She Looks Fabulous

She is coming home today. Oh god, I've missed her so. When we are apart time just stops for me. The hands on the clock do not move. The sun in the sky seems to be stuck. I believe it is the same for her. Neither one of us are real talkers but when you spend years together as a couple you just develop a mystic sympatico. You know what the other one is thinking and feeling. I love her.

I had to go into Bangkok's most reputable hospital for ego reduction surgery. Too many complaints at home. Anyway, I had my friend Kurt from Chiang Rai come down and pick her up. She'll stay with him for a week. She does not like to be alone and she has hip problems: needs help going up stairs, and needs help getting into cars. She's spent time with Kurt before. It's all good.

We've been a fixture in the neighborhood for years. A happy couple. Bonded. Committed. Flowing into each other like water. Never a word said by others. Just happy acceptance by wonderful Thais. We are both getting older but the Thais can see mutual love in our dimming eyes. We walk together, we sit together, and we eat ice cream cones together. It's all good. A life spent with a kindred spirit and happiness I never knew until I came to the Kingdom. Her name is Binky. My name is Dana.

Kurt is going to bring her home today. I'm all dressed up, vibrating like a tuning fork, and fighting back tears. I'm standing taller and walking rather than staggering. Excited. I'm also a little late. Hurrying down Soi 22 I can see Kurt helping her out of the car in front of Denny's. She looks fabulous. And it looks like Kurt spent some money on her. She's wearing a new sparkly necklace called a choker, sporting a new haircut, and her nails have been done. Sweet Jesus on a cracker I had forgotten how beautiful she is. And the fact that she is an older woman now is irrelevant. Love does not pay attention to the years, only the moments.

Then I am close enough to shout out a greeting. To declare my presence. To advertise my love and to advertise my need. It's 7:30 in the morning and I am surrounded by Thais hurrying to the start of their day. Nobody notices the ex-pat or his love like two lonely wires about to be rejoined. It's a private rushing moment. I call out:

Me: Hi Kurt.
Kurt: Hi Dana.
Me: Hi Binky.
Binky: Woof.

© Dana. All rights reserved by the author.