A Drop of Reminiscence

A starless night like this brings back ghosts from the past. Ghosts better locked up in old diaries and photographs... ghosts that remind me of you...

Remember how, when we were still kids, we used to sit on top of a hill to count the first few drops of rain... how we pranced about under the raindrops... and how your mother spanked you for dripping on the plush carpet of your living room? Remember how you valiantly tried to protect me from the howling wind and in turn I gave you a kiss? Sweet childhood memories...

But then we grew up. Still, we were never apart. I can vividly recall the crimson color of your cheeks when you told me about your crush... and when you found out that I told her about it. As time passed, I didn't immediately realize my affections for you gradually went beyond simple friendship.

True, I was genuinely happy for you every time you tell me about your love interests. But then, you never looked into the depths of my eyes to see the misery cloaked behind the joy.

I never lost hope. I always thought you would come to your senses and see the love that has always been staring at you. Patiently, I waited...

Then one sunny day, the clouds suddenly let up a huge downpour, which had doused the flicker of hope I had always nurtured. That was when you announced you were getting married. I watched you march down the aisle, radiant with your bride clinging to your arm. Of course I didn't cry. My pillows have done their duty in hiding my tears.

Even after I watched you exchange vows, I wasn't able to bring myself to let go. I had vowed to forever be faithful to you even if I can love you only in my dreams.

I have remained in the background as time swiftly ran by us. I tried to squeeze and share a drop of your happiness and contentment. Indeed, your grandchildren amuse me much.

Yes, time will forever be there... but we won't be.

Now, here I am standing under a blanket of dark velvet skies, standing before your tomb, expressing my love you've never known...

-louise-

story for literary section of Blue Gold Visions Magazine vol.2