The following days became a blur of dull pain, fogged up emotions, and the piercing sound of the phone constantly ringing.
I called my family and spoke briefly with my father. I told him I had just gotten home from a long flight and would call back later on when I felt better. I hung up thinking that I had no intention of ever calling home again. I had no intention of ever speaking again. I felt so depressed and tired I didn't even return Gabe's phone call. I barely ate or fed Peridot. I didn't go out, not even to check the mail. I drew the curtains and slept. I drank water, munched on stale cookies, and never changed out of my pajamas. I hardly washed my face or brushed my teeth. I switched the answering machine off and, after a few hours of unceasing ringing, I yanked the phone cord fro
