She received the invite in the mail. The bbq would take place on a hill overlooking town. It sounded so lovely. Except it happened last week.

The flower was dying, unloved in fetid water. Dust collecting on the vase. Look at that, she said. I’m too stupid for symbolism, he replied.

I was born long ago. How ironic is life that we need to wear diapers again? I don’t want to be the Sphinx’s punchline. Now, get off my lawn.

He waited for her call. He sat by the phone and waited and time did its thing. His friend came over. Who makes phone calls anymore? he said.