A Season to Remember
Matthew,
Life is all about timing, isn’t it?
What if I’d been fifteen years younger? What if we’d met sooner? But I mustn’t dwell on what ifs or negatives. Not when what we had was so rich in positives…
Autumn! The bridge between Summer and Winter and the most colourful season of all. The perfect backdrop to a love story.
~
With my 40th birthday looming, the last thing I was looking for that day we met, was love. Past experiences having taught me to appreciate the single life.
The soft crunch of an autumnal explosion of yellow, orange and fiery-red leaves beneath my feet had felt strangely therapeutic… until you came hurtling down the path towards me!
“Are you OK?” you asked, anxiously.
I was anything but, lying flat on my back, surrounded by concerned onlookers.
“Nothing to see here!” I remember gesturing, while struggling to my feet with as much dignity as I could muster.
It wasn’t until I’d dusted myself down and the crowd had dispersed that I was able to get a good look at you. I can still remember your worried expression. It went straight to a place in my heart that must have been waiting for you.
Your apologetic explanation had something to do with being a novice rollerblader, didn’t it? I was too lost in your deep blue eyes to pay much attention. When you insisted on seeing me home, I didn’t put up much of a fight, did I?
Your flowers arrived the next day followed by an invitation to dinner. And my life began.
~
I’m so thankful I got past our age difference, it was never an issue, was it? And as much as I enjoyed all the places you took me; I’d have been just as happy at home. It’s you that made my life complete.
I got my results today. The prognosis isn’t good.
How bittersweet – it was Autumn when we met and when we’ll part. Promise me you’ll love again. I ask only that you think of me… when those yellow, orange and fiery-red leaves fall.
Amy
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLinda, what a beautiful balance you have struck here between cynicism, realisation, love and potential (for Matthew) loss. First thing that came to mind was a line from ‘In Memoriam’ by Tennyson – ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Hit me straight behind the sternum. Lovely writing.
Thank you so much, Allan! I’ve always loved that line by Tennyson for it is undeniably true. Every writer wants their story to impact the reader in some way, emotionally, as in my case. I’m so glad it did!
Obviously, time was not on her side- age difference and terminal health. A tender moving story nonetheless, Linda . Worthy of the 5 post rating!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much, Margarida. I really appreciate your comments.
Such a beautiful, bittersweet story, Linda, a real tear-jerker. An enjoyable read. Well done indeed ?
Your comments mean a lot, Carrie. I’m so glad my story pulled at those heart strings which was what I was hoping for.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow, you really got me good with this one… straight to the heart. You’ve painted a beautiful, yet sad story that feels completely authentic in every description and dialogue. Congrats on another great piece of writing.
Thank you so much, Preston! My work is done! I always aim for authenticity and your comments really do mean a lot.
It is a very lovely and bittersweet story, Linda. I held back tears as I read it. Very well done.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie, it means a lot that my story captured your emotions.
So lovely and so sad at the end, with the joy and hope of a new beginning coming suddenly to a halt but it’s better to have loved, even for a day than nothing at all!
Absolutely, Greene! I feel for anyone who has never known true love, it is one of the greatest joys of all. Thank you for commenting, always very much appreciated.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAbsolutely beautiful Linda! “It went straight to a place in my heart that must have been waiting for you.” Wow, what a stunning line.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Staci. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story.
Linda, you completely captivated me with your beautifully crafted story. I love the way you told this story. It reminds me of my grandmother telling me about all her fun times and memories. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite stories. Wonderful job, as always, Linda, and I can’t wait to read your other stories.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m so glad my story reminded you of your grandmother’s stories, Bella. I wrote it as someone knowing what was ahead but wanting to concentrate on happier times and tell Matthew how much it had meant to have him in her life. Your comments have made my day, thank you so much.