Welcome to Keene, NH
By Brian James Polak
Excerpt from p. 64-73
MR. CUNNINGHAM My only regret is that this wedding was so short. There is nothing better than two people in love, isn’t that right my darling? How lucky are we? Mrs. Cunningham struggles with her oxygen. Mr. Cunningham helps settle it into place. MR. CUNNINGHAM I’m not ready for this. There’s still so much left to do. So many places to visit. We never traveled to Costa Rica. Mrs. Cunningham removes the oxygen mask from her face. MRS. CUNNINGHAM There were so many things we did do. MR. CUNNINGHAM You’re right. As always. They sit together in silence. Leon fidgets, paying close attention to Milo, who picks at the guitar. MR. CUNNINGHAM I guess we should skedaddle, my dear. You stay here and I’ll pull the car around. Mr. Cunningham exits. Mrs. Cunningham rises from her seat and steps slowly toward the gazebo. Milo watches as she gingerly climbs the steps and moves to the center of the gazebo, where Mrs. Cunningham begins to slowly dance in place. Milo picks up the guitar and accompanies her with a ballad as gentle as she. Mrs. Cunningham’s body moves gracefully; her hands and arms in perfect harmony with her legs. Her quiet smile belies the abundance of joy she feels. Once she satisfies her dance, she returns to her seat, where she slumps over, as if falling asleep. Her life comes to an end. Leon approaches Milo. LEON Can we do this? My back is killing me. MILO Spunk gave me something new. It’s called Haley’s Comet. Page 1 of 10