RECLUSIVENESS

RECLUSIVENESS

Harvey Dunford III lived alone, almost in total isolation, rarely leaving his two-story walk-up apartment in the Soho district of New York City. He lived off a rather substantial inheritance from his father’s estate, the Dunford Holding Company, that controlled a large portion of the natural gas industry.

Harvey never wanted to be a part of his father’s conglomerate. He would much rather sit at home, watch TV and garner any necessary information off the internet. Most of the day was spent gaming. His skill was well-known. He was heralded among fellow internet gamers as one of the best.

Finally, he got fed up with his self-imposed isolation. He bid a fond adieu to his fellow gamers, spruced himself up with new grooming and some nifty, stylish clothing. He purchased a car with which he intended to explore new vistas. The new “set of wheels” was a Lamborghini Huracan. He was now set to greet his new lifestyle with gusto and élan.

He drove all over the United States, stayed at the finest hotels and ate at the best five-star restaurants. Somewhere in the Colorado Rockies he met a woman: his first and only encounter with a member of the opposite sex. He quickly fell in love. Her name was Madeleine. She was born in Montreal. She was simply gorgeous and seemed to immediately take to Harvey.

He continued his wild spree with his new love. They flew to Europe, lounging on the French Riviera at San Tropez. He felt their relationship getting stronger by the minute. He never dreamed sex could be so wonderful.

Alas, Madeleine did not share his thoughts. In actuality she was a high-priced “courtesan” who was left stranded by a “mark” who tired of her. Meeting Harvey was her way out, opening up a whole new vista. But her past would not let go of her. One night she left their room with all her belongings and everything Harvey had with him.

When he awoke, Harvey boarded a plane back to New York (Madeleine stole the Lamborghini). He was crestfallen. How could she do this to him? He had deeply loved her and wanted to make her his bride.

Harvey went back to his one-room flat. He vowed never to get involved with a woman again. His fellow-gamers welcomed him back and added their commiserations. The games were better than ever, better than any woman. The games would never betray him. A life alone was far more preferable than his previous try to integrate into the real world.

Harvey ditched his fancy clothes, put on his sweat pants and t-shirt, ordered his favorite Chinese take-out and settled down in front of his computer screen.

He was now in his safe place, never again to stray from this secure world of isolation.