Departing in shock and sorrow

[semperfiona]

I came down here to the computer to download the last of my mail and post a jaunty little farewell message before leaving for Chicago. In the inbox, though, a very scary message from the partner of a person I've never met but consider a friend. She OD'd yesterday and is in the ICU with very bad prognosis.

And then I don't quite know how to react, because I really don't know her, and I feel like an intruder to claim any grief or concern, but her writing had been a part of my life for some time now, and I will miss her. I had hoped and wanted to meet her.

I'm leaving now. Not as early as I'd have liked, but I kind of expected that.