Today was bingo round two. I’m not going to lie, I was quite anxious to return to the gang. I brought my sensitive friend Arielle. If I was going to be ostracized, so was she.
Yet, pleasantly, the sight of me holding those cards in the air did not appall this week’s crew.
The troops were consequently nicer after spying the prize basket. This week, recent additions were made to the monotonous bags of cheetos and miniature almond joys. Included in the basket’s exclusives: a Kansas University alumni calendar, a packet of stationary, and my personal favorite…a travel-sized tube of polygrip denture paste. Surprisingly, no one was interested in hygienically beneficial trophies.
Before the game, a man entered the dining room, decked in his cardigan (complete with elbow patches). Unfortunately he wasn’t interested in number amusements. He went in the back and a nurse brought him cookies and black coffee. He observed our tournament, and I regarded him. I envied the open seat to his left, wishing to sit at his table and drink coffee with his lovely face. I think he noticed my staring, at one point, after calling B 9, he pronounced from the back of the room, “B Mine!” Arielle and I giggled like two blushing little girls.
Perhaps one day he will be my friend.
Although I would rather read books, play cards, smoke cigars, and drink scotch with an old fellow… for now I’m still simply the Thursday afternoon bingo girl.
(p.s. Next week I’m bringing individual christmas gifts. I will win them over…whether they like it or not).
oh yennin.
you are wonderful for doing this — the olds hate being there (mostly) and you are bringing them light! don’t worry, most of my people didn’t like me much either at first. they grow wary because of all the dumbs that come in and treat them like babes.
I’m excited to hear about those christmas gifts!
ps. i am home for good on saturday!!!!!!
everything we want to do will be done.