Debbie
said
23 January, 2000
It's late, but it's still hot. I'm tired, but I can't sleep.
Debbie said, “kiss me”, and she sighed, and she said, “I love you Mike.” She says those words in so many ways.
Sometimes they're said like a reminder to herself. Sometimes they're like drops of pure, cold water into my parched throat. Sometimes they're said like she's not sure. Sometimes she doesn't know she's said them, they're mumbled on the way to sleep like a talisman that will protect her dreams.
Debbie said, “these last couple of days, it's seemed like we used to be.” She wondered that we might be back at a place she never thought she'd visit again.
If I could give her anything, it would be the recovery of the lost innocence of our relationship.
But I can't.
All I can do, bit by bit, day by day, is recover myself, and the qualities she's missed in me.
Debbie said, “I love you Mike.” Words ringing like a bell in my mind today.