Page 6 of Always in Watch Hill
Before the pandemic began, I barely watched any. I had subscriptions to all kinds of streaming services that came with enough TV shows and movies to keep me occupied until I was 75, but my daily life didn’t give me much time to pursue any of it. They mostly ended up sucking monthly subscription money out of my bank account. But when I started staying home most of the time, locking myself away on my property, I began to make good use of them, even justifying the addition of a few to my library. And as the days ticked by, I wound my way through the mindless entertainment, grateful for the way the shows made being alone feel less cold.
I’d just started episode three ofArchmontwhen the flood light attached to the back side of my house clicked on, detecting movement along the gravel back between the back deck and the cottage on the far side of my property. I muted the TV in time to hear the rocks crunching, and I guessed Lynne was back, having returned from getting dinner or exploring Watch Hill.
Good. Perfect timing.
I stood from the couch and grabbed the plastic bag located next to the sliding door connecting the deck with the house. I pulled the door open in the time to see Lynne guiding the bike along the path.
“Hey there.” I coughed once to clear my throat, realizing I hadn’t spoken to anyone since she asked about the key to the cottage earlier that afternoon. When she turned around, I added, “Did you find your way to downtown okay?”
“Sure did.” She walked back toward me, wheeling the bike with her as she did, and stopped at the edge of the pathway illuminated by the floodlight. “Had dinner at Sam’s Deli. Good place.”
“It is. Great burgers.”
“That’s what I had—a cheeseburger with gouda, Swiss, and cheddar.”
“The trifecta.” I salivated at the thought of it.God, it’s been so long since I’ve had a decent meal at a restaurant.“I’ve had that several times.”
“Really?” She cocked her head. “Grayson said you used to be a regular, but that you stopped going. He mentioned that he hasn’t seen you since... well, since before this mess started.”
I nodded. “That’s true, I haven’t been there.”
“Why not?”
I hesitated. “It’s complicated.”
“Aren’t you vaccinated?” She asked this like it was an obvious that I would be. “I mean, I know it’s not my business, but—”
“No, it’s fine. Yes, I got the COVID vaccine last month.” I thought about the CDC card I kept in the safe in my closet next to my passport and other important documents. “So yes, I am fully vaccinated. For a couple of weeks now.”
“Then what’s... what’s the problem?”
“I-I don’t know.”I do know.
“I mean, they are saying we can get back to life now if we have it, that we shouldn’t be afraid.”
“You’re right.” I hesitated.How to I explain this to her? How do I explain this to anyone?“But I haven’t been there yet—been back to the bar.” I added a shrug. “Just don’t feel like it.”
She rocked back and forth on her feet. “Okay, but... well, anyway, I guess it’s not my place.” Lynne stepped backward, and I sensed she was about to turn around. “Everyone has to make their own decision.” She gave a small wave. “Goodnight, Justin.”
“Goodnight, Lynne.”
She left, maneuvering the bike up the winding path, and I watched her grow smaller in the darkness. It was only after she was already in the cottage that I realized I hadn’t given her the bag of fresh extra linen and a few more towels.
Of course I hadn’t.Because that would mean spending more time with someone.And that wasn’t really an option now.
