Matt And Mary Ann

May have been what they wanted all along. This week flew by. Sunday bus into town to the USO. Walked into the refreshment bar to a welcoming smile from Mary Ann. Also, smiles from her two co-workers. Noooo--she wouldn’t have. “See you when you’re finished?” “Yes, Matt--just a couple of minutes.” I parked my rear end on a chair in the dance hall and waited. ‘Maria Elena, you’re the answer’-“Matt.” “It’s been a long week--between goodbye and hello.” “Let’s dance.” I took her into my arms. The song ended--but we just stood there for a long minute--holding- “I keep thinking.” “I know.” Another song--another dance. “Matt?” “Yes?” “I’m really worried about my Mom. All day long this week, she just sits on the front porch, not talking to anyone--not me, not Dad, just looking down the road out towards the highway.” “Looking for Bud?” “I suppose.” “Well, there wasn’t time to talk about it before I left last Sunday--but, I don’t think that was a ‘goodbye-see you next time’ she said to me--I think she was telling me goodbye for the last time--as if she didn’t expect--to see me again--I think you caught it, too.” “I did--but I didn’t want to think so--so I just pushed it away.” “What does your Dad think--or say?” “He hasn’t said anything. I think he’s trying to pretend everything’s okay. I don’t think he can stand the thought of maybe something being wrong with Mom.” “Well, I think that ‘farewell’ to me was just that--at least in her mind. I don’t think she wants to get any closer to me than she already has--she didn’t want to have another person to worry about in this war--another Bud--can’t blame her for that--but I’m no doctor--don’t you have some contacts at the hospital--maybe find somebody to talk to you about what to do?” “I think you should tell your Dad that you want to talk to your family doctor at least-try to find out what you might be able to do.” “Oh, Matt--just when everything seemed to going--so well.” “I know, but your Mom comes first--war is hardest on mothers--but, before you get all wrought up and make yourself sick, talk to your family doctor--maybe there’s something that can be done to help her get through this.” “Matt, let’s just pretend we’re dancing to this song--just hold me for a while.” So, just enough movement to keep it legitimate- “Your Dad picking you up?” “No, Ellie’s dad is coming for us--he’ll drop me off at home.”