Please Stand By by CAROLYN BENNETT

Author:CAROLYN BENNETT
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Now or Never Publishing
Published: 2019-12-16T16:00:00+00:00

PART TWO

CHAPTER 15—BOING, SPRONG, ZOICKS

“I almost made Employee of the Month. Came really close. I worked lots of overtime, and a few customers commented on my helpfulness. I find being of assistance works. They like that. It’s that simple. Maybe next month. What are you looking for again?”

“Ibuprofen.”

“Want me to ask that customer service rep over there?”

“No.”

“Okay, Pumpkin.”

Colin followed behind her like an obedient dog. She knew exactly where the analgesics were, what aisle, what shelves. She’d buy them in bulk if they offered club packs. A stronger anti-inflammatory might calm the swelling, but without a prescription, extra-strength generic painkillers had to suffice. They bought the ibuprofen and crossed the street to her apartment. The night sky, a black pool, drew her in. Sharp pain stabbed behind one eye.

The Fellow stirred as she opened the vestibule door. She fished for her keys. Wide-eyed, Colin watched the Fellow with fascination.

“Don’t worry about him,” she said. “He comes by every now and then.”

Without saying anything, Colin clung to Suzanne’s coat. He peeked at the Fellow from over her shoulder. She checked her mailbox. A phone bill and a notice from Canadian Blood Services, inviting her to a blood drive in two weeks. She didn’t mind giving blood, rather liked it. She enjoyed the sensation of a needle digging deep in her arm. She hoped that by siphoning off a pint of sludge she’d generate new, vibrant blood. Clean blood. She still banked on her body having the capacity to renew itself.

“Everything’s all right,” said the Fellow, grinning at a conversation going on in his head. “It’s all right.”

Suddenly her stomach heaved and boiled. Forcing down a surge of vileness, she rested her forehead against the mailboxes.

“Have everything?” asked Colin.

“Uh, yeah.” She rubbed her eyes and unlocked the door to the apartments. Sweat trickled down her armpits. She stopped.

“Mr. Fellow, I want to let you in. But I can’t. I’m not allowed. Stay here for a while, it’s not too cold. I’m sorry. There’s always the homeless shelter down the street.” She looked at him sorrowfully. He chuckled a bit but then his expression changed, like a cloud had passed over him. His face drooped and his head bobbed.

They climbed the wide staircase, radiators tapping and hissing. Wilma was heading downstairs, taking each step with care.

“Well, hello!”

Suzanne hadn’t seen Wilma lately. Wilma’s face was wan and her coat hung loosely. She had lost some weight. Cancer seemed to agree with her.

“Look who it is. My long-lost neighbour. The neighbour who never calls or knocks on my door.”

“Hi. How are you?”

“Still alive. And I see you have a little friend.”

Suzanne had so far successfully smuggled Colin in and out of the building without detection. She didn’t want to hear Wilma make awkward comments, like the one she made now. Suzanne didn’t want to justify her relationship with a fresh-faced young man barely out of high school.

“I’m Suzanne’s boyfriend, Colin,” he said, extending his hand. “How do you do?”

Wilma shook his hand and nodded at Suzanne.

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