why are you looking out the window, henry?
what? what kind of stupid question is that? why am i looking out the window? because looking out the window is what i do! it is what i have been doing for thirty years? what else am i going to do?
i am sorry, i did not mean to upset you.
whatever possessed you to ask such a question?
i was reading this article in the newspaper, and i -
yes? go on.
it was about loneliness. it said there was an epidemic of loneliness in this country, and in the world -
what has that got to do with me looking out the window?
it just got me to thinking - we don’t talk much any more -
no, not for about twenty-five years. do you suddenly have something to say?
i thought we might just chat once in a while - about - about politics, about our favorite books - about the old days -
the old days! you want to talk about the old days, after what happened to me -
well, the days before that - you know what i mean, i am sorry, i did not mean to upset you.
after what happened to me forty years ago.
just forget i said anything.
epidemic of loneliness! that is the dumbest thing i ever heard. what next - an epidemic of people not tying their shoes?
it is getting on to lunchtime, henry. would you like something a little earlier than usual, it might calm you down.
i do not need to be calmed down. but you can bring me a ham and cheese sandwich, if you would be so kind, and put enough mustard on it this time.
