Providence, USA
1986



I sit ignored, still in my darkness, in the same place as I was this morning.
I hear the timeless sounds of a meal elsewhere closeby. Then voices again.

So, Miss Archeology Professor, here's to you on your special day.

Well, thank you. I still need to open your gift. I didn't have time all day at school. But it's just as well that I'm home now and you're here to watch.

I'm happy to, darling. It's nothing too big, but I thought you might like it.

OK, why don't I open it now?

 Motion near me, and then the liberating sounds of tearing paper
And
I can see
again.

Oh! A cat statue! Thank you so much, it really is beautiful. The face is worn, it could be very old.

Then maybe you should show it to some of your colleagues!

She smiles at him.

I don't think it's that old. But I love it. I'll put it right here, to watch over us! How interesting the eyes are. Almost Egyptian.

 The two appear happy together, and very much in love.
It is perhaps the only constant over the aeons.

After another short exchange, they move off, exiting the room together. The artificial light abruptly turns off and once again the night greets my eyes. But I can still see, of course.