This is a story about how Bob became Sad:

Bob went out to the comic book shop to pick up some of his usual favorites on a Saturday mid-afternoon and began to crouch in the ‘New Releases’ section as a girl bumped into him. The girl dropped some of the comics she was holding, including a copy of Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness, at Bob’s feet as she began apologizing. Bob said it was okay and helped her pick up the comics she’d dropped.

“So you’re into Scott Pilgrim?”

“Yeah, it’s something I’ve been meaning to read for a while and never got around to it until now.”

“It’s a delight if you enjoy a boy and girl story.”

“That’s what I’ve heard, and I could use a happy ending story.”

“I’m Bob.”

“Oh, goodness, sorry. I’m Jamie.”

Bob stood up and smiled at Jamie as she did the same. They walked to the counter and paid for their things as they began to discuss their favorite comics and movies with each other. They decided to make it a date since it was starting to get dark, so they deposited their books in Bob’s car and walked around downtown. They went to get dinner and discussed their views on music, books, religion and other poignant topics. They agreed and smiled and laughed together, and Bob thought this girl was amazing. After the dinner, they went to get drinks at a local pub and talked about deep philosophical points of view and grew closer with each point/counterpoint. Bob asked Jamie if she wanted to walk to his apartment and hang out there and she shyly agreed with a grin.

They picked up her comics from his car and walked to Bob’s apartment. As they got to the door, she flipped him around from trying to open his door and kissed him. He was taken off guard, but then wrapped his arms around her as he fumbled his key into the lock to open his door. They stumbled into the living room, laid their comics down on the coffee table, and started softly making out on his red suede couch. The night drifted on as they’d grown more intimate and eventually headed to his bedroom as the door closed behind them.

The morning after, Bob woke up to find Jamie missing from his bed. He got up, put some boxer-briefs on, and heard movement in the kitchen as he emerged from his room. Jamie was making breakfast cereal in one of his shirts with her white socks on. without pants.

“How do you take your Lucky Charms, sir?”

“With milk, if you’d be so kind.”

She nodded and made him a bowl as well. They stood at his standing kitchen bar, crunching on cereal and regaling about their discussions the night prior.

“I liked yesterday, Jamie.”

“Me too. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a real fun time.”

“Would you care to do it again tomorrow?”

“I would enjoy it immensely.”

They showered, got dressed, and Bob drove her back to her car. She kissed him goodbye and drove out of his view. He then drove back to his apartment and threw himself on his couch, grinning ear to ear.

The next date went well, as did the next, and the one after that. At the end of their fourth date, Bob said that he’d host next time and make dinner for her. They’d have a classy evening of dinner and a movie of her choice. She agreed that it would be a fun time and said she’d be there at 6pm sharp. Bob told her to wear something special as he would as well, something more fancy and eloquent and she accepted with a happy, yet hesitant tone. Bob hadn’t thought anything of it as the night came and he readied the dinner and waited for Jamie’s arrival. 6pm came and went, then 7pm, and then 8pm. Bob had already finished his meal and the full wine bottle has he heard a weak thump at his door. He loosely walked to the door and opened it to find Jamie standing in a black cocktail dress with mascara washing down her face, sobbing sheepishly in front of him.

She ran into his arms and began to weep. He hugged her close and asked what had happened.

“Bob, I didn’t think things would get this far. I didn’t want to come over, I didn’t want to be with you, I didn’t want to be happy. I don’t have time to be happy.”

“What do you mean, Jamie? You have every right to be happy and we have all the time in the world.”

Jamie cried harder into his chest and after a few moments pulled her head back to look up into his eyes.

“Bob, I have cancer.”

“Oh god…Jamie…”

“I…I denied treatments because they said it was too far gone. They said I had a few months left and just wanted to live as best as I could….and then…then I met you.”

Jamie continued to cry into Bob’s chest as he stood in disbelief.

“I am so so sorry, Bob. I didn’t mean to lead you on. I thought you were wonderful and I wanted to tell you the truth before I left.”

“You wanted to just leave?”

“No. Never. But…I’ve already exceeded my estimated time. I could go at anytime.”

“But…you could have beaten it, right.”

“Oh, Bob…”

Bob held her out of his chest and looked into her eyes.

“We are going to enjoy tonight. And the next night. And the next. I promise.”

“Just hold me, Bob. Please.”

They stood in each other’s arms for a moment before he led her to his bed, gently set her down, and then laid next to her. They spooned and talked and kissed and came together until the early hours of the morning.

As the sunlight hit Bob’s face, he rubbed his eyes and then looked over to Jamie’s still body.

“Jamie?”

She didn’t move.

“Jamie, sweetie?”

She still didn’t move. He removed his hand from under his blankets to touch Jamie’s face. His fingers felt no warmth as he curled up, sobbing next to her. He reached out for his phone and dialed 911, whimpering soft details as he gave his information to the EMT’s.

And that’s the story about how Bob became Sad.