11/09/2011

Transference

(Photo from 123RF, Royalty Free Stock Photos, edited)

I called your office one weekend. I knew you wouldn’t be there, but just knowing the phone would ring in your space made me feel closer to you. Your answering machine picked up my call, and I was shocked to hear your voice. Not one of the many layers between us had snagged the call so some self-important guardian at your gate could ward me off. Instead, I heard your voice, filled with warmth and caring. I wondered: how did you know I would call?

Once I knew you were waiting for my call, I punched in your number over and over, and listened to your unspoken words of affection. I called so many times, I could picture the telephone lines between my phone and yours burning up from overuse. With every call, I expected Ma Bell to answer, chastising me with “now you’ve done it.” But you were always there, filled with anticipation. Your voice embraced me, though you concealed your feelings from prying ears with words about office hours and the doctor on call.

That was so many years ago, and I got over you. Sorry. I heard after a while that you and your wife got divorced. By then I didn’t care, but I wondered: how did she know about us? You never did.


Posted by PattiKen
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14 comments:

  1. BainoNovember 9, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    That's a bit stalky?

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  2. TomNovember 9, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    what's all this then? an unsettling bit, and creepy

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  3. Grandmother MaryNovember 9, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    A relationship through … the voice in the answering machine. Sad, disturbed, disturbing.

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  4. Brian MillerNovember 9, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    yeah that one is a bit disturbing...ha

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  5. UnknownNovember 9, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    That is one wacky person. Seriously.

    Well done.

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  6. anthonynorthNovember 10, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    This is so edgy, disturbed. An excellent write.

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  7. UnspokenNovember 10, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    this is brilliant. I LOVE the disturbed mind at work here. But, you know, I always appreciate a writer who writes a Crazy. This is a Crazy. Crazy and romantic :)! HAH!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JaniceNovember 10, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Oh,my! And I thought I was nuts!I like what you did with this piece. I feel a bit saner after reading it.

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  9. Monkey ManNovember 10, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Love the ending.

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  10. Sherry Blue SkyNovember 11, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    This is a well done piece, kiddo. Love the ending, too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. steveroniNovember 14, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    After reading the above comments, well, I must be the crazy one. Because I lived every moment with that woman and her 'man' answering via recording machine.

    You put me right into that story from the beginning. And the final words are what define you as a writer. A fine writer. My opinion!

    With that I offer PEACE! (Thanks for dropping in!)

    ReplyDelete
  12. AeriaNovember 15, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Oh, I loved this. Perfect ending :)

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  13. G-ManNovember 17, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Patti....
    Very reflective of a tense Romance

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  14. Blogger hates Siobhan stillNovember 20, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    I really, really like this! Kinda wished it went on longer, but then I do think the ending is dandy as is.

    ReplyDelete

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