I WISHED YOU WELL

I WISHED YOU WELL

Paul J. McCall

 

 

I saw you tonight, when I came to your ward, you looked younger you had your hair done; it was parted on the right side, long and straight to your shoulders. Your face looked so beautiful, your complexion so smooth and fresh. You had little eye makeup, just a touch of eyebrow pencil. You were wearing a maroon shade of lipstick. It all went together so well.

You were on your way out; you wore a long light blue over coat that looked like a female version of a Pea Coat. I was overwhelmed, “Where are you going?” I asked, you smiled, “I’m going shopping for a car”. “OH” I said, “you look so beautiful I was wondering”. She made that kind of smile that told me she understood I was pleased but at the same time confused.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon,” she said as her thumb and forefinger touched the tip of my chin. She leaned toward me with her lips pursed for a kiss. It caught me by surprise, I tenderly took her by the shoulders and kissed her, careful not to mess up her lipstick. When I pulled away she saw I had tears.

She opened her purse and took out a hankie and lightly dabbed my eyes and then some lipstick from my lips. She looked so well and happy I didn't want her to leave, “good luck” I said as she returned her hankie to her purse. I could hardly get the words out.

“Don’t worry, I told you I’ll be back”.

“Yes, I know”, she turned and walked down the hallway.

When she got to the door she paused to look back and give a little wave. Then she was gone.

I just stood for a moment staring at the closed door that took her from sight. After a moment I turned to a nurse at the desk and asked, "Where is she?" The nurse pointed and said, “She’s in there, through that door”. I went in she was in bed lying on her side.

“How you doing?" I asked as I slid a chair over to sit next to her bed. “Okay” she answered faintly. I reached down and cupped the back of her head with my right hand as I kissed her lightly on her forehead,

I wanted to tell her, “I just saw you, when I came in; you were well, completely cured. You were going shopping for a car” but I kept my vision to myself. Looking up at me she seemed puzzled, “what’s that on your face?” she said. I got up and went to the mirror and found a small spot of maroon lipstick on my face.

Reviews

[Rebecca Conway]

This is my favourite of your stories. The image of the lipstick really struck a chord with me, especially when it is brought back at the end. I love the idea of leaving a memoir/novel to your family...and when it is as well written as this, I'm sure they will enjoy it very much. Thank you for sharing :)

[Paul McCall]

Rebecca, thank you, I am so gratified and pleased that you enjoyed this little piece of half history half fantasy. She was always talking about driving again some day. Please feel free to share it with your friends if you like.
Thank you. Paul J. McCall

[Samuel Dickens]

This is very sensitive and touching. Sickness, hospitals and loss have become too familiar these days, so I can easily embrace these words. A fine piece of writing.

[Paul McCall]

Thank you Sam, I greatly appreciate you taking time to let me know how you saw this story. Thank you Sir.