Our next encounter

Magdalena usually came to clean the apartment every day. Some days, she came early to do the laundry, change the bed linens, and do the heavy cleaning. The next day, she did dusting and generally neatening of the apartment. It worked out well since I was a lousy housekeeper, totally un-neat, and she was my saving grace.

She called in sick for two days, saying she did not want to pass on anything to me. Finally, on the third day, early in the afternoon, she arrived looking haggard but ready to do at least light work.

“Hello, Mister Jack,” she announced as she walked in and took off her coat, hanging it in the closet near the door.

“How are you doing? I asked in response. ”I have missed you."

Magdalena came over to where I sat at my desk and stood behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders. Then, she swooped them to my front, hugging me closely. “What do you wish me to do for cleaning today?” she asked.

I turned and smiled, answering, “I have a lot of work to do, so how about cleaning up the bedroom and bath today. You can return to the regular schedule tomorrow if you wish.”

She smiled broadly at me, looked around the living room, and said, “Sounds like to work to do, then. I am happy to be back, Mister Jack.”

“And I as well,” I responded.