Page 34 of Drink Up, Darling
“I didn’t think I’d grow so fond of you both this quickly. One evening should never have the effect this one has had on one’s opinion of strangers but…” he choked up. “I do rather like you both.”
“So let us help! After everything you shared with us, we cannot let youdie. You haven’t even let yourself live yet! You’ve been cooped up in thisprisonfor far too long. You’re mortal. Time is precious. And you wasted a whole lot of it.”Why are you crying now Dariel? Pull yourself together.
“Oh, Dariel. You really are a bonny man, inside and out. I am glad I found you.”
“Shut up! It doesn’t matter what you say or think about me. This is aboutyou. We will not let you die!” Dariel hadn’t realised he was standing until he felt a soft hand reach out to pull him back. Athens.
“Godwin. You are not going anywhere. Your soul is staying put,” the other man said harshly.
“I made my decision.” Godwin was not budging.
“Well you’ll have to find someone else to do it, because we’re wiping your memories then we’re leaving.” It was Athens’ turn to stand. He walked over to Godwin and bent down to his eye level.
“What! NO! I want to diewithmy memories. I want this evening to be just as it was. The moments we shared, the wisdom the both of you gave me. You helped meseeand understand I am not alone!”
‘If we helped him, why does he still want to die? I don’t understand.’
‘Sometimes these things run a lot deeper. He’s a stubborn man. Reminds me of myself.’
‘You wanted to die?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘Athens?’
‘I’m still here, aren’t I?’Athens still crouched in front of Godwin, arms rooted to each side of the sofa, locking their host in.
“Don’t,” Dariel said out loud. Though he wasn’t sure who he was talking to.Don’t take his memories. Don’t leave me. Don’t.
“Fine.” Athens stood up abruptly, dusting off his hands but still towering over Godwin on the Chesterfield.
Dariel heard Godwin’s audible sigh of relief, despite the remaining tension in the room.
“You’re so sure you want to die, fine. I will kill you.”
‘What? No! I won’t let you…’
‘Relax. I’m not going to kill him.’
‘You’re not?’
‘I’m only letting him believe it.’
‘Why? I don’t understand.’
‘You fancy sticking around for a little longer than one night?’
‘What? Well I…’
Yes. Yes I do.
“I will kill you, Godwin Peters, but not yet. You’re going to tell us how you hoped the rest of the evening would play out first.”
Athens finally moved out of the way to let the other man stand. Godwin lowered his head in thanks to Athens.
“How did you envision leaving this world?” Athens kept his tone sharp.
Godwin cowered a little. “Oh, well, it feels stupid to say it out loud finally, and I made assumptions I perhaps shouldn’t have, but…”
