Summary of 'Venetian Blinds'

Eva Feldman is a senior woman who lives in London, just next to Primrose Hill. Her husband’s name is Albert. He survived the war and still has the obvious scars. He lies in the hospital, where she often comes to see him. One day the hospital rings and informs Eva that Albert has passed away. Eva has a sister named Sara. She lives only two miles from Eva’s apartment, but they never see each other, because the cabs are too expensive. Sara often writes to Eva, but one day Eva stops receiving her letters. She is afraid that Sara might have died. One Tuesday evening the door buzzer sounds. Eva is not sure if she should open, but decides to go for it. It is a young blonde girl from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association, named Ruth Marks. She is originally from America. Ruth is different from the other people who come to visit. She has a friendly voice and seems genuinely interested in Eva’s stories. Eventually Ruth has to go, but she comes back again every Tuesday. Some weeks later Ruth does not come. The next Tuesday, she explains that she had an exam, and also brings her flowers because she is going back to America now. They agree to write to each other often, but that ends quickly. Eva’s life goes on, and she regrets opening the door that Tuesday evening.