It was evening and John had just called. He was away on a business trip. He called almost every day when he was gone because he knew that Joanne became uneasy when she was by herself in the house. He would be back tomorrow. She tried not to make him feel guilty. They both knew how important it was for him to make these trips. They said "I love you, see you tomorrow" and hung up the telephone.
She now felt more alone. The bright summer day was fading into dusk causing shadows to form in the house. She changed into her silk pajamas and turned off the room lights.
Joanne left the bedside light on. She liked to read at night before going to sleep. In her imagination the story would become reality. Usually reading made her drowsy but tonight she felt restless.
Joanne put down the book and turned off the light. She lay back on the pillow and closed her eyes. She lay still waiting to fall asleep.
As she lay in bed Joanne remained awake. She listened to the quiet house. Separation from her lover made her feel vulnerable. She had spent other nights without sleep. She hoped this one would be different.
Joanne knew her anxiety would only increase if she stayed in bed. She opened her eyes and studied her bedroom in the dim light. The familiar furnishings seemed altered. Shapes changed and details disappeared.
Joanne rose and pulled a robe over her shoulders. She walked out into the hall toward the living room.
Night had fallen and the house was dark but she did not turn on the lights. In the living room she sat on a sofa and drew up her feet. The only sounds were the rustling of her robe and her breathing.
Joanne was thinking about John when she saw a slight movement in the corner. It was probably a shadow. She looked around the room and then back to the corner. Was there a person sitting on a chair? As she stared there did seem to be a slight movement. Joanne whispered, "Is someone there?"
There was another motion. She was sure someone was sitting in the corner. Joanne asked, "Who are you?" She jumped slightly when a voice answered, "Johanna".
A woman rose from the chair. She was slim and graceful. Her smile was warm. She came closer out of the shadows. Joanne saw that she was lovely.
The woman asked, "How are you?" Joanne wanted to say that she felt anxious and lonely but instead she responded, "How did you get here?"
The woman answered, "You brought me here to be with you." Joanne was silent. She did not understand.
The woman moved closer. There was an odor of perfume. It seemed familiar. She sat down beside Joanne. She rested her hand on Joanne's arm. Joanne craved the touch of another person.
Johanna smiled reassuringly. She reached out and deliberately opened the top button of the silk pajamas. Joanne sat still as the woman moved her hand under the open lapel. She undid another button. Her hand was warm.
The young woman rose and walked toward the bedroom. She motioned for Joanne to follow. Joanne lay down on the bed. Johanna sat on the side of the bed and reached over to open the last button. She pushed the pajamas to the sides like unwrapping a present.
Joanne felt her chest exposed to the air. She closed her eyes. Johanna leaned closer. She pressed her body against Joanne's.
