The Foreigner

Chapter 17

I call my daughter. I miss her. It's been a week since she visited me.

-Hi dad!

-Hi daughter. How are you? And the little Penny?

-We are very good, Dad. How are you?

-I'm great daughter. Better than never.

-It's good you call me. Bob and I are organizing a barbecue for family and some friends next Sunday and we would love for you to come.

-Sure, I'm going, daughter. It will be great to be with you. You can count with me there.

-Oh, good father. But are you really coming?

-I promise I will.

-Good dad. We'll be waiting for you then.

-Take care, daughter. Until Sunday. -I can imagine the smile on Cat's face. From the voice I could tell she was happy when I confirmed I'll go.

I climb the stairs. I look out the bedroom window toward Heidi's house. It's all dark there. It doesn't even look like anyone lives there. How is she? I haven't seen her in a while. I miss her.

I decide to write. I observe what I have already done. Even it is enough material for who is locked. It seems that things are starting to flow. I hope it stays that way now that I'm at peace.

I continue from where I left off earlier. I spend much of the night writing. And writing. I go to sleep very late. I haven't written like this for a long time. I throw myself on the bed and turn off.

***

Cat's house is in a beautiful, leafy suburb west of the Chicago Loop. It is very busy. A Paul McCartney song is playing. I find relatives and friends I haven't seen in a long time.

-Al! - A bearded man addresses me

-George? - I recognize him after a little memory effort. - Is that you?

-How long cousin! -He hugs me with great excitement. At this moment I realize how much I isolated myself from everyone.

-You are different. Stronger. Let the beard grow. -I pull back a little to look at him in more detail.

-And you haven't changed a thing. Well, lost weight. But otherwise you're the same. And so, what have you been doing with your life?

-Well, at the moment I'm resting. Like a vacation And, you, how's the family?

-We are all fine. - A woman approaches - Honey, look who's here.

Melissa remains well preserved. A corpulent woman, dark hair, pretty face. She gives me a slight hug.

-How are you Albert?

-I'm fine. I am happy to see you.

-I knew you're living in a small town. So how is been your life there? -George questions me.

-I already adapted. That's exactly what I was looking for.

-It's good cousin.

Cat approaches with Penny on her lap.

-Hi George! Hi Melissa! -She kisses and hugs them both. -I can see you've met my father again.

-It was easy. Albert never changes. -Says George.

Melissa takes my granddaughter's hand: - How is this beautiful girl?

-She's growing fast- says George as he plays with her

- I'll get you something to drink. -Cat says.

-I'll go with you - I volunteer

We found Bob on the way to the kitchen.