What is happening, I thought, while glancing around my bedroom. The bedside lamp cast a strange eerie glow around the room, yet I had no memory of having turned on the light.
Was I going mad?
Possible, but doubtful.
Life, or so family and friends claim, can be lonely when you’re single. Their disbelieving expressions when I insist that I don’t suffer from loneliness amuses and infuriates me. How can I experience loneliness when I’m never alone? For nigh on seven years have I sensed my daughter’s presence. Her perfume drifts from room to room.
Is it all in my mind?
Logic dictates that it is, but I know better.
Visitors often ask, “Why, when we enter your home, does the most wonderful aroma greet us?” In truth, I have no idea.
Tiredness overcame me. I switched off the light, pulled the duvet up to my chin, and instantly fell into a deep dreamless sleep. While preparing breakfast I glanced at the clock. Just a little late, I thought, but it was nearly noon. This is a frequent occurrence. Day after day, I fall asleep at four o’clock in the morning and don’t awaken until a few minutes before noon.
Late summer yet snowflakes danced around me as I ventured outdoors.
“This weather,” my neighbour yelled in an effort to be heard above the howling wind, “is weird.” My bags were heavy, hence the offer―gratefully accepted―to carry them into the kitchen. “How are you feeling today?”
“About the same. When will the pain ease?” I asked him.
“Do you want me to give an honest answer, or prevaricate?”
“I would appreciate an honest answer.”
“So be it. Louise died at the age of twenty-four, nigh on sixteen years ago. Our daughter was an intelligent woman with excellent career prospects. But more important, at least to me, she was a loving woman who adored her family. In truth, the pain never eases. You learn to cope, to live each day as it comes and make the most of what life has to offer.”
“I’m weary and in need of caffeine and chocolate. How do you fancy a cup of freshly brewed Columbian coffee and rich dark chocolates?”
“I’ve got a better idea. We’ll join my wife, relax and enjoy your favourite chocolates with a cup of aromatic coffee laced with Cognac.”
“So be it. Louise died at the age of forty-four, nigh on sixteen years ago. Our daughter was an intelligent woman with excellent career prospects. But more important, at least to me, she was a loving woman who adored her family. In truth, the pain never eases. You learn to cope, to live each day as it comes and make the most of what life has to offer.”
“I’m weary and in need of caffeine and chocolate. How do you fancy a cup of freshly brewed Columbian coffee and rich dark chocolates?” “I’ve got a better idea. We’ll join my wife, relax and enjoy your favourite chocolates with a cup of aromatic coffee laced with Cognac.”
llamememeg 