Chapter Three: Abraham:

Kathy didn’t have to go far for the next person to check on. In fact, she spotted him peeking over the fence as she was walking out of Pauline’s house.

“Good morning,” an old man with a wild red bread said. Kathy about jumped at his booming voice.

“Oh, it’s you,” she said.

“You coming over today?”

“Yes, I’ll be right over.”

The old man disappeared over his side of the fence. Kathy pushed her bangs out of her eyes as she walked over to the man’s yard.

“Hello!” she shouted. The old man sat on his plastic lawn chair, waving at her.

“How are you today?” the carer asked.

“Fine, darling!” Abraham shouted. Kathy opened up her notepad. The old man held up an empty beer can in his hand.

“Have you been drinking again?” she asked. “Doesn’t it seem a bit too early?”

“It’s never too early to drink!” he said. Kathy nodded.

“Uh-huh,” she said. “How are you today?”

“Good, good!”

“You’re not driving Pauline and the others crazy, are you?”

“Nah, I would never do something like that.” Abraham used to be a fine man. Kathy couldn’t help but feel that he was lonely. He had been alone even since before the Exile began. Abraham would never admit it, though.

“Listen,” Kathy said. “If you want a friend, I’m always around to lend an ear.”

“Nah,” the old man said, shaking his head. “I’m good. There are others in this neighborhood that need you more than I do.”

“I’ll come back and check on you later.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“But I have to, it’s my job.”

The old man laughed at the sky. “Of course. Of course.” He looked up as Kathy finished writing her notes on him. “Who else do you have to check on today?”

Kathy did a quick count in her head. “I think about ten more houses before go back to Miss Pauline’s house for dinner.”

“Be sure to take care of yourself,” he said. “Your carer will end up wearing you out before you know it. Be selfish once in a while, you’re young enough to do that.”

“Okay. I will come by and check on you again.” Kathy turned to walk away before looking over her shoulder. “Be careful today, it looks like it’s going to rain today.”

Abraham waved her off. “Fine, I will.” Kathy walked over to the next house.