Doorway conversation

Talking with her about her brother's death
years back now. And it's the first time we talked.
She just had a kid
first kid
last month
my son's almost four
good guy
big boy.
Their house looks the same
even the table
even the carpet
and I tell her that.
The house even smells the same.
But you can't say the house smells the same.
Or ask if the sofa's still covered in plastic.
I think of him often. I tell her that instead.
I tell her he meant a lot to me, which is true. She says thanks.
And then I use the word "maudlin." I say: "Sorry to be maudlin."
But it's the wrong word. And that's what sticks with me later.
It's not maudlin.
Her brother's dead.

Leave a Comment