Days of Wine and Texting

When the paramedics peeled him off the pavement, Jerome maintained his texting pose.

“Hey dude,” said one paramedic. “let go of the phone. I have to strap you in, man!”

“Dude’s in shock,” said the second paramedic. “And how do you not see a bus crossing your path? Dude walks right into a bus and BAM! That’s messed up!”

Jerome suddenly remembered things. His recall was incredible. He saw first kisses and heartaches. He saw graduations and promise. He saw the draft board letter and battlefields.

He would also recall love and acceptance in a woman named Gretchen.

“Wonder what dude was writing,” said number one.

“Let me take a look,” said number two. “I thought he’d never let go. Let’s see, it says, ‘Grechen, I didn’t mean it. On my way to Drakes for a bottle of red, and then home to you. If you’ll still have me.’

Dude was making it up to the old lady. Then this crap happens. That’s messed up!”

Paramedic number one got on his cell and made a call.

“Hey, check dude’s pocket for a credit card.”

“Check it yourself," said number two. “You're not getting me fired.”

“No, man,” said number one, “it's not like that. Just taking care of some unfinished business for dude.”

When Gretchen received the wine delivery, she read the attached note.

‘You are the love of my life, Love Dude.’

“Dude?” said Gretchen. “Who the hell is Dude?”

“I don’t know, lady. I just deliver the stuff.”