Loneliness

Abe opened his eyes. Etta was already sitting at the table silently, watching him, as if she wanted to tell him off for lying in. He checked the clock, it was just 7 am. Once again, he slept on the sofa, not wanting to disturb her with his snoring.

“Coffee?” He offered but she just shook her head. He asked every day as if she ever drank coffee. But who knew, maybe she suddenly wanted one and there would be no excuse for not offering. She had this habit of reminding him if he didn’t anticipate her wish. She did it every day for the last 35 years.

This time, he was simply grumpy though. Etta watched him silently and it was driving him mad. He wanted to do something to upset her but he wasn’t sure what. Instead, he just decided to make a coffee for himself and read the newspapers that were delivered to their doors every day.

Around 12 he realised he was hungry. He managed to ignore Etta all the morning, although she looked rather happy. Abe was not sure she understood he was ignoring her. On the other hand, she was just sitting at the table watching him or looking out of the window. Clearly, she was not going to cook today. He sighed. Her standards were slipping lately.

Someone rang the bell. Abe realised with relief that it had to be the lunch delivery. Mark arranged it couple of months ago. As far as it went, Abe liked their son. He cared. Well, he could have ordered two portions instead of one but Abe was not one to complain. He simply served him and Etta the one portion, it was more than enough.

They ate in silence. After the lunch, he took away both plates. Etta didn’t eat much, he just threw it away. He was thinking about what to do next. Maybe to water the plants.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Mark, who else.

“Dad, are you ok?”

“Yes.”

“Have you eaten the lunch? The whole lunch?”

“Yes.”

“I know you are lying. You have to eat the whole lunch, not throwing half out. You know what mum would say, if she were still alive…”

Abe nodded. Mark cared. He cared enough to call, not enough to visit.