My mind wanders back to the previous week, when I saw you standing in a shop, looking as radiant as you ever did. My heart missed a beat and my stomach turned inside. I stood and watched as you went about your tasks. I must have passed that shop, so many times before but I never noticed you. I stood and waited hoping the shop would empty, so I could go inside. My mind went racing to many years ago. The laughs, the smiles, the times we had together. Gentle moments we shared, a love so special. Then came my drinking, the gambling, and the deceit. You tried to stand by me, but I was forever pushing you away, never sharing my problems, just telling you it was my life and I would live it the way I wanted.
Then came that fateful night, returning home in my drunken state and penniless yet again. As I turned the key in the lock, a funny feeling came over me. The flat was in darkness as I gently called your name. All I could hear was silence. I ran through the flat searching every room, thinking you were joking around with me again. Your wardrobe and drawers were completely empty. Although you left no note, reality sank in. You were gone.
For weeks I walked the streets, searching in all our favourite spots. Friends had not heard anything from you; it was if you had disappeared from the face of the world.
Slowly I started to rebuild my life, vowing never to love again. For I knew I could never love anybody as much as I loved you. The years passed but your memories never faded, it just seemed like yesterday.
Finally the last customer left and made my move quickly.
Slowly I moved to the counter, wondering if you would remember after all these years. I had changed so much since then.
"Henry! Is that you Henry?" she said, as I nervously walked forward. "Yes Mary it is". Mary hadn't changed she was still as beautiful as ever. We talked and talked, exchanging what we had been doing.
Quietly I left the shop; my heart was on fire.
Then today, as I passed, there was no sign off you. I stood there for hours hoping you would appear, but my hopes were fading with every passing minute. I went inside the shop and asked the assistant if you were on holiday or off ill. On checking, the assistant informed me that last night you told them you were going away and wouldn’t be coming back.
Dejected and lonely I walked slowly back to the flat. Cursing that I had yet again let you slip away. As I opened the door, the telephone started to ring. It was you, asking me to meet you at our favourite spot on the bridge, the place we first met many years ago.
The seconds were rushing by as I stood upon the bridge. I saw your outline in the shadows slowly heading my way.
You gently kissed me upon my lips as you smiled that very special way, telling me not to say a word until you have told me your tale. You told me of your illness that was slowly eating away inside of you. Of how you traced me down and knew every step I took that is why you got the job in that particular shop, so you could see me all the time. You told me why you had to meet me for the very last time to tell me how much you still loved me.
Slowly we embraced, just as we did before. We must have stood an hour, not a single word was said, just standing quietly in each other arms, this was going to be the last.
She looked up at me; her eyes were full of tears, and our lips met gently as she bid her last farewell. "Goodbye, my dearest Henry, the only man I loved, I will wait for you in heaven, till your ready to come back to me"
Your lifeless body lay in my arms, as I muttered a sad farewell, "My sweetest Mary, I love you now and forever.
I looked down at your lifeless body, my heart felt empty inside. The lights dimmed and the shadows they cast weighted my heart like lead. The rushing waters below called out to me, offering me a release from my agonies.
By
Crazydave
