Роберт Уилсон - Days Since... - Thomas - Day 758

Two windows in the living room cast light upon the couch and a couple of club chairs—a small coffee table in the middle. Remnants of peeled wallpaper stuck to the walls. The dining area filled by an oversized table. Random knickknacks along the shelves. All the usual appliances were removed from the kitchen, which had been completely gutted, simplified by a bus pan and a shelf with a few plates, glasses, and eating utensils arranged upon it. The hallway leading to the bedrooms had a floral bed sheet hanging from the ceiling. A candle was lit, which spread the smell of cinnamon throughout the apartment.

“I don’t see how you keep this so clean.” He spotted an empty plate on the dining room table, took it, and placed it in the bus pan before she noticed anything was out of place. “Remind me to take the pan down for you before I leave.”

“Oh, you’re such a sweet boy. You don’t have to try and make me smile.” She had already started to blush. “You know I do what I can. Have a seat.” She cleared a knitted blanket from her couch, and Thomas took its place. Kate draped it across her lap as she joined him.

“I really like what you did here.” It seemed she busied herself by constantly rearranging what little she had. “Is this new?” Thomas picked up a bowl filled with plastic fruit from the coffee table. His stomach grumbled at the thought of it being real, knowing he would probably never have a real banana again for the rest of his life. What I wouldn’t do for some fresh fruit. Just another something taken for granted like so many others that were now gone.

“Some nice scavenger boy saw it and thought I’d like it.” She took the bowl from him, not by force, but with some authority, and examined it for a second before placing it back on the table. “I don’t want it broken.”

Thomas laughed. “What’d you think I was going to do with it?”

“I saw how you were looking at it.”

“Whatever you say, Kate,” he said through broken laughter. “I’m glad you have people looking out for you like that. You deserve nice things.”

“That’s ridiculous, Thomas. I don’t deserve any more than anyone else.”

“If you say so… How was Joseph this morning?”

“Well…” She looked to the ceiling and took a deep breath. “The boy has his difficulties, but the Lord gives me strength to handle it.”

“That bad?”

“I just can’t move like I used to. He can be a handful you know, but I’m never given more than I can deal with. I hope you know that goes for you too, Thomas. I know you feel overwhelmed at times, but the Lord never gives more than a person can handle. You ever consider those things? You survived for a reason—to take care of that boy… And to spend some time with this old lady.” She touched Thomas lightly on the chest as she rocked backwards with a steady chuckle.

“You’re in rare form today.” He stood from the couch and made his way to a shelf laden with small collectibles. He kept his hands behind his back, realizing that Kate had also gotten up from her seat. “I’m not touching them.”

“I know.”

But the words didn’t convince Thomas, he turned back toward her, sensing that she was becoming nervous about her trinkets. “Do you have any plans tonight?”

“Gonna clean up a bit then I’m heading down to the play. You and Joseph thinking of joining me?”

Thomas sighed. “I won’t be able to. I’m sorry.”

“You made it the last few times with us. I guess I can’t be too mad that you don’t want to be my chaperone tonight.”

“You know that’s not it. I just… I’m sorry to ask again, but—if you don’t mind, can you keep Joseph for the night?”

“That won’t be a problem.”

A sense of relief came over Thomas. It was either Kate or a Second Alliance Mother, and the Mothers weren’t known for their patience.

“May I ask why?”

Thomas couldn’t help but smile.

“What is it?”

“I finally got picked for my Soldier trial.”

“That’s so great!” She took his hands into her own and pulled him toward her—her frail body eclipsed by his. “I am so proud of you.”

“Thank you. I owe a lot of it to you.”

She looked up at him, her eyebrows scrunching from thought. Her hands released his and pulled back to her hips, resting there. “I’d like to think we’re partners in this whole thing. It goes both ways. You help me a lot too”

“I know. I just want you to realize I appreciate you watching him so much.”

“Well, don’t worry about it, Thomas. I’m not keeping track of who’s done what for who. I’m not like that and you know it.”

“I do.”

“Now, is there anything I need to know this time?”

“I guess just do what you normally do with him. He should be done from the fields around 16:00.”

“I hate that military time stuff.”

“It’s four o—”

“I know what it is!” She snapped. “I’ve been doing this for awhile now.”

“I wasn’t trying to say anything.” She’s definitely getting worse. I’d better change the subject. “The two of you could go to dinner and the play tonight.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Kate smiled. “I can definitely do that.”

“I might not get the chance to say good-bye to him. I was told to wait in the apartment until it’s time to go. He’s starting to get used to me heading out like this, but I never really know how he’ll take it.”

“I know.” She patted him on the back. “I know.”

“I hate always springing this on you at the last minute.”

“It’s fine. He’s gonna fit right into my plans.”

“You’re the best.” He gave her a careful hug. “Let me grab that bus pan before I leave. Can you think of anything else you need before I head out? Want me to get you some soup when the cart comes around?”

“Nope. I’ll leave my door open, so I catch the boy before he heads up.”

“Thanks again, Kate.”

“Just get back to us in one piece.”

“You know I will.”

Thomas scooped the bus pan and carried it up the stairs to his apartment. Upon entering, he set Kate’s bin in the kitchen with his own and started packing his gear. He had most of what he needed already prepped for occasions like this—pistol, knives, ammunition, binoculars, some food, change of civilian clothes—even though it was possible to scrounge together some things in a pinch while outside the walls. The last thing he grabbed was a small bag of hygiene items from the bathroom. He methodically checked the condition of each item before arranging them neatly in his rucksack. Once satisfied, he set it by the door, his rifle leaning against it. Thomas threw together an overnight bag for Joseph and added it to the pile.

There were still over two hours until noon. Hurry up and wait. I can’t seem to get away from it. He sank into the thick cushions of a recliner that he commandeered from a vacant apartment in the neighborhood. His eyes met with the ceiling. The light fixture hadn’t been used in years, reduced to decoration. He ran his hands over his hair, short and blonde, but getting longer than he liked. Military standards were nearly impossible to maintain.

He pulled a worn deck of cards from an end table’s drawer and began shuffling. He laid the cards out for Solitaire and began to work at it. From this pile to that one. Aces to kings. Black to red to black. Too much Solitaire lately. I need a girlfriend. Hanging out with Kate just isn’t getting it done.

Every nearby crash of metal on metal piqued his attention. Was this it? Then moments would pass and nothing. For nearly half an hour this cycle ran. Tired of the game, he stacked the cards and packed them up. Where the hell is this guy? He sighed . Screw it! I’m going to lay down for a couple hours. Never know if I’m going to be able to sleep tonight.