Tuesday Tales: From the Word HOLIDAY

Merry Christmas and welcome to the holiday week posting of Tuesday Tales. While celebrations will be different this year, may those of you who celebrate find joy, peace, and safety during this 2020 Christmas season.

There’s no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year and a difficult one. So many people have died and been sickened by the coronavirus. We may have a vaccine now, but it will take months to distribute it, and unless at least 70% of thew world’s population is vaccinated, COVID 19 will continue to destroy and devastate lives.

This week is one for thinking back on Christmases past, the ones we took for granted. The parties we attended, the meals we shared with family and friends, the game nights we enjoyed, all things lacking from this year’s celebration. But we must be optimistic, and in the new reality, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Covid test negative New Year.

This week’s word prompt is HOLIDAY. I’m continuing with The White Dahlia, but have skipped ahead to Beth’s visit to the doctor to be recertified for full duty. Enjoy!

“Well, no, but I did have my vest and there were two armed officers on the scene when I got there. I’m not suicidal or homicidal, or whatever other ‘cidal’ you want to label me. I calculated the odds. If the body was beside the dumpster and there were people at the scene, then there couldn’t be an active shooter in play. Dispatch misunderstood the word ‘dolly’ as did I. If that had been a child…” She didn’t finish the sentence; she couldn’t.

“Relax, Beth, I’m not criticizing. You did what had to be done. If you considered all the things you said you did, then I’m satisfied you made an informed rather than an emotional decision. Had you gone in guns blazing again, with no regard to your personal safety, that would’ve been another matter. How are you sleeping?”

“A little better,” she prevaricated. “I’m still not used to sleeping during the day. It goes against the grain. I want to get up and do things like laundry and housework. The nightmares aren’t as bad.” She chuckled. “Cuddling with Luke helps, I think.”

Maggie laughed. “At your age, you should be cuddling with someone other than a cat. Are you dating again?” She indicated the newspaper.

“Him?” Beth squeaked. “God, no. I’ve gone out for coffee a couple of times with friends of Marissa’s, and I went out to dinner last weekend when I was in Boston visiting my parents. I just haven’t found the right person, and working the night shift like I do doesn’t help.” Now, if Al Foster asked her to go out for coffee, she just might accept.

“What about crowds? Still doing all of your shopping online?”

“It’s the modern thing to do.” Beth shrugged. “I get some great deals.” She stuck out her foot, displaying the sandal. “I picked up these beauties for a song.”

“Nice, but that’s not the answer I’m looking for,” the doctor parried.

Standing, Beth paced the office, rubbing her hands together, her perseveration a sign of the stress tearing at her once more.

“If what you really want to know is if I’m ready to attend a rock concert or the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center come the holidays, then the answer is no. I may never be able to do those, not as long as a single person who was part of the Prophet’s entourage remains at large.”

That’s it. Have aa wonderful a Christmas as you can. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.