The Magnificent Kornblatt

by Todd Schindler

read parts  1,  2,  3,  4

5.

Hannah had locked herself in the house all afternoon so she did not see the unmarked envelope on the door until she went out to collect the mail at five o'clock. She brought it inside, sat down at the kitchen table, and opened it. Written it Kornblatt's firm hand, it read:

My dearest Hannah,
I realize how it must break your heart to have seen me in such a state. You and Daniel have been exceedingly kind over the past two months and I have repaid you only in silence and resentment. For that, I apologize; I never meant to take your hospitality for granted. I realize what you think of me, dear Hannah, but I must assure you that I am not a fool, nor am I crazy. What you witnessed was a moment of drama, and when things go right, I do not behave in such a manner. Let this note serve as a promise from me that I will control myself in the future. God forgives the repentant. Know that I love you and cannot bare to upset you further.
With Love,
Benjamin
Ps. I would still be honored to attend your dinner tonight if you will have me.

Hannah sat for a while at the table. She did not know what to feel or how to react. The events of the day, the sight of her brother in absolute delirium and now this, threw her off-balance and she felt as though she'd been cut adrift from the world and was floating in a thick mist, far from everything, unable to see or even feel her body. She remained in this state until Daniel walked through the door at six.

She showed him the note and told him the story. He hugged her body tenderly, rocking her, bringing her back to earth. He told her they would cancel the dinner party, but Hannah, although she had completely forgotten about it, refused. They would order food in, she said. Benjamin would not stop her from living her life. We'll get over this, Daniel told her. It will be okay. We'll figure something out.

While Hannah readied herself for the guests, Daniel crept out to the guest house and rapped lightly on the door. When he heard no response, he pushed it open and entered. The plywood board lay covered by a large plastic trash bag. Suddenly, he felt guilty. A sense of shame gripped him as he lifted a corner of the covering. He felt as if he were betraying Hannah somehow, that in his desire to see what lay underneath, he was abandoning her when she needed him most. In one swift movement he removed the shroud.

part  1,  2,  3,  4

part  6

Todd Schindler, a former child star in Mexico, is a filmmaker and writer. He currently lives in New York City.