STAYING SANE
By Lady Gage
Emergency! belongs to Mark VII and Universal Studios.
As we sit across the table from each other I look at my watch. I know it's time to leave. I slide my chair back, stand and look at the man across the table. His face is like a stretch of sun scorched canvas, scarred with rough seams-a map of the ferocious heat and damaging flames we stared down during the night.
"I gotta go,' I tell him.
He grunts in answer, but on the table his hand crawls forward.
Somehow time stands still and the world narrows to his hand and mine. Should I grasp it…acknowledge the gift he's offering? Close the gap that has taken up residence between us? Is he reaching out for me, or simple stretching his hand? He doesn't say anything. He won't meet my eyes.
I take his hand and grip it tightly.
He returns the favor and lifts his gaze to mine. The tension melts away into the silence of the room.
"I love ya Roy."
I turn and walk away, not sure if he really heard or understood. But sometimes you say these things for yourself as much as for the person across the table, because that is what holds us together. That is the bond that keeps us sane.
"Johnny…" He called to me softly. "We can work this out."
I turn and smile back at him. "Yeah." I know he's right. We will find a way to make this new found love work. He's too important to me. I know that now.
"Okay."
Roy's one word answer let me know he knew we would work it out as well, and that is all I needed to know. "See ya."