TUESDAY, APRIL 23
We were so excited to be leaving. One day. Second to last morning walk. Most of the packing done. The place cleaned (as much as possible). Last long walk through the bluebell woods with Depp. We would drop off the tupperware to the neighbors, make sure we leave the key with them in the morning. Our conversation opened up as we felt the darkness of this place lifting.
REMINISCENCE ON OUR WALK
We talked about our visit to Kent the day before. Neither one of us left feeling comfortable. In fact, I had rushed us out of there, saying we had to walk the dog…a few guests still eating their pie.
The conversation had been relatively light, leaving us feeling outside the truth but unavoidably aware of a sadness and anxiety overtaking the lives of Lindley’s family. Our focus could not help but be on the tight, loving relationship between mother and daughter, a mother and daughter not unlike us. The evening shone light on our extreme luck to be on this journey together.
TUPPERWARE AND REALITY
We took Depp along with us to the neighbor’s after our long walk and talk, feeling open and seeing the light. We would be leaving here soon, on the road again. As Chloe handed Maggie the tupperware, I asked if we could leave the key with her the next day. She looked at me quizzically.
“They aren’t coming home tomorrow,” she said, “but we can take care of Depp until the next day, if you like.”
Oops!
In my enthusiasm to get out of here, I threw away an entire day in my head. Embarrassing and a problem since we ate all our food, had no car, and were packed to leave the next morning.
A bit downhearted, we walked at old-Depp speed home, and tried to make the most of our afternoon…but we felt like we were going crazy.
THE LOONIE BIN
“Get me out of this loonie bin,” Chloe screamed, when we were getting ready to leave for Depp’s evening walk, radio blaring on BBC talk, all the lights on in the house, curtains shut in the living room (the precautionary tactics we were asked to perform each time we left the house — the owner’s burglar repellent), and Depp barked at the door in the loudest, most annoying repetition, the smell of rancid, rotting teeth filling the air like a putrid cloud of smoke.
Amazing how certain senses can be overwhelmed by others, how our senses play into our comfort and satisfaction. The smell, the view of clutter and dirt inside overwhelming all the beauty outside.
I have to say, one more day…
