Counting my effects to make sure I had everything—these days I have to do this when moving from one spot to another while travelling—especially after only six hours of sleep in a thirty-six hour period: one bulging handbag, one suitcase, one stupid plastic bag still heavy with past editions of The Atlantic, Poets and Writers and The New Yorker I still hadn’t managed to finish reading, I head toward the money exchange window. I gag when my $20 nets me a five pound note and a few coins. What’s the exchange rate again? I need an espresso before I negotiate any more transactions. Hoisting my handbag onto my shoulder, I turn, about to head toward the coffee cart and stop. A woman in a trench coat like mine is peering down the corridor I’d exited just thirty minutes earlier.
Squinting at the woman through my prescription sunglasses (it’s got be pitch dark before I switch to my regular ones: vanity, they hide the suitcases under my eyes), I head toward her. “Donna?” She stares at me. I stare back. The moment hangs there. Can’t be sure; is this my hockey/softball playing chum? The last time I saw Donna we were both in our teens. What the hell. We both grin and grab each other. Hey, even if it’s not Donna, I’m getting a hug when I most need it. But I know it’s her, no big ESP thing, it just feels right.
(The photo above is of the two of us on the bridge near Joan’s house in Morland).
How exciting was that?! The big fella who came to ensconce himself in front of me- and forced me to zig zag back & forth to see the people exiting, must have arrived just as you walked through. I was starting to get worried when you popped up in front of me. So relieved & happy to see you! What a lovely re-union we had. Thank you for coming all that way. Am now writing this from Hong Kong, as on a surprise visit to my daughter’s BIG O birthday bash in Auckland.!!!!!!!!!! Will post some pics
Yes, indeed. See you next year!!!
Oh how you tantalize with tidbits. You rogue…I love it!
Yes, as Britton says, you indeed tantalize with tidbits — though, I confess, I had a sneaky feeling you were leading us down a road too dark, even with its twists and turns.