I'll Wait For You

I’ll Wait For You

“Hello, Lillian. I’m surprised you called today.”

“My darling, you don’t think I would have forgotten our date, do you?”

“With your given track record, I would.”

“That hurts Anthony.”

“It was meant to hurt Lillian.” “I am not a pawn to be pushed around.”

“What have I done, Anthony?” “You know I love you.”

“I do, Lillian, which is why I put up with your childish behavior.”

“Childish?”

“Yes, childish and idiotic. What other pathetic loser allows his lover to leave him seated in a five-star restaurant, holding the bill?”

“It was embarrassing, Anthony.” 

“I have the right to express myself.”

“You do, but it was inappropriate.” “Not the right time or place.”

“I agree, but what about leaving me with the bill?”

“Darling, you were going to pay anyway.”

“Of course I was; I always do.”

“You are a darling, Anthony.” “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Yes, but the crying I could do without.”

“I cry only for you.”

“Alas, my case; I am finished with you.”

“You say you are, but you need me.”

“I say I am because I cannot take it anymore.”

“Who will rub your back when you are stressed?” “Who will hold you when you are afraid?”

“That’s not fair, Lillian.” “You know why I suffer; my fear is not a factor.”

“But it is, my dear.” “I am therapy to you, the one who has stood by you.”

“You are, I must agree, but I can find another.”

“That would be difficult, if not impossible, with your condition, my love.”

“I am a man; perhaps half a man, but yet, a man.”

“You are a man, a sweet one, but you need help, a special kind of help not many can offer.”

“My wheelchair should not be an issue.”

“I assure you it is not.”

“My prosthetic legs look real.”

“They do indeed and work marvelously.”

“You said my scars do not frighten you.”

“They do not.”

“Why do you cry then?”

“I cry because I am angry at what life has done to you.”

“Could it have been any other way?”

“It could not have.”

“I tried to help those innocent people.”

“This is one reason I admire you.”

“If only I had been there sooner.”

“You got there as quickly as you could.”

“Those poor innocent children.”

“You tried your best to help them.”

“I see their faces in my dreams.”

“This is why I hold you.”

“How could this madman have done this?”

“He is gone because of your bravery.”

“He deserved to die a gruesome death.”

“Your bullet saved many, my dear.”

“Not enough.”

“You are one man.”

“What about my children, Lillian?”

“They love you too.”

“If they do, where are they?”

“They have families to provide for.”

“They don’t call.”

“Do you call them?”

“No, but why would they want to speak to me?”

“Because you are their father.”

“I am nothing anymore.”

“You are my friend, my partner, my lover.”

“You cannot love me.”

“But I do.”

“I am crippled; I am ugly.”

“You are beautiful.”

“I hate people.”

“I hate the actions of some, but there are many good people.”

“I hate my life.”

“You are a hero.”

“I said a prayer today, Lillian, the first in years.”

“What did you pray for?”

“Death.”

“My darling, I have faith in you.”

“I cannot go on like this any longer.”

“You must, for your children’s sake and mine.”

“I heard from my Lieutenant today.”

“What did he say?”

“He said they miss me and asked what they can do to help.”

“That was thoughtful.”

“He had to do it.”

“Are you crying?”

“Yes, it touched me.”

“Do you want me to come over?”

“No.”

“I could use a hug.”

“I don’t want one.”

“Okay, are we still on for tonight, at least?”

“I’d rather talk on the phone.”

“We can do that.”

“Can we now?”

“Alright, what’s on your mind?”

“Do you think I am selfish?”

“Not at all.” “You’ve been through a lot.”

“Would you miss me if I was gone?”

“Immensely.” “Are you going somewhere?”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“Would you like company?”

“You wouldn’t want to join me.”

“Are you still crying?”

“Yes.”

“Why, my darling?”

“Because I no longer have a purpose.”

“You are a strong man with a loving heart.”

“I am a failure.”

“You are my love.”

“I don’t deserve you any longer.”

“I am coming over.”

“If you do, you’ll be too late.”

“Too late for what?”

“To help me.”

“What do you need help with, darling?”

“The will to live.”

“Do you want to die?”

“No, I have no choice.”

“You have a choice; I’m here for you.”

“Are you?”

“I am, my love.”

“Thank you.”

“You are my life.” “I love you, Anthony.”

“I love you too.”

“You have come a long way.”

“Not far enough; I am haunted by the screams that torture me.”

“They will fade with time.”

“How long must I endure this?”

“The voices will eventually grow quiet; remember what your therapist said.”

“I cling to her words.”

“You must trust her.”

“I do not deserve this.”

“You do not, but if not for you, many more would have died.”

“I am cursed for it.”

“You are haunted, not cursed.”

“You have helped me endure the pain.”

“I love you, Anthony.”

“I love you too, Lillian.

“I’m sorry I left you at the restaurant.”

“I’m sorry I flew into a rage.”

“I had to go.”

“I know you did.”

“What are you doing at this moment?”

“Looking at my gun.”

“Are you angry?”

“Yes, and sad.” “Angry at the world, sad at hurting you.”

“I am not hurt.”

“I made you cry.”

“I’m crying now.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t bear to lose you.”

“You’re better without me.”

“I disagree.”

“What can I offer that you don’t have?”

“Someone to hold, who knows my heart.”

“Keep talking.”

“The one I desire to share my life with.”

“Do you still want to come over?”

“I do.”

“Please come; I’ll wait for you.”