In A Time And Place

Chapter 28

               The door opened quickly, and Richard was pale. He was out of breath and looked frightened. He leaned on the wall and shut his eyes. I stood straight and looked to him. What was going on?

               I walked to the other side of the hall and hit my back against the wall. Richard walked along his side and soon, all I could see was his back. He reached the corner of the hallway and shrunk down beside it. I ran to Thomas’ room and saw him totally limp. No force in any of his limbs. Like a dead animal. My mouth dropped open and tears streamed down my face. My head hurt and all I could do was turn away.

               “Doctor?!” I yelled.

               Soon I felt hands on my shoulder.

               “What’s wrong?!”

               He turned his head and rushed over to Thomas along with the nurse. I looked up and hurried over to Richard, dropped my purse and knelt down next to him. Thomas’ coat was on me, the last thing connecting me to him. I held Richard’s arms and looked at his face. It was just, depressed and distraught. The sound of the rain outside increased and my hand started to shake him.

               “Richard?!”

               He raised his hands to his forehead and started to turn away. I held him and started to let my tears fall on his hair.

               “Oh please.” I whimpered. “Talk to me.” Thomas please don’t go. I thought I was ready but I’m not! I lowered myself and shook Richard to face me. This was all I could think to do.

               “Richard?! Listen to me! Thomas wanted me to tell you this!”

               Richard was crying. His palm was on his forehead and his eyes were closed. I pulled his hand away with some difficulty and pushed him against the wall. Nurse Celine ran past us and Richard just looked to the ceiling. His eyes clear.

               “He’s gone Alison.” He blinked down to me. “Gone.” He whispered sadly.

               “Listen!” I barely yelled out. “I have to tell you this! Focus!” I screamed. Richard was just so sad. He looked away then held my arm lightly then stared at the floor again.

               “I promised I’d be honest with you and I will. It’s insane.” My voice was steadying. “I know it’s insane.” I whispered and shook my head lightly and laughed a little bit because there was nothing else left to do... “I’m from the future.”

               I shut my eyes, but when they opened again, I saw Richard was still staring at the ground.

               “Do you understand?" My voice broke a bit. "I thought of the 1950’s for a week and meditated and came here. I meditated Richard. I time traveled back here. I’m from 2013 and I came back to 1952. 2013 to 1952.” My voice weakened. Richard was just in a daze. His best friend was dead and he wasn’t listening to me. “Richard?” I worried for a moment. I panicked and slapped him.

               I immediately regretted it. He blinked a bit. Some people rushed past us but it was as if it was just me and Richard. I hugged him quickly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. You know I’d never hurt you! I would never, never hurt you! Richard I love you!”

               I felt his hands on my arms, pushing me away. I just went back and looked at his blank face.

               “How can you know what love is? You’re insane.”