This story is exactly 750 words. There is less time invested in the creation of a 750 word story than in my other works, but the emotional investment is often the same. It's tricky to craft a decent story with artificial limitations. In my not-so-objective view, I've both succeeded and failed in previous efforts. I hope this one falls on the positive side of the ledger.
With thanks to the people that have been kind enough to read the Montauk stories.
*****
"You son of a bitch. There's no way you should look that good. How old are you?"
My voice was barely above a whisper and there was a smile on my face as I teased my oldest friend. He had to be at least one hundred ten, but he looked like he was a weathered seventy-five.
He winked and sat beside my bed. "How should we count such things, Finn? In years?"
I shrugged and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep. The shadows were deeper when I awoke. He was still there. He smiled as I looked his way.
"You'll look after her, right?"
There was always something about him, something solid and dependable. Alistair nodded.
"Of course. You don't need to ask."
He was right, but I felt so powerless. Asking was something I could do. Maybe the last thing that I could gift to my Jennifer. Alistair and his beautiful crazy sister would continue to watch over my family as they had for decades. Like many others, they had been grafted onto my little clan, becoming part of my extended family. Alistair had known me since birth, and Yekong had joined us when I was thirty.
Remembering things that happened today was difficult, but the highlights of my life shone like a beacon, every detail crisp in my memory. I remember my morning run with Dink the day we first met Jennifer. My dog falling in love with her as quickly as I had, running towards her, and then away, trying to get her to chase him. He brought unbridled joy to all of us, but Dink was there for her when she was lost and in her dark times.
The windows were open and I could smell the ocean air as it filled the room. I thought of Jennifer wearing her ridiculous waders and floppy hat when she went out with me on the clammer and later out on the yacht. That was our first date, but she already owned my heart at that point.
Alistair and I spoke. It was a quiet, slow conversation and much was said without being spoken.
"How much longer, Alistair?"
He inhaled deeply and blinked a few times before answering. "Not long."
I nodded. "How... How old am I?"
"You are ninety-four, my friend."
"Siobhan... She's here?"
He paused. "Tommy is here. You'll be seeing Siobhan soon."
Laying my head back down, I was soon asleep. When my eyes opened again I was surrounded by my family. Jennifer was holding my hand; William and Cynthia stood by the bed. Pete's children were standing near Alistair and Yekong. Roberts, our dog, was on the floor next to the bed.
