{UNDER CONSTRUCTION}
~~~
Ella?
“Yes Barry?”
Remember the time I first saw you?
Ella laughed, “Yes Barry, I do,”
And I didn’t know how to talk to you, so I wrote on your hand?
“Yes, you were a shy little thing.”
And we became best friends, grew up, had families, but still kept in touch?
“Of course, Barry, but I don’t need a history lesson,” Ella smiled.
Well, are we still friends?
“Barry! You crazy old geezer! We’re still friends! We’ll always be best friends!”
Always?
“Yes,”
What if I said I accidentally let out Stripes, the cat your father gave to you on your ninth birthday, and she never came back?
“Even then, Barry,”
Well I did.
“I forgive you. Besides, I'm allergic to cats...”
What if we die tomorrow?
“Then I'll see you in heaven.”
What if I never asked you the question I've wanted to ask?
“Ask away,”
If you had your sight back, what would you want to see?
Ella thought for a second, leaned back in the rocker, and closed her eyes, “I would like to see your smile.”
There has to be something else! Like, Washington D.C.! Or, or, the Statue of Liberty!
“Nope, I would just want to see you.”
But your grandchildren, your children, and friends and family!
“My family is far away. And my friends are stuck in assisted living like us. No, I would want to see you and no one else.”
Why me?
“You’ve been my eyes ever since the first day we met , and I am eternally grateful.”
Thank you, Ella.
“No, thank you, Barry,”
They sat, rocking on a shaded porch, thinking and dreaming until Ella asked:
“Barry?”
Yes, Ella?
“If you could speak again, what would you say?”
I would say how I have loved you ever since I met you in second grade.
“Nothing else?”
Nothing.
“Why did you bring up all of this?”
I wanted to ask you something.
“Why didn’t you ask earlier silly?”
I was nervous.
“I understand, Barry, but, please ask,”
Would you marry me?
“Barry!” Ella turned in his direction.
Nevermind.
“No! I will marry you!”
Not just because I asked?
“No, Barry, I’ve waited for you to ask ever since we got out of college.”
I wasn’t sure.
“Are you sure now?”
With you, I am positively sure.
“Even if we are married one day?”
That one day would last a lifetime.
“I love you, Barry,”
I love you too, Ella.
They leaned towards each other, and hugged. And after Barry slipped the plain ring on Ella's finger, he spelled: Thank you for helping me find my voice, Ella; and you, the love of my life.
