The Promise
Prologue:
It is that special time of year again, a time filled with flowers, hearts, choolates and declarations of love and marriage proposals. But for some people, it is a day to be forgotton, a day of heartache for loved ones lost. So this Valentines Day, make a promise to those you love to honour their memories. This is a story for them.
"Have you made your choice then?" The man asked, gazing adorningly at the upturned face beside him. He brushed her fringe away from her wide blue eyes, a gesture which she loved even though it made her feel like she was still a baby.
He loved her blue eyes, so bright and innocent and her cupid bow lips, red as the blood he felt pumping through his veins. He held tightly onto her hand in the confined but full space of the jewellery shop. This was a huge moment for them both, and he wanted it to be special for her, like a care package she could unwrap over and over again in her mind for the rest of her life. He knew this was the right thing to do for both of them. They needed a clean start, something to show that this day represented a new beginning for them both. He was ready for this moment, he just hoped she was too.
As they moved further up in the queue, they were jostled by the crowds who had no doubt been waiting almost as long as they had, but they both knew the waiting and the crowds and the early start would be worth it.
"Yes, I have decided on the diamond one", she replied, in answer to his question. She loved the sparkle of the facets, and the tangled up shape, which reminded her of how she used to sleep in the big bed sometimes, limbs tangled with her mother's. As they reached the counter they nervously glanced at each other. He took a deep breath to try to stop his hands shaking , this was it, the big moment they had been waiting for. Finally the purchase had been made, he tried not to gulp at the price of the tiny piece of gold and diamonds. Reverentially he tucked the tiny package inside his suit pocket. Still holding hands, they walked back outside.
"Well, are you ready for our next errand? " He asked, glancing at her face to try to discern her emotions. He didn't want to overwhelm her with the gesture of love they had made that morning, by purchasing the diamond.
"I'm ready." She said, her voice quivering slightly.
"Ok, let's go." Again he took her hand and together they walked the block to the florist shop. The bell above the door tinkled as they entered, leaving the street noise behind them. Although it was also crowded with last minute purchases of flowers and chocolates, the interior was strangely quiet, it felt like they had entered another world. The various scents of the flowers tickled their noses and the brightly coloured blooms were spread around the room, like patches in a quilt. They selected a bright collection of long stemmed Gerberas, wrapped in crinkly paper and ribbon, then continued on their journey, walking to the station and sitting on the train for two stops until they got off again. Their mood was subdued, solemn now that they were alone and away from the happy bustling crowds of Valentine Day shoppers.
"Hi Mum, we finally got here, and we have some Valentine's Day flowers for you", she said in a chirpy voice, but her hands trembled slightly as she carefully lay the bouquet down on the cold, concrete gravestone. Her fingers traced over the gold letters carved deep into the headstone, feeling each letter indenting into her heart. She had memorised the words, especially the date of her mother's death, Valentines Day, ten years ago.
"Are you ok honey?" He asked, walking up behind her and placing his arm around her shoulders.
"Yes, dad, I'm ok, I just wanted to show mum my new necklace." she said, as her father pulled out the tiny box from his pocket and opened the lid. Nestled inside on a bed of velvet was the 24 carat gold and diamond necklace. He unclasped it and placed it around her neck, scooping her hair aside.
"This necklace represents ten years without you mum, I'm sixteen years old now. I love you, I always have you in my heart." She replied, holding the smooth gold in her fingers.
Her father shuffled his feet and cleared his throat, it broke his heart to see his daughters' pain, yet he understood that they needed to do this, it was their valentine vigil. While millions of other people were celebrating the day with flowers, chocolate and romantic dinners the two of them were hunched over the large marble gravestone.
"I wish your were still here mum. Happy Valentines Day. I promise to make my life the best it can be and to take you with me no matter where I end up in the world."
Epilogue:
Valentines Day Ten Years Later..............
Three figures were huddled in front of a gravestone, clutching flowers and holding hands. The husband and wife glanced at each other with small smiles, they held tightly onto the hand of the toddler between them. In the sun the gold necklace glinted and the diamond sparkled. Slowly, they placed the flowers on the gravesite and the woman touched the cold marble, murmuring between her tears, "I kept my promise mum".
Valentines day shouldn't be just a day for lovers, wives, girlfriends, husbands, and partners. It should be for all those friends and family around you. Look around you at the ones you love and make a promise to them, that you will love them no matter what, because one day it will be too late.
