The Call of the Leech

The phone rang. I sat and waited. Another ring and then the answering machine cut in.

“This is Walter Mann. I am busy on my new book and do not have time to talk. If you think this call is important, please leave a message. If I agree, I will call back.”

The answering machine beeped and started to record.

“Walt — this is Angelica.” She paused, the lilt of her accent hung in the air. “Don’t play games with me. You can’t just hide from what happened. Please talk to me.” She waited in silence. I made no move to pick up the phone. Eventually she hung up.

I got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen. I looked in the fridge and then the cupboards and didn’t find anything to inspire me. In the next room, the phone rang again. I listened until I recognized the voice. Another leech wanted an exclusive. I walked back to the answering machine and turned the volume down so I couldn’t hear the voice anymore. After I stood and looked at the phone awhile, I reached down and unplugged the phone — now the ringing wouldn’t distract me.

I sat in another chair and looked out of my window. My apartment looked out on a beautiful view of the mountains.

I knew I had things to do — so I got restless. Finally, I got up and wandered back to my office. I sat in front of the computer. I fiddled with my notes on the desk and rearranged my pens. Eventually I was happy enough with my notes and pens. I turned my attention to the computer, grabbed the mouse and clicking on an icon to start a program.

Angelica at the Door

Bang bang bang.

Someone was at the door. I had been lost in my work. An hour had gone by, and I had won several solitaire games. I got up and quickly and quietly walked through the apartment to my front door. I became cautious as I got close.

They still banged on the door. Angelica’s voice called clearly through the door. “Walt, are you OK?  Please let me in.” She knocked again. I started to reach for the door handle, but caught myself and took a step back. She continued. “Don’t let what happened stop you from enjoying life.”