Second Cup 4

Because I haven’t heard from you. You never call any more.
And when I call at night, you’re always busy.
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But that was Wednesday. Your father has been worried. Bless
his soul. He is not so well sometimes.
—
Better. He’s eating like a horse. You know how he loves his
brisket and latkes.
—
A little gout. And my breathing. It's not so good anymore. I
think it's maybe my heart. But don't worry about us, your father
and I. We'll be fine. I'll be fine.
—
No. I don’t mind waiting. It never bothers a mother to wait to
talk to her son. Just set the phone down. Go see what your
friends want. I’ll be here waiting when you get done talking to
your friends.
—
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Was that Mrs. Kopelman?
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Ester Kopelman, I thought I heard her voice.
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The Kopelman’s, from up on Rhine Strasse. You know the
Kopelman’s. They’ve got those three daughters and the boy….
You went to school with him. Herbert Kopelman? He went off to
medical school. I see his mother at the bakery every morning.