Creative Non-fiction: Blocked

Blocked

By J. Ray Paradiso

“So very very sorry, Kay. So fast. Sincere condolences. She is at last at peace. Love, L.”

(No reply.)

“Need some company, Kay?”

(No reply.)

“Grief fills the room up of my absent, Lucy. Lies in the bed. Puts on her pretty looks. Then, I have reason to be fond of grief. O Lord, my wife, my Lucy. My Lucy. My life. My joy. My food. My all the world. My widower’s comfort. My sorrow’s cure.”
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(No reply.)

​“Kay, my stomach is burning. Any remedies you can think of? Could it be grief for Lucy?”

(No reply.)

“Anything I can do to help, talk or listen or shoulder to cry on? Just let me know.”

(No reply.)

“Kay, you can’t do this by yourself. Here’s the names of two excellent psychiatrists, Dr. Tom Terry and Dr. Marty Sayta. I know both of them and very competent.”

(No reply.)

“Kay, let me know when you have made an appointment with one of these psychiatrists. The holidays are a terrible time to be alone.”

(No reply.)

“If you’d rather talk to me, I understand. But, you must talk to someone to help rebuild your life.”

“Thanks for thinking of me, Larry, but I have ample support including a psychologist, social worker, attorney and many lifelong friends.”

“Well, that’s great. Are you seeing the psychologist regularly? How are you feeling?”

“Please read above.”

“I have, but you are not made of iron and if things break down later, don’t hesitate to use these names. I miss Lucy, too, but you have locked me out of being able to talk to you.”

“Read it again, Larry.”

“Now, you are being rude. I don’t deserve that.”

(No reply.)

“I can read your sadness by your responses, Kay.”

“The best thing you can do is respect my privacy.”

“Ok, cry alone, a dangerous choice”
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“I blocked you, Larry!”
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