Reunion

“You obviously don’t understand. I’m afraid this simply can’t wait.” The petite young lady was persistent if nothing else. She arrived at the receptionist’s desk almost twenty minutes earlier and was still trying to talk her way into the office.

“No, you’re the one who doesn’t understand. Mr. Williams is not available. He’s in the middle of an extremely important call, and he can not be disturbed. Now, for the last time, please have a seat, and I’ll let you know when you can go in.” As persistent as the young lady was, Mrs. Tomlinson was equally stubborn. She had her instructions and was determined to follow them to the letter. If Mr. Williams said no one gets in, then no one gets in.

“Ugg!” exclaimed the young lady as she stamped her foot. “You’re going to be sorry. Just wait.” She gave in and took a seat by the wall facing Mrs. Tomlinson’s desk, but she wasn’t happy about it. She waited fifteen long years for the chance to see this man and to finally resolve the issues that plagued her most of her life. She must see him. She must set things right. She must regain her identity. She must find the tiny spark of hope that allowed her to stay alive for so many years.

Lisa grew up in a small rural town in the deep south. Her mother worked two jobs and still barely made the money needed to survive. There was never any extra. Lisa’s clothes were always out of style, always a little too small, and always the joke of the school. She only had a few people who spoke to her, and no one she could really call a friend. With her mom always working, Lisa spent almost all of her days...and nights...alone. Almost.

Because she had nothing else to do, Lisa spent her time at the local library. She found that the books offered her an escape from reality, an outlet for her anger, and an opportunity to experience the life she dreamed of instead of the miserable existence she faced every day. And, the man in the next room wrote the book that gave her the most peace, the most comfort, and the most hope for a better life.

“Ma’am,” said Lisa, “I’m sorry I got so upset, but it really is urgent that I speak to Mr. Williams. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to talk to him and that I’m going to explode if I don’t see him soon.”

“I’m sorry, too, dear, but I just can’t let you in right now. He should be done shortly, and I promise he’ll speak with you, but you must wait just a bit longer.” Mrs. Tomlinson was starting to feel bad for the girl. It was apparent that she was desperate, but, what could be so important that a few minutes would make a difference?

“Would you like some coffee, or maybe water?” Mrs. Tomlinson asked. Lisa said nothing but just shook her head ‘no.’ “How about a danish?” Again, just a slight shake of the head. “Okay, then. I’ll let you know as soon as Mr. Williams is available. It shouldn’t be much longer.”

Lisa closed her eyes and almost fell asleep, but the memory of that book and the fact that she was this close to the author kept her awake just like it had for the past several months, ever since she found out the truth. She discovered the reality of the story that kept her sane for those many years shortly before Christmas and began making plans for her trip to the city almost immediately.

“So close,” Lisa said to herself. “This is all so close to being over.” She felt a tear roll down her cheek and wasn’t sure if it was from sadness or joy. Probably a bit of both, and maybe with a touch of relief thrown in for good measure.

“Ma’am?” Mrs. Tomlinson’s voice startled Lisa. She apparently dozed off despite her emotional state.

“I’m sorry,” Lisa said as she shook the cobwebs from her head. “Yes?”

“Mr. Williams will see you now.”

Finally. After all this time, the moment was finally here. Lisa breathed in a few deep breaths to steady her nerves. She needed to be confident. She needed to hide the disappointment, the sorrow she felt since reading the man’s bio online. She needed to show him who she was.

“Mr. Williams?” asked Lisa as she walked into the office and closed the door. The tall, stately man behind the desk looked up with a smile, but the smile immediately vanished.

“Lisa,” he said, almost in a whisper, his eyes opening wide with surprise.

“Hello, father.”

The cold steel felt foreign to Lisa’s hand. The recoil hurt her arm. The sound caused her ears to ring. But, the sight of the man who ruined her life lying in a pool of blood caused her to smile for the first time in years.

Written by: John Walters

© 2021