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“I didn’t? Are you certain about that? Because I’m pretty sure I did.”
“No, I’m pretty sure you didn’t.”
Bo
“Well, maybe if you had said something to me before you sat,” said the tattered woman, “I could’ve warned you. It’s only polite to acknowledge others.”
“I said hello.”
“Did you? That’s something, I suppose.”
Bo
“I suppose.” She grunted. “Though you didn’t sound like you really meant it.”
“I didn’t mean it.”
“So you admit it?”
“Of course I admit it,” said Bo
“I guess that counts for mortal politeness in this new age.”
Bo
“He’s not going to call,” said the tattered woman. “It’ll just be easier to let him go.”
“But we’re in love.”
“You were in love, and I guess you still are. More than ever now. But he’ll never speak to you again.”
A palpable misery emanated from her, a wave of icy numbness. The bench grayed. Its color ran down the street and into a storm drain. Bo
Bo
Someone rattled around in her kitchenette. She knew who it was without having to look.
The tattered goddess floated into view. She carried two glasses of tomato juice and offered one to Bo
Bo
“Actually, I did something to you,” said the goddess. “Your boyfriend was just some collateral damage.” The goddess sipped her juice, leaving a red mustache on her pale flesh. “And I did say I was sorry.”
She brushed her limp hair away, allowing Bo
“Take it back. Please, I’ll do anything.”
Her relationship with Walter had been good, but nothing spectacular. She loved him, but it wasn’t head-over-heels. Just some good times and reliable, comforting familiarity. So why did she miss him so much now? She ached for his touch, his smile, his clumsy but competent sex. Even things that she’d found a
She stifled a sob. Her lip quivered, but she swallowed the pain.
“That’s good,” said the goddess. “Bury it deep. You’ll last longer that way.” She sighed and a nearby frame holding Walter’s photo cracked.
“Will you stop doing that?” asked Bo
“Sorry. I can’t help it. Or you.”
Bo
“I can’t do that. You invited me into your life, and here I shall remain until…”
The goddess sighed, and Walter’s photo burst into flame. Bo
“What do I have to do to get rid of you?” asked Bo
“There’s nothing you can do.” The goddess floated to the couch and had a seat.
“But you just said you’re in my life until…”
The goddess turned on the television. “Oh, good. You have cable. The last one didn’t.”
“Don’t change the subject. You said I was stuck with you until…” Bo
“When Harry Met Sally is on,” said the goddess. “I hate that movie. So tragic when they die in that car accident.”
“That doesn’t happen in the movie,” said Bo
“It does when I watch it.”
Bo
“Your pain will end, Bo
“Death? You’re saying I’m stuck with you until I die?”
The goddess shrugged. “I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, it’s worse for me. You’re only the victim of heartbreak, but I’m the goddess of it.”
“Why are you doing this to me?”
“As I keep telling you, I have no choice. Do you think I want to ruin your life? Or anyone’s? I wasn’t always like this. Once, I was… different. But that was a long time ago. Now, I am what I am, and pain and suffering are all I bring to those who allow me into their lives.”
“But I just said hello.”
“You also sat on the bench.”
“That’s absurd. You’re telling me that just because I sat on a bench with a goddess of heartbreak that my whole life is ruined?”
The goddess almost sighed, but caught herself this once. “I know it’s unfair. You were just being friendly. You shouldn’t have to carry this burden, but look at it this way. By carrying the pain, you are keeping someone else from having to carry it. Your sacrifice will allow others to know love and joy. It won’t be in vain.”
“Well, whoop-de-fuckin’-doo.”
Bo
“Nothing would make me happier than to leave you alone,” said the goddess from the living room. “Well, actually, something would make me happier, but let’s not dwell on impossibilities.”
Bo
She had to end it.
The goddess stood in the kitchen doorway. “I’m sorry, Bo
“Stop saying that!”
Bo
The goddess, her sad face etched with boredom, looked up at Bo
“Are you through?”
There wasn’t a drop of blood on the knife, nor a mark left on the goddess’s flesh. Bo
The sound of a car crash drew her attention to the movie playing on the TV and the depiction of twisted steel and broken glass. And blood. So much blood.
The goddess opened her mouth.
“Don’t,” interrupted Bo