For Always

Her unchecked tears streamed down her pale cheeks, to irrigate the bouquet of pink roses she was embracing like a babe. Her best friend in the whole world Cindy, had brought these to cheer her up.

- “You have to wake up from this spell Becky, you can’t say the same thing over and over, and expect people to believe that you are well. If you don’t…listen to me…if you don’t, you will be heavily medicated and you will stay here indefinitely, or worst, be moved to a wacko institution. I love you Becky, look at you… my God!” Cindy said while she too broke down and cried.
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Becky reached out a hand to lovingly caress the top of her dear friend’s head. She was so naïve, she thought. Cindy’s analytical mind could not accept that which was not proven or tangible.
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- “Cindy, do you remember when I told you I used to play with my imaginary friends as a kid? You know little kids are more receptive because they are closer to remembering where they came from. The blind folds are not as tightly wrapped as when we are conditioned as to what to think, and to believe. We learn to conform, to try to fit in and to be liked. I simply can see that beyond which is visible to the naked eye. Maybe it is meant that I see him, because he wants me to. It’s that simple.”

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- “Cut the bull shit Becky, look at all you have going for you! You have a wonderful husband, a beautiful home….oh by the way, this weekend they are moving everything out. By the time you leave here, you will be set up in your new place.”
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With this said, a new wave of heartfelt tears welled from Becky’s eyes.

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- “Listen to me Becky, you have to stop this charade…please…please do it for me. Just drop it once and for all so your psychiatrist can let you go home.”
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Becky laughed heartily.

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- “What does my doctor know anyway? You know the ancient Greeks used to treat a mere bump on the head by fully exposing the skull by peeling the scalp back and checking for fracture lines? If none was visible they cracked one open, for they thought this would irrigate the cranium of blood or pus. This doctor can only describe scientifically what passion or love is, based on brain chemicals. Don’t you think that is science and esoteric teaching married, there would be a higher level of knowledge?”
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- “Becky, you are driving me nuts! You have a husband who adores you! Why are you saying this crazy shit? I mean…these absurdities?
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- “Honey, I know where home is, you don’t understand. Life has absolutely no meaning without him. I belong to him, heart and soul. If you were to ask me what my purpose in this life is, I will tell you with certainty; it is to reunite myself with him. He is my soul mate......

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Besides, do you know who my husband is Cindy? He is not the man you know. He is an autocratic, self-centered, egotistical asshole. He misunderstood when we married, that when asked if he’d take this woman to be your loving “wife”…he heard "maid" instead. And we've lost respect. Recently, I dropped my car keys he was standing next to me, he did not move a muscle, a finger to pick up the keys for me. That is the kind of man he is, not the nice guy façade he wears for the world to see.”

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- “Becky, are the problems with Martin, the reason why you slashed your wrists? If it’s that bad, you can just leave him, get a divorce and start anew Hun.” Pleaded Cindy.

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- “No Cindy...come here, let me whisper in your ear. You see, this is the only way for me to be with my love for eternity. Granted, in another plane, not the Ritz, but what counts is our everlasting love…don’t you see? If I move out of the house I won’t see him anymore, or if I were to die in a normal way, either. He is destined to haunt this house you see, that is why I had to part from my physical form there…in that very house.” Becky whispered excitedly to Cindy.
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- “How can you be in love with a ghost?” asked Cindy incredulously, shocked by the rationale of her best friend, as well as the redolent unwashed breath, utterly offensive from such proximity.



to be continued...

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Painting "Forever Always" by Octavio Ocampo