Bed Partners
It
has been a while. In fact, it has been so long I didn’t think we’d ever end up
like this again. When was the last time we shared a bed? I’m not sure I could
name the date or count the years.
I’ve
missed it. I should probably be ashamed to admit it, but who cares? It is not
as if anybody can hear me or read my mind. Nobody knows that I’ve spend quite a
few nights yearning for his solid presence next to me. Yes, I can hear the
sniggers; I know many would laugh out loud if they knew we still share a bed on
occasion, twenty-five years after we were first put in a cot together.
It’s
funny, but the memories of that first night are still as clear as crystal. We
fitted together perfectly back then. There was no space for fear in my heart or
monsters in the room when we were together. And that’s the way it stayed for
years, until it stopped. With great reluctance we parted. I’d known the moment
would come for a long time. Relationships like ours don’t last. We outgrow
them; need to move on to other bed partners. But knowing something is going to
happen doesn’t make it easier to deal with when it does. And you do get very
attached to someone you share a bed with, night after night, for years.
Right
now I’d like to think this is how we’ll stay forever. Together, giving and
receiving comfort, alleviating the loneliness, but I know that’s not how our
lives are meant to play out. After twenty-five years both of us are too old for
this. My cuddle partner and I should both be moving on to new bodies to derive
comfort from and give pleasure to. But he still makes me feel safe and loved. I
never feel alone when we’re sharing a bed. I’ll enjoy it while I can and try
not to think about the future, because who knows when that future and the
changes it will bring might arrive.
For
most of the night we were snuggled up close together, sharing comfort; soft
skin against even softer fur. I don’t mind the distance between us now.
I’m
just glad to have my human back where he belongs.
****
386
words.
Don’t
forget to check out the Monday Flash Fics Group on Facebook for other stories
inspired by the same picture.
Awww!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHad a feeling someone would take this route. Yep - reminded me of Matt's Rex - resurREXted after all those years. ;o)
ReplyDeleteResurRexted, I love it.
DeleteIt was a rather obvious way to go, but I liked it so why not?
I love those two comments just after each other, Matt and Jaycee. The story may or may not have been inspired by a little dinosaur I read about in the recent past. I plead the fifth :)
ReplyDeleteLOL :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the picture ... my first thought was Rex! Of course, I'm sure Matty snuggled much closer since His human was away! I bet Rex was as excited to have Matty back as Bear is to having his human back! Thank goodness Rex's & Bear's can live long lives & keep us safe & Loved at night! Great story Helena ... so timely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. The cuddlies in this world just don't get enough credit for all the comfort and love they share. It's time to put them in the spotlight for a change.
DeleteI just read this story to Rex. He said to say it's the BEST story he's ever heard. :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you Matt. Please give Rex a huge cuddle for me.
Delete