Heroic Measures (continued)

Walter did not know how long he sat there. When he looked down at his glass again, about half the ice in it had melted and the water was nearly gone. He could not remember drinking it. Looking at the clock told him nothing, for he could not remember what time he had sat down. He did find, though, that he felt a bit more at peace. However long it had been, he had needed those minutes within himself, something he had been denied until that evening.

He drained the water from the glass, feeling the sharp chill of the remaining ice against his tongue and lips. The faint tingling that followed as they warmed again reminded him that he was alive. As long as there was life, he believed, there was hope.

And with that thought, he rose and headed into the kitchen. He would clean the dishes, gather a book, and then rest beside his beloved. It was possible that they might not have many nights left together, but he would cherish each and every one of them.

As he turned on the water, waiting for it to warm, he released that there was another thing he must do. In some ways, it would be even more difficult than what he had already suffered. There was no doubt in his mind, though, that it had to be done.

Sometimes, he considered, there are simply no other choices.

#

“What about the red-haired girl from last night?”

Red turned to Walter. He puzzled for a moment over the question and then his eyes brightened.

“Oh, her.” He grinned and shrugged.

“What? Didn’t you get her name and phone number?”

Red stared back at Walter with an expression of exaggerated thoughtfulness. After a moment, he shook his head once.

Walter stopped, his eyes widening in disbelief.

“But . . . I thought . . .” he swallowed and tried again. “I thought you two . . . ?”

Red nodded slowly. He smiled with obvious satisfaction at the memory.

“We did.”

“And you didn’t even know her name?”

“Nope.”

Red began walking again. It took Walter a moment to recover before he trotted to catch up with Red.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

Walter stared at Red again, but found himself seeing only the back of his friend’s head as he continued walked away.