September 7th, 1967. 0:00
"Ring Ring"
"... Hmm?"
"Ring ring"
"Alright alright! I'm coming!"
The phone was picked up and a faint sobbing was heard.
"Johnny? Johnny I'm sorry. I just feel so cold. I can't anymore. I just really can't..."
"No! Moonie, we've been over this! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! I'll be there soon just don't move. I love you..."
"Love you."
-click-
Lights are flicked on and off, a jacket is grabbed, car keys shuffle in his hand, and a car peels down the road, the driver not caring about any laws.
A door is opened and footsteps can be heard in the room.
"Keith!? Are you there?"
Nothing.
"Keith?!"
More silence.
"Oh god damnit."
Heavy footsteps pound up the stairs and a bedroom door is opened.
"Keith!"
A boy is curled up in a ball on the floor, tears streaming across his face. Separate bags of pills and bottles of alcohol are everywhere.
"J-Johnny I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
The boy is picked up, placed in a man's lap with his arms wrapped around him.
"There's no need for sorry Moonie. I'm here now. There's no need for any of this. You know you're better than this. If you wanted me to stay, you could've just asked."
A whisper.
"I didn't want you to get mad at me."
"Get mad at you? Why would I? I love you too much for that! I couldn't get mad at you even if I tried!"
"Then.. Can you stay over tonight? I don't think I can take this anymore."
"Of course, baby, of course."
Two bodies sleep together on the floor that night, hope for a new day set in their minds.
~
September 7th, 1972. 0:00
"Ring Ring"
"..."
"Ring Ring"
"... Go away..."
"Ring Ring"
"I don't wanna deal with your shit!"
"Ring Ring"
"Fine!"
The phone clicks and a voice softly speaks.
"I love you Johnny. I really do."
"Yeah yeah. Lemme sleep!"
"You can't say it back?"
"No! I can't! Now let me sleep!"
Silence.
"Keith..."
A small noise.
"Moonie, I'm sorry."
A whisper.
"Good night John."
-click-
Two bodies sleep separately, one with hope of a new day. The other with a feeling of dread.
~
September 6th, 1978. 23:00
"Ring Ring"
"..."
"Ring Ring"
"..."
"Ring Ring"
"..."
The voicemail recorder starts and a low voice is heard.
"Moonie, I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. I don't know how to make you feel better. I'd say that we could go out to the pubs but I guess not anymore, huh? Maybe we could meet up before his royal highness starts complaining about us again. If you get this, call me back...... I love you."
Two bodies sleep, both thinking of the sadness and fear in their hearts.
~
September 7th, 1978. 0:00
"Ring Ring"
Stumbling is heard as bed sheets are moved and things are being pushed around.
"Hello?! Keith?"
A sickening cough is heard before a soft voice speaks.
"I love you Johnny."
"I love you too Moonie."
"Do you promise not to leave me?"
"I promise."
Silence.
"Moonie?"
Another cough and running water are heard.
"I'm sorry Johnny."
"For what? ...Keith? Keith!"
"Good nigh-"
More violent coughing is heard and the phone is hung up, a dull ringing tone filling the room.
"Moonie..."
Slow, heavy steps make their way back into bed and the sound of ruffling sheets are the last thing heard in the night.
One body sleeps. Filled with sadness. Filled with guilt. Filled with heartbreak. Filled with hope for a better day.
~
September 7th, 1978. 11:00
An interview is being taken, and a phone rings in the distance.
"Ring ring"
"I'll go get it. Just hold on"
"Okay, sir."
Heeled shoes clack on the wooden floor and stop. A phone is picked up.
"Hello?"
"John. He's done it."
"..."
"John, I'm sorry."
"..."
"If you want me or Rog to come over just say so."
Tears fall and a broken voice answers again.
"N-no. I'm okay. Thank you Pete."
-click-
Nobody sleeps that night.
