Karin mentioned that she could not wait to get home, before clarifying that she was going to get her nails done.
Milton laughed and asked if she had time to hear a story before her beauty appointments. When she agreed, he shared an account from years earlier when he was working for Gijima. He had met a woman named Belinda, who worked in entrepreneurship and development projects at the Polytechnic.
The first time they spoke, Milton made a comment he thought was clever, though he suspected she viewed it as arrogant. A few weeks later, both attended the same lecture. During the session, the Rector mentioned Milton’s name while discussing a technology study. An audience member then asked a question regarding cheese-making in Namibia, which was occurring on Milton's family farm at Okomitundu. Following the lecture, Milton obtained Belinda's business card, connected with her professionally, and sent articles about entrepreneurship. She did not reply or encourage the contact.
Milton subsequently organized a work trip to the farm under the official premise of discussing Polytechnic-related projects with a German business partner. The day before the flight, Belinda called to say she could not attend because her sister was visiting. Milton suggested she bring her sister along, and Belinda agreed to join for Saturday only.
On Saturday morning, the German partner remarked that no woman would drive to a farm for a non-business meeting. Belinda arrived late. Milton, Belinda, and her sister boarded a six-seater Cessna, with Belinda sitting in the co-pilot seat. She flew the aircraft for twenty minutes over Otjimbingwe and followed the Swakop River, while her sister sat in the row behind them. During the flight, Milton asked the sister if Belinda had a boyfriend, and the sister replied that she did not. Upon landing, Milton remarked to Belinda that it was a memorable first date, and she replied that no one could beat it.
That evening, Milton and Belinda worked together on a project proposal she needed to submit on Monday, using laptops, spreadsheets, and planning schedules. Later, they went on a game drive, had a sundowner on the mountain overlooking the farm, and continued working on the proposal.
On Sunday, they drove back to Windhoek. Belinda sat in the back seat knitting wool and asking Milton questions about his life. They worked for a few more hours on her project after arriving.
On Monday, Milton sent messages containing poetic statements, including: "If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand." On Tuesday, he ordered two yellow roses from a florist. On Wednesday, he ordered two red roses accompanied by a handwritten note that read: "I once again hear the birds sing, and the children shout. I once again feel alive and know the world is well. I have just found out I am in love with you."
A day later, Belinda sent an email thanking Milton for the flowers, expressing appreciation for his honesty and professional respect, and stating that she believed they could be good friends. She also stated that she had a boyfriend. Milton stayed in bed for two days following the message.
As he related the story, Karin expressed her sympathy and asked what happened next. Milton replied that nothing further happened. He reflected that the experience reassured him that he was still capable of falling in love.
Karin noted that she had felt she would never experience such feelings again after her past relationship with Neville. Milton agreed, encouraged her to try again and love again, and then logged off.
