The Estranged

Tuxtails Publishing/February 16, 2023

Avoiding the clock, Anna sat beside the window, wishing it were summer, when the roses would bloom. Finally, she rang the bell, a jarring buzz, not the tinkle she would’ve liked. She awaited the housekeeper Judy’s slow appearance, eyeing the dust thickening on her nightstand, the overflowing floral garbage pail in the corner. Her bald head itched where new hair prickled, tickling beneath her woolen cap.
     “Morning, Mrs. Stern,” Judy said, setting a green smoothie on the table beside Anna. “You’re looking well,” she added, stiff grinned.
     “What, is your leg broken?” Anna said.
     “Broken — ?”
     “I could’ve been dead.”
     Judy straightened the blanket, fluffed the pillow, jerking Anna forward.
     “I’ll be back at noon, unless you die before lunch.”
     She closed the door, leaving Anna alone.