Revisiting Her

-Wake up John-

"Good morning..." announced my home virtual assistant Chris. My eyes cracked open as the blinds automatically went up...Another day...

"It's 10:00 am, May 4th, the weather is partly cloudy with a temperature of 25 degrees and a gentle northwestern breeze."

"Thank you, Chris"

"Should I..."

"Turn on the coffee machine and have some hot water ready to shower."

"Right away sir."

"Thanks, buddy..."

I opened my window and walked to the balcony. The fresh air always made my wake-ups easier. I headed to the kitchen, made myself a warm cup of coffee, cut up two slices of bread, on top of which I spread some butter and honey, picked up my smoke from the living room and headed out to the balcony again.

"Chris...play Pink Floyd - Shine on you Crazy Diamond."

"A fine choice for a fine morning may I add."

I had a sip from my coffee and rolled myself a joint. I lit it up and had a couple of puffs until Chris decided to inform me about my liabilities. Once more.

"I would like to remind you that your phone..."

"Mute". I knew my phone was dead for a second week straight, but honestly, I had no reason to charge it let alone use it. The days were going by slowly. It was almost excruciating. I had not been outside of the house since Io passed away. I did not see the point. It didn't feel like fun anymore. Every now and then, one of the guys would call to check on me. Short phone calls. I liked it better that way. I was not bringing my gloominess into their lives and I was not allowing them to feel sorry or voice that they are sorry for whatever reason. I did not need pity at this point. Just peace and quiet.

"John, your friend Socrates is approaching the front door..." Chris was designed to go off mute for emergencies.

"I am not at home..." the doorbell interrupted the rest of my sentence. I sighed and prepared myself for what was about to follow.

I was able to hear Chris welcoming Socrates downstairs from where I was sitting but I could not see So.

"Good morning Socrates".

"Open up Chris I need to speak to him"

"I am afraid you missed him, he just went outside".

"Did he...? 'Cause I swear I saw smoke rising from the balcony, heard Pink Floyd playing and smelled some sophisticated g...OPEN THE DOOR YOU ASSHOLE!"

I have to... he has been trying to get in touch with me forever. Since he is here, he was not going to leave anytime soon. Not without causing a commotion at least. I put my cigarette in the ashtray and headed to the door.

"I am sorry John, he is very..."

"Persistent...I know. Open up for him". I stood by the door and opened up when I heard his footsteps approaching from downstairs. He walked slowly towards me, almost puzzled by looking at me, holding a coffee cup and a bag of cookies.

"Woooow...look at that...he is alive!"

"What do you want So?"

"A bloody good morning would be nice to hear as well. Good morning So! Good morning John! How are you doing? Shit and you? Well not that bad... Would you like to come in? No! Cause you have ghosted us, so go fuck yourself!"

"Ok ok, I get it, I am a dick..."

"No! No man...we..." he sighed, "we understand. We are just worried that's all." Awkward silence filled the space between us for a moment as we stood at the doorstep.