She had been moving things out of her room for the last few days. Now, there were a total of 11 boxes. I looked at them taking ups space in the living room. Four rows stacked…then another row stacked. How could she have so many things. As I was thinking these thoughts, she came back into the house after talking to a neighbor. She took an open box with things and walked to the stairs.
Out of an automatic reflex, I said, \”Do you need any help?\”
Very casual. Very innocent. She gave me a surprised look…and halted in her path toward the stairs. \”Ooh…thanks…\” She hesitated. My bitterness would not go away so I didn\’t look at her…I looked past her.
She tried again and said, \”I want to apologize for the things that have happened…\”
I looked at her.
\”It was a learning experience. It\’s too bad…\” she continued then took another step. Then she stopped.
I felt unmoved. I looked past her toward the living room wall, still bitter from what happened the last few months. \”What\’s up…I am really surprised that you talked to me…\” she giggled nervously…
I responded, \”That\’s the way life goes. Things happen. I don\’t…like to…see people struggle.\”
\”Yeah…\” she trailed off.
\”Well, good luck with your move. Let me know if you need any help.\” I gave her a look that said the end of conversation. I sat downstairs on the couch fiddling with my keys and my phone…
She went upstairs…I went to the kitchen trying to start cooking my dinner, rummaging through the sink for cleaning dirty dishes. Suddenly, she returned and asked, \”Jenn? Do you want to go to Bankok Balcony [a nearby thai restaurant]?\” If I hadn\’t been busy, I would have said no. I said no…that I was waiting for someone.
I didn\’t smile. She asked me if I wanted to go for bubble tea. \”Maybe later….let me know.\”
Then she left.
I was confused. And yet I didn\’t care anymore.,…