Estrangement

I came back to Denver and a new apartment.

I had separated from my wife, and moved to

my hometown of St. Louis where I spent the

last two and a half years.

I decided to return because I liked Denver,

a great view and access to The Front Range

Rocky Mountains. Besides, my new place

was cheaper, government subsidized. I was

retired and living exclusively on Social Security.

My estranged wife was excited, she hoped we

might get back together again. Our last years

together were tumultuous to say the least.

We were both alcoholics and suffered from

depression.

We had separated several times before, and

just couldn’t figure out how to get along de-

cently. I would still see her, have her over for

dinner, conversations, and occasionally to

spent the night. But that was as far as I was

willing to go. Any more than a platonic rela-

tionship was out of the question. We had

both been burnt before.

One evening after dinner, she brought up

the subject about when we could get back

together again. I tried to be gentle and con-

siderate in explaining that that arrangement

just wouldn’t work for me.

And she, upset of course, let me have it.

Unable to convince her to face reality, I

suggested that I could drive her back to

her place which was at an assisted living

facility.

She relented her admonishment of me,

apparently not ready to fracture our

newly reconstituted relationship.

She decided to stay, sleeping on the couch,

but only for the night.

                       -30-

Chris Hanch 6-8-2020