“We are who we are, because of those we choose to love and because of those who love us.” ~ Kate Mosse, The Winter Ghosts
7th Day.
Twenty years ago, I dated a guy, MK, for about two years. Although we did not officially live together, we always stayed over each other’s place. He lived in a house with his brother and his two cousins. His room, which he shared with his brother, D, was in the the basement. I spent many days and nights hanging out with the two of them, and throughout the course of my relationship with MK, I started to look at D like he was my own little brother.
When MK and I broke up, I remained on good terms with him, and with D. Oftentimes I think that D was far more devastated about the breakup than either MK or I was. Although we still treated each other like family even after we separated, eventually we drifted apart and it has been a number of years since we have heard from each other.
But on the 7th day of this life of quarantine and isolation, I heard my phone ring, and when I looked at my phone, I saw D’s number flashing on my phone.
Without hesitation, I picked up his video call. I see his face, and instantly, my heart smiles. Immediately he asks, “Are you ok? I’m calling because I’m worried about you. Get out of the city and come stay with us. I’ll drive up and come get you guys.”
It wasn’t a meaningless invitation that people usually blurt out. It was a genuine invitation borne out of love and concern. It was sincere and touching, and I haven’t felt this loved in a long while.
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