I left at 5. Autumn had given into winter. Beacon? Tremont to Newbury, back to Beacon? I went Beacon. Found myself an awkward early. No coffee shops, bars, or convenience stores nearby. I continued toward Mass Ave. Really, I paced the same blocks, searching for prints of cottontails in small brownstone yards. 5:15. I entered that brownstone, trudging more flights than six floors should require. The noise machine pounded my head. I sat, rigid, staring. Footsteps. An invitation. I followed. Coat, bag, phone rested on the arm of the couch. “So, tell me about your week.” If only I could.
Elizabeth McGovern is a graduate student at Salem State, works at Suffolk University, and lives with her two (mostly) endearing children and long-bearded husband. She's pretty good to have on your team at trivia night.