Hiding

Not many people stopped by the diner. Bet it was because it was so nice out. The regulars were gone shortly after nine. Belle Star and I talked a bit after I'd washed all the dishes. She said, "What do you do?"
"I work here," I said, "I wash the dishes."
"No," she said, "I mean, what do you do in your spare time?"
"I go on walks with my dogs. I read. And, I make butter."
"That sounds nice," she said.
"What do you do in your spare time?"
"Not much," she said. "I hide."
"Hide?"
"Things get complicated," she said, "and sometimes, it's best to just wait and hide."

I didn't understand what she meant but I nodded and then we didn't talk for a long time. She looked out the window. She looked like she might cry and crying makes me uncomfortable.

"Belle," I said, "can I leave early today?"
"Sure Curt."

When I got home, I went for a walk with the dogs, read, and made some butter. And it was nice. Then, I called Ronny, but he didn't answer. I called him again and left a voice message. I said, Hey Ronny, it's Curt. What do you call a chess player who throws a fit whenever his opponent makes a move? Give up? A queen!