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Hello, Goodbye, by Jim Bartlett

27/12/2019

 
The crowd, large and boisterous, goes quiet as she arrives, then parts in the middle, opening a path to the hospital’s rear entrance that glows in the overhead lights. It’s not a partisan break, for there are those on both sides who reach out trying to touch her as she passes. A yearn to feel the warmth of the hope that she brings. They call out her name, not with appointed celebrity status, but rather in reverence. Awe.

Yet, at the same time she sees those who, with a scowl upon their face, recoil as though she was a leper. They shout angry and accusatory words, fearful of the fate she may bestow upon them.

As if she even holds such power.

When she reaches the door, it opens, a group of nurses or doctors – she’s not sure which – ready to lead her to his room. She stops and turns back to the crowd. Are they really here to see her?

Or to pay him a respectful farewell.

Or, maybe, by the looks on some of those faces, a good riddance.

“This way,” a taller woman says. “There’s not much time.”

With a nod to the crowd, she follows as they lead her down the white sterile corridor toward the elevators, their heads bowed in silence, a somber acknowledgement of why she is here.

When the doors open to the third floor, the air, unlike the warm yet antiseptic atmosphere that greeted her back in the lobby, is cold and heavy, and it weighs down upon her shoulders, pushes against her heart. They step out as a group, but the nurses and doctors all stop, as they seem to know that from here on she must make this journey alone.

“319,” says the tall woman, pointing.

Moving to the room’s doorway, she leans in for a peek. She gasps, the mere sight of him lying crumpled in that bed stealing her breath. She quickly averts her gaze to the monitor above him, where a green jagged line marches along its screen, chirping with each of his remaining heartbeats. To her right, a large clock with long black hands is centered on the wall. It looks out of place, something better suited to a classroom back in the 70s.

The time is 11:58.

“Come in,” he invites in a raspy voice. “Sit. There is so much I want to say. But no time...” He leans to the side, hacking out a series of coughs.

She takes the seat beside him, the first tears beginning to form in her eyes. “I am so lost,” she squeaks out.

“You’ll do fine. Everyone is lost right now. Compassion cannot be heard over all the noise. You can help silence that hate, let the world see love for a change. I—“

But his words die, as the does the jagged line, and the chirps revert to a steady buzz. 2020 looks to the clock – midnight – then she leans down to gently kiss 2019 goodbye.
michael mccarthy
27/12/2019 05:18:41 pm

that is so good, Jim. With that great build up I was expecting a take on a dying, iconic rock star! beautifully descriptive!

Jim link
27/12/2019 07:45:00 pm

Thanks Michael!! Appreciate the kind comments!!
Happy New Year!
Jim

Doug
27/12/2019 06:26:15 pm

Really good, Jim. Had me in suspense to the very end. For some reason my thoughts went to JFK and Jackie. I wasn't even close.

Jim link
27/12/2019 07:46:08 pm

Thanks Doug! Glad I led you astray with the direction of the story, but the JFK thing makes sense now that I think about it.

Happy New Year!
Jim

Mike B
27/12/2019 08:18:42 pm

Very good Jim, my suspicions were correct about the ending. I recalled another of your stories about a new guy that ended up being the new year. One of my favorites, I’m going to try and find it, I’d like to read it again...
Happy New Year!!!

Jim link
27/12/2019 08:25:23 pm

Thanks Mike - Yes - I'm sort of making it an annual thing I think. Already have a couple of ideas for next year. ;-)
Happy New Year!
Jim

Marjan sierhuis
27/12/2019 10:46:40 pm

'Veritas filia temporis.'
A great story.

Marjan

Jim link
28/12/2019 03:50:56 am

I knew the temporis part, and have heard that expression somewhere in the past, but had to give in and look it up. Wonderful expression!!!
Thanks so much for the kind comments, Marjan!!

Happy New Year
Jim

Mary Wallace
7/1/2020 04:27:21 pm

Jim, this was beautifully done. I enjoyed it so much. I hope you have a great New Year and write many more inspired stories.

Jim link
8/1/2020 12:20:58 am

Thanks so much for the kind words, Mary. I really do appreciate them as much as the wish for a great New Year. With that, I wish you one as well and look forward to many more of your wonderful stories!

May peace find us in the New Year
Thanks
Jim


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