The Courage to Love by E. E. Montgomery

Author:E. E. Montgomery [Montgomery, E. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

MY RETURN to the Post Office surprised Mr. Steinberg. I made my way to the employees’ entrance to the serving side of the counter, but Mr. Steinberg met me there and prevented my entry.

“I didn’t expect you back, Mr. Harrison,” Mr. Steinberg said as I approached the counter. “Dr. Atwood said it was the Spanish Influenza.”

“That’s correct.” After a moment, Mr. Steinberg’s meaning became clear.

“I didn’t contract the illness, Mr. Steinberg. Others in the house were ill, and I was quarantined along with them. Dr. Atwood cleared the residence yesterday and removed the quarantine.”

“It’s been three weeks, Mr. Harrison.”

“Yes it has. Several people in the house were affected, and it was necessary to wait for the illness to run its course.”

Mr. Steinberg took a deep breath, then stepped closer. I stood my ground, though he crowded me. I almost gagged at his stale breath. Had the man never thought of beginning his day with a toothbrush and tooth powder?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Harrison, but you were gone so long we all assumed….” He cleared his throat. “Your position has been filled.”

“Filled?” I gaped at him in astonishment. “What do you mean ‘filled’?”

He drew himself up and scowled at me, as unhappy as ever at anyone who questioned his decisions. “I mean just what I say, Mr. Harrison. It was assumed you weren’t returning, so another man was hired in your place. There is no longer a position here for you.”

I snapped my mouth shut. There was no point in further questions. I’d been replaced. I nodded, turned on my heel, and left.

I stood outside on the footpath for several minutes, only peripherally aware of the people bustling past me. The clopping of horses and carriages mixed with burbling motor cars driving along Queen Street. The noise and odors overwhelmed me. Sweat trickled down my spine, my hands trembled. Every breath I took was audible and became louder as my discomfort increased. I had to get out of there before I slipped into a flashback or worse. I turned abruptly, managed an apology to the woman I bumped into. After that, I sped along. I ran all the way to Eagle Street.

It was noisy there as well. I kept running, no longer aware of my surroundings. The sounds and smells pressed in on me and smothered me. My heart pounded in my ears, my breath rasped in panicked gasps. I bumped people and posts and the edges of buildings, but didn’t stop. The imperative to move was upon me.

My thighs burned and my chest heaved when I finally turned into a familiar street. My mind recognized nothing, but nevertheless familiarity calmed me and I slowed down. Halfway down the street I skidded to a stop and banged against a fence. I fumbled with the latch on the gate, my breath sobbing out of me. My head was full of bubbles beating in time with my heartbeat, instead of thoughts.

“David?”

The voice said something else, but I was beyond comprehending any meaning. A sense of safety washed over me and I lurched, arms out, and grasped him to me.

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