I left the lab at a little after nine o’clock. Evening traffic was light, and I drove carelessly toward the lake, dangerously close to Annie’s high-rise. At times it seemed my car had a mind of its own. Took the lefts and rights needed to put me on her block. I’d sit for an hour or so in the darkness. Not watching. Not really. Not stalking. Just a chance to be. To think. Essentially, to torture myself.
Tonight, however, the car zigged when it should have zagged. Took a left away from Annie’s place and into some sort of future. Diane opened the door before I got up her front stairs. She didn’t ask about my day, didn’t want to talk about the night before or tomorrow. We just had a drink and enjoyed the quiet. Sometimes that’s enough. This was one of those times. Then we went to bed. I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.