Cold Feet

Chapter 15

VIOLA

I take a last look at what was my life in the big city. The house has been sold and stands all locked up in front of me. My business is dead and the ‘Sold’ sign on the front lawn stands boldly like a headstone and testament to its death. I was able to afford this house because of my business and having to sell it now represents the loss of everything that I built.

I smile thinly as I hand, Jenna, the agent, the keys to the property. I don’t want her to see my pain. I don’t think she’d understand and besides, I’m really just another client to her. Was another client, I correct myself. The house is sold. I have no more value to her unless I’m in the market for another house and I’m not. She knows it.

Nevertheless, she did a great job for me.

“This is for you,” I say as I hand her a small gift.

“Oh, you really shouldn’t have,” Jenna says smiling with genuine appreciation.

“You deserve it,” I smile.

“Thanks,” she says smiling back at me.

I shake her hand and greet her. Then I get in the car, start it and with a quick wave and empty smile, back out of the drive. I look at the house one last time as I drive away slowly making my way to the freeway.

It’s a long drive and I stop regularly to rest. When I need to sleep, I stop and park in public places where I know it’s safe. I sleep in the car to save my money and make it to my hometown in two days.

I arrive, I realize not much has changed but then what do you expect? It’s not like people are rushing to get to this

after my business died but my reputation preceded me and I wasn’t able to find work that would pay the bills and sustain my lifestyle in Los Angeles. It

passed away although I know anyone who had seriously wanted to sue me would have found it. I was grateful that the lawsuits threatened by past

to sell this small house it wouldn’t have generated much cash. A house in this small town wasn’t worth much. I was nevertheless grateful that I still had it and that it was paid

a bit more money than I expected and the fact that my mother’s house

house has been closed up for so long that it smells dusty. I carry my bags from the car into the house and set them down in the bedroom before going through the house and opening all the windows and doors. I change into my oldest clothes and began cleaning immediately. By the time evening arrives

and I decide that I will finish the cleaning

products I want are still in the same locations on the shelves where they were so many years before. As I wonder if I have stepped into the land that time forgot, someone bumps into me from behind and I drop the jar of peanut butter I am holding. It smashes on the floor

I think as I look at the mess. My thought is interrupted by

am sorry. I’m such a klutz,” the woman

and turn to look at

Her eyes

recall where I have seen her before. She

my goodness! Viola! It’s so good to see you! I had no idea that you were in town. How long have you been

me, the penny drops. Amber. I went to school with her. We graduated in the same year. I never

She steps forward and hugs me as if we are best friends. “I never thought I’d see you

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