Dont let me be a memory...
Don’t let me be a memory…
By: C. Gabrielle (Fujiko_Hikari)
Memory [mem’o.ry]; n. 1. Power of remembering 2. Thing remembered 3. Commemoration
Remember [re.mem’ber]; v. 1. Think of again 2.bear in mind
Forget [for.get’]; v. 1. Unable to remember 2. Neglect
-----(+)-----
“Hey! Hey! You like pictures don’t you?”
“Hmm?”
“Pictures! You like to take them right? Why?”
“Because I don’t want to forget”
“Eh?”
“I want everything to be a memory”
“A memory? I don’t want to be a memory”
“You don’t want to be remembered?”
“No, that’s not it”
“I’m confused”
“Because, silly, if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten”
“Forgotten?”
“Yes! That’s why I won’t be just be a memory”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll live inside you, in your heart, forever always. That way I’ll never be a memory”
“That’s just childish”
“No, it’s not! I’ll never be a memory because I’ll always be with you”
“Really?”
“Promise!”
“Forever?”
“Forever and ever”
-----(+)-----
“Don’t go! Please don’t go!”
“I’m sorry, I have to”
“Why?!”
“Just because”
“That’s not a reason!”
“please don’t cry, smile for me so I’ll always remember your smiling face”
“Am- am I already a memory to you?”
“Please, let me take a photo just this once, please”
“no! Answer me! Am I already a memory?”
“I-you… I have to go”
“Why won’t you answer me?!”
“ I- I’m sorry… yes”
“Why?!”
“Good bye, you’ll always be a memory”
“I don’t want to be a memory!”
-----(+)-----
The sun was bright and high in the sky, the wind was cool and birds sang. The city bustled with so much life that the birds song went unheard by many. But we won’t talk about that, our story begins with a boy, well not quite a boy but a man. Now shall I say “once upon a time” and begin?
Once upon a time there lived a man who loved to take pictures. When asked he would say that they were his memories. He was a very stern person who liked to do everything in a single way. He liked monotony. He had long black hair that reminded some of the night sky and narrowed brown eyes that was hidden behind a set of thin framed glasses. Many called him handsome and wondered why he was a photographer and not a model. His name is Timothy, nineteen years old, often called Tim for short.
But enough about that, now one day this man had went to work. It was a chaotic scene, as it usually was, with models running around trying to find their clothes and make up. Walking expertly through the busy bodies Tim carefully placed his Leica camera on a table before observing his work station. He saw other students like him go around and ask the different men and women be their model for a project or another. He was supposed to do the same but so far he found none of the models to his liking.
His professor was near blowing whenever it happens and he was aware that most likely he might fail if he doesn’t start working on his portfolio soon. But looking at the models around him he just cannot choose any of them, they weren’t what he was looking for. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Tim took a seat before cleaning the lens of his camera carefully before checking if he had enough film and pulling the long strap over his head to hang it around his neck. He needed to find a model.
Standing from his seat he headed to the door with a frown tugging at his lips. Maybe a walk in the park would clear his mind. He needed to think and he needed at least some semblance of peace to do it.
-----(+)-----
The park, surprisingly enough, was near empty. That in itself was a miracle as children never seem to want to leave the place. That is to say that he did not appreciate the peace but he found it eerie.
Sipping at his coffee he relished the feel of the warm, bitter liquid sliding down his throat. Sitting on a bench he threw the cup inside a bin and closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of the sun. The sound of chirping entered his ears and slowly his eyebrows furrowed before his eyes opened searching for the sound and there on a tree branch was a peculiar little bird. It had dark feathers nearly black like a raven with white dots littering around its wing. It was a beautiful thing.
Slowly, as to not scare the creature, he approached, his hands reaching for his camera. When he found a pleasing angle he leveled the camera to his eyes focusing the lens and stepped closer. Leaning closer he pressed his finger on the button and took the picture as he mistakenly stepped on a twig snapping the wood, in fright the bird flew away just as the camera’s light flashed and he cursed, hands lowering to search for the bird. Turning in place he froze as he found where the elusive creature was.
The bird was perched on a finger, the finger belonging to a woman with long sandy brown hair that fell in curls, pale white skin and wide green eyes. He watched silently as the girl brought the bird to her face and smiled gently. Unconsciously his fingers moved and before he knew it, light flashed and for a second time the bird flew away but this time leaving a wide eyed woman in its wake.
Putting down his camera looking quite sheepish Tim approached the girl with a polite smile on his lips.
“Forgive me I didn’t mean to startle you miss” he said.
“Do you make it a habit to take photos of stranger’s sir?”
Tim was taken aback by the girl’s teasing question and shook his head numbly. The girl laughed, her small hands hiding her smile as he stared into the others eyes.
“I was joking” She said
“I see”
Staring at the strange man the girl tilted her head lightly a small smile still playing at her lips.
“Though, I’d like to know why you took the photo” she spoke cheekily
“The bird, I was trying to take a photo of it” he answered somewhat defensive
“Ah! I see. It was a rather beautiful creature was it not?” It truly was a strange bird
“Yes it was” He was not quite sure whether he meant the bird or the woman.
“Well it seems like this is quite a fortunate accident then!” The girl exclaimed, surprising him “I’d like to see that photo when it is developed”
“I can try and send it to you” He suggested
“Oh, will you please?”
“Of course miss...”
“how rude of me! I’m Rina sir…” She trailed of questioningly, eyebrows furrowed
“Tim, miss Rina” He intoned helpfully
“Sir Tim, and its Rina, just Rina” She answered back a smile stretching across her lips
“it is a pleasure Rina, and feel free to call me Tim”
“Tim it is then” Still smiling Rina, nodded her head in what seem to be assurance before asking “Would like to have lunch with me Tim? We can discuss about the photo there”
Lips pursing in thought Tim nodded, he wouldn’t mind and maybe he can sway Rin to model for him as well. Watching as the other smile and held out a hand for him to take. He smiled back stiffly before accepting the offered hand and allowed the other to lead him off.
He didn’t know why but there was a sense of comfort in holding the others hands and without thinking he tightened his grip gently. Rin had brought them both some hotdogs and drinks from a stand, he didn’t think that they were enough to be called lunch but he didn’t mind. After buying their goods he allowed the other to lead him again deeper into the park within the forestry with growing curiosity.
“Where are you taking me?” He asked
“You’ll see! ‘Im sure you’d enjoy this” smiling she walked faster, near dragging the other as she navigated them through the woods.
They walked a few distance further and Tim was sorely tempted to ask again when finally they broke through the trees into a clearing. Raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sudden burst of light, He blinked quickly adjusting to the light and gaped at the sight before him.
It seemed like something that one would picture from a fairy tale. A small pond glistened with crystal blue water as the sun reflected light from its surface, water lilies lazily floated across its surface as butterflies fluttered close to the flowers that grew near the water but what captivated him the most was Rina.
She had released his hand after they entered the clearing and was now currently squatting beside the pond, fingers gliding over the surface of the water. Her white sundress was tucked between her legs and her hair was tucked behind her ear framing her smiling face.
Quickly he held his camera ready to take the picture and pressed the button as Rina turned to face him a wide smile on her face.
“Tim! No more pictures!” She scolded playfully
“Forgive me, I could not resist” He answered back
“Oh, do loosen up” Pouting she lifted a hand fingers curling in a beckoning motion “come here, sit by me”
Approaching the girl, Tim Kneeled beside her and looked down into the water and smiled softly before taking another picture. He had been so occupied with his photography that he missed the sad smile that stretched across Rina’s lips as she watched his back.
“Tim, let’s eat”
Turning to the girl, Tim lowered his camera before accepting the food with a small “thank you” and began eating in comfortable silence. He observed her as she ate and felt a wave of nostalgia. He felt like crying for a moment as if a blanket covered his heart and began suffocating it. It was odd.
“is there something on my face?”
Blinking in surprise Tim shook his head.
“No I was thinking” he answered
“Oh? About what?”
“Have- we met before?” he asked carefully and watched as the other smiled mysteriously
“Who knows, maybe” winking at him Rina grinned “Maybe not”
“That’s not an answer” he said
“Am I obliged to answer Mr. Tim?” She asked with a raised eyebrow
Laughing lightly Tim shook his head “no”
“Smile more” Rina intoned quietly “you look so much better”
“Should I be insulted?” He asked
“It depends on you” grinning wider. She stood patting the dirt from her dress. Tim stood as well before turning to the girl and taking her hand in his.
“Will you be my model?” he asked
“Model?” She asked back
“Yes, for my photographs”
Tilting her head she contemplated the idea before nodding her head in agreement a cheeky smile to her lips
“Okay, but only for today!” She answered happily
“That’s more than enough”
-----(+)----
The events seemed to blur together as Tim shot photo after photo. The forest was enough a back ground to amplify the girl’s charms and he was sure the photos would come out splendidly. At the moment though they sat together, resting after the day’s work enjoying the little sun that was left.
Watching the sun set another wave of nostalgia cam over him and absent mindedly he lifted his camera to take a picture of the red dyed sky, the stray branches of the canopy creating an artful effect. Beside him the Rina hummed a nonsensical tune and he smiled.
By the time the sun gave way to night Tim and Rina had already began their trek back towards the rest of civilization in comfortable silence.
“You like pictures don’t you?” Rina asked as she walked with her hands behind her back
“Hmm?”
“Pictures! You like to take them right? Why?” Looking up she stared into his eyes a near desperate light entering them
“Because I don’t want to forget, I want everything to be a memory” Tim felt odd, his breath caught in his throat as he spoke. He didn’t know why but he felt a sense of déjà vu. “You never did tell me where I should send those photos Rina”
“Eh?” Looking away Rina bit her lips before turning back a sad smile on her lips before handing him a piece of piece of paper “I’m afraid that my address is incapable of being reached by mail, can you come and deliver it yourself?” She asked.
“Of course, yes” Tim was confused; he topped walking and stared at the other eyebrows furrowed. Why was she sad?
“I don’t want to be a memory” She spoke quietly, her words surprised him “because if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten” closing her eyes tears burned behind her lids as she turned back before smiling, a sorrowful smile, eyes opening as tears fell from her eyes “You never did answer my question” Her expression was pained as she spoke “Why did you let me become a memory?” staring into his eyes her lips quivered as she spoke” You liar, you forgot”
Before he could answer Rina turned and ran leaving a wide eyed Tim behind as she disappeared through the greenery.
Eyes wide, Tim lifted a hand to his mouth; there was only one person that ever asked him that question. Only one.
‘it cant be she cant be…’
Taking in a gasping breath he began to run, begging to the sky to please let him see her, to catch her, to tell her how sorry he was that he forgot her, her memory.
“Because, silly, if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten”
His legs ran harder as tears began to gather behind his eyes.
“I don’t want to be a memory!”
Falling through the woods Tim fell to his knees gasping as his eyes searched everywhere.
‘please, god please let me find her!’ Chocking back a sob he clenched at the grass beneath his fingers ‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry! So sorry… please come back, come back Kathrin’
“Kathrin!” he called the name out over and over, his throat burned from his chocking sobs and shouts and his eyes burned from tears that kept falling and falling before finally with a broken cry he pressed his forehead into the grass crying into the night.
‘I’m sorry, I let you become a memory’
And quietly a small raven like bird flew away leaving nothing but feathers in its wake.
-----(+)-----
The next day Timothy left the city; in his hands he held the piece of paper Rina had given him the night before. Belatedly he recognized the address to be in his home town. He had left the small town when he was twelve and he hardly remembered anything from it, he tried to remember his life before the city as he walked down the somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar road.
The trek was not long one and he was surprised to find himself entering a cemetery as he followed the directions. His throat tightened and his heart drummed against his chest as the direction came fewer and fewer before finally stopping. Looking up he saw a woman with graying hair kneeling before a tomb.
The tomb itself was a beautiful thing, the stone used was a deep black that had gold etchings while a small white angel stood over the stone. Vaguely he remembered that Rina had always loved angels and walked closer before stopping beside the old woman.
The woman looked up in surprise as he watched the boy fall to his knees eyes staring blankly at the tomb before them before recognition hit her.
“Ti-Timothy? Is that you boy?” she asked in a rasping voice
“Yes” he answered breathless “Aunt Mina it’s me”
“Dear lord!” She spoke as her hands covered her lips before looking away from the boy “She waited for you” she spoke again “She said that you promised that you’d never forget, so she waited” Tears gathered on the older woman’s eyes but none fell, she had cried enough “until the very end she waited”
Chocking back his sobs, Tim shoulders shook as he covered his face with his hands. Tears kept falling and his lungs burned. She waited, she waited for so long. Too long.
“I’m home Katty”
On the tomb it read.
“Kathrin Elizabeth Winters
Born: December 4, 1990
Died: October 10, 2009
Forever loved,
Forever Remembered,
Be free to fly wherever you wish
Free as a bird in the sky
You will forever live in our hearts”
“I’ll live inside you, in your heart, forever always. That way I’ll never be memory”
-----(+)----
Five days later, the photographs from that day were developed. In every picture the small black bird could be found within the pictures it wasn’t always noticeable but it was there.
As she had wished Tim had taken a copy of the pictures to her grave and said made sure to clean and replace the flowers on the grave.
“This time, I’ll never let you be a memory”
And quietly a small black bird flew away.
Fin
By: C. Gabrielle (Fujiko_Hikari)
Memory [mem’o.ry]; n. 1. Power of remembering 2. Thing remembered 3. Commemoration
Remember [re.mem’ber]; v. 1. Think of again 2.bear in mind
Forget [for.get’]; v. 1. Unable to remember 2. Neglect
-----(+)-----
“Hey! Hey! You like pictures don’t you?”
“Hmm?”
“Pictures! You like to take them right? Why?”
“Because I don’t want to forget”
“Eh?”
“I want everything to be a memory”
“A memory? I don’t want to be a memory”
“You don’t want to be remembered?”
“No, that’s not it”
“I’m confused”
“Because, silly, if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten”
“Forgotten?”
“Yes! That’s why I won’t be just be a memory”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll live inside you, in your heart, forever always. That way I’ll never be a memory”
“That’s just childish”
“No, it’s not! I’ll never be a memory because I’ll always be with you”
“Really?”
“Promise!”
“Forever?”
“Forever and ever”
-----(+)-----
“Don’t go! Please don’t go!”
“I’m sorry, I have to”
“Why?!”
“Just because”
“That’s not a reason!”
“please don’t cry, smile for me so I’ll always remember your smiling face”
“Am- am I already a memory to you?”
“Please, let me take a photo just this once, please”
“no! Answer me! Am I already a memory?”
“I-you… I have to go”
“Why won’t you answer me?!”
“ I- I’m sorry… yes”
“Why?!”
“Good bye, you’ll always be a memory”
“I don’t want to be a memory!”
-----(+)-----
The sun was bright and high in the sky, the wind was cool and birds sang. The city bustled with so much life that the birds song went unheard by many. But we won’t talk about that, our story begins with a boy, well not quite a boy but a man. Now shall I say “once upon a time” and begin?
Once upon a time there lived a man who loved to take pictures. When asked he would say that they were his memories. He was a very stern person who liked to do everything in a single way. He liked monotony. He had long black hair that reminded some of the night sky and narrowed brown eyes that was hidden behind a set of thin framed glasses. Many called him handsome and wondered why he was a photographer and not a model. His name is Timothy, nineteen years old, often called Tim for short.
But enough about that, now one day this man had went to work. It was a chaotic scene, as it usually was, with models running around trying to find their clothes and make up. Walking expertly through the busy bodies Tim carefully placed his Leica camera on a table before observing his work station. He saw other students like him go around and ask the different men and women be their model for a project or another. He was supposed to do the same but so far he found none of the models to his liking.
His professor was near blowing whenever it happens and he was aware that most likely he might fail if he doesn’t start working on his portfolio soon. But looking at the models around him he just cannot choose any of them, they weren’t what he was looking for. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Tim took a seat before cleaning the lens of his camera carefully before checking if he had enough film and pulling the long strap over his head to hang it around his neck. He needed to find a model.
Standing from his seat he headed to the door with a frown tugging at his lips. Maybe a walk in the park would clear his mind. He needed to think and he needed at least some semblance of peace to do it.
-----(+)-----
The park, surprisingly enough, was near empty. That in itself was a miracle as children never seem to want to leave the place. That is to say that he did not appreciate the peace but he found it eerie.
Sipping at his coffee he relished the feel of the warm, bitter liquid sliding down his throat. Sitting on a bench he threw the cup inside a bin and closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of the sun. The sound of chirping entered his ears and slowly his eyebrows furrowed before his eyes opened searching for the sound and there on a tree branch was a peculiar little bird. It had dark feathers nearly black like a raven with white dots littering around its wing. It was a beautiful thing.
Slowly, as to not scare the creature, he approached, his hands reaching for his camera. When he found a pleasing angle he leveled the camera to his eyes focusing the lens and stepped closer. Leaning closer he pressed his finger on the button and took the picture as he mistakenly stepped on a twig snapping the wood, in fright the bird flew away just as the camera’s light flashed and he cursed, hands lowering to search for the bird. Turning in place he froze as he found where the elusive creature was.
The bird was perched on a finger, the finger belonging to a woman with long sandy brown hair that fell in curls, pale white skin and wide green eyes. He watched silently as the girl brought the bird to her face and smiled gently. Unconsciously his fingers moved and before he knew it, light flashed and for a second time the bird flew away but this time leaving a wide eyed woman in its wake.
Putting down his camera looking quite sheepish Tim approached the girl with a polite smile on his lips.
“Forgive me I didn’t mean to startle you miss” he said.
“Do you make it a habit to take photos of stranger’s sir?”
Tim was taken aback by the girl’s teasing question and shook his head numbly. The girl laughed, her small hands hiding her smile as he stared into the others eyes.
“I was joking” She said
“I see”
Staring at the strange man the girl tilted her head lightly a small smile still playing at her lips.
“Though, I’d like to know why you took the photo” she spoke cheekily
“The bird, I was trying to take a photo of it” he answered somewhat defensive
“Ah! I see. It was a rather beautiful creature was it not?” It truly was a strange bird
“Yes it was” He was not quite sure whether he meant the bird or the woman.
“Well it seems like this is quite a fortunate accident then!” The girl exclaimed, surprising him “I’d like to see that photo when it is developed”
“I can try and send it to you” He suggested
“Oh, will you please?”
“Of course miss...”
“how rude of me! I’m Rina sir…” She trailed of questioningly, eyebrows furrowed
“Tim, miss Rina” He intoned helpfully
“Sir Tim, and its Rina, just Rina” She answered back a smile stretching across her lips
“it is a pleasure Rina, and feel free to call me Tim”
“Tim it is then” Still smiling Rina, nodded her head in what seem to be assurance before asking “Would like to have lunch with me Tim? We can discuss about the photo there”
Lips pursing in thought Tim nodded, he wouldn’t mind and maybe he can sway Rin to model for him as well. Watching as the other smile and held out a hand for him to take. He smiled back stiffly before accepting the offered hand and allowed the other to lead him off.
He didn’t know why but there was a sense of comfort in holding the others hands and without thinking he tightened his grip gently. Rin had brought them both some hotdogs and drinks from a stand, he didn’t think that they were enough to be called lunch but he didn’t mind. After buying their goods he allowed the other to lead him again deeper into the park within the forestry with growing curiosity.
“Where are you taking me?” He asked
“You’ll see! ‘Im sure you’d enjoy this” smiling she walked faster, near dragging the other as she navigated them through the woods.
They walked a few distance further and Tim was sorely tempted to ask again when finally they broke through the trees into a clearing. Raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sudden burst of light, He blinked quickly adjusting to the light and gaped at the sight before him.
It seemed like something that one would picture from a fairy tale. A small pond glistened with crystal blue water as the sun reflected light from its surface, water lilies lazily floated across its surface as butterflies fluttered close to the flowers that grew near the water but what captivated him the most was Rina.
She had released his hand after they entered the clearing and was now currently squatting beside the pond, fingers gliding over the surface of the water. Her white sundress was tucked between her legs and her hair was tucked behind her ear framing her smiling face.
Quickly he held his camera ready to take the picture and pressed the button as Rina turned to face him a wide smile on her face.
“Tim! No more pictures!” She scolded playfully
“Forgive me, I could not resist” He answered back
“Oh, do loosen up” Pouting she lifted a hand fingers curling in a beckoning motion “come here, sit by me”
Approaching the girl, Tim Kneeled beside her and looked down into the water and smiled softly before taking another picture. He had been so occupied with his photography that he missed the sad smile that stretched across Rina’s lips as she watched his back.
“Tim, let’s eat”
Turning to the girl, Tim lowered his camera before accepting the food with a small “thank you” and began eating in comfortable silence. He observed her as she ate and felt a wave of nostalgia. He felt like crying for a moment as if a blanket covered his heart and began suffocating it. It was odd.
“is there something on my face?”
Blinking in surprise Tim shook his head.
“No I was thinking” he answered
“Oh? About what?”
“Have- we met before?” he asked carefully and watched as the other smiled mysteriously
“Who knows, maybe” winking at him Rina grinned “Maybe not”
“That’s not an answer” he said
“Am I obliged to answer Mr. Tim?” She asked with a raised eyebrow
Laughing lightly Tim shook his head “no”
“Smile more” Rina intoned quietly “you look so much better”
“Should I be insulted?” He asked
“It depends on you” grinning wider. She stood patting the dirt from her dress. Tim stood as well before turning to the girl and taking her hand in his.
“Will you be my model?” he asked
“Model?” She asked back
“Yes, for my photographs”
Tilting her head she contemplated the idea before nodding her head in agreement a cheeky smile to her lips
“Okay, but only for today!” She answered happily
“That’s more than enough”
-----(+)----
The events seemed to blur together as Tim shot photo after photo. The forest was enough a back ground to amplify the girl’s charms and he was sure the photos would come out splendidly. At the moment though they sat together, resting after the day’s work enjoying the little sun that was left.
Watching the sun set another wave of nostalgia cam over him and absent mindedly he lifted his camera to take a picture of the red dyed sky, the stray branches of the canopy creating an artful effect. Beside him the Rina hummed a nonsensical tune and he smiled.
By the time the sun gave way to night Tim and Rina had already began their trek back towards the rest of civilization in comfortable silence.
“You like pictures don’t you?” Rina asked as she walked with her hands behind her back
“Hmm?”
“Pictures! You like to take them right? Why?” Looking up she stared into his eyes a near desperate light entering them
“Because I don’t want to forget, I want everything to be a memory” Tim felt odd, his breath caught in his throat as he spoke. He didn’t know why but he felt a sense of déjà vu. “You never did tell me where I should send those photos Rina”
“Eh?” Looking away Rina bit her lips before turning back a sad smile on her lips before handing him a piece of piece of paper “I’m afraid that my address is incapable of being reached by mail, can you come and deliver it yourself?” She asked.
“Of course, yes” Tim was confused; he topped walking and stared at the other eyebrows furrowed. Why was she sad?
“I don’t want to be a memory” She spoke quietly, her words surprised him “because if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten” closing her eyes tears burned behind her lids as she turned back before smiling, a sorrowful smile, eyes opening as tears fell from her eyes “You never did answer my question” Her expression was pained as she spoke “Why did you let me become a memory?” staring into his eyes her lips quivered as she spoke” You liar, you forgot”
Before he could answer Rina turned and ran leaving a wide eyed Tim behind as she disappeared through the greenery.
Eyes wide, Tim lifted a hand to his mouth; there was only one person that ever asked him that question. Only one.
‘it cant be she cant be…’
Taking in a gasping breath he began to run, begging to the sky to please let him see her, to catch her, to tell her how sorry he was that he forgot her, her memory.
“Because, silly, if something is a memory then most likely it will be forgotten”
His legs ran harder as tears began to gather behind his eyes.
“I don’t want to be a memory!”
Falling through the woods Tim fell to his knees gasping as his eyes searched everywhere.
‘please, god please let me find her!’ Chocking back a sob he clenched at the grass beneath his fingers ‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry! So sorry… please come back, come back Kathrin’
“Kathrin!” he called the name out over and over, his throat burned from his chocking sobs and shouts and his eyes burned from tears that kept falling and falling before finally with a broken cry he pressed his forehead into the grass crying into the night.
‘I’m sorry, I let you become a memory’
And quietly a small raven like bird flew away leaving nothing but feathers in its wake.
-----(+)-----
The next day Timothy left the city; in his hands he held the piece of paper Rina had given him the night before. Belatedly he recognized the address to be in his home town. He had left the small town when he was twelve and he hardly remembered anything from it, he tried to remember his life before the city as he walked down the somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar road.
The trek was not long one and he was surprised to find himself entering a cemetery as he followed the directions. His throat tightened and his heart drummed against his chest as the direction came fewer and fewer before finally stopping. Looking up he saw a woman with graying hair kneeling before a tomb.
The tomb itself was a beautiful thing, the stone used was a deep black that had gold etchings while a small white angel stood over the stone. Vaguely he remembered that Rina had always loved angels and walked closer before stopping beside the old woman.
The woman looked up in surprise as he watched the boy fall to his knees eyes staring blankly at the tomb before them before recognition hit her.
“Ti-Timothy? Is that you boy?” she asked in a rasping voice
“Yes” he answered breathless “Aunt Mina it’s me”
“Dear lord!” She spoke as her hands covered her lips before looking away from the boy “She waited for you” she spoke again “She said that you promised that you’d never forget, so she waited” Tears gathered on the older woman’s eyes but none fell, she had cried enough “until the very end she waited”
Chocking back his sobs, Tim shoulders shook as he covered his face with his hands. Tears kept falling and his lungs burned. She waited, she waited for so long. Too long.
“I’m home Katty”
On the tomb it read.
“Kathrin Elizabeth Winters
Born: December 4, 1990
Died: October 10, 2009
Forever loved,
Forever Remembered,
Be free to fly wherever you wish
Free as a bird in the sky
You will forever live in our hearts”
“I’ll live inside you, in your heart, forever always. That way I’ll never be memory”
-----(+)----
Five days later, the photographs from that day were developed. In every picture the small black bird could be found within the pictures it wasn’t always noticeable but it was there.
As she had wished Tim had taken a copy of the pictures to her grave and said made sure to clean and replace the flowers on the grave.
“This time, I’ll never let you be a memory”
And quietly a small black bird flew away.
Fin