636 words.

A lone bench on the far side of a park. It’s right around midnight when two figures, coming from opposite directions, sit down next to each other.

They are quiet for a long while. Simply sitting there.

“It’s been a while.”

“That it has.”

“I’m seeing someone now.”

“I’m happy to hear it.”

“I think you’d like her.”

“I hope I would.”

“I’d like the two of you to meet.”

“I’d like that too.”

“She thinks I’m crazy, coming back here again.”

“She might be right.”

“Maybe.”

…

…

…

“Your sister’s doing good.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Her cats, too.”

“Good.”

…

…

“Your mom seems like she’s doing alright too.”

“That’s what I’d hoped for.”

“I guess I should say she’s doing as alright as she can.”

“And my old man?”

“I don’t know. Never been able to get a read on him.”

…

“He did start going to church though. Couldn’t tell you what that means.”

“Means I might have gotten through to the stubborn bastard.”

“Something seems to have at least.”

…

…

…

“There’s a lot more I want to say.”

“I know.”

“I don’t have the words.”

“I know.”

…

…

“Why you?”

“You mean why not you.”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t know.”

“Doesn’t seem fair.”

“Nothing here tends to be.”

“Here as in…?”

“This city, world, life, pick one.”

“Mm. Guess you’re right.”

…

…

…

“Were you ready?”

“Don’t think most people ever are.”

“Yeah, but were you?”

“No. Still had plans, goals, dreams.”

“Wanna share any of them?”

“Not really. Doesn’t matter now. Don’t want to see you chasing my dreams anyways.”

“Mmm. So, you’ll be watching?”

“If I can.”

“Promise?”

“If that matters, yes, I promise.”

“That’s a comfort.”

…

…

…

…

…

“I’m sorry I let us grow apart.”
“Relationships are two-way streets.”

“Yeah, I know. But that still means part of it was my fault.”

“There was no fault, just a mutual choice.”

“Still, I’m sorry.”

“So am I.”

…

…

“Is this the last time we talk?”

“I believe so.”

“Okay.”

…

“I’m going to miss you.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

“You will.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve always told you you’re stronger than you think.”

…

…

“I’m sorry I took the years for granted.”

“Don’t be.”

“There’s more I wish we did.”

“Focus on what was done, not what could have been.”

“And if what was done isn’t enough?”

“Then change your standards.”

…

…

“What do you want me to do?”

“What do you mean?”

“If there was something I should do that I might be missing, what is it?”

“Love with no holds barred, and leave no room for regrets in anything.”

“Seems like something from a motivational speech.”

“Ha! Maybe it is.”

…

…

…

…

“I’m sorry for everything I didn’t say that I should have.”

“I don’t hold it against you.”

“I think there’s a lot I’d do different if life got do-overs.”

“In a way, I’m glad it doesn’t. There’s more beauty this way.”

“More heartbreak.”

“Maybe. But beauty doesn’t just come from happy endings.”

…

…

“Is life lived just to die?”

“What makes you think I know?”

“I’d hoped some things got clearer.”

“Some did.”

“But not that?”

“You should have the answer already.”
“I thought no for a long while.”

“What changed your mind?”

“You.”

“Mm.”

…

…

…

“I think our time is up.”

“Thank you.”

“For?”

“This.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Goodbye, my friend.”

“Goodbye. Have a good life, please.”

“I’ll try.”

“Do it for me, if you won’t do it for you.”

“I’ll try.”

One looks away now, off into the snow-covered park. When he finally looks back, the other is nowhere to be found.

“Till next we meet, old friend.”

Thank you for reading my short story!

This one was written because I wanted to try writing a story made almost entirely out of dialogue. It was an interesting project.

I do hope you enjoyed it!

– D. L.