Years ago in McGlinchey's, a Philly dive, I overheard a female voice, "I don't know how anyone can get married, I don't know, before they're 45. I mean, hello!" The woman was in her mid-20's.
In 2014, I was at the Golden Cicada in Jersey City when a karaoke session broke out. The participants were a group of three gay guys and two single women, plus a straight couple. In metropolitan New York, one often hears women complain about the dearth of straight men, so it's no surprise to see these young ladies enjoying a night out with their gay buddies.
As for the couple, she was Indian and he, Italian. We talked. Staring lovingly at her boyfriend, she cooed that they were engaged. He showed no emotion.
On October 15th, 2002, she sent me:
After a long time. Wanted to say hello and say where I am with little Jehan who is nearly two. We are well.
Sending you the best.
Reetika
On March 25th, 2003, she wrote:
Dear Linh,
It has been so long since our dialogue in The Literary Review. I would like to stay in touch. Here is my number: 757-565-1810. I'll be moving at the end of April. Can we speak before then?
My best, and many thanks for the messages,
Reetika
This request for a phone chat was a bit odd, I thought. Emailing back, I explained that I was in Italy. Though I was warm and solicitous enough, I never phoned Reetika. I dislike talking over the phone.
I received one more email from Reetika in May, then in July, words came that she had stabbed her son to death before committing suicide. Reetika and Jehan never lived with Yusef, but rented a house near him in Trenton. During her final months, she reached out to many people. Surely someone could have said something to save the 41-year-old woman and her baby?
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