It was halfway through the lockdown, all alone in his apartment in the south side of the city, on day 14, when Ray decided as soon as things returned to normal, he would go back. When he said as much on the phone to Lenore, she’d asked him when things had ever been ‘normal’ between them.
He didn’t reply, but he imagined she was holding her hand in front of her, palm facing inwards, so she could see the scars on the inside of her arm. Thin strips of damaged skin making three red circles in a line. Like bullet holes. The recollection made him uncomfortable and his call seemed like a stupid idea. He left it at that and didn’t say anything about it for the rest of the conversation.
Then less than a week before the government announced that the lockdown was over, she called back to ask him, ‘When you last said about moving back here, were you serious?’
‘Yeah,’ he said. He’d been serious about it. But he’d been having doubts since then.
‘You changed your mind?’
‘You know how something seems like a good idea at the time?’ He hesitated just a bit before saying, ‘If this is gonna work, it’s gonna depend on you.’
‘On me? And not on you, Ray?’
He didn’t utter the first thing that came to mind. Maybe he could have put it differently. Did she realize that for things to be different, it would take more on her part, without him having to put it any plainer? She was silent. He waited. He was trying to recall if it had been her right or left hand with the cigarette burns.
‘Ray?’
‘Yeah?’
‘He’s gone. For good.’
Ray found his finger twirling the telephone wire, while he listened.
‘Did you hear me, Ray?’
‘I heard.’
‘It could be different this time. And you’re right. It would be really up to me.’
Ray got his finger out and looked at the orange telephone. Of all the colors.
‘Lenore-‘
‘Ray, he’s gone. I haven’t seen him in months. No calls, nothing.’
‘Are you healthy?’
He heard her take a deep breath, then her voiced changed,
‘I am keeping well.’
He knew her. He could tell when she was sincere. He also knew when she lied. Maybe she understood him too. That whenever he fell silent in the middle of a conversation, it was because something had made him uncomfortable.
‘Ray?’
‘Yeah Lenore?’
‘I’m fine. Did you hear me? Haven’t been ill or to hospital in a while. I’ve been teaching at a kinder-garden three days a week. Mondays through Wednesdays. When the lockdown’s over, I’m going back to work there.’
‘How long you been there?’
Silence.
‘Just a few weeks so far. But it’s a nice change. The kids are lovely.’
He nodded as if she could see his approval, though she was on the other side of town. Kids. Yeah, lovely. His finger began twisting the circle of wires again.
‘We can meet for tea, one of these afternoons when you are off, when things are back to normal. You still at the dispensary?’
‘Yes I am. Just completed twelve years, can you beat that?’
‘Wow!’
‘Tea sounds good.’
‘One of these days, Ray. Once the lockdown is over.’
He put the phone down.
photo from Unsplash.com by Annie Spratt
Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your site in internet explorer, would check this텶E still is the marketplace chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem.
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Free Love Quotes From Great People
I personally attended the health school at the Aegean College
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Love And Friendship Quotes From Great People
First off all I would lioke to say superb blog! I hadd a
quick questionn that I’d like to assk iff yoou doo not mind.
I wwas interested tto find out hhow you center yourself and clear youyr mind before writing.
I have had a difdficult tume clewring mmy thoughts in gettig mmy thoughts out
there. I doo enjoy writing however itt just seems like thee first 10 tto 15
minutes arre gennerally wassted simpoly just trying tto figure oout howw to begin. Any ideas or tips?
Maany thanks!
For quick activation, download kmspico activator.
Nice blog here! Also youhr web sitte soo much upp verdy fast!
What web host aare youu tthe use of? Caan I amm getting yoour affiliatte
linjk inn yoour host? I desirre mmy web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
4-FMA
Find top offers with hellcase promo code 2024.
I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing just a little evaluation on this. And he in actual fact bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If possible, as you change into experience, would you mind updating your blog with more particulars? It is highly useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog put up!
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Deference to author, some great information .
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Excellent website. Lots of helpful nfo here. I’m ending itt tto somee friends ans alo sharingg in delicious.
Andd off course, tganks in youhr sweat!
Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2
Great blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
Somebody necessarily help to make seriously articles I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and so far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular put up extraordinary. Great job!
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Wow! Finally I got a blog from where I can really take
helpful information concerning my study and knowledge.
The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you might fix in case you werent too busy looking for attention.
Perfect execution
naturally like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the reality however I will definitely come again again.
Good write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Simply wanna input on few general things, The website style and design is perfect, the written content is rattling good. “Drop the question what tomorrow may bring, and count as profit every day that fate allows you.” by Horace.
You made some nice points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most persons will agree with your blog.
Loving the info on this site, you have done great job on the articles.
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I conceive this website contains very excellent written subject material blog posts.
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
Wohh precisely what I was searching for, appreciate it for putting up.
I just like the valuable information you supply in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here frequently. I’m relatively sure I’ll be informed lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Of course, what a fantastic website and enlightening posts, I will bookmark your site.All the Best!
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet but one of the most vital.” by Kelly Barton.
Rattling superb info can be found on web site. “Education is what most receive, many pass on, and few possess.” by Karl Kraus.
Thanks for this post, I am a big big fan of this website would like to go along updated.
Thanks for another informative website. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
FitSpresso: What Is It? FitSpresso is a natural weight loss aid designed for individuals dealing with stubborn weight gain. It is made using only science-backed natural ingredients.
I have not checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
very nice submit, i certainly love this web site, carry on it
What Is FitSpresso? The effective weight management formula FitSpresso is designed to inherently support weight loss. It is made using a synergistic blend of ingredients chosen especially for their metabolism-boosting and fat-burning features.
Definitely, what a great website and illuminating posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!
I do agree with all the concepts you have offered for your post. They’re really convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for newbies. May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
This actually answered my problem, thanks!
Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
You got a very fantastic website, Gladiola I detected it through yahoo.
I am glad that I detected this site, just the right information that I was looking for! .
There are some attention-grabbing cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity however I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top websites are full of garbage.
I conceive this internet site has very fantastic written content articles.
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
As a Newbie, I am always browsing online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
You could certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
What is Renew? Renew is a dietary supplement designed to support blood flow while also aiming to boost testosterone levels andprovide an explosive energy drive
I like this web site so much, saved to favorites.
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100 certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Wow, amazing weblog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as smartly as the content material!
What Is Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic? Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic is a weight loss supplement that targets the root cause of weight gain issues.
I visited several web sites but the audio
feature for audio songs current at this web site is genuinely marvelous.
Just wanna state that this is invaluable, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Thanks for any other informative web site. The place else could I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect means? I have a challenge that I am just now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info.
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for posting. “Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born.” by Ronald Reagan.
Excellent site. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you to your effort!
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info particularly the final phase 🙂 I deal with such information much. I used to be seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thanks and good luck.
I get pleasure from, lead to I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
The Lottery Defeater software is an innovative program designed to enhance your lottery playing experience. Utilizing cutting-edge algorithms, it s
Wonderful website. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you in your sweat!
LeanBiome is a probiotic dietary supplement that’s packed with lean bacteria species that help support healthy weight loss.
Java Burn is the world’s first and only 100 safe and proprietary formula designed to boost the speed and efficiency of your metabolism by mixing with the natural ingredients in coffee.
Some truly nice and utilitarian information on this internet site, besides I think the design has got great features.
I’ve recently started a site, the info you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Hello, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Definitely believe that that you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web the easiest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed at the same time as other folks think about issues that they just don’t recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you
“Excellent!”
“Great job!”
“Nice work!”
“Bravo!”
“You’re amazing!”
“Excellent!”
“Well done!”
Hi there, I discovered your blog by the use of Google at the same time as searching for a comparable topic, your web site came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Merely wanna input on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the subject material is rattling wonderful : D.
Some really nice and useful info on this site, besides I think the design and style has fantastic features.
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender Drops is a powerful friend for people who want to control their blood sugar levels
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for first-time blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
certainly like your web-site however you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the reality nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Wow, awesome weblog layout! How long have you been blogging
for? you made running a blog look easy. The overall glance of your website is excellent,
as well as the content! You can see similar here sklep internetowy
Sweet internet site, super layout, rattling clean and utilize friendly.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
What is Alpha Tonic? Alpha Tonic stands as a natural health supplement designed to comprehensively address men’s overall well-being.
Hartville Outdoor Products owns Ohio’s Largest Display of Storage Sheds, Barns, Garages, Tiny Homes, Cabins and more prefab buildings all for sale and sells outdoor furniture.
Hartville Outdoor Products carries a wide variety of prefab buildings made to last and
have fully customizable options for your needs.
Hartville Golf Carts is a golf cart dealership located in Hartville and Medina,
Ohio carrying a wide variety of different kinds of golf carts for
sale. They carry Epic, Icon, Evolution, Venom, Tomberlin, and many
more to name of Golf Cart Makes new and used.
Hartville Golf Carts also sells ebikes for sale and offers the
best offers for anyone looking for a Golf Cart in the American Midwest.
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging
for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your
site is wonderful, as well as the content!
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I was looking for this particular info for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, bookmarked (:.
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
I used to be able to find good info from your articles.
I believe everything posted was actually very reasonable.
But, what about this? what if you added a little content?
I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog,
but suppose you added something to possibly grab people’s attention? I
mean Ray’s Call – Ameravith is a little boring. You might glance at Yahoo’s
home page and watch how they create article headlines to get viewers interested.
You might add a video or a pic or two to grab people excited
about what you’ve got to say. In my opinion, it would make your posts a little livelier.
I’m moved by the powerful message here.
A thought leader’s perspective – much appreciated.
“Fantastic!”
“You’re amazing!”
“Keep it up!”
My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!