25.5.2009
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A year later John came home from America, and Kalli Sandfeldt went to the Keflavik Airport to pick up his dear friend and classmate. When they came into town, they went straight to Freyjagata to Rev. Pauline who took them with open arms. She stood at the top of the steps and kissed John and stroked him all over:
"Oh, you've gotten terrifically cute, dear boy. Let me get a look at you."
Kalli Sandfeldt had gone into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of Jack Daniels that stood on the kitchen table along with other kinds of alcohol that Rev. Pauline had bought for the occasion. When he came back into the hall, Rev. Pauline was still in throes of joy over seeing the traveler from America.
"What savoir-faire, man."
John soaked up the flattery and affection. Rev. Pauline was unique. She could have been his sister, cousin or even mother. Although she was the same age as the guys, she was more mature and full of motherly love, the best examples of which are found in Iceland's country women. Although, nothing was farther from the truth than likening Rev. Pauline to a country woman. She was a citizen of the world, a snob for art, and never had had a child. The likelihood of having a child was less and less, and it was very difficult to imagine Rev. Pauline in the role of mother. Her motherliness manifested itself in caresses like the ones she readily gave John.
"And how can you wear these bright red pants in public. You don't need to tell me. They are like that, the Yankee Doodles. I also don't get how you could go to America. Don't you think Europe was closer with its culture. That would've been smarter."
After Rev. Pauline had finished looking at John and stroking him all over, they all sat down in the living room and drank Jack Daniels.
Kalli Sandfeldt had got on the phone and was talking to Didi Stina, his dearly beloved. Shortly after he started talking to her, he closed the doors so he would not be disturbed. A little later he came out in the living room, his face red, grinning. He fiddled with the glass of whiskey in his hand: "Madame Didi Stina and her husband, Kalli Sandfeldt, invite you to a party tonight, in honor of John, the world's slowest tortoise, having finally gotten his degree from the distinguished Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where The Grand Old Opry reigns supreme, and Dolly Parton and Elvis Prestley are the first citizens." Rev. Pauline smiled with pleasure as she lifted her glass.
"What is this, Kalli. You can't do this to Didi Stina on such short notice."
"My dear girl, stop this whining; Didi Stina has been preparing this since yesterday."