"May I help you, Miss?" the old woman that opened the door asked.
That was always a surprise. And she never tired of hearing that one sweet word.
"Susan."
"I'm not interested."
"Interested in what?"
"In whatever it is your selling," said the woman. "Even if you were selling the Fountain of Youth. You've got the wrong lady. I'm on social security. No money."
"Oh, I'm not selling anything."
"Well, then what exactly is it that you do want?"
"To talk. That's all. Do you mind if I come in?"
There was no way the woman was going let a stranger into her tiny apartment. 'For God's sake,' she thought. 'She might be one of those cult people or worst'.
Still somehow, she found herself stepping aside and letting the girl in saying, "Do I know you?"
"In a way. I remind you of someone."
"That's so odd," the woman said, turning her head to one side. "You're right. You do. But who?"
"Jonathan."
"—Jonathan?"
"Do you mind if I sit?" Without waiting for an answer, the girl plopped herself down on the sofa.
The old woman was sorry now she'd even gotten up this morning. Already she could feel one of her migraines roaring down on her like a freight train. 'Jonathan,' she thought, 'My son Jonathan.'
A million questions scuffled amongst themselves in her vexed mind for claim to her mouth. Finally, one won out.
"Would you like some tea?"
"Why, thank you very much. Yes. By the way, I love what you've done. The new sofa and everything."
"Thank you." Then she went to fix the tea. She only hoped she wouldn't spill it, her hands trembled so.
When they were both comfortable on the sofa the old woman smiled and said, "Now then, what's on your mind?"
"Do you know what hell is?"
"Pardon?" The old woman did not really want to hear the answer.
"Hell is living someone else's dream and not your own."
"I'm sorry but it's– "She wished the young stranger who was so familiar was gone.
"Would you like to hear my story? I know you like good stories. But this story is so sad it'll make you cry or..."
"Or?"
"Or it won't"
YOU ARE READING
Roommates
HorrorMeet Edmond and Jonathan. Two young men who were polar opposites and roommates! Edmond a research geneticist , well funded, and with a life plan. And Jonathan an office temp, empty pockets, and still trying to find himself. When Edmond's fiancée Su...
