Connections

It’s 12:07 a.m.

I’m in bed, comfortable beneath white cotton sheets and blankets. The fan spins at high speed, filling the room with a steady hum. I hold my iPhone in my palm, and its glow creates a tiny pocket of light between my face and my hand.

And I am happy.

It’s a new day, and mine begins with the New York Times puzzles: Wordle and Connections.

For those who don’t know Connections, here’s the game: Sixteen words appear on the screen, and you have to group them into four sets of four, with each group sharing a secret connection.

I’ve already solved Wordle in four tries, and I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.

Now it’s time for Connections.

I scan the sixteen words.

Then I see them:

Gibson. Macklemore. Ye.

Three names. There must be a fourth.

I keep scanning.

And then I see it.

Ruffalo.

My synapses fire.

Wait.

It can’t be.

Enemies of my people—in a New York Times puzzle?

I click on the four names.

I’m right.

The category appears:

ASSOCIATED WITH CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN ANTISEMITES IN THE ARTS.

Gibson.
Macklemore.
Ye.
Ruffalo.

I stare at the screen.

And I feel good.

At my age, my brain is still capable of making the connections.

And the Times is calling out these bastards.

I turn off my iPhone, pull the covers a little higher, and smile.

And I am happy.