Time Is the Best Drug

If you had the chance to take an anti-aging drug, would you?

The lighting of the chandelier cast a warm glow on her beloved, dolled up in a sexy, black dress and light makeup. “I have something that I think will be good for us; I think this will be a great next step for us.”

Avery’s heartbeat rose above the murmur and clinking silverware. She held her breath waiting and hoping that she was going to pop the question. They had been dating for four years. Avery was ready to get married and adopt some babies, though Chelsea had expressed not wanting children. Avery was convinced she would change her mind eventually. Besides that, Avery wanted nothing more than to grow old with Chelsea Johnson. 

Except, Chelsea didn’t pull out a small velvet box with a princess cut diamond. Instead, she revealed a pill bottle. Her eyes glimmered as she cradled the new, popular, anti-aging drug. Avery’s stomach dropped. Her brow furrowed.  “Um, what are you proposing?” 

“We could practically be together forever.”

“You know how I feel about that.” 

“I’ve been taking it and I feel great. Nothing’s happened to me.” 

“That doesn’t mean nothing will, and what’s wrong with getting older anyways?” Avery asked, her hopes of growing old with Chelsea dying in oblivion. 

“Don’t you get it?” Chelsea asked, irritation trickling into her voice. “This way, we have more time to experience life!” 

“But what about the other parts of life?” 

“You don’t get it.” Her beautiful face was marred with a deep annoyance that had been a constant strain on their relationship. 

“I’m sorry, I think- maybe-” 

“Why did I let myself hope that we would be on the same page about this?” 

Avery’s shoulders dropped. “I’m sorry.” 

“Forget it.” Chelsea stuffed the pill bottle back in her purse.  

Avery sighed, a realization sinking into her head. “Maybe we just want different things.” 

Chelsea gave Avery an icy glare. “Maybe.” 

That night did not end up in wedding plans, wine, and making love. Instead, Chelsea sent her a breakup text the following morning. Avery was devastated, but she eventually moved on. 

Twenty years went by. Avery thought about Chelsea in the fleet of the moment and looked her up on social media. It looked like she had died from acute respiratory failure due to side effects from the medication. Avery went out onto the porch where she sat next to Marie. She kissed her forehead, graced with age, and she savored every minute of it.