Although my camel coat was 2 sizes large, I hugged it tightly around my chest on the way into the thrift shop for my date at the opera.
The suit I found was green boucle, a froth of fibers with 3/4 sleeves and an A-line skirt. While listening to my Sarah Vaughan CD, I pinned the sides of the 20-year-old skirt into a pencil shape. Thankful there was no lining, I sewed the seams up to the zipper and then made a camellia-shaped flower pin from the scraps. Then I washed some underwear and hose in the sink.
I had peanut butter and Saltines before Peter came to pick me up. He asked where to go for drinks. Knowing that I would be expected to pay, I brought out two beers. Then we set out into the chilly January evening for Madame Butterfly.
After the performance, Peter said he would probably spend the Spring studying in London. When I asked when he’d return, he added that he might spend Summer there as well. That night, I let him stay, and he left without a sound early the next morning. I waited the next six months with no letter or call.
*Song by Sarah Vaughan
Lo Scriviti 