4000 Miles

It’s the middle of the night. Leo, a lanky young man, has just arrived at his grandmother Vera’s apartment in New York City after a long bike trip. Vera is disoriented, and, embarrassed, leaves to put in her dentures and hearing aid, while Leo settles his bike. When she returns, Leo explains that he has biked all the way to New York from Seattle. At first, Leo thinks he’s settled on the perfect haven at the end of his journey, but when Vera mentions his mother, Jane, Leo begins to pack up and go. Vera promises to not say anything more about Jane, or to let her know that Leo is there. She convinces Leo to stay the night.

The next morning, Vera awkwardly maneuvers a laundry cart into the apartment. She briefly checks on Leo-- still sleeping-- and begins to fold his laundry, which primarily consists of an assortment of strange bike shorts and various wicking fabrics. The phone rings, startling Vera, who answers. Leo, woken by the call, enters the room. Vera explains to Leo that it’s her