GEB

I needed some fresh air, so I took a walk to the library. I started a reading a book, to lift my spirits, and thought I saw someone I recognized, although, I didn't look up from the page because I was enjoying what I was reading. When I finally did look up, I did recognize this person, but I forgot his name. It'd been too long. We used to play chess together. Intense matches at the kitchen table. He'd let his beard grow out. He was wearing sandals. Sandals in November! I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything, and pretended to read, staring at him, but not noticeably so, you see. He was reading a book and then set it down and left. When he didn't come back, I looked to see what he'd been reading. I decided to check it out.

At home, I did something I rarely do. I watched TV. A commerical came on and I lost it, I started to cry. I thought of Vernon. I thought of my Stella. I miss my Stella. I miss her so much. Warden, like always, licked my cheeks. Regrette, well, Regrette she sat there and looked concerned or confused.

And then Ronnie called. He called, he said, to apologize.
"Apologize?" I said. "But why?"
"I bet you're crying over Vernon," he said, "and I didn't want to bring that kind of sadness to you."
"But what about you?" I said.
"What about me?" Ronny said.
We listened to each other say nothing then, for a moment, before Ronny said he had to go, get ready for supper.
"Sure," I said. "Me too."