The morning after the Lithuanian response was sent, the streets of Kaunas were quieter than usual.
The decision had been made, and now came the part no one spoke of living with it.
The press release was brief and dry, sent out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Lithuania will resume diplomatic contact with the Republic of Poland. This step reflects Lithuania's enduring commitment to regional peace and international cooperation."
No mention of Vilnius.
No mention of the ultimatum.
But no one was fooled.
In the hallway outside the president's office, Minister of Education Juozas Antanaitis stood by the window, staring out at the courtyard.
A secretary walked past and offered a quiet "good morning," but he didn't answer.
When President Smetona emerged from his office a few minutes later, he paused next to him.
"You don't agree," Smetona said simply.
"I don't accept," Antanaitis replied.
"That's different."
The president waited.
