I can no longer stand for my M

[Astimegoeson]

It's official, I'm stuck at work all night because of weather. W called to tell me the electric went out which I knew would happen once the ice storm hit. Last night, I took a kerosene heater and some fuel over to her in preparation. I showed her how to work it and she felt comfortable doing it. I also brought over some fresh batteries for the flashlights and DC lantern.

W told me electric went out and she's glad I brought over the heater and batteries last night. I said no problem, I didn't want her and S6 freezing to death in the dark and knew I couldn't get back out there if I went to work this morning. I'll be staying in the conference center hotel tonight. They called the night shift to stay home.

W talked small talk to me for a while and said she was a little frightened. I told her there was nothing to worry about, that She had everything she needed to stay warm and the house to stay lit. I even bought some new 6 volts for the portable stereo, so she has music , news, and weather. I told her I was just a phone call away and would call Frank (next door neighbor) and ask him to keep an eye out for them. She was appreciative.

W didn't want to stop talking. She said it's times like these that she misses me and my reassuring voice and presence. I told her I'm always concerned for her and S's welfare and that wouldn't ever change. I was careful not to take it any further than that because I've been down this road before. W asked me to call later on and check in on her and S6. I told her I would and not to worry about anything, that I would be back home sometime tomorrow if she needed me.

I know she wasn't on her period, so she wasn't using the once a month emotional crutch routine on me. This sounded sincere, but surprising. Never can figure her out and I'm not trying anymore, but it was an interesting exchange. I guess I'm her hero in a crisis and her punching bag all other times. She so Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide that I just can't read anything into it.