He tilted the metal chair back, and back, until it hit the wall.  He held it there.  His calloused fingers found the familiar chords.

Well, the moon sank as the wind blew
And the streetlights slowly died

He slowly closed his eyes, leaned his head back, and she was behind him.

They call you the wild one, said stay away from her
Said she could love no one if she tried

Her arms wrapped tight around his waist, her head resting against his shoulder, her weight pressed against him.

But then something I saw in your eyes
Told me right away that you were gonna have to be mine…

The wide night sky was lit by the moon.  The water was inky velvet, catching the starlight.  They leaned into the turn, coming up onto the bridge.  He felt her relax and hold tighter as he accelerated.  There was nothing better, nothing else in the world for him.

No matter what it takes I’ll never get over how good it felt

The bridge inclined; she leaned back, her arms loosening from his waist to linger at his hips.  He knew what she wanted.  He wanted to be the one to give it to her.

When you finally held me, I will never regret

She stood up behind him as they crested the bridge.  He was one with the bike, the grooves in the bridge; holding steady, building speed for her.  She took off her jacket.  Arms outstretched, she let go.  The jacket whipped upwards then floated high above them.

Baby, those few hours they grow in my head forever

She was flying.

It was too bad but I want you to know I understand

Her laughter was stolen by the biting wind before it reached his ears.  He flew them into the darkness, surrounded by shards of light.  Her skin softly lit against the black sky and deep silky water.

Yeah, it’s been a long time but I don’t mind
Yeah, it’s alright, I understand

He breathed in; the dull ache in his chest turned sharp.  He held his breath as the sensation grew deeper.  He played the chords and accelerated–deeper, sharper; he kept her there.

Because something I saw in your eyes
Told me right away that you were gonna have to be mine
When the strangest feeling came over me down inside

The car horn blared outside.

I knew right away I will never get over how good it felt
When you finally kissed me, I will never regret

He exhaled, dropping the chair back to the floor.  He opened his eyes and reached for the bottle of Jack Daniel’s.  He poured into his coffee mug and let the quick burn guide him back.  Another.

Baby, those few hours may grow in my head forever

He got up, grabbed his tool belt and opened the door.  Momentarily blinded by the sunlight, he braced himself.  “Hey man, what the hell!” Jimmy was hollering about something.

And ever

His boots hit the concrete.

 

______
[Lyrics in italics, from:  “The Wild One, Forever,” by Tom Petty.  Original release:  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1976.]