A Picture of Life
After all this time, would he recognize her?
John kept asking himself as he waited in terminal three.
Twenty years had passed since their affair
and their parting at the airport.
Then he saw her, just as he remembered.
Same blonde hair, same figure,
dressed as stylish as ever.
He wondered if she would recognize him.
She waved. A thrill ran through his bones.
He waved back and hustled to her.
Inside of him the thrill changed to fear,
What if she rejects me again?
I’m going to kiss her when I get there.
He swore to himself. She won’t mind.
NO! Not after twenty years. Do something else.
Maybe just take her for tea.
As he neared her and saw her face and her smile.
He resolved to kiss her no matter what.
As he opened his arms she did likewise.
He embraced her and kissed her.
A muffled popping noise was heard.
as the pain of a bullet ripped through his body.
He fell to his knees and then to the floor.
She screamed, “Call 911!” to the gathering crowd.
An unknown man walked casually out of the exit.
Someone in the crowd said, “Nine, nine, nine.”
She asked, “Why are you speaking German?”
“Emergency.” was the only reply”
She felt alone as she turned her attention to him.
She was holding his head in her hands
He called her by her name. She replied,
\"It was Walter, I just know it was. He’s
such a creep. How did he find out?”
“Do you love me? He asked her barely audible as it was.
She paused as though for consideration.
He never heard her reply, as he gasped his last breath.
“Goodbye Charlie.” she whispered to him.