Tales of Akron
Chapter 33
by Dard Hansen
[In Chapter 32, Wanda, the angel of Angel Falls, helped our friends, Mike and
Dan, get back together. Everyone found happiness as they looked forward to
another beautiful fall day in Highland Square.]
Dan and Mike didn't say a word to each other about Mike's affair
following Cleveland's Gay Pride Celebration. Dan wanted to ask. But, he didn't
want to disturb the harmony in their relationship. He knew it was a dishonest
harmony. But, harmony at any price was better than fighting, angry voices or
being alone. "Insanity or death are worse than loneliness," thought Dan,
paraphrasing Tennessee Williams. So, with his silence, he bought peace.
Mike pretended nothing had happened. He denied.
In mid-October, Mike said to Dan, "Let's go out, tonight. I don't care
where we go. I just want to get out of the house."
"Sure. Let's go. Dinner and a movie. A movie and dinner. The bars. I'm
willing."
"OK, a sandwich at home and we see In and Out. I hear it's good and gay
and will make me laugh," Mike said.
At the movie theater, Mike got out of the car to buy tickets, while Dan
parked the car. Mike walked toward the movie house and saw a familiar face
and body standing on the sidewalk waiting.
"Hello, good to see you," said Mike.
"Glad to see you," said the friend. "I've thought of you several times
since our weekend in Cleveland. What did Dan say? Was he angry?"
"No, not angry," Mike said. "He was hurt and now he doesn't talk about
it.
He doesn't punish me by reminding me of what I should or should not
have done. He punishes me with his silence about it."
"I want you to call me any time. I'm always available to you. Tell Dan how
lucky he is. If he ever looks the other way for five minutes, I'll kidnap you and
make you my love slave."
Both men laughed.
Mike realized that he wouldn't object to being kidnapped by his
handsome firned.
The friend turned away and walked toward a car. At the same moment,
Dan stepped into the line at the ticket window with Mike. "Who were you
talking, to?"
"Oh, nobody. A guy from work."
"Didn't look like that to me. Looked like your Cleveland friend. What's he
doing here?"
"Came to see the movie, I guess."
"You lie to me so much. I suppose you lie to yourself even more. Would
you know the truth if it fell on you from the sky?"
"Two tickets, please, for In and Out," Mike said, handing the money to
the ticket seller.
They laughed through the movie. After the film, Dan said, "I have to stop
in the restroom. Be right back."
When Dan left the restroom, he didn't see Mike. He walked through the
lobby and then sat on a bench outside the restroom and waited.
An hour later, he walked to the car and drove home. He locked the doors
to the house and undressed for bed. Sleep didn't come easily. He tossed and
turned and listened for the door to open.
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