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A Last Farewell by Elliot Richard Dorfman
The
gray February morning reflected Bernie Feller's mood. Alone and depressed,
he walked into the kitchenette of his studio apartment and prepared
himself a cup of instant coffee, nothing else. He didn't feel like making
breakfast. In fact, he didn't feel like doing anything at all. What
for? At fifty-eight years old, he was a retired, old bachelor with few
friends and nothing of interest to look forward to. Sipping his coffee, Bernie realized that today was the thirty-fourth anniversary of his beloved fiance's death. He had first met when he started working at the advertising agency. Sitting at a nearby desk, she looked up with those gorgeous blue eyes and gave a cheerful smile. "Hi, Bernie. I've heard good things about you.” It was love at first sight. Her petite figure, with that pretty face, blew him away. He asked her out and in a short time they were going steady. Being near her made every day seem like a special treat, so fresh and exciting. He thanked God for letting him find his true soulmate. But a cruel twist of fate changed everything. While Bernie was away at a conference in San Francisco, Arlene was hit by some kind of debris that fell off the top the Madison Avenue office building when she left from work. Death was instantaneous. From that moment on, the world would remain colorless to poor Bernie. Bernie
picked up a bottle of sleeping pills from the counter and stared at
it. The phone rang. For a moment he almost didn't answer it. A pleasant sounding voice spoke on the other end: “Hello, I'm Jane Ross from the Paxton House in Lansville, New York. I'm calling to confirm the reservation you made for this weekend, Mr. Johnson.” Bernie was annoyed. “I am not Mr. Johnson. You've got the wrong number.” The woman seemed undaunted, “Oh, I'm so sorry to disturb you. Well, if you ever plan to take a vacation in the Adirondack mountains, come and visit us. Our hotel is small but picturesque. We probably serve the best meals in the entire region. Do have a nice day.” Bernie hung up. An idea flashed through his mind. "Why not go away for a while? A change of environment might be the best thing for me." He
put down the bottle; suicide was such a drastic step! He looked at the
“Caller-I.D.” on the phone and automatically dialed the number to make
reservations. The following Friday afternoon, Bernie drove up to the Paxton House. He liked the place as soon as he saw it. It was nestled among the many large fir trees. It had an ornate verandah and a four gabled roof which gave the three story white clapboard building a distinct look from a bygone era. Once inside, Bernie noticed a brightly lit fireplace near the carved mahogany reception desk. The place looked cozy and intimate, perhaps not having more than fifteen bedrooms. An attractive lady in her late forties came down the marbled staircase. From her distinct, mellow voice, he knew it was Jane Ross. After signing the register, Jane took Bernie to his room on the second floor. It was tastefully furnished in early colonial. He complimented her. "This is absolutely charming." The
woman slightly blushed with pride. " It wasn't easy, but the results
have been worth it." There was only one couple in the wood paneled dinning room when Bernie entered that evening. He picked a table next to a window. Just like Jane had boasted, the meal was excellent. He couldn't take a stroll outside after dinner since it had started raining, so he walked into the lounge and sat down on a comfortable sofa. Jane came in shortly and joined him. “Gee, that meal was the best one I've had in a long time,” he contentedly told her. This hotel is a real find. Are you the sole owner? Bernie
could see a shadow of sadness cross her face as she spoke. “ Yes, for
the past ten years. I'm originally from downstate. After my husband
suddenly passed away, I needed a change of environment, so I bought
this hotel which has blissfully kept me busy and not given me much time
to wallow in my memories. Obviously, Jane could easily commiserate. They talked for hours and soon they realized it was late when the grandfather clock struck twelve. As they exited, Harold turned to her. "Jane, how about seeing a movie with me tomorrow evening?" Jane shyly nodded. "Sounds great." * * * Bernie had the best sleep in months, but when morning arrived, he began thinking that having a date with Jane might be a bad idea. If they should eventually become close, he would probably start comparing her to Arlene and that would be unfair. His head began to throb. Quickly getting dressed, the agitated man decided to take a ride. It began to snow as he got into his car. The flakes swirled past his windshield as he drove faster and faster on the empty country road. The speedometer hit 90, but he didn't care. Suddenly a firm, but somehow familiar voice, commanded him to slow down and pull the car over to the road. As if in a trance, he obeyed. When the car stopped, Bernie began sobbing, his head falling atop his arms on the steering wheel. Someone gently touched him on his right shoulder. Looking up, Bernie was amazed to see the image of Arlene sitting next to him. She wore a long brown skirt with a silky, beige blouse, the same outfit he had last seen her in! The diamond engagement ring was still on her right hand. She had been buried with it. Instinctively, he embraced her. He could smell the familiar perfume, feel the actual warmth of her body against his as her shinny chestnut hair brushed against his face. She whispered in his ear. "My energy is draining, darling. I came back to ask you to please let go of the past. It is destroying your life and stopping me from having any peace. Life is meant for the living; I wouldn't have it any other way. It is like Shakespeare said: '...for I love you so That
I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot Her image began to fade. "But can't you stay for a little bit longer?" Bernie pleaded. The vision shook her head, gave him a final kiss - and was gone. Alone in the car again, Bernie hit his hands against the steering wheel. "It's all in my mind," he screamed over the howling wind outside, "Arlene was never here, I've imagined it all!" Abruptly, the wind ceased, the clouds parted, and the sun came out. A shinny object glittered in Bernie's eyes. Lying on the passenger seat next to him was Arlene's sparkling engagement ring. Picking it up, he felt a sense of calmness flowing throughout his body. Stepping out of the car, Bernie looked at the azure colored sky. Yes, it was going to be a very nice day after all.
_______________________ Elliot Richard
Dorfman taught acting, broadcasting, music, and history in the New York
City School System for more than three decades, as well as giving private
vocal and piano lessons. He founded Suma Play Productions, Inc., and
was artistic director of the American Youth Repertory Company, Off Broadway.
Among his successful former students are American tenor Daniel Rodriguez,
character actress Kelly Wolf, and Broadway stage manager Ira Mont. Mr.
Dorfman, a former member of the NY Dramatist Guild and Associated Music
teachers League, has appeared and written for radio and television.
His plays (dramas and musicals) have been presented on the professional
stage, schools and centers. Since the Fall of 2007, over seventy-two
short stories have been published in Delivered, Twisted
Dream s, Bewildering Stories , Golden Visions ,
Static Movement, NVH ,The Tiny Globule, Black Petals ,
Blood Moon Rising , Perpetual, Paradigm Shift
, Demonic Tome, Short Story Library, StoriesThatLift.com, M-Brane
SF, Coffee Cramp eZine, Infinite Windows, House of Horror, Einstein's
Pocket Watch, and Four Cornered Universe. Five poems have appeared
in Falling Star, Orange Room Review, Debris, and
Golden Visions. He is Golden Visions Magazine's Online vote
winner for favorite author 2008. The author is a Full member of THE
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