Takara always said my worst habit is that I dwell too much on things I can’t change.
It’s an obsession, a control issue. That’s what the therapist I saw for trauma counseling once told me. I’m like a dog with a toy. I won’t let it go until there is nothing left of it to hold.
If only it weren’t for Paolo’s damned letter.
Paolo gave me explicit instructions on how and where to retrieve it when I returned home. Actually, I made a promise to do this. How can you not make such a promise when your friend is lying half in your lap and dying?
I did as I promised, although it was a difficult task given that the bank where the safe deposit box was had been destroyed. The shell that used to be the bank safe still stood, but the wood and plaster walls around it were reduced to piles of rubble.
There were five letters, one for each of us. I took all of them with me and guarded them with my life. I headed back to our BOO, called a meeting and then handed each letter to its intended recipient.
I pocketed mine inside my leather jacket and then grabbed my bike and headed out to the Open Country. I had a particular spot I liked to go to when I needed to be alone. Hundreds of years ago, it was called The Badlands. I think it used to be a park.
My favorite spot overlooked miles and miles of jagged rocks of iridescent gray and buttes topped with grass. I sat on the rock and I pulled out the letter that Paolo wrote to me. All the letters were from Paolo.
The words on the page were in his native Italian. Fortunately, I was fluent in six languages.
Ti amo, Kia. Devo avere ti ho detto prima di questo. Mi hai sempre chiamato sulla mia stronzata e ti devo per questo.
Damn.
I should have told him.
Participating in the Trifecta Writing Challenge: Week 64. The word prompt is the third definition of “dwell” and the piece must be anywhere from 33 to 333 words.
I do not speak Italian, so any inaccuracies are the fault of the online translator I used. This is a work of fiction. I’m trying to make myself write more short fiction and get out of my historical fiction comfort zone.
But oh what did Paolo’s letter say?Am dying of curiosity.
I am kind of thinking this must be set in the future… once Badlands, once Park… now in an apocalyptic world? I could not translate ‘stronzata’, so ??
You seem like a sweet woman, Kathy, but deluded… Go Bears!
oh. damn. this is bittersweet… now how can she possibly not dwell on such a thought…
BOO? I too would like to know what the letter says, although I can figure out the “te amo” part at least.
The narrator’s voice comes through really well here; I’d definitely enjoy reading more.
These types of stories always make me sad. The people that are left behind are already dealing with so much pain, and then to receive a message from the past… Too much.
you made me go do my homework! hmmm. I wonder if I can get away with stronzata at work?
I had to try Google translator (I’m way to curious to leave an Italian sentence unread
) This is sad and it reaffirms my belief that we should not wait to tell others how we feel. We never know if tomorrow will be too late.
“Takara always said my worst habit is that I dwell too much on things I can’t change.”
I know how that goes… I wish I knew what the letter said but whatever it is, it’s evident that this is going to haunt them for ages. Great job at setting the mood. I liked this story. It makes me want to see more.
Used my Chrome translator because I was curious lol I think the last part got a little mixed up but the sentiment is there (: Great little piece!
I know what its like to dwell on something you cant change. very good.
Not letting go till there´s nothing left to hold… great premise.
You might wanna double check that italian bit : )