Brazil
Happy Birthday, Chen.
I'm not one for making cards.
The couple sat in a roadside cafe, each cradling a glass of blood-red wine. “I’ve had enough, Dru,” he said. “I can’t share you anymore. Take all my heart or give it back.”
“But Spike,” she cooed, “It’s not me your heart is wanting. I’ve seen it, all of it, sad and ugly, hurtful thing. You’ll break it, crash it on the rocks, but it’s not me you want.”
He sat the glass down, staring at his lover. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dru. I do love you. I’ve always loved you. If you can’t see that...”
“Poor my Spike, can’t see what’s in front of his own nose.” She looked away from him, down the quiet street, and clapped her hands. “Oh, look Spike. So delightful. So delicious.” A tall young woman was walking down the street with two small girls in tow. “Little ones for me. Big one for you.” She licked her lips. “I can almost taste them now.”
“Sure, Dru. Whatever.” Spike slapped a few bills on the cafe table and stood, looking at the trio in question. “Nanny and her charges, you reckon?”
“No,” she replied. “Mother and daughters. So much better. We’ll taste the fear.”
She took his arm as he walked towards the dark haired woman. “Scuze me,” Spike asked. “Got a light?”
The woman wasn’t going to answer, but Dru looked up with her in charming innocence that she pulled out her lighter and flicked the lid. Spike took her hand to steady it as he lit his cigarette. She had never seen such piercing blue eyes. With guilt she realized that she was flirting. She pulled her hand from his and snapped the lighter shut, thrusting it back into her pocket.
Spike looked into her eyes. They were alive with rare vitality. Usually, that would make him hungry. For some reason, tonight, it only made him feel old. He stepped back. “Come along, Dru.”
“But Spike? What about...?”
“I said come along.” He pulled her away and down the street in the opposite direction. Stopping for a moment, he turned back, to see the young woman greeted by a tall, older man. They seemed happy. He looked at Dru. “I’m leaving you. Tonight.”
“No,” Dru tossed her head. “I’m leaving you first. Goodbye, my Spike. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Spike watched her fly off down the road and out of his life. “I only wish I knew what that was.”