The Purple Patch - Missouri Valley College

“That’s awful.” Charlotte shook her head. That’s how old Matthew
had been.
“You should come in for lunch”
“I’d love to.”
With that, Denny gently kissed Charlotte on the cheek and
headed for the door. She continued reading the newspaper, and true to
her routine she put the paper down when she reached the obituaries.
The last six months were a whirlwind. Denny represented
everything she wanted in a companion. And, she supported him during
his chemo. Although it failed, Denny decided to make his move to
Aspen permanent. They’d lived together ever since.
As Charlotte drove to the hospital her mind wandered.
Am I still having those dreams Of course I am. She shook her
head in frustration. Traffic was ridiculous. She hated being stuck, tied
down, powerless to move, powerless to do anything.
“Charlotte, I don’t need the harness. I’m coming down. Hold
on. You’ll be fine.” Matthew’s dark hair blew with the wind.
“Matt! I’m so scared.”
He reached Charlotte and secured her, “Look. You’re fine.”
“Thanks, Bubby,” Charlotte smiled. “You saved my life.”
“Oh you’d do the same for me.” Matthew turned to climb back
to his post.
“Like I said, you’re Spider-Man.”
Matthew laughed and jerked his head, “I got those spidey-senses.”
He moved his arm as if he were shooting thread to spin a web.
He slipped.
“Matthew! Matthew! Hold on!” Charlotte couldn’t move. She
was stuck. Matthew strapped her too tight.
“I—I can’t . . .”
Charlotte couldn’t think about it anymore. He fell to save her.
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