Stereo Hearts (and other short memories)

Stereo Hearts

A beaker falls to the ground, the sound like an explosion in the quiet laboratory. The lime green contents spilling over the floor and faded old converse. The heads of curious scientists look up just in time to see their boss running out the door. What they would have heard, if they had been paying attention, was the pained cry of "Carlos!" Coming from the radio, ending in a gurgling scream.

~~~

When Carlos arrives at the radio station, all he can see is Station Management and blood pooling out of one of the recording booths. Cecil's recording booth. He rushes forward, nearly slipping in his boyfriends blood. He falls to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

"No. No, no, no, no. Cecil. God... NO!" He screams as he pulls Cecil into his lap and cradles him against himself. 'What did they do to you, baby? What did they do to you..." His words trail off as Cecil's eyes crack open just enough to look into Carlos'.

"Carlos..." Cecil coughs and blood spurts from his mouth like a fountain running low on water. "Carlos." He says again, struggling to keep awake.

"Sh. Don't say anything. It'll be okay, everything's okay." Carlos pushes Cecil's hair out the way as he lightly kisses his bloodstained forehead. "My heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close. Hear my thoughts in every note. Make me your radio, and turn me up when you feel lo-w." His voice breaks as he sobs into Cecil's hair. "This melody was made for you, just sing along to my stereo."

Cecil's eyes flutter closed. Carlos holds back a scream.

"I only pray you'll never lave me behind, because good music can be so hard to find. I take your hand and hold it closer to mine. I though love was dead, but now you're changing my mind." Cecil's breathing goes ragged, his heartbeats farther and farther between. Carlos starts to scream at him. "NO! No, you can't leave me! Don't leave me here alone..."

Cecil starts muttering and Carlos puts his ear near his lovers mouth. Cecil's last words, along with all Carlos had said and sang to him, are broadcast throughout the town. He says, "Goodnight, my love, goodnight."

~~~

THE END