All Your Firsts Without Me

by L.M. Terry

Let’s not think about the past. I want to talk about your future.” He hands me my glass, urging me to take a small sip. It warms my belly, giving me the courage to finally meet his eyes. “My future is with you.” “April, honey, you know I don’t have much time.” He cups my cheek in his palm, his thumb brushing back and forth lightly. “I don’t want to do this here. Let’s go home, please,” I beg. “I need you to promise me something.” I wrap my fingers around the hand he is so lovingly caressing my cheek with. “I would do anything for you.” “Promise me that six months after I pass away you will come back here. Back to this exact same place.” I release his hand, allowing my gaze to flit around the dimmed space. A sense of doom begins to fill me. The thought of leaving the house to come back here alone, gives me heart palpitations. I won’t be able to do it. He of all people should know this. I’m only here now because he is here with me. “I…I…” “You can. I want you to come back here exactly six months after I leave this earth and have a drink. Buy a round for the entire bar. Celebrate life, celebrate my life if that is what you need to do. But you get up, put on a nice dress, and march your happy little butt down here.” “Don’t talk like this. I don’t like it,” I tell him, pushing my drink away. “I want to go home.” “Promise me and then we will leave.” He stares into my eyes. I blink a few times and then lower my head. “Okay, if that is what you want. I’ll do it for you.” He kisses...