Summary

The website content tells a poignant love story between two individuals, Shawn and Melissa, who confront the inevitability of death with courage and commitment, ultimately leading to a brief but profound marriage.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds in a dessert parlor where Shawn, a regular customer, and Melissa, the server, engage in playful banter that masks a deeper connection. Amidst a whimsical exchange involving dessert toppings, Shawn reveals he is terminally ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. Melissa responds with unexpected grace, affirming her desire to be with him despite the challenges. They decide to seize the moment, getting married quickly and spending their honeymoon in Sedona before both passing away a year later. The story, a collaborative effort by Fox (the artist) and Smillew (the writer), is part of a series called "the Two Headed Horse Tails," which involves alternating writing segments of 50 words until a 300-word count is reached, symbolizing a tug of war between two people.

Opinions

The author(s) suggest that love can transcend adversity, as shown by Melissa's acceptance of Shawn's illness.
There is a sense of humor and lightheartedness in the face of serious topics, such as terminal illness and mortality.
The story advocates for seizing the day and embracing love without reservation, as exemplified by the characters' swift decision to marry.
The concept of "the Two Headed Horse Tails" implies a creative challenge and a metaphor for relationships as a collaborative effort with moments of harmony and tension.
The narrative encourages readers to reflect on the nature of commitment and the idea that love endures "till death do us part."
The mention of previous tales and the invitation to participate in the creative process indicates a community-driven approach to storytelling.
The authors express a desire for engagement with their audience, as evidenced by the call to follow them on Twitter and the encouragement to try the writing exercise at home.

Two headed horse tails

Love a La Mode

Where Sweetness takes Courage

As banana split, my arch-enemy, is served, I can’t help but wonder how many times we’ve done this before. Is this what they call fate?

“I can do this all day!” I shout. The server doesn’t flinch; she knows me too well. We almost went on a date once.

Returning with cherries and salted almond-shavings, “when’re you going to grow up?”

I’ve got whip-cream on my chin and chocolate on my tie as I look up, testing her face, but she’s not showing it.

“Adulthood is over-rated” I say, inhaling another half can of sweet-cream.

“But I don’t want to be your mother, I want to be your lover, your partner, and your chéri on top. What do you say, Mister? For years, you’ve been coming here I can’t wait anymore, Mi Amor.”

She stunned me. Whip cream dripping from chin to tie, mixing chocolate.

“Didn’t want to tell you this,” I say, sugar-rush dizzy. But I’m dying of Lou Gherig’s disease.

“Then give it back,” she said, missing no beat. “It’s not polite to abscond with other people’s illnesses.”

What just happened?

I confessed relationship-killing illness, and Melissa took it in stride?

“You don’t understand, Melissa. I’m dying.”

“So am I, Shawn, so am I. It would always have been till death do us part anyway. Let’s start anew. Together.”

I lick my plate — always wanted to do that — and throw her the keys to my 1984 Camaro. “I’m in. You drive.”

We showed up her parent’s house that night. Got her father’s permission. Landed the Pastor’s house, did the brief bit on counseling and the Creator’s heart on things. Oathed our love-promises next day. Went to Sedona for honeymoons and redrock. Both died a year later — Smiles on our faces.

This story was co-written by Fox (the artist) and Smillew (Insert smiley here).

We call the concept the Two Headed Horse Tails.

As Fox (poet and digital art expert) describes it, Two Headed Horse Tails can be a tug of war. Two people (one of them could be YOU) are trying to get a tale into the corral, sometimes even against each other’s will.

Here are the rules (follow them or break them):

300 words total.
Someone starts and writes 50 words. Then the other takes the lead and writes 50 more. Till the 300 count is reached.
You can switch back and forth as to who starts the piece. (or not! We do.)

What about finding yourself another horse writer (!) and giving it a try? (Do try this at home!)

This was our twelfth tale! Here are the previous ones:

Have a great day! Except, Everybody. Have an amazing day, Everybody!

Follows us on Twitter, we follow back! Except for Fox, he’s not on Twitter.