For this one, you must keep your new love from going to pieces over a murdered son.
THE CALL (any gender, mid-twenties to mid-forties)
It was... the police. They have an update. They... amazing... oh my heaven, what a world...
what a w--
Sean.
Please don't give me that look. I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything, just give me a sec... he's not MY son but it still effects me. You know. I'm just...
[pause]
Sean, they found Johnny... and he's fine. He is! He's perfect. They said... well, they said a lot of things.
Bottom line, Johnny is fine. You're very lucky. We're all very lucky. Our future is bright. OUR future.
Sean, I know we haven't been together long but I think I love you. Oh whatever, I KNOW I love you. I've always loved you. I want to help you. To support you. I want you to have a family again. A happy one. A STRONG one. And I'll be strong for you from here on in. You can count on me, every step of the way. Because we're going to need strength.
Because even though Johnny is fine... it's going to be tough for you. And for me.
Sean, they told me, Johnny's dead. But Sean, Sean SEAN! He's in heaven, I promise you. He's in heaven because he didn't take his OWN life, Sean. I believe he's in heaven. I'm certain of it. He's fine!
His killer... the police don't know who it is but they're going to find the sonofa-- the demon. I'm going to help them, Sean. Everything in my power. We WILL catch him. And there will be justice. And there will be time to grieve. And time to rebuild a family. And Johnny will still be a part of it. He'll watch over us. He'll keep us strong.
He's already doing it.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"