Saving Fish from Drowning - Heal Burma

SAVING FISH FROM DROWNING
“No, really, Harry. It’s late, and I need more time to prepare Esmé,
you know, for the idea that you and I are more than just friends.”
Idea? Harry sensed that their buoyant mood had rapidly deflated,
as had certain body parts. He was disappointed, yes, but also irri­
tated with himself for being overly eager, and yes, even a bit annoyed
that Marlena so easily flip-flopped on having fun. It was late, and
now that he was no longer charged with anticipation, he was tired.
“All right. I’ll leave you here. And I shall go to the bar to have that
drink.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Good night, my mid­
night pumpkin.” He turned and did not watch as she walked toward
the elevator.
He had just received his scotch and water when Marlena raced
into the bar, her eyes wide with fright. “She’s not there! She’s gone!
The puppy, too.” Her voice was weak and tight. “I told her not to
leave, I warned her not to open the door. Oh, God. What are we go­
ing to do?”
“I would hope nothing,” Harry replied. And before Marlena could
lash into him for such a callous remark, he aimed his finger toward
the other side of the lobby. There was Esmé, showing off the puppy
to the room service staff, two of whom had come by her room earlier
to deliver a thermos of hot water. As Marlena made her way over,
Esmé saw her and came bounding toward her.
“Hey, Mom. Hi, Harry. Look what they made for Pup-pup. Rice
and chicken! Just like Harry said she needed. And it’s in this darling
little teacup. Aren’t they the greatest? They love her, Mom. We’ve
been having the best time.”
F ROM DEEP SLEEP, Bennie picked up the phone.
“Miss Chen, please,” the man’s voice said.
“She’s not here.” Bennie looked at his watch. Shit. It was six in the
morning. What idiot was calling at this hour?
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