Katy’s best friend and confidant, Arlene told her she was moving to California. Katy lives in Virginia which is three thousand miles from California. She didn’t even give Katy her phone number or new address. I don’t know what to make of this, thought Katy. I thought we were the closest of friends.
“I’m going to be moving to California,” said Arlene.
“Oh, really,” said Katy. “When are you leaving?”
“Next month,” said Arlene.
“I’ll really miss you,” said Katy.
“I’ll miss you too,” said Arlene.
“Can we stay in touch?” said Katy. “What is your new address?”
“Oh, I can’t remember it right now,” said Arlene.
“I guess you have my address,” said Katy. “So, you can write to me.”
“Oh, sure,” said Arlene. “I’ll keep in touch.”
Arlene had been a real confidant and mentor to Katy when things got tough. Arlene was simply an all round friend. But after Arlene left for California, Katy didn’t hear from her. Katy figured she must still be trying to settle into her new home. But as the months went by, there was still silence. She had not heard a word from Arlene, not a phone call or a letter.
I wonder if Arlene is even still alive, thought Katy. Why haven’t I heard from her?
Arlene had a Facebook account. Katy tried to write to her through Facebook. Then next thing to happen is Arlene’s Facebook account closed. Arlene hadn’t tried to reach out to her at all.
What did I do wrong? Katy asked herself. I guess ever since Arlene met and married that man of hers, she’s just been so dizzy with love and then they move to California. But can’t we still just be friends? She was the best, most insightful, helpful and compassionate person I’d ever known.
Arlene settled into her new life in California with her new husband. I promised Katy I’d stay in touch, she thought. But I’ve got this husband and a new life in a different environment. What I’m discovering is that I’m feeling a need to leave old things behind that is one reason I haven’t responded to Katy. I liked her as a close friend. Sometimes she was a little overwhelming with her needs but there was give and take in the relationship. If I brought Katy back into my life, all of the County of Fairfax would be back and it would be as if I never left that environment, the job I had, my translucent neighbors and so on. I am spending enough time with my new husband and at this point I’m feeling that two is company and three is a crowd, unless of course I have a baby and then I wouldn’t have time for anybody else.
Christmas came and Arlene didn’t send Katy a Christmas card. Arlene figured that a Christmas card would trigger the old life back. Katy would have her new address if she sent a card. I know that seems cold, not sending Katy a Christmas card, thought Arlene. But I’ve got to move on.
It’s Christmas and I can’t even send Arlene a Christmas card, thought Katy. I don’t have her new address and she hasn’t sent me a card either. I don’t know if I should be depressed or just get on with my life. You know, I think I’ll just get on with my life! It hurts but I’m going to move on just like my friend did.
