David on the run from DNA stalkers! Cleo flees with him to- -Salt Lake City, Utah?
Week Thirteen:
September 19th through 25th, 2025
After ten days in Rome (including lunch with structureling Bob, who is responsible for supporting the Leaning Tour of Pisa, and yes, his left leg is noticeably shorter than his right), David and Cleo arrive in Tiberias, Israel, Monday, September 22. They stop by David’s former flat where an envelope with a fancy logo for a return address awaits him. But he won’t open it! Cleo is nettled with curiosity, wondering if it’s a love letter from that horrible Monique Reynard!
Two glasses of wine later, David finally opens the envelope. It’s the results from the DNA test he sent in weeks ago. The paternal side shows both Syrian and Latin ancestry, but on Hera’s side- -Holy Zeus! The company wants additional samples to figure out the matrilineal line in search of a missing link! They’d be happy to send one of their associates to collect the samples- –
Convinced that “associates” is synonymous with “hit men” David books the first available flight seeking refuge in- –
Salt Lake City, Utah, home of his foster parents, Milton and Thelma Bernstein.
They arrive Wednesday, September 24, sleep-deprived and grumpy after two days in airports and nearby hotels. Cleo and Thelma like each other immediately and chat like old friends, much to David’s annoyance. Milton Bernstein, in his “Kiss the Cook” apron, is out back grilling steaks. Cleo and Milton are instant friends, too. Knowing Milton is a Sinatra fan she asks him about the singer they keep hearing about. Turns out Milton has Ari Cantor in his vinyl collection! He became a fan in the 1940s, something David doesn’t remember thanks to the renewal of the forgetfulness charm. . .
Unfortunately, the album covers show landscapes, not the singer. Cleo laments that she’s never seen a picture of Cantor, can’t even find one online, because people say David resembles him. Milton agrees; Thelma quickly says “not so much.” The conversation frustrates David, triggering his fury- -what’s the use of talking about some old crooner who’s probably been dead for years, even if he does look like him? He storms out into the suburban streets, more lost in his quest to learn about his father than when he started.
Alas, poor David! And poor Cleo, getting the cold shoulder after working so hard to find clues about David’s past! And what of Milton’s steaks?
Hmm, maybe it’s time for dinner? But if you can’t wait to learn more, see:
https://www.susandmatley.com/beyond-big-g-city/
