In the evenings, we were usually left to our own devices. Occasionally there were class events, such as concerts, films, gallery openings, and theatrical programs, but many times, our nights were free. It got dark in Prague early, and many times people just went home. Renata made dinner while I entertained Benji, did my homework, or both. Sometimes, he would help me with my Czech homework - I’d ask him a question in Czech, he’d answer, I’d ask him again, he’d answer…our symbiotic relationship carried on, although I never understood the responses. I’d toss a ball around with him, or play cars or animals with him, swing him around or hide in the pillows and have him seek me out. Renata was a fantastic cook, and there wasn’t anything I didn’t like that she made. She even made chicken livers one night - pan fried, drizzled with homemade raspberry honey mustard - and I liked that too. I’d finish my homework or listen to music in my room until they went to sleep, and then I’d log on to the internet (an arduous process I never wanted her to know I performed, although I’m pretty sure that she knew) before I went to sleep.
