The Other Side of Silence

My newest release, The Toast Bitches now available in paperback

Nancy's post made me thing of silence, but from a different angle. Since Labour Day the sounds in our house have changed. I no longer hear the inane chatter of my two kids drifting from the basement. Video games and DVDs of 30 Rock are playing in Oakville, too far away for me to hear.

When I arrive home for my lunch break, the dog and cat stand at the top of the stairs, alone. I don't hear the television blaring nor plaintive cries of, "There's nothing here to eat," from my daughter. She'll have to raid her own fridge.

I don't have to drive to the mall with my kids in tow. Nobody needs jeans "right now." The fridge isn't stuffed with Pizza Pops and Diet Coke. The kitchen sink is almost empty - only two plates, two coffee cups and a few forks to wash at the end of the day.

Do I have to mention a single roll of toilet paper lasting more than a week? Thought so.

A hundred kilometres south my son and daughter do their own dishes, play their games, watch their DVDs and hopefully do their homework. They are at the same college and share a basement apartment across from their school.

"Great," everyone says. "You have more time to write!"

Sure, it's quiet. Too quiet. I can't concentrate!!!

--Sandra Cormier, author of Bad Ice from Champagne Books