We stood together in the forest away from home, as ash fell around us. In these times of war, no one needs more worry, so we lie, to get away. What our parents don’t know could never hurt them.
“Lilly, my parents have rules, this is wrong.”
“Rose, don’t worry, for as long as this war goes on, our love will stay secret.”
“I know, but worries me the most is after the war, for it won’t last forever,” her eyes watered and a tear slowly dripped out.
I wiped away her tear, “don’t stain your flawless cheeks. Don’t cry any more tears, for I will cry them for you.”
A small smiled appeared on her gorgeous face as she whispered, “I love you,” which was shortly followed by a tender kiss.
“I love you too.” I checked the time on my little pocket watch, “it saddens me to say this, but it is time to depart.”
“Will you meet me here tomorrow?”
“Don’t I always,” I smiled as I lend in for a hug, “Goodnight my angel, stay safe.”
We kissed goodbye and walked our separate ways.
The next night I waited, for hours she didn’t show. I came again the next night and then the next, but she never showed.
I grabbed all my courage and went to her house. I knocked on the door holding in all my fears.
A mourning woman answered the door. She had a tissue in her hand and was the spitting image of Rose.
My voice as low as a whisper I asked, “Mrs Harris I presume?”
Her voice was loud and bold, “speak up lass.”
My voice a little louder I spoke, “I ask you, if I can have a moment to see your daughter.”
Tears came to her face, “Rose has been reported dead, no body found.”
I stood still as tears came rolling down my face. I whispered, “no, she can’t be.”
“What was she to you?”
I didn’t answer as I ran into the darkness of the night.
Many years later, after death, we stood on the beach as the moon shone above our heads, lighting up the clear night sky. The stars sparkled and the wind stood still. The ocean roars as it crashes against the rocks. The aroma of the sea lingered in the air as I lay my head against her shoulder.
