Lovers in conflict flood the mender’s phone lines with calls for help. Each lover tries to get her to talk to the other, but they’re both waiting for the first apology—a stalemate with no one willing to make the first move. The mender is alone, but the lovers are not; yet, when they fight, they call her first. They assume she desires their unity. They don’t know the joy of solitude like she does. Her days are hers to shape, her time her own to claim. Today, she skipped coffee and had three boiled eggs instead of two. She took a walk in the city park and sat on the lawns, watching birds that are as free as she is. She saw a woman with her dog; the woman was white, with blue eyes. The dog, tied to its leash, refused to cross the road, and so the woman waited—they’re not free. She saw two men driving by in a red car, one wearing glasses, the other with striking eyes. Their love was evident in the way they leaned in towards each other, taking turns speaking and laughing as they drove. In their joy, which depends on each other, they’re not free. A friend back home called her to share the story of his friend who had returned to the country for the summer. His voice cracked and cheered as he talked about this friend who had remembered him. He felt alive again because he was remembered by an old friend—he’s not free. Another friend is driving to visit his mother-in-law, who has promised to eat the food he’s prepared. His joy today depends on the good Hispanic woman’s willingness to taste his African continental dish—he’s not free. The mender is walking back home from the park, enjoying every step because they’re hers alone. She spreads her arms wide as she strolls, unhindered by anything. She’s ordered a meal, which will arrive at her doorstep. She’ll take her sleeping pill, and sleep will envelop her. She’ll snore peacefully because peace is hers to keep. But those lovers are at it again, each hoping she’ll mediate their discord; each waiting for the other to make the first apology. None takes the initiative. They’re not free.