The Lunch- Dialogue (Homework)

They were neighbors and had been for many years, having supported one another through the moving on of children, loss of spouses, joy and hardships of life. Their friendship was one of cherished comfort and had endured over the decades. Many quiet lunches such as this were shared, especially in these later years when each was alone.1

“We will teach you to cook like a chef yet,” Kate said and the sunlit kitchen filled with laughter.2

“It’s hopeless,” Jeff chuckled. He looked down at the unevenly chopped vegetables and shook his head. “I think it best we go out.”3

Kate came over and gave him a gentle hug. “You sit down and let me do this,” she said softly, patting him on the shoulder. Suddenly a wave of sadness came over her but she quickly pushed the unhappy thoughts away. She was determined not to allow anything to ruin a good afternoon. They were too precious now.4

He sat at the kitchen table and watched her prepare the salad. “Well, old Kate, what would I do without you?” he mumbled in a low voice. His smile had dimmed but not faded completely and Kate could see the weariness in his eyes.5

“You feeling alright?” she asked. “I won’t be offended if you want to retire early.” She stopped her chopping and sat beside him, taking his hand. The real question was, she thought, what would she do without him? 6

“No, no, I’m fine and a salad sounds wonderful,” he said. “Do you have any of those luscious strawberries from your patch yet?” He felt the fatigue wearing down on him but he did not want to give up such a lovely day with his friend to lie in bed alone.7

Kate squeezed his hand and gave him a worried smile. “I haven’t had any good ones this year but can I get you some peaches?” she asked.8

“That would be wonderful,” he answered and squeezed her hand in return. “You know, Kate, I am starting to feel at peace about the whole thing.” He looked into her eyes and saw they were welling with tears. Why had he said that? he thought. He wished he could take it back.  9

“Peace has not come to me yet,” she said with a bitter edge.10

“It will, my dear friend, it will,” he assured her. “I didn't mean to ruin our lunch with sad talk.”11

“You haven’t ruined anything,” she choked, “but I can’t bear the idea of your leaving me. I know it’s selfish but I just want to hold onto every moment and the time we have together.”12

“Don’t be angry at God, Kate,” he said with a directness that  startled her.13

“No, I’m not,” she lied. 14

“Yes you are I can feel it.” He had not meant to go into all this but now he felt the need to continue. “We have to talk about it before...before it is too late,” he finished.15

Kate looked as if he had slapped her hard. He expected her to change the subject or cut their afternoon short with curt excuses, as was her habit when she wanted to avoid an uncomfortable topic but instead she looked him in the eyes and said coldly, “Yes, I am angry, Jeff, I am angry and hurt but mostly angry. Not just at God but at you too.” She went to the window so that he could not see her face.  “I know, I know, it makes no sense to be angry at you for something you can’t help. It's awful of me! It’s totally selfish,” she cried. “No, Jeff, I didn't mean that. I’m sorry. What kind of a person am I?”16

Jeff went to her and put his arms around her. “You are a most beautiful person; kind, giving and lovely. That’s what kind. And you have nothing to apologize for,” he whispered. “Nothing that you’re feeling is wrong. However, I wouldn't leave you if I had a choice. You know that.”17

“I do know, of course, of course, yes I know,” Kate said wiping her tear streaked face. 18

Jeff wished he could wash away the sadness that had fallen over the day along with his words. He pulled her closer and said, “Let’s get back to our lunch, Dear. That salad will be wilted.”19

She went back to the vegetables and said softly, “Yes, let’s do that.” 20