A Fantasy in One Act

Dreams of love and loss take all forms.

 I was startled by an abrupt knock on the door. What a strange hour for someone to come over? How did they get in? No matter. I answered the door.

 

She stood there in my door way, looking beautiful. Like she never did look any other way.  She’d look beautiful wearing sweats. I felt a lump rise in my throat.

 

“Hi.” Was all I could muster.

 

“Hi, yourself.” She smiled. I loved that smile of hers. “May I?”

 

“Oh, yeah.” I motioned her in, feeling stupid that I hadn’t done it already. Then something occurred to me. How does my place look?  A few dishes in the sink, but over all not bad.

 

“Come in.” I felt my whole body screaming to embrace her, just to touch the soft velvet of her arm.

I laughed. “Give the old man a hug.”

 

She laughed as well. We embraced. She felt so soft and warm. I closed my eyes, wishing I could stand like that forever. A moment of sadness welled up in me. I miss her so. She even smelled good. Oh, my.

 

We walked over to the couch and she sat down.

 

“Something to drink? All I got is diet..”

 

“Great. Diet is fine.” I felt the need to almost race to the fridge. Not wanting to waste a moment away from her.

 

“How have you been?” I asked with my back turned.

 

“Great! Work’s been a little tough. Long hours, you know how that is.”

 

I closed the fridge. “I do.”

 

I walked over, taking the soda with me. My palms were sweating. I was shaking so. What is she doing here? Dear God, she is beautiful.

 

“Here.” I handed her the can.

 

I sat down on the couch, at an angle to her.

 

“So---?”

 

“Wondering why I came by for a visit?”

 

“Just a bit.” I answered sheepishly.

 

“I ,well, to be honest-----.”

 

“Have we been any other way with each other? Ever?” I asked.

 

“No, we haven’t.” She smiled. Dear God, please, was swirling around in my head.

 

I laughed in spite of my fear.

 

“What’s so funny?” She cocked her head to one side, brow furrowing like she did when she thought I was behaving like an idiot. And I had been. To let her go like I did. Stupid.

 

Well, there was a bit of mutual thing involved in that.

 

Really? Liar, liar, pants on fire. You were a stupid, scared man and you should be married to her right now and you damn well know it.  

 

Guilty as charged. Now shut up and listen.

 

“I just can’t believe that you’re here.” I shook my head.

 

She sipped her soda slowly, her gaze moving straight out into space.

 

“I’m not. This is all in your head. Sorry. ”  She said simply and  simply vanished.

 

Great.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

You have a very clear and logical way of writing. Authentic, too. The words ring just right. Oh yeah, the "I wish I could go back and do things different" thoughts in your main character's head are so phony. Just kidding! They're exactly like some I've had. I blew it a few times, you know. (Know anyone who hasn't?) Very good writing, Paul.