Regrets
An old story I wrote. It's pretty short. Anyway... I was listening to stuff like this when I wrote it.
Characters:
- Henry as an old man
- Gretta in her early 30s
- Henry as a young man in his 30s
An old man sits in a chair by the window. The room is cold and dark. It's a small room. Not much furniture. The dust is thick. Papers are scattered on the floor. Whiskey in hand, he sits and watches the falling snow. He looks to the table. He reaches over and grabs a faded picture. He stares at it, then closes his eyes.
The scene changes now. The snow has stopped falling. The room is alive and bright with flowers and smells. The old man watches his beautiful young bride preparing dinner. The front door opens and a young Henry enters the room.
Gretta
Hi, baby
Young Henry
I have to work again tonight. This makes the fourth night in a row.
Gretta
Another shift? Will you have time for dinner? I made your favorite.
Young Henry
No, I can't. I just came home to get a change of clothes.
Gretta
Must you go back to work, Henry? Every night it's been.
Young Henry
I know, but... we need the money.
She walks up to Henry and cups his face in her hand. She smiles.
Gretta
Can't you just stay tonight. We don't need the money. We'll find a way.
He kisses her cheek and walks to the door.
Young Henry
This will be the last night, I promise. Keep it warm for me?
He smiles and walks out. The door closes behind him.
Gretta
I love you, Henry
Scene changes.
Spotlight on Gretta as she goes about washing the dishes.
The old man slowly walks to her side and into the spotlight.
Henry
I loved you. I never told you that much, though... did I? I never told you that you were the best thing to ever happen to me. I didn't realize how lucky I was. All you ever did was love me. All I ever did was spend time away from you... working. Always working.
The last night? No. I worked every night... all those years, and I was too tired when I got home to spend time with you. I never asked you about your dreams. I never asked if you were happy. You were always there for me. Why did you stay? You deserved better. We never realize what we have until it's gone - until it's too late.
And now...
Henry walks back to his chair and sits down.
Henry
My life has been so empty without you in it.
When you died... I think I did, too. I wish I'd been there for you. So many regrets.
The snow begins to fall again outside the window.
Henry
53 years we were married...
The room changes back to a cold and dark state. Henry is alone in the room.
Henry
Gretta...
He drops his glass and dies. Gretta's spirit appears. She smiles.
Henry's spirit rises out of the chair.
He takes her hand in his as they walk off into the darkness.
Fade to black
Curtain
My Writing in My Stuff
Reader Comments (3)
I like your play list!
Yeah- "Achingly melancholic" is right- it's like a baby Les Mis.
very very sad. Lykke Li did the same thing to me. I almost felt like the song was forcing my to write...
any who, it was a pleasure reading this :-)