AS SHE REMEMBERED HIM by Donna Marie Curran JUDITH lay awake all night and stared at the ceiling. He was gone; he was gone, forever. The words beat themselves over and over in her brain. She didn't know what made her feel this way, but there was a dreadful certainty in her heart. They hadn't quarreled; there had been nothing apparently wrong during the evening. But as he left her at the door that night, turned and drifted down the walk and drove away, she knew it was for the last time. She knew he wasn't coming back. The thought grew within her and loomed as if it were alive in the darkness. She reviewed in her mind the memorable events of all their dates together. It was just a month ago that she had met him. Judy could still see him coming toward her as she danced with someone else his tall perfection in tux and tails, his dark, good-looking face, the only thing she remembered in the confusion of dancers. He had cut in and they'd danced silently, smoothly, for a long moment that wasn't quite long enough. A stag was about to cut, and she grasped helplessly at aimless, good-natured conversation which accomplished nothing. He left her then, to sit at the bar for the remainder of the evening, talking with a few friends, drinking more than was necessary, dancing with no one. The next night he came for her, not calling conventionally to arrange time and place, just ringing the doorbell to ask, "Busy, Judy? How about a drive?" They drove for miles in his long, sleek car, sometimes talking enthusiastically, sometimes remaining contentedly silent, listening to the radio. Judy had never been so happy. With that night began what seemed to be a wonderful climax to her thus far serene and charming life. Brent had come to her out of nowhere, the kind of man she'd always wanted, different from anyone she'd ever known. After that, they were always together. Every moment was filled with glorious fun, perfect enjoyment. Some evenings were gay in expensive theatres and night clubs, where eyes followed them and people remarked about "that handsome couple." Other evenings were spent quietly with cocktails and conversation at the homes of friends, Brent's friends all of whom were different, exciting and new to Judy. They did so many things things that might have been enjoyed in themselves but which were important to Judy only because she was with Brent. At first, she was haunted with the thought that he might tire of her and that she might lose him. He demanded so much of life. He accepted easily and expectantly experiences which make life rich and interesting. There was within him, aside from this rugged daring, a deep appreciation for beauty and loveliness to which Judith appealed. She devoted more time than ever before to looking her best, never satisfied until his reaction showed her she was perfect, always painstakingly avoiding things for which she knew he held contempt. Eight JOHNSON Nine (Continued on page 20)