1997: Met great guy through a personal ad, had three wonderful dates. Then, nothing …
1999: Friends first, then deep romance. 2000: Happiest time ever. 2001: He prefers time with (female) housemate, "trusted old friend."
18 months later: Reconnected. He found my lost phone number in his computer bag (?).
1999: Friends first, then deep romance.
2000: Happiest time ever.
2001: He prefers time with (female) housemate, “trusted old friend.”
9/11/2001: National calamity, my dad has cancer, no support from my lover, relationship over, grieving everything.
2003 and 2004: Tenuous connection; get phone calls on holidays and my birthday. “Trusted old friend” dumps her boyfriend.
2005: Reconnection, says he married “trusted old friend.” They move to Maui.
2006 and on: Connection broken.
2021: Found his name online, he’s moved to Davis, continuing mystery.
/RetroFlash
MarianI have recently retired from a marketing and technical writing and editing career and am thoroughly enjoying writing for myself and others.
Characterizations:
funny, well written
Wow, I love the mystery of this RetroFlash, Marian. Will he, won’t he? Is he worth it? Lost you phone number in his gym bag – really? Please keep us posted if he contacts you.
Will do, Betsy. This relationship was complex, and there was a lot of “blarney” as it turned out, that I haven’t even mentioned in this tiny RetroFlash. It was quite a ride but the roller coaster wasn’t worth it in the end. No mention of the wife in regard to Davis, which is the current mystery.
Marian, this RetroFlash is so mysterious, I really wish you had written a full-length story. I want to know so much more. 1999, how did you move from friends to deep romance? 2000, your happiest time ever? Reconnection in 2005 even though he married someone else? These snippets are just too tantalizing!
There was so much detail and complexity, Suzy, that when I tried to write the full-on story it just wasn’t coming out right … it would have taken a short novel. I had to change all the real names because, among other things, this guy was a world-class computer hacker and I didn’t want to risk identifying him. On New Years Eve 1999 my previous man friend dumped me, and I ended up going to this guy’s house for a singles party and that’s when the romance began. Everything was then terrific until it wasn’t, as you can tell.
I think the RetroFlash is a perfect way to tell this story of numerous break-ups and reconnections. Not all stories end up wrapped in a bow… Like the continuing mystery.
Thanks, Laurie. There were so many mysteries along the way that I didn’t detail here that would take a lot of explanation. Maybe it’s fitting that the latest is why he left Maui only to end up in Davis, and more surprising, that his wife wasn’t mentioned in relation to Davis. Who-all knows?
So much between the lines here, so evocative. Intermittent connections throughout our lives can take strange turns—it reminded me of a few myself.
Agree, Khati, this relationship was strange from the get-go, and I would have noticed it sooner had I not been head over heels and was instead paying attention. Ah, well …
Usually I would say that more sleuthing is in order, but maybe it’s better to let this sleeping dog lie.
I’m feeling that way as well, Cynthia, given his track record. We’ll see if I change my mind!
Great story, Marian, and ideal use (IMHO) of RetroFlash, where brevity can so well conjure up mystery.
I’m anxiously waiting for the next RetroFlash chapter and all its twists and turns. That said, as I don’t have to tell you, be wary of this unreliable guy.
Ooh, yeah, John, my radar is up. I confirmed he is in Davis, no idea why. If we ever connect, I’d be skeptical of his explanation.
Ah Marian, a great Retroflash about the old battle-of-the-sexes-crap-shoot!
Keep us posted!
Thanks, Dana, I’ll let you know if I find out anything interesting. It is indeed a crap shoot out there.
As Yogi Berra would say, it ain’t over ’til it’s over. Looking forward to subsequent updates.
Right you are, Tom. This guy has consistently taken the mystery prize over the years, and I guess there’s more to come.
Ah, yes, the roller coaster ride….I remember it well. Wouldn’t wish it undone, but wouldn’t want to do it again. As John said, be wary, my friend. XO
My sentiments exactly, Barb. Thought I’d have more regrets than I did, but since the early 2000s I’ve been ultra-cautious. Don’t trust and always verify!
I find the roller coaster becomes less attractive, the farther we get from adolescence! Please, just keep him on a shelf but turn it into some more pulp fiction which I am sure could command quite an audience.
ps. Very cool how you carved or jigsawed a missing puzzle piece out of that red-hot heart.
Thanks, Dale, the shelf is where I plan to keep him. And credit goes to the Pixabay free photo site for that wonderful image.