The Kiss — Wayne Mansfield

Who says love is only for the young and handsome? Everett Peterson and his life partner Charles would beg to disagree. After meeting in 1947, they are now in their twilight years, still together and still very much in love.

However, on this particular night, Everett is agitated. He has discovered Charles lying still on the carpet beside the bed. The nurse on duty at the retirement village has been called. She in turn has called an ambulance. In the anxious moment before help arrives, the nurse tries to calm Everett, but he cannot be pacified. He knows well that at their age, anything could happen. And that thought terrifies him.

Will the ambulance arrive in time? And if not, how will Everett cope with being alone after a life-time with Charles.

Note: This short story was originally published in the charity collection, Love Is Proud.