GREAT READS → FIRST OF ALL Issue 898 · February 9, 2022

First of All: Chapter 2

I feel that same goofy smile spreading across my face again. Total cringe, but I dated for six years. I earned it

First of All: Chapter 2

 

The house is quiet. Toby Berger leans back on the striped chaise and breathes in the silence. She isn’t used to this. This is something she experienced 40 years ago, and remembers enjoying, like a vague memory of a childhood treat she hasn’t had a chance to try ever since. Until now.

Aryeh comes through the door, whistling. He deposits his tallis bag on the piano, and places a chai latte, Avenue Cafe’s best, on the oak stand next to her.

“The house is quiet,” she says to him.

He laughs. “I know. I love it.”

She makes a brachah, takes a deep sip. “You’ve always loved it. You’ve been an old man since you were 23,” she says smiling.

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