This week's words are:
Caught
Eager
Perfume
Towards the end of my senior year in high school, my best guy friend from the previous year came to visit the school one day. I have written before about him, in a thinly veiled fiction exercise.
It caught me by surprise the day he came to visit, and I was more than eager to meet him. I was on the second floor of our school when I saw him downstairs in front of the principal's office. I rushed down the stairs quickly and ran to him. He wrapped his arms around me and gave such a hug that I wanted to melt into it. As he hugged me, he whispered in my ear "you still smell the same. I missed your perfume." Or something like that.
I can't remember what happened after that. Maybe a group of us went out for lunch with him. Maybe we did not. In any case, that was the last I ever saw of him. This was someone I used to care about a lot, yet I sure made no effort to keep in touch with him once he left school. This, again, is the story of my life. I seem to have no trouble divesting myself of relationship ties and affections, especially at a distance. Absence does not make the heart grow fonder in my book. I am not celebrating or indicting this trait. It is what it is.
The part where he whispered in her ear was breathtaking. You described that unforgettable moment in time while, well also making it clear how fleeting it was.
ReplyDeleteIt is what it is! I like the way you ended your memory with that line - it fits the piece. Nice post...
ReplyDeleteYes, a thought-provoking read.
ReplyDeleteA lovely and evocative story! It feels very familiar to me - several of my close friends from high school I lost touch with in just the same way. Thank you for this - I haven't thought of them in a long time, and it is lovely to do so again.
ReplyDeletedarling girl... welcome to the club... i am the worst at maintaining any kind of relationship... i never even answer my phone,,, i only socialize via email... you have a far way to go to be as bad at it as i am ... lovely post.... love the "little glimpses" of you.........
ReplyDeleteAh, but did he try and keep in touch with you?
ReplyDeleteIt takes two to keep a friendship alive I've found.
I can remember a time when I was excited to see a guy I was in love with but, he moved away and I haven't seen him since. So, your story rings true to most out here. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Like Paisley, I really enjoy these little glimpses.
ReplyDeleteI felt somewhat sad. I can connect.
ReplyDeleteSo many people have come in and out of my life over the years. It's odd....I miss some people that are no longer in my life, but others I am GLAD are gone!
ReplyDeletePS.. I am AWFUL at maintaining friendships. I swear if my friends didn't do all of the work I would be alone.
Thank you everybody for the nice comments. It touches me that this little slice of life resonated with several of you.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds cliched, but it really is amazing how often we don't think about it possibly being the last time we will ever see someone.
ReplyDelete