Work Text:
Ronit has returned to New York from London.
She holds the base of a wine glass steady while the restaurant bartender pours her a round. She takes a long sip.
A text pings on her phone.
From: Esti
Just sent you an email with my new address. Wish we’d had more time together before you flew back to NY. Grateful for your love and support.
Ronit replies:
Thanks for letting me know. Please keep me posted on how things are going. You will be in my thoughts tonight, and tomorrow, and the day after. XOXO
//
A few days later, Ronit receives another text while she is at home doing laundry. She puts down the towel she is folding to pick up the phone.
From: Esti
I started a temp teaching job at a new school. Could we schedule a call? I would love to hear your voice.
Ronit replies:
Yes, love, let’s figure out a time to talk. I’ll send you a link for a video call.
//
A few days later, they have a video call.
Ronit thought Esti sounded calm, considering all the stress in her rapidly changing life. She also thought Esti looked tired, and a little sad.
Just before they end the call, Esti says, “Ronit, I’m not sure why I wasn’t brave enough to say it before you left, but I will say it now – I love you. I’ve always loved you. You deserve to hear it.”
“I love you too, Esti.” Ronit brushes a tear from her cheek. “I’ve cried more the past few weeks than I have the past ten years. When can I go back to pretending that I’m a tough New Yorker?”
“You never have to pretend with me, Ronit.”
//
Ronit is developing photos from the London trip in her darkroom.
As one of the images of Esti in the hotel room begins to clarify in the chemical solution, Ronit’s thoughts flash back to the conversation they had about their respective relationship experiences.
Have you been with other women?
No, not really.
Gazing intently at the developing photo, Ronit says aloud to herself, “Yes, Esti, I’ve been with other women, but I didn’t fall in love with any of them. You're the only person I’ve ever loved.”
//
Two weeks later, Ronit calls Esti.
“I haven’t gotten a text from you in a while. How are things going?”
“Sorry I’ve been out of touch. I'm going through a lot right now. My parents have stopped returning my calls. I don’t know if my brother will ever speak to me again. Dovid has been supportive, considering everything.”
“I’m so sorry, love. I know it’s hard. I wish I could be there with you. How is your health?”
“My doctor is concerned about my weight, she says I should be eating more. Otherwise, I’m doing okay. No problems with the pregnancy.”
“I promise, things will get better. It takes time. You know you can call me any time.”
//
A year later, Ronit returns to London to see Esti and her infant daughter, Sarah.
Esti and Ronit are walking in a park.
Esti’s hair is longer and she is wearing pants. Sarah is strapped to Esti in a carrier.
Ronit stops. She pulls a pack of nicotine gum from her bag, then slides a piece of it into her mouth.
“Bloody hell,” Ronit mutters loudly, “I miss smoking.”
Esti slips one of her arms into Ronit’s, enjoying the not-yet-familiar freedom of being able to touch her affectionately in public. They start walking again.
“Smoking would be bad for the baby…and it's bad for you, Ronit. I’m glad you’re trying to quit.”
Smiling, Ronit says, “Well, I’m sure we can come up with some way for you to thank me for giving up a very pleasurable and addictive habit.”
“Yes, I’m sure we can.”
//
Esti and Ronit are lying in bed in Esti’s flat. They are naked, partially covered by sheets.
Esti’s head is cradled against Ronit’s chest. Ronit is stroking Esti’s hair.
Esti shifts up so she is face-to-face with Ronit.
“I’ve been thinking about the next year. Dovid's new wife is already pregnant. I think it would be best for me to move on with Sarah now. Do you still think it would be okay for me to come to New York? That would be a lot of change for you, along with the baby.”
In response, Ronit gives Esti a long, deep kiss. “Of course, love. I’m ready when you are. I know you needed time to adjust to all the change. It took me a long time, and I didn’t have the complication of parenthood.”
They kiss again.
//
A few months later, Esti and Sarah are in New York.
Ronit and Esti are rearranging furniture in the living room of Ronit's apartment. Cardboard moving boxes are strewn around the room. Baby Sarah is in a playpen nearby, cuddling a teddy bear.
Exhausted, they collapse onto a sofa together.
Ronit climbs on top of Esti and tenderly holds her face in her hands.
“It's insane that you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Esti says, raising her hands to caress Ronit's face.