Near

Near 

“How much I wanted to become someone else,” Todd said. “Something better than what I am. It’s just that every now and then I look in the mirror. It just never changes.”

“It does,” Martha said.

“No,” Todd said. “I’m the same person I was the first time I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. There was deceit, selfishness, scheming, and ugliness.”

“I don’t see how you could feel that way about yourself,” Martha said.

“If you have been with me as long as I have been with me, you’d know,” Todd said.

“Many artists see only the flaws in their own work,” Martha said. “Yet they see the beauty in the work and talent of others, and those others see only the flaws in their own work. Could it not be the same with you?”

“I would just like to be somebody else,” Todd said, exasperated. 

“Then what would I do?” Martha said. 

“What do you mean?” Todd said.

“It is you that I have grown to love,” Martha said. “Yes, when we first met, you were deceitful, selfish, and you schemed, but you were never ugly.”

“Were you that desperate that you had to go for someone of little character?” Todd said.

“I would have never loved that man,” Martha said. “I saw you make changes, and when I saw a complete transformation, I swooped in and snatched you away before someone else did.”

Todd patted Martha on the hand. “Thank you, dear. What can I do for you?”

“Nothing,” Martha said. “But when the time comes, I know you’ll be there for me. Above all, Todd, that is the best of you; you are always near.”