Mary is one of the quietest residents at the Mansion, sometimes she is a little bit down. She is a very gentle soul. She comes to every Bingo game, says little and rarely wants a prize. I got her a sweater at a thrift shop the other day, and she was grateful for it.
I know she can feel chilly sometimes in the winter. She sat alone at a table tonight, and I saw her shadow from the late afternoon sun, it captured my sense of Mary, who is most often sitting alone, by choice.
I walked back to her room with her, and she stopped, surprised me by wishing me a Happy Birthday, and by then leaning over and kissing me on the cheek.
If you wish to write to Mary, you can do so by sending a letter to Mary, c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.
I get it. I am a true introvert. People simple do not understand how someone is alone by choice. I fight every day to avoid people who want to make endless, boring small talk.