It Was a RING

It was a RING.
Of course, it had to be one of those remote eye bells just taunting me, daring me to actually push it. Did he need too?
Richard Toimie fussed at his jacket wondering if he should even continue to try to complete the thoughts holding him transfixed at the door of the modest home so familiar to him. Slowly, he reached out, trembling hand approaching the doorbell, it’s HAL-like camera glowing a steady blue. It might be cowardice that drew his hand back, maybe the faint sounds of a delicate voice gently calling at the back of his mind.
No!
Seconds passed again, fingers fidgeting while he debated again. Maybe the old man already knew he was there and watched him, waiting like dark and evil lion examining its next kill. There he was again, working himself up into a mad frenzy, and for what?
Richard started as a cold breeze suddenly passed though the early morning air. Again, he heard what he thought was a voice, not from that electronic watchdog, but a more pleasant voice as if beckoning him in; cheery faces excited to see an old friend after all the years and—
The bell…
Once more, a trembling hand reached out as he wondered if this was a good time…no excuses, no running away, he wanted to mend the rift, Richard wanted to explain to the old man why it had happened, why the love was just and honorable.
Why now Komeko’s lovely voice haunted him, pulling him, torturing him.
It came so sudden, and now this was the only path to complete absolution he knew.
Steadily, his finger inched closer to the button on the wall as tears welled up in his eyes…