They Wish He Would Hurry

Here he comes! They all say, anticipating fantastical antics. He does not disappoint. Pushes his head into the fish tank. Shakes broken cracker crumbs onto an unsuspecting partygoer, Leads the room into spontaneous dancing. Lifts his shirt to show his flab. The others come out from the kitchen, recognizing that he is here. He is doing his best to dazzle them, to make them smile, to keep them laughing. They are grateful he has finally arrived. The party was a dud up until now. Do you think someone should take him home? Someone offers six hours later. There are no volunteers. He has no friends, only spectators. He is the ultimate party animal, yet, none have been to his house. He spent his life becoming a comic entertainer for solemn stuffed animals. He falls asleep on the couch, and they tiptoe around him. The next party it all begins again. They lie in wait, wishing he would hurry. It is dull until he arrives. They keep looking at the door expectantly. No one fills a room with laughter as fast as he does. Alas, he is not coming. He committed suicide by hanging an hour before.