WOEBEGONE (new) ✔

04|

Nina lived in a cozy, vintage house, a little away from the hustle and bustle of Huston. She had been alone for many years now. Her husband had passed away long before I met Leon.

I lay on the bed gazing at the tapestry hanging on the wooden wall opposite me. It was an ancient piece of art depicting the angels of heaven. Memories of me snuggling with him under a tapestry just like this flooded me again.

"Do you believe in angels?"

"Well, do they exist?"

"Yes, they do"

"Really? Have you ever met one?"

"Yesss..."

"Wow! When? Where? Tell me everything about it..."

"Well. She's beautiful. The most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my life...and...wow what's with the frown?" He laughed, squeezing my cheek.

"I'm jealous of you."

"Why?"

"Cause you got to see one but I didn't " My frown deepened as I snuggled deeper into the cozy sweater he was wearing. He chuckled as he wrapped his arms even tighter around me, his head coming to rest on mine.

"I'm seeing her. Right now. The most beautiful angel I have ever seen in my life..."

He smiled. His starry eyes twinkled as they always did.

I had never believed in divinity before I met him. For me, he was my god, my protector, my guardian angel and simply everything to me. He was my divinity.

I could feel a single tear rolling down my cheek, familiar ting behind my eyelids saying there were more to come. My heart throbbed as per the rituals as I panted trying to catch my breath. I rolled over on the bed so I wouldn't see that art work anymore; another night sobbing into a pillow till it get stained with the pains I withheld in me.

"Good morning..." Nina's melodic greeting welcomed me as I climbed down to the first floor next morning where she was setting a tea table for us.

"Good morning Nina." I greeted her as I walked into the kitchen joining her.

"How was your sleep?" She gestured to the table, where she placed the tray. It had two cups of steaming liquid and a plate of cookies.

"A little rough."

"Why? Wasn't the bed comfy enough?" She asked concerned, partly peeping to my face.

"Nah. My medication still keeps me up sometimes." I pinched my eyes hoping she wouldn't notice the puffiness.

"Where's Ray?" I glanced around the room as I sat, looking for my friend.

"Still snoozing. I guess." Nina shrugged continuing to arrange the table. "He must be worn out."

I nodded. We had traveled a long way, and he had been supportive and patient with me.

"Coffee?" She asked, picking up one of the cups.

"Tea this time." I said, reaching for the other cup.

"Here..." She handed me the cup and smiled.

"Thanks. So...what's the big deal you wanted to tell me?" I asked, sipping the tea. It was sweet and soothing.

"Oh...it's not a big deal. Just wanted to give you back your stuff I kept with me so far."

"My stuff?" I frowned, confused. What stuff?

"Yes..." She nodded and reached under the table.

"Like what...?" I asked, feeling a surge of curiosity and dread.

She pulled out a metal box and placed it on the table. It was green and had a lock on it.

"What's this...?"

The box looked familiar but foreign at the same time.

"Open it..." She said, handing me a key.

I took the key and inserted it into the lock. She watched me with anticipation and sympathy. I turned it and heard a click. I lifted the lid and gasped.

There were few items in it. Some folders of documents that belonged to Leon, a photo of us that was taken on his 25th birthday, his bank cards and the small golden locket that he always wore.

"Those. Those are Leon's..." I whispered, feeling a lump in my throat.

I recognized them instantly. They were his belongings, his memories, his life.

"Yes. The landlord wanted to empty the place. As you were not in a good shape to go. I went. Thought these might come in handy for you..." She explained, sounding apologetic.

She had gone to our old apartment, where we had lived together before the accident. She had salvaged these items from the rubble.

What use do I have for these when he is gone forever?

"And this too... Leon asked me to give this to you. He handed me this before he left for the airport with you that day." She said, reaching into her pocket. She took out an envelope and gave it to me. "I kinda wanted to hand you over this before I go."

"You're going?"

"Yes. Finally I'm leaving for that tour I have always wanted to go." She sighed looking into the distance. "Now Leon is not here anymore this place feel even lonelier to live."

I looked down at the magenta colour envelope on my hand. It had something written on it and when I saw it I could feel my heart stop.

"To Sara" read the neat handwriting.

It was Leon's.

Maybe, this was the last thing he wrote.

My vision started blurring. I felt hot tears streaming down my face.

This can't be real. No way. I must be dreaming. All this must be a cruel nightmare. I need to wake up. I need to go and hug him and tell him how scared and lonely I was.