DAVID SHAPIRO is an editor of flashquake. His fiction has appeared in the literary journal Mindprints and several online publications. He is based in Honolulu, HI.
richard's seduction
"Richard, give me your hand," she said.
She thinks it's so easy, he thought. It's been so long since a woman has touched me.
"Richard, I can't help you until you give me your hand," she said.
I'm beyond help, he thought. I'm 43, I've got no family, no friends, a nowhere job.
Everybody thinks I'm gay because I have no woman. I cry myself to sleep wishing I had a woman to love me. Folks say I look good since I've been working out, but I still feel so ugly. I'm so afraid to reach out.
After Mom died when I was 12, Dad pulled down every shade in the house and never opened them again. Now I live alone in my own dark house with the shades pulled down.
"Richard, why is it so hard for you to give me your hand?"
It shames me how my mind turns even the slightest encounters with women into romantic fantasies.
I used to go out with a real woman -- Elaine was her name. I took her to fine restaurants and luxury resorts; we stayed in separate rooms, of course. I never asked for sex and she never offered.
People said Elaine took advantage of me. I guess they were right. She kept pushing for more until it got beyond my means, then said I was too possessive and dumped me. She said she only went out with me because she felt sorry for me.
It's funny how you can get a woman to screw you for a few hundred dollars, but they want a fortune to spend real time with you and pretend they care.
"Richard, your hand?"
I'm tired of letting fear rule my life.
"That's how, Richard. Put your hand in mine."
I have to take chances if I want things to change.
"Good, Richard. Now squeeze so I can see the vein. The needle will only pinch for a second. The doctor should have your cholesterol results by Friday."
# # #
© 2003 David Shapiro
