Today Is Someone’s Birthday
Moments in limbo
“9. May, hmm…” I say to myself, “sounds like it might be Jane’s birthday today.” And, so I check with Robert, but it’s not. It’s on the 11., he writes back. Sounds wrong though, but then I guess, her husband should know.
I’m caught in a world lost in time and dates.
Sitting here in limbo between two idyllic parks on a bench parallel to the railway track — not pretty but quiet. When a train doesn’t happen by.
A slight but warm breeze gently caresses my neck. Comforting.
I feel so strange and nicely alone… and then I hear my name and look up to the friendly face of a friend of my daughter’s. Thankfully, I recognise her — a smile so pleased to see me, I just have to know her. Yes, a close friend whose name I can’t recall… wait, I think it’s Nora... relief. I promise to say hello to my daughter.
Strange but comforting to be acknowledged in the wasteland of a city I’ve never lived in before. A refugee with a face.
