“Aftermath”
excerpt from:
Family Gatherings
Aftermath
Pat Gallant
My friend, Molly, came over - a welcome relief. We went into my bedroom, an excuse to remove my being from the endless stream of callers.
Close the door. Block out the sound. Pretend it didn't happen.
We weren't talking long when there was a knock at the door.
Alan walked in with a man. "Someone's here to see you." A tall, good- looking man stood alongside my stepfather. Who was he? He looked familiar.
"Pat, dear, I'm so sorry...
I nodded vacantly, trying to conceal my uncertainty as to who this person was, who clearly knew me well, cursing Alan silently for his lack of an introduction. Why didn't he tip me off? And why did this man look so familiar? I thought I knew who he was - the husband of a friend of Alan's and my mother's - but not quite - almost - he almost looked like that friend, very near, but not quite. And he acted as if he were closer.
Think fast, Pat
I strained, looking beyond the face, into the eyes and soul. I was seeing flashbacks, bits of memories I couldn't quite identify. What the hell was going on?
My mind was racing but I felt oddly at home with this man. I felt comfortable with him, soothed.
Alan said, "Well, I'll leave you alone to talk."
No, Alan...
We were alone. Something told me not to ask who this man was. It was quite clear I was supposed to know this. My subconscious was working overtime, trying to break through to my conscious and tell me something.
The memories were sharpening. I looked at Molly and this man, both waiting for an introduction. I looked again, straining, looking into his face while muttering inane dialogue to stall. His face was a mirror. I saw flashes of myself. I'd take a chance. It was a risk but I'd go for the plunge.Pat Gallant