Then said simply, “this is a wake-up call,” then looked at him with tears in her eyes.

“Bette, Bette, “ he said gently, taking one of her hands on his, and clasped it warmly.  “You can live with this, and do so productively.”

“Is there anyone you’d like to share this with… a loved one, or family?  Someone you can talk to?”

She looked down, and tears fell from her eyes, onto her clothes. Softly, she said, “There was.  There still may be…”

He smiled kindly.  “I know you have means.  So, maybe there is something else you’d like to do with your life for the next few months?  Something to help you make sense of what it is you are looking for…if I may be so bold as to suggest.”

Bette turned to him, and smiled, “No…no.  I appreciate your interest.  What is it that you suggest?”

A few months later, Bette found herself in the middle of Bangladesh, talking to a group of village women about the importance of keeping financial records, and how these were tied to preparing for more access to finance, as they grew their small investments.  She found the work fulfilling, but was still missing something.  She told the organization’s head that she was leaving shortly.

He said, “Bette I don’t know how to thank you enough.  You’ve inspired possibly hundreds of women, I’m not kidding.  They and their families will always be grateful.”

He paused, “But I have noticed your sadness.  You carry this look with you, and… it’s not my place…but I have a feeling it has to do with someone you’ve lost, maybe?”

She smiled, “Something like that.”

“Well…I’ve been married for over twenty years now, but not all those years were happy.  There were many days in the …um… desert for me.  I should say maybe even years, if you add it all together!,” he chuckled.

He opened a drawer under his table, and pulled out a slim volume, well worn, Bette could see.

“Plato,” he said simply.

“Read the part about Aristophanes.  It may help you.”

Bette took the volume from him, “Thank you.  Are you sure I can take this?”

He smiled, “Somebody gave that to me, after my wife and I separated early into our marriage.  I forget what had happened, exactly, but my friend thought this would help me.”