Tales of Akron

[In Chapter 31, Mike and Dan reach a parting of ways. Neither wants to separate; neither wants to stay. Each has gone to bed, sleeping apart, each crying out his grief. "What have I done?" each asks. Each man acknowledges his guilt and each is afraid to risk admitting he was wrong. It seems so easy doesn't it, Dear Reader, from our vantage point. Simply say, "I love you" and everything will be all right. You've tried that haven't you, Dear Reader, and you know it doesn't work that easily. However, "I love you" is a good place to start.]

            Dan lay on his bed, waiting for Mike. He heard doors open and close in the house. He knew Mike was in the guest room. Dan stood by their bed and looked out at the garden that Mike had cared for so lovingly. He put on his bathrobe to cover his nakedness and walked to the guest room. He opened the door -- the room was empty.

            Dan walked through the house that had once been filled with their love -- his love for Mike and Mike's love for him. The quiet scared him.

            He saw Mike sitting on the sofa in the living room. He touched Mike and when Mike finally looked at him, Dan said, "I love you. That's the bottom line. I love you."

            Mike pulled Dan down on the sofa beside him and said, "I want to love you.

            What's happening to me? You're a stranger to me. No, I'm a stranger to myself. Help me. Help me love you again."

            The two men held onto each other, fighting for the survival of their relationship. They held each other for several minutes, until in a quick movement, Mike turned and was sitting close to Dan. Dan placed his arms around Mike. They waited. Finally, Mike said, "Let's put on some clothes and walk. I need air."

            They dressed in silence and in darkness. Moon light spilled through the window and lighted their bedroom. As Mike moved in and out of the shafts of moonlight, Dan realized how much he craved Mike's body. He knew that the lust of a new relationship had not diminished in the time they had been together. Mike didn't look at Dan.

            Together, but not touching, they walked down the steps and out the front door. They walked the streets of Highland Square -- they noted that "Love! Valour! Compassion!" had left the Highland Square Theater. "I hope that theater makes it," Dan said. They laughed at the new display in the shoe shop window. And, finally turning, they arrived at Angel Falls. Mike opened the door and Dan entered first.

            "Where have you guys been?" Wanda asked. "I haven't seen you in a long time and you both look the worse for the wear. What's wrong?"

            "Nothing," said Mike.

            "I don't believe you," said Wanda.

            "That obvious," Dan said without smiling.

            "That obvious!" Wanda returned.

            "Oh," was all Mike could say.

            "I tell you what," Wanda said. "You guys got troubles. Work them out. You're not going to find better in a year of cruising. Now, sit down and I'll bring you some coffee."

            "She's right," said Dan. "She's right."

            "I know. Can you forgive me. I know I love you," Mike said in a whisper.

            "You never have to ask for forgiveness. It's automatic. Unconditional love."

            Wanda served their coffee and said, "Now that's better. You're both smiling."

            Wanda returned to the front counter to wait on other customers.

            "I want you now," said Dan. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you."

            "I'm ok," said Mike. "Let's go, " he said and led Dan out of Angel Falls.

            They laughed as they left the restaurant.

            At the counter, Wanda heard the laughter and smiled. "That's the way things should be, " she said to herself.