(A short story taking place post Sweet Revenge.)
You let me curl up on the couch in the middle of the afternoon when
my body hurts so much I don't want to do anything else.............you
reach over me and loosen my belt and take my shoes off for me to make me
more comfortable because you know bending over to do that still hurts me.
You get a pillow off my bed and put it under my head and cover me up ever
so
gently with a blanket.
I look up in your eyes to say thank you and I can see in your eyes a wish and a prayer that you could take this pain from me.
It hurts you deeply that you can't. But believe this, Hutch, because you do care so much the pain isn't quite as bad.
Thank you partner for always being here for me.
Lord, please all I ask of you is that you let me stay well enough to do for him half as much as he does for me.
Thanks Blondie, I love you........................Boy, I can't seem to keep my eyes open.................
I did it again, fell asleep and stayed asleep for a good two hours. Sure felt good though.
When I laid down I was so sore but now I feel pretty good, all warm and cozy.
Wonder if I can push my luck just a little further and I can get Blondie to bring me a drink over to the couch. Uumm, I know he would but Nature's calling anyway.
I reluctantly "uncocoon" myself from my warm haven on the couch.
About that time my partner comes out of the kitchen and walks over to me.
As I get up from the couch he can tell how much mobility and flexibility that I've lost forever thanks to Gunther and he is right there with a helping hand gripping mine and helping me up. His other arm around my back.
He still worries about me constantly and I try to reassure him by the way I get up and move around that I won't fall apart or something, but most times my body won't cooperate like I want it too.
And then there's that sad look in his eyes that has been there ever since the shooting and the realization that somethings for me will never be like they were.
He had said to me right after I'd come home from the hospital that he'd wished to God that it'd been him and not me that had my body shattered by bullets.
He actually broke down right then and there for the first time, at least in front of me and told me how utterly terrified and lost he'd been when he saw me lying in a pool of blood.
True that those bullets tore apart my flesh only, but there are really two victims here.............myself for the obvious reasons, but even though Hutch wasn't hurt physically those bullets ripped open that man's heart and soul. So we both carry scars..............mine mostly physical, his...deeply emotional and heart felt.
Hey, Starsk? he asks me, You feel better? Yea, I do partner.
Something smelled good..
Whats for dinner, I'm starved!!!!
He tells me go on and take care of business and you can tell me if
dinner is edible and wash you hands while you're in there.
Without turning around I said to him, Yes Mam and ducked just in time to miss the pillow aimed at me.
Boy, smells good, Hey smells like the "Paul Muni Special" to me.
Sure hope he made enough for both of us, cause tonight I feel hungry, happy, and grateful to be sharing my life with the best friend I could every hope to have.
I, David Michael Starsky am loved.