Bury me with the lies I told.
–Alejandro Escovedo, from “Bury Me“

Final Kiss

We grew up as neighbors. Your folks and ours were best friends. Moms canning peaches together every summer. Dads on the same bowling league. Remember when we all got Stingrays with banana seats?

I remember it started in 9^th grade, when we took theater class. When Billy stayed with orchestra. When Mrs. Hendon made us leads in Romeo & Juliet. When we had to kiss.

By our senior year, you and Billy were engaged. Marilyn and I were dating.

You and Billy married and had couples housing at university three hours away; Susie and I visited you two the first weekend of every month.

Everyone says he looks like me.

We’re 80 now. I could never have married. I miss Billy. I tend the lilies on his grave. Please, never tell Will Jr. Bury me with the lies I told. Farewell, my beloved Juliet.

I am today’s host for dVerse’ Prosery Monday, where we write a 144-word story using the given song lyric.