Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Entry #42

Forever Together
by Hal Kempka


Harry had suffered periodic bouts of depression since returning from Iraq. After his Humvee hit an IED outside Mosul, he was medivac’d to the amputee unit at Walter Reed Army hospital. Camille flew to be with him immediately.

He didn’t want her to be married to a cripple, and said if she wanted out of the marriage, he wouldn’t stop her.

“I love you,” she’d said, “whether you have legs or not. So, stop feeling sorry for yourself and learn to live with it.”

He bought her the Harley and sidecar with his first VA disability check.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I want you to be happy,” he replied. “Besides, you always said you wanted something huge and warm between your legs.”

She smacked him in the head. “You’re all I need baby, even if you’re not huge and warm.”

Now six months later, his depression returned.

“C’mon Harry, let’s go for a ride,” Camille said. “The fresh air will do us good.”

“Nah, you go. I won’t enjoy it,” he replied.

“Sure you will, I guarantee it.”

He shrugged. “Okay, if it’ll make you feel better.”

“I’m not thinking about me, Harry!”

In the garage, Camille helped Harry into the sidecar. They sped down the freeway, holding hands with the wind in their face. Harry hollered he wanted to be with her forever. Neither one noticed the drunk driver until he swerved into their lane and hit them head on, ensuring they would indeed be together forever.

15 comments:

Sarah Hina said...

Oh, geez...just when I thought he was headed for a rebirth. Sad, sad ending.

I liked the playful, loving dialogue and how determined she was to lift his spirits. At least they died together, and happy.

Nicely done!

BernardL said...

Good story.

Beth said...

Nice one.

Sameera Ansari said...

Ouch!Did not expect that :(

I echo Sarah about the rebirth thing.

Sometimes,life grants wishes in the most ironical way.

Beautiful story!

Anonymous said...

Great dialog that makes the reader really like the characters. Didn't see the end coming, so sad, so ironic. Well done.

JaneyV said...

Hal - you managed to convey the great love between your characters very clearly. Although the ending was sad I found myself feeling glad that they were together and had escaped from the depression that blighted their life together.

I felt very involved in their story. Good writing.

Rusty La Violette said...

Hmmmm Maybe I should have killed somebody off in my sidecar story, too. It seems a bit more satisfying and final-- at least the depression and the constant irritations are over for the young man.
Good writing.

My crazy life said...

Bitter sweet story. Well written with a surprise ending. -Rita

Esther Avila said...

Oh my, so bittersweet but glad they didn't purposely drive into a vehicle. I really liked her...and him. So many emotions. You brought them all out nicely. Very well done.

Scott said...

I think it's safe to say that Camille cured his depression.

Anonymous said...

a hauntingly romantic tale! i like it!

laughingwolf said...

careful what you wish for....

Missy said...

Yikes. I really liked them. :(

I'm impressed how you created characters I am rooting for so quickly.

Anonymous said...

So sweet with the sidecar, and so sad with the unexpected ending. A fast and memorable read.

Anonymous said...

Freed from depression for a moment only to be snuffed out. At least it was a happy moment.