Alena
Deewater

Ann
Helsel

Charles
Furey

Donald
Shephard

Doug
Fortier

Gloria
Jorgensen

Henri
Bensussen

Holly
Tannen

Jan
Edwards

Jewels
Marcus

Maureen
Eppstein

Motherbear
Scott

Nancy
McLelland

Nona
Smith

Norma
Watkins

Sharon
Gilligan

Susan
Fisher

Ty
Moore

G l o r i a  J o r g e n s e n  &  J e s s i c a  J a d e  N o r r i s

Recognition

She leaves their room in the swank hotel of the strange city. “Good morning, Mrs. Rogers.” The bell captain greets her with the coveted name as she sweeps out shiny brass-fixture trimmed revolving doors to brilliant white unexpected snow, just for a moment. A short uncertain walk to the corner so she can breathe crisp air, her coat scarcely adequate, cheeks flush pink as she smiles and turns to go back.

They are there. The group he is with. His excuse for a business trip out of town, a place to meet after twenty-five years. She hadn’t thought before leaving the room, only of the snow, careless, foolish. There is nowhere to hide. She is unaccustomed to, these, what? She doesn’t--she straightens herself, says, “I beg your pardon,” makes her way through the crush of people to the hotel, careful not to look his way.

Once in the room she sits on the edge of the chair. His things around her, smells from long ago. Tears well up, she dashes them away. She has no idea if he saw her or not. Did she disrupt his morning? He will be busy with work all day. 

Time passes slowly. Her partner would be angry about an unexpected appearance during business hours. She is uncertain of his reaction fearing she has ruined their brief time together.  

In the evening she asks how his day was. “Tiring,” he says, “but good. How was yours?” He kisses her.

“Fine,” she says, “I saw you. I was concerned you saw me and your colleagues recognized something between us . . .” She cannot contain tears. 

“No. I didn’t see you. I feel bad about that.” He holds her. “I wish I had. Don’t worry. Everything is fine.”

“Now.”

Recognition