCome back,” he implored.
    â€œI’ve not gone away. I’m just thinking … You’ve had time to imagine me for over a year, to imagine this. I haven’t. For me these past days have been an explosion that I wasn’t prepared for and haven’t had time to understand.” She lifted her head and examined him almost coldly. Did she really want to let him into her inmost self? But there was something in her that wanted to break open that closed, self-contained arrogant face, and again she couldn’t help running a finger along his cheek.
    This time Ned turned, took her in his arms and kissed her fiercely, possessively, and would not let her go till they were both out of breath.
    â€œImagine that!” Ned said with droll matter-of-factness. Then he got up and pulled