This clock stopped exactly at the time my Grandfather died, and has never worked since. I have tried to get it fixed several times, but when it gets to this time, it stops and refuses to continue. But you didn't come here to hear about me. So tell me, what finally made you decide to call? I am so glad you did! After our meeting on the beach last week, I was beginning to think I'd never hear from you. You never told me your name. Mine is Lance. Lance Monaco. I don't know if you should know my name. It's probably better it stays a mystery until we know each other better. I have been very depressed lately and can't seem to shake myself out of it. When you stopped me on the beach last week, I was on the verge of taking a final dive. I don't know if I should thank you or curse you. Your interference and friendly offer took me totally by surprize. I mulled your offer of a sympathetic ear over for quite awhile before deciding to call you. Your warm hearted invitation is most unexpected from a total stranger. You seem so sincere. Perhaps you really are curious to hear my story? Oh yes! I am most interested! What is it that would drive someone with your obviously desirable attributes to attempt to end his life? Have you had a personal relationship go bad? Do you have an incurable disease Or have you suffered a huge financial loss in this terrible market recently? What could be so bad that you would want to end it all? To be specific, your first guess is correct. I was deeply in love with a person, whose identity I wish not to divulge. This person and I were as one. We did everything together. I could not concieve of living without this person. We had so much in common, we could almost read each other's thoughts. We had been together for over two years and never had a bad moment that I can recall. 3 weeks ago, my intimate companion was taken from me by an mysterious illness. We didn't have any warnings. It was so sudden, even the doctors who examined my companion are baffled as to the cause of death. One day alive, healthy robustly enjoying life, the next, ....kaputt! I know, that is a very unpoetic way of describing it, but I have gone over the details of those final moments so many times in my mind, my brain is numb. Well, I have never lost a close friend or lover. So I can't exactly relate to your grief. But I can tell you I loved my Grandfather very much and was most devastated when he passed away a year ago. I live here alone. This was my grandfather's house. He left me very well provided for. I'll gladly listen to anything you care to tell me. You can spend as much time here as you like. Maybe the serenity of the beach will help calm your numb mind. I certainly wouldn't mind your company. You seemed like a very nice, albeit troubled person, from the moment I first spied you on the beach out my front window. When you are ready, perhaps you will tell me your name. Shall we adjourn to the front room, Mr. err... uuhhh..., 'Smith'? I'm sure you will find the view most refreshing.