On The Radio
She hadn't changed the station when she closed the diner.
At this hour, it was call-in radio, lonely women telling their sad stories. She was never one of those girls and her story wasn't sad.
She could get his number, but she could never say these things to him. And, he was out there, somewhere, probably in his car with the radio on. He could be listening.. Anything's possible. She made the call.
"Hi. Where are you calling from?"
"I live in upstate New York."
"You want to tell us your story?"
"Well, I live in a small town, near a boys' home."
"Oh. A bad boy story?"
"I thought so, until recently. He was my first real boyfriend. We could talk about anything. He was sensitive, but with that tough guy exterior. Shy but driven, you know? And so cute!
We were sixteen. He stood me up the night of the school dance. Just disappeared and I never knew why. That upset me for a long time. I never thought I would see him again.
Then, he came back to town for work. It was almost twenty years and he grew up so handsome, I almost forgot why I was ever angry.
But then it all came back. I was rude to him. I even acted like I didn't remember him. I didn't care if it hurt him.
Eventually, though, we did talk. And, before he left, this time, he told me things about himself and his family. I understand now.
So, I guess my story has a happy ending. He's not a bad guy. And, I just want to say, wherever you are, Dean, please take care of yourself.."
"Wow. That's some guy. Thanks for calling."