Weeks of monotony filled his life with an opposite extreme. No

longer pursued by opportunists who disguised themselves with

good intentions, his body regained strength. The government

arranged his back-pay. The mass of generation-removed

relatives ceased their dutiful visits and eventually no one came

to see the hero who had fought the longest war.

For his 50th birthday, the nursing staff organised a small

party. To make him feel at home, the festive cake has been

decorated in the form of a tropical island. Nude was visibly

moved by the occasion and yet he seemed strangely distracted.

They thought it best to leave him alone.