Atdtda34: Don't look back, 961-962

[Paul Nightingale]

As Reef/Yashmeen/Ljubica leave, a view of the convent/church in cloud, "as
if denying them second thoughts". Cf their arrival on 956, the "old
structure ... seemingly impossible to get to ..." etc. There, it is Ljubica
who first notices the convent. Cyprian is carrying her. On 961 he "[holds]
her ceremonially" and offers more advice (962). Again, then, Cyprian's past,
whatever he knows about Albania, is shared with the others, a proxy
experience (and it is this aspect of their relationship, with an emphasis on
the Cyprian he never knew, that Reef has emphasised in the previous section,
just above). However, Cyprian now doesn't want to be part of the past for
Ljubica. Note here the repetition of "as always": his departure will change
her daily routine, recollection will be buried on her unconscious. Cf the
way the history of the convent was written on 956, "follow[ing] her gaze".