That's Chuck, He's My Friend

What's that in your hand?. Let me see.. He said. It's a picture; that`s Chuck; he is my friend... I said. You pick your friends kinda young, don't you?... He said. No, that was a long time ago. We were in college... I said. I'd like to hear more about your pal Chuck... He said. Okay... I met Chuck in New Paltz in `74... I said. Oh, that's the pot smoking college, isn't it... He said. Don't generalize, everyone's not the same... I said. You're right. So tell me some more about Chuck... He said. Okay, so you want the short version, or long one ... I said. Whatever you like, I have plenty of time ... He said. Well, this guy Chuck approaches me; he looks perplexed... I said. So what was his issue. Why that look on his face... He said. Chuck tells me "No one will stay with me in the room."... I said. How odd is that? That doesn't make sense... He said. You and I swing one way, Chuck swings the other. ... I said. Now I see what the problem was; What did you do?... He said. What do you think ? That doesn't bother me.... I said. Hey, you want to hear a funny story? It's a side splitter... I said. I've got time. I could use a good laugh right about now... He said. Chuck had a 53 Schwinn bicycle, all chrome, red and white... I said. You've got to be kidding me. I haven't seen one in years.... He said. I'd hop on back. We`d go to town and chug down a few together... I said. That's not funny. Where's the punchline? So what happened?... He said. Well, one day Chuck failed a test and got super pissed off.... I said. That's not funny either. You've got to do better than that.... He said. He yanked on the handlebar so hard, he busted it clean in half... I said. Wow ! Did they have "Funniest Home Videos" back then?... He said. That's not all. We had so much fun together. There's more... I said. Don't keep me in suspense. Lay it on me..... He said There was this girl; unique with a special attribute.... I said. What was so special? Three breasts instead of two?... He said. No joke, her name was Madam Clittora! Enough said... I said. I can't believe that. You gonna leave me hanging?... He said. Anyway, shortly after that, I graduated. Chuck was younger.... I said. So what happened to Chuck? Good friends keep in touch... He said. We saw him two years later. We visited With his family, was nice... I said. Ever see them again? You shouldn't desert a friend.... He said. You're right. But things don't always pan out... I said. So what does that mean? You both seemed quite close.... He said. I was married at the time with a lot of responsibilities... I said. So that's no excuse. You should've kept in touch... He said. After that, I didn't. Time changes things. Wasn't intentional.... I said. So is there more to this story? There's got to be more... He said. Oh, there is. Time moves on. 35 years later... I said. It's 2010 and out of the blue, I think of my old pal Chuck... I said. So you didn't forget him after all, but almost... He said. It's a gamble, Chuck Drzal was in the phonebook; I called... I said. Good for you. You took a chance, renewed a friendship... He said. You're right. Just like old times. `74 again. What a feeling... I said. So what happened next. Tell me quick, can't wait... He said. We talked off and on, old times and new things; it was good... I said. So it sounds like things are really working out for you guys... He said. We saw Chuck, in the summertime; looked good for 52... I said. Hey that's great news; Is there more to the story?... He said. A little more... His friend died the day after we saw him... I said. Oh, bummer. Sorry to hear that. How`s Chuck now?... He said. Called him in November. His diamond ring was stolen... I said. Wow ! That's a real downer. Did they catch the bastard?... He said No !... I said. There's got to be more than that. Call him since then?... He said.. Yeah... but... I called twice... he never answered the phone... I said. Well, I hope you find out how he is doing?... He said. I did. Saw his obit a few days ago. He died November 17th... I said. He looked at me. A tear rolled down his cheek... He said nothing.. I looked at him. Couldn't speak, all choked up.... I said nothing. He looked at me. Gave me a hug, turned and walked away. I yelled to the universe... "That's Chuck, he's my friend!"