The company we keep

Walter concentrates watching steam roll over the lip of his coffee cup. He has three letters left to solve today’s Wordle. Deep in thought he hardly hears the knock on his front door.

Approaching the entrance, he notices shadows standing outside the front door, their silhouettes cast against the morning light. Walter chuckles, the welcome committee has arrived. Slightly opening the door, reveals two smiling women his age, jostling each other for position.

“Good morning.” Walter says.

”Good morning.” The duo sings. “Welcome to Golden Vale.”

“Thank you, to what do I owe the privilege of two beautiful women on such a wonderful morning.”

With girlish giggles, their blushing increases the redness of hastily applied makeup. One replies. “We are the official welcoming committee. We noticed you with the moving truck two nights ago unloading. You disappeared before we could introduce ourselves.”

The other blurts. “Such a strange time to move in. We heard your car late last night, again much too late to say hello, but we come bearing gifts this morning.”

Staring at the basket and bundle of flowers, Walter swings the door open. “Well come on in, I have a fresh pot of coffee on, would you care for some?”

Like a gaggle of geese crossing a busy intersection they waddle past, honking phrases and statements of excitement.

“Wow, you unpacked already.”

“I love this unit, so private and a beautiful view of San Jacinto mountains.”

Walter pours coffees, pointing to the cream and sugar. “By the way I’m …”

“Walter Newman.” The tall brunette cuts in. “I’m Mary-Lynn.”

Walter, trying to figure out if it's dyed or a wig, nods, and smiles. Turns to the shorter one, who retains a nice figure and has the dignity and courage to let her hair go natural. She introduces herself as Shannon. The small talk was superseded by direct flirtation, soon he found himself bombarded with invites for suppers, walks and to be a partner in pickle ball.

Clearing his throat Walter says. “Ladies, my apologies if I mislead you. I am happily married.”

Stunned silence fills the room like a church hosting a funeral. Only the ticking of a clock breaks the tension.

“We assumed you were a widower, you were always alone, and only your name appears on the agreement.”

Walter explains. “Anna remained at our old home, I brought her last night, she’s relaxing in our bedroom. Come, I’ll introduce you to her.”

“We don’t wish to trouble her, we can meet her some time later, perhaps at the club.”

“Unfortunately, she's no longer mobile, which is why I was alone.'"

“oh, sorry.”

“It was unexpected.”

Suddenly a door slams, echoing throughout the home.

Smiling Walter says. “Must be the wind, follow me.”

Hesitantly the women enter the dim lit room, a stale musty smell overwhelms them immediately. Sitting in bed is a wispy haired corpse, clutching a book in her dried withered hands.

Closing the door, Walter whispers. “Anna, say hello to our new neighbors.”