James' Prologue: Day One

                                             DAY ONE
   I sit there in my darkness. Seemingly unknown to the shouting in my face.
“Mary.  Please, just stop.” I told her calmly. But she didn’t hear me. “Mary!  STOP!”
I finally yelled. She took a step back with the same hateful look. “Why can’t you just take a break? Honey please.” I pleaded with her to calm down. I told her I love her and asked why she had to be so harsh. Truth is, part of me hated her for taking over my life like this. Who was she to treat me like this? Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth it. No happiness. No comfort. No sex. Just shouting all the time. Even the clothes she wears, I might as well be dating my grandmother. No! I love her! What am I thinking?! “James. I love you, too. I’m so sorry!” She fell into my arms, crying like a child she once was. God damn this disease!  “It’s alright. I’m here for ya honey. I understand.”  But really, I didn’t understand. Sometimes she makes me so angry I could hurt her. No. I couldn’t do that. But…yes, I could.  
   Today I decided I’d buy her something special. And take her somewhere, too.  This was going to be a surprise I know she’ll love. “Mary. I just have felt so terrible these past few days. And, I know you have, too. So I thought we could go somewhere. Somewhere happy.” I told her. “Alright James. Fine.”
   So a while later, here I was, driving through Brahms on towards Silent Hill. I noticed we were low on fuel so I stopped at the gas station just down the way from the old town. “I’ll be right back. I just need to pay for this. Need anything?” “No. I’m just fine. Just hurry up.” She coughed loudly then stopped and looked at me. “Well? Don’t just stand there! Get going already!” She was so angry. My insides started to burn.
   After I paid for gas, I came back to the blue car sitting by a pump. I filled up the car just enough to get us there and back. “Well, here we go.” I said then eased my foot on the pedal. We drove silently the rest of the ride. But the moment we came in sight of the lake Mary burst out. “Oh, James! Is this part of Silent Hill? It’s so beautiful! Oh, look and there’s a hotel right by it! James this is wonderful!” She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek quickly only to return to the window once more. But, I was fine with it. She was happy for once in a long time and that’s all that matters.
   “Well, honey. We’re finally here. Mind if we stop by the gift shop real quick?” I asked her, hoping she’d agree, even though she was ready to explore the new town. “Of course! We have all the time in the world.” And amazingly she was right. We really did have all the time in the world. So I drove Up Lindsey street and towards Nathan avenue hoping to find some kind of shop. And I did. I parked the car in the empty lot. “Mary, stay here. I’m going to get you something.” Again she had not one fuss. She exited the car and stood, in taking the fresh air.
   I searched throughout the store, looking for something she might love. All the jewelry was plastic and for kids. Then I saw it. I walked over and grabbed the item I decided was perfect. Then I proceeded to check out and leave the store, clutching the present behind my back. I almost startled Mary with my sudden and quiet arrival. I kissed my wife on the cheek and pulled my arm from behind my back. “Oh, James! It’s adorable! I love it!” A small stuffed rabbit. It was pink with blue overalls and a bowtie on. It had something written on a tag tied to his arm. It read, ‘Hi, my name is Robbie the Rabbit. Call me Robbie if you like☺’
   Mary stared at the doll for a moment then said, “Hello Robbie.” and she squeezed it tight.  We got into our vehicle and shut the doors. “Thank you James. I’m having the perfect day already.”  she said. “I love you, James.” “I love you too Mary.”
   “Well, how about we go explore the place, huh?” I asked her. “Yeah sure. Oh, look there’s a garden right over there. And it’s right by the lake. We have to go there first.” It was maybe only a minute until we were out of the car and standing before the sign that read, Rosewater Park. I took her hand in mine and we ventured into the sweet smell of flowers and the pleasant sight of gazebos and angelic statues. Come to think of it, this whole town was angelic in some way. We found our way to the end of the path where the ground steeped over the water’s edge just a little. “Isn’t it amazing?” said Mary, staring out into the calm waves of the lake. “Its is. It really is.” I responded with nearly the same tone of awe.
   I could’ve sworn we stood there forever, lost, in the sounds. Forgotten, in the daydream. Except, this wasn’t a dream. This was real. And it was the best feeling James had had in a while especially with his wife. Mary.
                                       To be continued…