Here Lies Matthew Becket

"What a beautiful day it is!"

"Yeah, you were lucky this past week."

"We really were."

"There was a lot of rain on the forecast but you barely saw a drop."

"That's northwest weather for you."

"Exactly. So, when's Mark getting here?"

"He's not coming."

"What? Why?"

"He said he's too busy. Some deal in Chicago. Couldn't pass it up."

"That insensitive bastard."

"It's alright, really. I totally understand where he's coming from."

"You're flesh and blood. That should transcend everything."

"Yeah, I know. But, again, I completely get it. It was my fault after all. I don't blame him for never wanting to see me again."

"That's bullshit. Shouldn't matter at a time like this. You're his brother. And that was so long ago."

"Some wounds run deep, Petey."

"It's still bogus."

"That's why I love you, man. Where are Agnes and the boys?"

"They're at the hotel. They'll be here in an hour."

"I love your family. You are the perfect Beckets."

"Far from it. We have our issues."

"Yeah, well, you're still better off than me and mine."

"Don't talk like that. You have it all."

"Had."

"Had."

"And now, the final nail on the proverbial coffin. Although in my case, it'd be literal soon."

"Matty..."

"I know, I know. Me and my morbid sense of humor. Which reminds me. I've decided on my epitaph."

"Oh, man..."

"No, listen. I know this is probably weird to talk about, but what else do I have going for me, right? Want to hear it?"

"Sure."

"'Here lies Matthew Becket: Please forgive him.'"

"That's..."

"Brilliant, isn't it? I know. I thought so too."

"You're not really going to use that, are you?"

"Why not? It'd save me the trouble of sticking around as a ghost, hoping to tie up loose ends with the people I've hurt. And there'd been many, trust me."

"You're nuts."

"Oh, but there is a downside, though. It would also mean that I would never get to meet Jennifer Love Hewitt. You know, the Ghost Whisperer?"

"---"

"Oh, man, are you crying?"

"...Nope..."

"Petey..."

"I'm sorry, Matty. I'm just really gonna miss you. You know Mark and I never really saw eye-to-eye either. Not like we do."

"Aw, don't worry, kid. I'll make an exception and will definitely haunt you."

"Geez."

"I know. Morbid. You'll be fine, Little Bro."

"I'll be here until, you know..until it happens."

"Until what happens? Oh, you mean, until I expire? Kick the bucket? Make it to the clearing? Walk toward the light?"

"You bastard."

"Ha! At least I got you to laugh."

"I love you, Matty."

"Yeah, I love you too, Petey. Don't ever change."

"I hope Mark decides to come. I know he'll regret it if he doesn't."

"Bah, if he doesn't, it's cool too."

"Do you, uh...do you want me to give him a message?"

"Yeah."

"What is it?"

"Tell him...just tell him I'm sorry."

"OK, Matty."



Written for 04/17 to 04/21 Prompt from "The Dialogue 500" 
Prompt: Write a dialogue between you and a dying loved one.
Word Count: 493