Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from the characters in this story. I just like to make stuff up.
It was past midnight, and Matt Dillon had had a long and difficult day. He had moved from one small crisis to the next, leaving him no time to think about anything else, which suited him just fine. Now after finishing late night rounds, with no further duties to attend to, he walked down Front Street under the light of the full moon. He had to be up before dawn to await a gold shipment, and knew it would be wise to go home and get some sleep. He also knew if he went home to his rented room, he'd lie in bed staring at the ceiling, so instead he headed to his office. As he went passed the Long Branch he slowed his pace, and for no real reason looked up towards Kitty's window. It was dark as it had been for weeks. Quickening his pace, he continued on to his office, knowing he'd be alone. The cells were empty, and he had sent Chester home a while ago. Once inside, he lit the lantern, and sat down at his desk. He stared into space for a moment, and then pulled open the bottom draw to retrieve a bottle of whisky and a shot glass. He filled the glass, and downed the strong, brown liquid in one gulp. Setting the glass on the desk he was about to pour another, but decided against it. He pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket, and held it for a moment, before dropping it onto the desk. He didn't move as he stared at it, and thought about the last times he had seen Kitty, weeks earlier.
She had burst into his office waving a letter. Always glad to see her he smiled, "Hello Kitty, you seem in a right fine mood for this early in the morning."
Kitty gave him a mock dirty look and whispered, "Last time I saw you Cowboy, you had a look of enjoyment on your face, and it was even earlier, much earlier."
Matt laughed before lowering his voice, "You were looking pretty happy yourself."
They both smiled recalling the love-making they had shared in Kitty's bed until the wee hours of the morning.
Suddenly Kitty remembered what she had come to say, "Matt, I got a letter from my cousin Marie inviting me to her wedding in New Orleans. Not only that, she hopes that I can come a couple of weeks before the wedding, so we can spend time together before the other guests arrive."
"Kitty you never mentioned a cousin named Marie to me."
"I know. In fact I haven't even thought about her for quite some time. We lost touch when she was sent off to boarding school when we were about 9 years old, but I still remember the fun we had when we were little girls. She always came up with the most entertaining games, and we would laugh and laugh. It will be wonderful to reconnect with her, and to go back to New Orleans. New Orleans – the sights, the sounds, the smells…"
Kitty glanced at Matt and saw he was looking somewhat grim, "Matt, what's wrong? I'm really excited about this."
Matt smiled weakly, "Kitty, I'm glad you're excited, I really am."
She walked over, and pressed her hands on the desk as she leaned towards him and looked him in the eyes. "But?"
Matt sighed, "Well, I guess it's just that the way you're talking makes it seem like the 5 years you've spent in Dodge must have been awfully dull, compared to a place like New Orleans. Once you go back, you might decide to stay."
Kitty let out an exasperated groan, "Matt." She shook her head, "Matt, I love my life here. First and foremost there is a certain cowboy who has a way about him all hours of the day and night."
She saw Matt blush slightly and smiled, "Second, I have friends here, good friends, and a business and well, I've built a life here. Everything I want is here. Matt I'm going to New Orleans for an event and to revisit the people and places of my childhood. I'll be back before you know it."
Feeling a little better, Matt relaxed and smiled, "Kitty, I am happy for you, truly. When do you leave?"
"I'll be taking the train the day after tomorrow, and I'm counting on you to see me off."
Two days later Matt stood on the platform with Kitty, silently admiring how ravishing she looked in her dark blue traveling suit. Her matching hat worn at a stylish angle set her eyes off perfectly, completing a stunning picture. Kitty felt Matt's approving eyes upon her, and looked up at him with a smile. The train was ready to board and he took one of her gloved hands to assist her up the steps. Before entering the car, she turned and leaned towards him, "Cowboy, you take care of yourself. I mean it. I'll see you in a couple of weeks, and you'd better write to me at that address I gave you, or you'll have something to answer for when I get back." With one last beaming smile she entered the train to settle into a seat.
Returning to the present Matt continued to stare at the envelope that was laying on his desk. He had seen her off 17 days ago, 18 as of 6AM.
He had written well more than a dozen letters, and mailed them to the address she had given him. He had received 1 telegram, and nothing else until this morning.
Deciding to fortify himself with a second shot of whisky after all, he filled the glass and tossed it back. Then he opened the flap of the envelope, and carefully slid the letter out. It was written in Kitty's ornate writing, and carried the scent of her favorite perfume, Fantasia de Fleurs, a French perfume he had given her as a gift.
As he opened the letter for the second time, he remembered how happy he felt that morning when he received it, that is until he read the words.
Hello Matt,
I know that you have written many times, and I am embarrassed that I haven't had time to respond before this. Things have been very busy and unbelievably exciting. Your letters have been full of news, and I appreciate hearing about everyone in Dodge.
Matt, now that I have a moment to write, I have to tell you that New Orleans is everything I expected and more. The parties, parades, sights, sounds and even the food are amazing and wonderful, and the people I've met are such fun. There are not enough hours in the day to enjoy it all.
Which brings me to the point of this letter. Now that I've been back for a couple of weeks, I realize that I belong here in New Orleans just like you belong in Dodge. Dodge and the Kansas territory need someone who can establish law and order, and I am so proud that I know someone strong and capable enough to do that. You are where you belong, and I am where I need to be, with the people I'm meant to be with.
I'm saying goodbye Matt, but know that I wish you the best.
With Highest Regards,
Kitty
Matt set the letter down. Reading it a second time hadn't been less painful, or inspired any brilliant ideas about what to do. He could go to New Orleans, but what would be the point? She hadn't said she wished he would join her, in fact she had made it obvious that she preferred the 'fun' people she was meeting. Clearly she was rejecting him along with her life in Dodge. Could he send her the perfect letter or telegram to change her mind? That didn't seem likely. He sat thinking about it until fatigue overtook his weary body and mind, and he fell asleep with his head resting on his arms.
TBC