Dinner Time

Suggestions: S1L2: "stand". S3: I don't think the asides should be in parentheses. I would comma before; and also put rattle on the next line with "against the slippery..." I have mixed feelings about spelling out "chicken-n-dumplings". It's repetitive & not really necessary, but I think it also emphasizes the mood of a house (we wish was) full of family. Finally, in S4, consider having the heart pulses deafen the ears - actually be the cause of not hearing.

The problem of "old and alone" is becoming ever-commoner as the baby-boomers age in an increasingly suburbanized society. As a lifelong bachelor, I have worked on it for years, and hence have learned to reach out some, and also to adjust some to being alone. My sister (older than me) has joined a crochet-club, and I know a lot of people who have formed other kind of relationships with like-situated people. I hope you do similar things, get 3 or 4 irons in the fire. I don't doubt there are others in your vicinity who would like to reach out too, and I'm certain someone with your imagination has a lot to offer others.

Alcuin