Losing Wilson: An Original Short Story

Why can’t I think of anything else? David wrapped his arms around himself, failing to ward off the chill that had been with him since they were rescued. His favorite TV show did nothing to save him from his own mind. Is she having as much trouble as me? He switched the set off and plopped into his soft blue recliner. Picking up a previously entertaining book, he thumbed through the pages without relief.

The business trip was uneventful and tedious for both he and Alana, and they were only too happy to head back home. Though they worked in the same department, they associated only casually with each other. David had been feeling a bit uncomfortable on the drive; not much left to say. Dusk was just setting in…

The ice and the curve on the highway was more than the company car could handle. They slid off the road, into a fir, and out of sight from anyone who happened to be driving by. Once David and Alana mutually assured neither was hurt, the shock began to wear off, leaving the thick, frigid night upon them.

Carelessly he tossed the paperback on the round, polished mahogany table. David tried to sort out what he was feeling. Loneliness? Love? No, this ran much deeper. Someone just told me I’m losing half my heart? Yeah, that was more like it. But could he fall in love that quickly? Maybe, when she is the only woman on earth; for 3 days there was no one in his world but her.

At first there was much to talk about. Can we call anyone? How can we stay warm? The phones had no service in that part of the mountain range, which wasn’t surprising. An empty soda bottle stood in the cup holder and candy wrappers were the only remnant of food, other than a pack of spearmint gum. The car would not start, so the heater was unavailable. After the details were worked out the air filled with silence.

After shivering alone for awhile, David and Alana each realized that to survive a night which was dropping into the negatives, things would have to get up close and friendly. So the back seat was folded down into an uncomfortable bed. Embarrassment or hesitation was pointless; only survival mattered. Alana curled up against David, and both welcomed the onset of heat.

Neither of them realized how long they would be there. They ate snow, and both laughed about the gum. No stinky breath! Though hope was strong at first, hours and days, and bone chilling nights, made thoughts of rescue fade. Spending nearly all their time snuggled together, they tried to scrape away the awkwardness with talk. I wonder what everyone at work thinks? Are we being splattered all over the news? As the talk faded each evening they slowly fell into a fitful, disturbed sleep.

On the 3rd day, Alana and David lay shivering together, their brains clouded with cold, hunger, and exhaustion. Finally, the unmistakable sound of human voices penetrated into their makeshift home. The hatch was lifted up and they were each pulled from the car and taken to a waiting ambulance. Suddenly, the last woman in his world was no longer there.

David jumped out of his recliner and paced across the floor, ending up by the front window. A fresh layer of snow covered the lawn. He fought the desire to scream, or cry. Did she sense how badly I wanted her to survive? Did I even do enough to protect her? His heart was sure to burst if…

A knock at the door invaded his memories. David opened it, and found Alana standing there. “Alana!” He invited her in. As he closed the door she turned to him. He saw at once the deep, troubled expression on her face. She looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “I feel like I’ve lost my twin.” The unspoken fear and worry they felt while trapped together welled inside them both. They put their arms around each other as the deep loneliness melted away into comfort, safety, and love.


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