[ He has a sneaking suspicion that Margaret is suspicious of him, a not-uncommon feeling that makes his skin crawl. ]

Well — yes, I suppose I enjoyed them, as much as I could have…it was just something of a shock. Back in Russia, we didn’t really celebrate New Years. And the Christmas celebrations lasted for weeks after the day itself! Usually we — that is, the observant Christians — would fast before Christmas Eve, which you Americans don’t do. So it wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the holidays and more that it was all very confusing.

[ He laughs without any real mirth. ]

The visions didn’t help, but you must be careful discussing them! Or else that doctor man will snatch you away and torment you.