One Month

Wyatt clears his throat. “May I purchase her as a gift?”

Damien's brows raise. “Now this is interesting.”

“Unusual. But as long as the receiver is here in this room.” The auctioneer says. “There is no rule against it.”

“I would like to bid on behalf of my friend Kayla.”

“What?” Kayla leans in. “What are you doing!? Wyatt, what do you think...?”

The auctioneer cuts in. “Very well young man. So what is your bid?”

“Um...” He shifts awkwardly in his seat as he feels the eyes of the entire room on him. He knew what he was about to say was ridiculous but this was more about the gesture than actually winning the bid. “...I bid one month.”

“One month?” The auctioneer says. “You must be more specific.”

“Ahem, yes. I bid my final month.” He says. “One month off of the span of my life.”

Gasps are heard throughout the crowd followed by the buzz of hushed conversations.

“Wyatt!” Kayla whispers. “No! What are you doing!?”

“Kayla.” He smiles. “I've seen you reading those fantasy books Kayla. I've seen the art on your walls. I've heard about your trips to those Tolkien conventions and about your Witcher reading group. I've talked to some of the people in your DnD group. You always pick an elf they say. Even in video games. Even in games without elves. Always.” He laughs. “You took my breath away last Halloween as Galadriel. And the year before that as Deedlit. You love elves so...” He shrugs. “...I thought I'd try to get you one. I mean, when am I ever going to get another chance?”

Kayla is left speechless. Kat however is not. “But a month? Of your life!? You're nuts dude!”

Wyatt laughs again. “None of this is real Kat. It can't be. I realized that this must be a dream and so...why not buy my dream girl her heart's desire?”

Kayla blushes three shades of pink and covers her mouth. “Oh! Oh my. Wyatt, you didn't...have to.”

“I wanted to.”

The auctioneer, who had been contemplating on the bid since it was made, gives a slow nod then brings down his gavel. “SOLD!”

“HNNNNGHHH!!!” Wyatt heaves forward as crippling pain shoots through him. It felt like barbed wire being pulled slowly through his guts as the life essence is wrenched from his soul.

“Wyatt!” Kayla cries as Wyatt writhes in pain. As Kat shifts away from him she rushes to his side. “Wyatt, talk to me.”

“What is going on here!?” Terrence looks at Damien. “What's happening to him!?”

“Payment must be paid in full at the time of purchase.”

“Gah!” Wyatt collapses back into his chair, panting and sweating but none the worse for wear. He looks at Kayla stunned and confused. Through trembling breath he whispers. “It's real! It's real Kayla!”

“Oh Wyatt.”

The auctioneer's shrill voice cuts through the crowd. “Miss Kayla. If you could please come collect your item.”

“What!?” Kayla looks around. Around her the crowd were smiling and congratulating her on the successful bid. Many of the more sappy types looked at Wyatt warmly, struck by his romantic gesture. “N-no.” Kayla glances sheepishly to the elf. “Wh-what am I supposed to do with...her?”

“Anything you would like my dear.” The auctioneer states. “Now please, come collect your property.”