EMBERS OF YESTERDAY
(Power of Mending Hearts)
CHAPTER 3/3
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COLLINS
The atmosphere outside is enchanting. The view of the garden from the verandah is refreshing.The wind’s gentle whistle through the leaves and the fragrance of fresh flowers enhance the beauty of the scene.
My gaze shifts to Kate, and in that fleeting moment, I absorb every detail. She remains unchanged, her melanin-rich skin glowing in the soft light. The continuous pursing and hydrating of her lips evoke a familiar flutter in my stomach.
“Why are we here?” Kate pouts, her brows furrow to reveal a frown.
“I don’t know. I just enjoy spending time with you.” I give a light shrug, and my eyes gleam as she tries to suppress the smile forcing its way onto her face.
“You called me out just for this. Really? We’ve been standing here for over an hour,” she says, furrowing her brows, her arm wrapped around her petite frame.
“I’m uncertain about how to articulate my thoughts.” I purse my lips, a hint of sadness evident in my voice.
“Right.” She sighs, caressing her temples”.
My nervousness lingers, and I try to gather my thoughts amidst the chaos within me.
“So…” I gulp, rubbing my palms together.
“So?” Kate questions, and I sigh, determined to set things straight.
” I’m sorry, Kate. I apologize for all the pain I’ve caused you, the humiliation from my parents, and abandoning you for Cynthia. I knew it was wrong, but I thought it was the best decision for both of us…
“… My parents dictated my choices, and I blindly followed. I’m sorry for keeping James away from you, despite your efforts to reconcile with my parents. Your selflessness deserved better, but I took advantage of you. I… I’m sorry. It may take forever for you to forgive me, but I’ll make things right. I promise.” I exhale, a weight lifted off my shoulders.
No more guilt, no more sleepless nights. Relief washes over me, but the uncertainty of her forgiveness lingers. If she chooses not to forgive, I’ll understand. Perhaps, in time, she’ll find it in her heart to forgive me.
“I understand if it’s difficult for you to digest, and…” My apology halts when she interrupts.
“I’ve forgiven you a long time ago, Collins. It might be difficult to completely forget, but I’m ready to try, for our son. I’ll start by putting everything behind me. Rest assured, I forgave you long ago. I just needed to hear you apologize for all your wrongdoings.” She smiles, wiping the lone tears that crawled on her cheeks with her palm.
“Thank you. Thank you very much.” I beam, moving forward to envelope her in a hug, but she takes a step backward, further confusing my entire being.
“You can’t do that. Don’t you think you’re moving too fast?” she questions, a glint flashing across her eyes.
It’s evident that she doesn’t fully trust me yet, but I’m willing to wait till she accepts me.
“It’s alright. I still want us to work, but I think you need time. I would respect whatever choice you make, but please don’t push me away. Consider us, at least.” I sigh, breaking eye contact.
“We’ll see about it,” she beams, her eyes sparkling under the light.
To ease the tension, I switch the topic to how we’ve lived during the past years of being apart. Surprisingly, Kate never had any serious relationships during that period, and oddly, I find myself happy about it.
This Valentine’s Day is enthralling in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
AUTHOR’S POV
In a bedroom of the duplex building, three figures huddled together. Two aged couples and a lass. Chuckles and giggles erupted from the excited lass, creating a symphony of joy. The scene before the lass painted a beautiful picture.
Relieved smiles adorned the faces of the couples, and approving nods followed.
“Perhaps, just perhaps, were weaving itself into a harmonious pattern.” The aged lady smiled, Kissing the fingers of the man laying in a vegetative state.
As the power of mending hearts worked its magic, the room was filled with an intangible warmth, a testament to the resilience of love.
Embers of yesterday.
…
The End
