The Vanishing Moon by Joseph Coulson

Author:Joseph Coulson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steerforth Press
Published: 2011-08-03T16:00:00+00:00

MAYBE IT was seeing my parents in a new light, or maybe it was needing to make peace where I had left animosity — I can’t say for sure — but I made up my mind to visit Jessica Tollman before I left town. I stopped by the bookstore and asked Stephen if he would arrange it; he resisted at first, but then he gave in, doing it as much for his mother, he said, as for me.

The evening when I went to see Jessica was crisp and cool with a hint of wood smoke in the air. I passed homes already fitted with storm doors and storm windows to fend off the autumn chill, and as street lamps sputtered to life, I saw my shadow gliding across empty lawns and porches.

I walked up to the Tollman house and, like the last time, Myron was the first to answer. I stepped inside and Jessica called from the kitchen that she’d be right out. When I looked past Myron, I saw Lethea Strong sitting in the living room.

You didn’t come to see me, said Lethea. So I came to see you.

I meant to, I said.

Now don’t go apologizin’ and fallin’ all over yourself. I know what’s been goin’ on. I hardly expected you.

I smiled and sat down, but stood up again as Jessica swept into the room. Hello, Katie, she said. I’m glad you’re here.

She seemed truly magnanimous, offering me the same smile and handshake that she’d offered me before. After Phil and I got started, I’d always imagined her angry, annoyed at the very least, but when she pulled me close and embraced me, some of my fears began to dissipate.

So it’s New York at last, said Jessica. Stephen says you’re almost ready to go.

I thought I’d be gone by now, I said. I’ve changed my ticket twice.

There’s no hurry, said Lethea. Go when your feet say so and not before. Lethea wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief. Why don’t the two of you sit before your dogs give out.

We sat down and Jessica said that she’d put a pot of cider with mulling spices on the stove, and Lethea asked if she could have hers with a cinnamon stick, and then there was an uncomfortable moment of silence and Lethea said, Somebody say somethin’ before I fall asleep.

I came to say good-bye, I said.

Is that all, said Lethea.

I looked at Jessica. Do you mind if I smoke?

I do, said Lethea. Can’t breathe anymore when someone stinks up the room.

I put down my bag. I’m sorry, I said. Sorry for making problems between Phil and Stephen.

You didn’t do it by yourself, said Jessica.

I’ll say she didn’t. But she’s hankerin’ to take the blame.

I never intended —

I know, said Jessica. But blaming you or Phil . . . or Stephen for that matter, won’t change what’s happened.

You’re very kind, I said.

Kindness has nothin’ to do with it, said Lethea. It’s the way things are.

It’s not fair, I thought, that both of them should be so comfortable.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.