When The Wind Stops, True Feelings Remain - Chapter 6

I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the storm and the memories. I woke to sunshine and the rhythmic crash of waves against the sand.

Families played on the beach. I went outside. Children built sandcastles. A wave crashed in, destroying one.

A little girl cried.

Her mother rushed to comfort her.

“Don’t cry, sweetie. We’ll build a bigger one, even stronger. Mommy will help you. ”

Tears streamed down my face.

If my mother had ever told me she would help me rebuild my castles, would my life have been different?

She’d always pushed me to be strong, to win, to never fail. My childhood and adolescence were a constant struggle.

Like a slave, building a giant castle, knowing that if it fell, no one would help me. When the doctor told me my lifestyle had aged my body prematurely, I wasn’t surprised.

I knew pushing myself so hard would take a toll. But not this soon.

I was so young.

I hadn’t gotten married, had children, experienced a mother’s love. I wanted to scream, to rage against the dying of the light.

But I was too weak.

I spent two months by the sea. At first, I was haunted by nightmares of the assault. Then, the dreams shifted, filled with happy memories of my childhood.

I looked in the mirror.

I was a skeleton.

It was a mercy.

Letting me remember the good times before I died. While I still had the strength, I went to a cemetery, choosing a quiet spot.

“Ms. Miller, we have a special offer. If you’d like to be buried with your family later, we can arrange that.”

I shook my head.

“I have no family. ”

Dropping the charges, combined with the years I’d dedicated to the company, was payment enough.

We were even. I was alone. The saleswoman’s eyes softened.

“We also offer funeral services. If you need…”

“I do. Please, help me arrange everything. ”

A voice boomed from behind me.

“She doesn’t need your services! I’ll take care of her!”

I turned.

Michael.

His eyes burned with rage.

He grabbed the pen from my hand.

“Ms. Miller, you’re rich, right? Can you buy me a plot next to yours?”

I managed a weak smile.

“Michael, don’t be silly. ” He scooped me up into his arms, carrying me outside.

“I’m taking you to a doctor! The best in the world! We’ll find a cure!”

I struggled weakly.

“Michael, please. Put me down. If you don’t, I’ll disappear. You know I can. ”

He stopped, reluctantly setting me down. He stared at my face, memorizing every detail. He pulled me into his arms, sobbing.

“Sarah, let’s get married. Now. ”

I patted his back. “Michael, we’re not kids. Don’t be impulsive. ”

“I’m not! I can’t bear the thought of you dying alone. ”