Let sleeping dogs lie [67] (299 words)

Pooch was grey-whiskered and Fluffy thought she was a dog. They slept curled up together.

I looked at the two. "Let sleeping dogs lie," was all I said.

Did Sheila know what I meant?

The tunnel of light I had seen after my 'accident' had lead to nowhere. I still resented having to come back, angry at Sheila for bringing me back. It was long past time to let go.

Oh to fly! everyone shouts in glee. I had. The sudden stop had left me broken.

The white lies I told her had to stop.

"I can't. It doesn't function." I'd told her how-many-times? But it wasn't true. I stopped her hands from wandering.

"I don't want to make love to you."

"I know."

"I'm angry that you wouldn't let me die."

Sheila answered softly. "I know." A salty runnel of tears etched her mascara.

I shouted loud enough to wake up Pooch, "THEN WHY!"

Pooch whimpered and Fluffy uncurled and came over to rub against Sheila. We four sat there in silence.The open window let in the music of spring. A neighbor mowing. Another washing a car. A child screaming all holy-hell.

"I wanted you to face the truth."

"What truth," I grimaced.

"Most of you died that day. I could only bring a small piece back."

"Why did you bother?"

"We all live in denial."

"Of what?"

"You wanted to go long before your 'flight'. I wanted you to stay."

The ice-cream truck went by singing it's ding-ding-ding. Sheila and Fluffy played with a string. Me and Pooch watched as a fly buzzed around us, landing on my nose.

"You won."

"No, I lost. I can't make you want me no matter how much I try." Sheila winced. "I'm still a loser."

Then I began to cry.