A short story by John Cheever, from 1954, about an affair and its surprising aftermath. NewYorkerArchive
When Blake stepped out of the elevator, he saw her. A few people, mostly men waiting for girls, stood in the lobby watching the elevator doors. She was among them. As he saw her, her face took on a look of such loathing and purpose that he realized she had been waiting for him. He did not approach her. She had no legitimate business with him. They had nothing to say.
He ordered a Gibson and shouldered his way in between two other men at the bar, so that if she should be watching from the window she would lose sight of him. The place was crowded with commuters putting down a drink before the ride home.
When he put on his clothes again, an hour or so later, she was weeping. He felt too contented and warm and sleepy to worry much about her tears. As he was dressing, he noticed on the dresser a note she had written to a cleaning woman. The only light came from the bathroom—the door was ajar—and in this half light the hideously scrawled letters again seemed entirely wrong for her, and as if they must be the handwriting of some other and very gross woman.
The swift death of Mrs. Compton’s smile did not affect Blake at all. The Comptons lived in the house next to the Blakes, and Mrs. Compton had never understood the importance of minding her own business. Louise Blake took her troubles to Mrs. Compton, Blake knew, and instead of discouraging her crying jags, Mrs. Compton had come to imagine herself a sort of confessor and had developed a lively curiosity about the Blakes’ intimate affairs.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
John Easterling Honors Late Wife Olivia Newton-John on Her BirthdayOlivia Newton-John is being remembered by two of the most important men in her life ❤️
Read more »
John Cena sets a new Guinness World record by granting 650 Make-A-Wish wishesCena, one of the most popular wrestlers in the history of the WWE, granted his first wish in 2002 and, in 2012, he granted the foundation's 1,000th wish.
Read more »
97.5 The Fanatic’s John Kincade knocked off the air by a fire alarmDuring the 9 a.m. hour of 975jkshow, a discussion about the Eagles’ roster was interrupted when fire alarms began sounding throughout the station. This isn’t the first time a show on The Fanatic has been knocked off the air due to a fire alarm.
Read more »
John Cena Sets Guinness Book Record for Make-A-Wish Foundation Grants.JohnCena officially holds the title for granting the most Make-A-Wish wishes with 650 since 2002 🙏
Read more »
John Richards/Pierre Fortin: Look beyond James Smith suspect's psycheAverting tragedies like the James Smith Cree Nation stabbing spree means focusing on economic opportunity, health and education.
Read more »