McKinnon had just sat down to a late dinner when he suddenly doubled over with severe stomach cramps. He had felt fine until only moments before. Clutching his stomach, he went into his bedroom and fell on the bed, knees drawn up to his chest. He stayed like that for an hour, when the pain finally eased and he was able to stand upright with little discomfort. Assuming it was something he had eaten, he went about his business.
It wasn't until two weeks later when he was in the office for their monthly meeting, that the manager asked him how his new tenant was.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean Charly. How is she?" The manager was looking at him strangely.
"Is something wrong with her?" McKinnon was suddenly very attentive.
"You should know. She's living in your house. She had her appendix out two weeks ago. Where have you been?"
"I don't see her, if that's what you mean. She rents my house and that's it. I didn't know anything about it. I wonder where she is."
"I heard she went to her uncle's from the hospital. Her parents are away. She had a nurse call in the next day to tell us she wouldn't be back for at least four weeks. How about doing some inspections for us?"
"Sure. Anytime." McKinnon wasn't really paying attention. He should have known. To think she had to go through that without even a card from him! She must really think he was a brute.
The meeting dragged on forever, it seemed to him. He couldn't wait to get away from what seemed like very petty problems. His mind was miles away but nobody seemed to notice. Finally, he was able to make his excuses and hurry to his car. The others were meeting at the president's house as they sometimes did, but he just pleaded a prior engagement and sped to the florist, hoping the shop wouldn't be closed.
Choosing a large bunch of pink carnations and potted ivy, he placed them in the car, then went into the nearest department store and picked out the softest, most loveable teddy bear he could find. A stop at the grocery store for some mixed cheeses and fruit, and then a side trip into a bookstore just as the girl was about to close up, and his purchases were complete. Except for one thing. He stepped into a phone booth, dialled her number, and hung up as soon as she answered. Had she still been staying with her uncle, he would have had a great time explaining his purchases to his housekeeper.
One more trip into the Chinese restaurant to place an order for take-out, and his plans were complete. Except for some wine. But the store was already closed. Damn!
What if she had already eaten? What if she went out somewhere before he got there? What if she didn't want to see him? He tried to stay calm as he drove into her yard and gathered up his purchases. With arms full, he had to push the doorbell with his elbow. It seemed to take forever before she opened the door. And suddenly the effort was worthwhile. His doubts all vanished as he saw her face light up like a candle.