Page 17 of Two Kinds of Stranger

ELLY: So, guys, this is Margie. She works for, like, the best animal shelter in the city, Lost Paws, and, for today’s random act of kindness, we’re donating some delicious food to the shelter and of course...

The young woman gives a rubber bone to a black Labrador cross in a cage. The dog sniffs the toy. The young woman gives a red-and-orange ball to a Border terrier, who takes it in its mouth. The young woman gives a ball with a string to a black-and-white cat.

ELLY: ...TOYS! Because all good dogs and cats deserve some toys. I met the cutest doggies and cats today and I can’t tell you how much they love their new toys. If you are looking for a pet, come down to Lost Paws or check out some of the great animal shelters in the city who find homes for these cuties.

The young woman sits on the subway, drinks from her water bottle.

The young woman slumps onto a beige couch, drops her backpack at her feet.

ELLY: I know I’m supposed to cook tonight, but, guys, I’m so tired I’ll just order some sushi for dinner. It should be here by the time James gets home from work...

It’s night. The apartment is lit with lamps. The young woman relaxes on the couch with a young man. They kiss. The young woman leans her head into the young man’s chest. They lace their fingers together and stare into each other’s eyes, lovingly.

ELLY: And that’s my Monday. What was your random act of kindness today?

#NYC #randomactofkindness #RAK #gymgirl #writinglife #starbucks #nycsushi #petfriends

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Eddie

On the drive to Riverhead, I thought how strange life can be.

I loved my ex-wife.

Christine was one of the smartest people I know, which made it somehow even more incomprehensible that she had married me at some point. Maybe the fact she divorced me speaks more to her intelligence than hooking up with me in the first place. We met in law school. She was idealistic. I was realistic. That was the conman in me. She was a better lawyer. Fastidious and straight down the line. She stuck by me, through alcohol rehab and beyond, for longer than I could ever have expected.

It was never going to end well. Of course, we have Amy from that marriage, and I know she’s the best thing in both of our lives.

My practice brought the wrong kind of attention to our family, and I found myself keeping my distance from my wife and child. In the final years of our relationship, we were separating and getting back together and then falling apart again. I think Christine did the right thing when she pulled the plug. I had romantic ideas of finding a no-risk job and enjoying the quiet family life.

But I am not a quiet man, and sooner or later someone would come to me for help, and I would not be able to turn my back. That’s part of what makes me a bad father and a bad husband. I help those in terrible need and sometimes that brings trouble.No matter how much I wanted Christine, I knew she and Amy would have a happier, safer and more contented life without me in it so much.

When Christine met Kevin, at first I was jealous. I hated him. But I came to realize that Christine’s and Amy’s happiness meant more to me than my own. I knew he would make her happier than I ever could.

And being apart from me would keep them safe. It broke my heart to let Christine go, but I did it because I loved her.

Amy wouldn’t say what was going on over the phone. Just that Christine was in trouble. Her mom would never call me and ask for help. Too proud and probably too smart. And, more than likely, she didn’t need my help. Christine was a strong woman, stronger than her new husband, Kevin, and my solutions to some kinds of problems are a little too unorthodox for my ex-wife’s liking.

I pulled up outside Amy’s school, killed the engine and sent her a text message.

Do you need me to come in and sign you out?

Her reply was quick.

I already faked Kevin’s signature.

The doors to the school opened and Amy walked out with her book bag slung over her shoulder. It had been two weeks since I’d last seen her. She looked like she’d grown. Her hair seemed longer and it had definitely lost its summer shades.

Shrugging the bag from her shoulder, she got into the passenger seat, kissed me on the cheek and buckled her seatbelt.

‘Thanks for coming, Dad,’ she said.

‘What the hell is going on with your mother? I’ve been worried sick driving over here.’