The Muse has struck again. I'm not totally satisfied with this one, but hey. You guys will hopefully like it. I think the next one I post is going to be less... angsty than this one for sure.
Marshall sat next to Mary's insecure and, er, quirky witness Dennis in the hospital room, listening as the man vented about not being able to get close to people. How he always seemed to somehow push them away, and didn't understand how.
"I would make such a good friend, but the harder I try to make them like me, the more they push me away." Dennis said, sadness in his voice and eyes as he looked at Marshall imploringly, needing an answer.
For a second Marshall was painfully reminded of his complicated relationship with Mary. He did all that he could to help her, and show her that with all the people that had let her down in her life, he was always there, no matter what. To show her that he cared. More than was appropriate between best/only friends.
Yet, despite, or maybe because of all of that, she never gave the hint that she was ready to accept that. It wasn't like she didn't know how he felt. There was no way she couldn't.
He remembered how when he first started having these feelings he was even more adamant to do whatever he could to please her. Over the years, though, he had slowly started to back off, resigned that it wasn't any use.
He took a deep breath, staring off into space(aka thinking of Mary) and said "Believe me, I know how hard it is not to chase after the things you want the most."
He paused, and tried to ignore the stab of pain his own words caused.
He forced himself to snap back into the conversation and continued, "I learned when I was a kid if your dog runs away, don't chase after him. Run away from him, then he'll start… chasing you."
Marshall wasn't so sure if that approach would work on people/Mary, but it was worth a shot, at least. Wasn't it?
"And that works with people?" Dennis asked, reflecting Marshall's doubts.
Marshall started to say something, but figured there was no point. Why try selling something to someone if you don't believe it?
Right on time, his phone went off, saving him from having to finish the awkward, and rather painful conversation.
He didn't have to check to know that it was Mary. He never did. How, he couldn't explain. It just worked.
"Hey, Mare." he answered, not letting his mood show in his voice.
Mary explained the situation, how Dennis was innocent and it was the wife who had done all the stabbing.
Marshall nodded. "Okay, I'll take Dennis home. Call me if you need anything." As always.
"Thanks, will do. Bye, Marshall." She hung up.
He sighed. "Bye, Mare."
He really needed to start taking his own advice and stop chasing his dog, or in this case, exotic animal. Maybe if he did, she'd chase after him.
There ya go, hope you liked!