Yesterday

It was going to be a monumental day! He felt this as he jumped out of bed in a hurry to get a cut and a shave at the local barbershop. The love of his life and him were going to be stopping at a nearby cafe for brunch. He was looking forward to eggs benedict. As he pulled his glasses on, he kissed his wife and baby quickly. He grabbed his cap and ran out the door. As he hit the pavement, he was exuberant. It was a warmer than usual day in December. He was excited because his wife was very happy at the moment and that made him very happy. After some time of ups and downs, he was looking forward to the new year, a new chapter in their lives. The new love in their relationship gave him hope. He hummed as the barber trimmed his hair. He had long brown curls. He wanted to slick himself up for the photo shoot later in the morning.

Later that day, after they finished the photo shoot, they had an interview. He was in a good mood from the photo shoot and couldn't help chattering away like an enthusiastic child. He had so many new ideas. After so long of a break away, he felt his creative juices flowing again.

On the way out to hitch a ride to the studio with the interviewer, he smiled as he ran into Dave. He was a young man who followed him around and took pictures of him every day. He joked as usual as fans approached for autographs and posed for pictures. Life was good. "Hey, Dave, gotta run, see you tomorrow." He waved from the window as the limo moved away.

They worked for several hours. He really loved his work. It was his natural talent. It came easy to him. He enjoyed sharing it with others and they appreciated it which was just an added bonus. Then an announcement was made. His latest new project was phenomenally successful. Everything was just getting better and better. This was going to be the best year ever.

After several hours, it was time to grab a bite to eat. His wife suggested dining out but he wanted to go home to kiss his son good night. He considered stopping for takeout. Speaking of food made him think about his own life in general. He had enjoyed a fine breakfast, and a good lunch so far. Now with the new year approaching, with his family, his new baby, his success, he was feeling the most content he ever felt in his life. He was looking forward to a great dinner. He had just turned forty and the future was beckoning. He was going to be the father that he never had. Once they had pulled into the curb as there was a car in the driveway, he followed his wife out of the car. He was tired and hungry and glad to be home.

As he walked up the steps, he thought he heard fireworks right behind him possibly someone coming from the park. Then he noticed blood on his hands and his glasses. In shock, as he stumbled forward looking for help he couldn't understand what was going on.

I've been shot. Laying down on the ground, he realized it was true what he had heard about your life passing before your eyes. It flashed from one scene to another. He could hear sirens muffled in the background of his mind. A man quickly came to help him. He groped around searching his body trying to find the bleeding and then the man took his large jacket off and placed it over his chest. The coat was warm. He was cold, very cold. Surely, he would be fine. Everything would be... He felt weaker. He just had to stay awake, he was afraid to let go. Shortly after that, they lifted him up and carried him to the car. He felt nothing.

I've started walking down a path, I hear someone, I look back. It's dark. I think I should go on but this might be important. I don't want to be rude. I lean towards it. The message, it comes to me. It's a man's voice. "Are you John Lennon?" I want to say something, tell my beautiful family that I love them, tell them everything will be alright. I try to speak these things but nothing comes out but a moan and so with my last breath, I whisper, "yes."