THE STORY: Terry and Eli are friends with a woman in common: Marisa. Marisa was Eli's wife. Then she ran off with Terry. Now she has abandoned Terry as well. Terry comes to Eli's apartment looking for Marisa. Did she return to Eli? Eli is not forthcoming. The two men circle each other, combative and vulnerable. Eli wants friendship. Terry just wants Marisa back. Neither man can get what he wants. The phone rings. Is it Marisa? Eli won't pick it up. Terry grabs the receiver and says hello. But the caller hangs up. Eli is baking a chicken. Terry wants to know who's coming to dinner. Eli will not say. Finally, Terry, excluded from Eli and Marisa's life, begs for at least a taste of chicken. Eli gives Terry one tiny taste. This is Terry's portion in life. He is the eternal wanderer, the outcast. He thanks Eli for the little he is allowed and prepares to move on. In volume entitled
Missing/Kissing.
