Old Love

Old Love

By Keith Kareem Williams

(Inspired by something I overheard once.)

The Plot: An elderly man calls his love on the phone the morning of Valentine’s Day.

“Good morning pumpkin. You up? [pause] I tried to send you a text but I can’t work this damn phone so I just called even though it’s early. [pause] Happy Valentine’s Day. [pause] Of course. [pause] Call out sick from work. Tell them your pressure is high and you need to stay in bed. [pause] So, tell ‘em your sugar is high. [pause] Say it’s your hip then. [pause] Woman, just tell them you need a day off. [pause] You never use your sick days. They owe you and you deserve one. At least this one… especially today. [pause] Of course. [pause] Why is that just a young girl thing? [pause] You’ll always be my youngin’. [pause] Stay in bed and wait for me. I have my key so I’ll just let myself in. [pause] No, I don’t want you to. Today, I’ll make you something when I get there. [pause] The way you like it, with the strawberries and the cinnamon. [pause] I know you do. My memory ain’t what it used to be but I pay attention. [pause] I like the sound of that. [pause] In that case, I’m takin’ two of my pills. [pause] I hope not but, I can’t think of a better way to go. [pause] You can still do that? [pause] You know exactly what I like. I’m on my way right now! [pause] Before I go, I need to say something. [pause] No, it’s not anything bad. [pause] Just wanted to say that I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’ve loved you since we were kids. [pause] Always. Even when we were apart. [pause] I’m glad that we found our way back. [pause] I know. [pause] From now until HE calls me home. [pause] See you in a bit.”