Excerpt: Kilroy Was Here

“You aren’t going to find a producer for this,” said Peter.
“I’ll be the producer, and we are going to be unscripted, you know like that bounty hunter.”
“That was scripted,” Peter got up and refreshed his drink.
“Matt, what inspired you to this?” Delilah’s brows were furrowed.
“My death. Did Peter tell you? I died yesterday.”
Peter choked on his drink. Matt patted him on his back.
“No, he didn’t tell me. He called said you were in the hospital due to an accident. I called but made the mistake of telling them we were divorced. They wouldn’t tell me anthing, so the next morning and came in person and left out that little detail.” Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. “Maybe you should tell me now.”
As the garden lights came on and the last few streams of sunlight hid behind the hills, Matt stared at his hands. It had seemed so simple, but now…”I died and had an out of body experience.” He looked at his two best friends, fear teasing the hair on his neck, but continued. “I was in a park, and I saw our boy, Delilah, our little boy was sitting there. I got to see him again.”
Delilah gasped. “No, Matt, it was a hallucination.”
Matt took her hands. “He was there as alive as you are right now. I hugged him, smelled his shampoo, that berry scented, no sting formula one. I was so happy to be with him. It was what I wanted, had dreamed of for so long to touch him again.” Tears rolled down his face.
She shook her head. “Our baby’s dead. It was wish fulfillment.”
“I told him that his daddy wasn’t ever going to leave him again. It felt good saying that. I’d be there with him forever. When I think of it, I want to go right back there.”
“Umm, come on, Matt.” Peter coughed nervously. “That’s for the shrink. You said you’d be seeing a grief counselor.”
“I don’t need counseling. Let me continue this. He told me I couldn’t stay. There was a purposed in my going back. People needed me. I told him “no” that I’d never leave him again. And then he said that he’d never left my side, he was always there watching over me, but now he ask me to do things to help people here.”
Delilah put her face in her hands with a strangled sob. Peter grimaced. Neither knew what to say.
The silence stretched out.
Matt got up. “Early this morning, I woke up knowing that he wanted from me. He wanted me to continue being Kilroy, but this time it would be real.”
“That’s crazy, Matt. Okay, you dreamed of our little boy, I still do, too. But I’m sure he’d want you to move on with your life.”
“Delilah, you aren’t getting it. He’s going to be my spirit guide. He’s going to help me solve crimes, just like Kilroy.”
Delilah got up, “I’ve got to leave now. Matt, see the counselor. You’re confusing reality with fantasy and need help.” Her face was unreadable in the darkness, but her voice was thick with emotion. “Our boy is gone, and it’s normal to have wish fulfillment dreams, but don’t make life changes based on them.” She didn’t bother kissing either of them goodbye, but practically ran out.
Peter was stuck there, watching Matt watching his ex-wife walk out on him again. Finally, he turned to Peter. “You believe me don’t you?”
“Doesn’t matter if I believe that woo-woo stuff or not. I think it’s a bad idea. You’ll destroy your reputation as an actor. It’s a quick trip to has-been-ville and there won’t be a ticket back. Since you are planning to produce this, you don’t need me.”
“I was hoping you’d go in part way. It’s going to be a hit. People will come to me from all over with their unsolved crimes. My son will tell me how to solve them. Him and me, working together.”
He look of joy in Matt’s eyes made Peter feel sick. Matt was seriously ill and needed a long, long rest, lots of therapy and lots of medication. “Sorry, my dance card is filled.” He stood up. “But thanks for the offer.” He slapped Matt on the shoulder. “Gotto go. Early morning racquetball. Hey, take care of yourself.” And he, too, left as quickly as he could get.
Matt sank down onto his lounge chair. He felt the tiny arms go round him. “It will be okay, Daddy. I’ll always be with you.”