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Keesing and Cecelia’s Marriage

Women

This flow follows William Keesing and Cecelia through addiction, separation, grief, and the short-lived support Chinaski offers after Keesing’s death.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Unsteady MarriageThe Unsteady Marriage from "Women". Years of Strain Addiction and endurance William Keesing’s codeine addiction has burdened his marriage to Cecelia for years.
Years of Strain Addiction and endurance William Keesing’s codeine addiction has burdened his marriage to Cecelia for years. She has repeatedly considered leaving but has continued supporting him. A fragile separation By the time Chinaski visits, Cecelia is preparing to divorce Keesing. Keesing accepts her decision, even as he admits that he still loves her.
The VisitThe Visit from "Women". An Evening with Keesing An old correspondent Chinaski stays with Keesing and Cecelia after arriving for a reading.
An Evening with Keesing An old correspondent Chinaski stays with Keesing and Cecelia after arriving for a reading. He and Keesing drink and talk outside the usual literary conversation. Recognition between men Keesing values Chinaski’s visit and remembers his letters as a source of laughter. Their companionship gives him a rare moment of feeling understood.
The Storm That PassesThe Storm That Passes from "Women". A Brief Crisis Waiting for the tornado A tornado threatens the area, darkening the sky while Keesing tries to prepare for class.
A Brief Crisis Waiting for the tornado A tornado threatens the area, darkening the sky while Keesing tries to prepare for class. Chinaski observes his friend become physically sick and offers practical remedies. Temporary recovery Keesing showers, eats, and leaves for the university. The storm passes around them, and ordinary obligations resume, making his later death seem even less foreseeable.
Keesing’s Sudden DeathKeesing’s Sudden Death from "Women". News from Cecelia An abrupt loss Cecelia phones Chinaski to say that Keesing has been hospitalized and died within two hours.
News from Cecelia An abrupt loss Cecelia phones Chinaski to say that Keesing has been hospitalized and died within two hours. She fears people will assume an overdose, but says he did not die that way. Shock and remembrance Chinaski cannot find words to help her. He calls back several times, confronting the difference between thinking about death and losing a particular friend.
After the Funeral NewsAfter the Funeral News from "Women". Work Left Behind A posthumous collection Dogbite Press asks Chinaski to write a foreword for Keesing’s selected poems.
Work Left Behind A posthumous collection Dogbite Press asks Chinaski to write a foreword for Keesing’s selected poems. Keesing receives recognition after death that had eluded him during life. Cecelia visits She comes to Los Angeles with photographs and unpublished work. Chinaski offers lodging and support, but his sexual attention complicates the kindness he intends to show.
Before Chinaski visits Keesing
During Chinaski’s university reading trip
The day before Chinaski’s reading
About a week and a half after Chinaski returns to Los Angeles
About a month after Keesing’s death