turn, and drove off. Irene met my eye from her porch 10
across the street. She probably wanted an explanation. I 11
had known her since I was a child — getting into mis-12
chief and having my ears twisted by her and her sister, 13
Chastity.
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“How is Chastity, Miss Littleneck?” I hailed.
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“Restin’,” the aged woman replied.
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“Give her my best,” I said.
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“Thank you,” Irene said, and she turned off the heavy 18
stare of accusation. A kind word about her family always 19
softened her punishing ways.
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I answered the phone after it had been ringing for a C 14
very long time.
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“Helah,” I said.
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“Charles? Charles, are you awake?”
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It was Monday morning and I was sprawled out on the 18
floor in front of the couch in the living room. My pillow 19
