U.&.1 – Part VII

 

creak…creak…creak…creak…

The creaking of the twigs and dead leaves masked the tiny, staccato sobs that followed the rigid footsteps. Isolde purposely took a day off, passed on all assignments she held previously to the others; they could make do without her for a day. Nobody had seen her in such a state. What her stunned colleagues and managing director saw was she suddenly just walked off an internal auditing session and left. Nobody heard from her for several hours until she called back in and informed Mary that she needed the next day off.

I’ll probably have to come up with an apology…

Of course, she knew that nobody would really blame her for what she’d done. But they all cared for her and they would definitely worry. But even so, this was something that she definitely need to do, at all cost.

creak…creak…creak…creak…

She didn’t break her stride, nor slowed it to buy her more time. Even if its something innate, she couldn’t bear the thought of facing the very guilt that is feasting on the fear inside her. The greyish skyline didn’t help, the setting sun gave her no warmth. Instead, she marched on bracing the Northern breeze; she could feel the chill right inside her bones.

It’s so unfair. YOU are so unfair…

She wasn’t entirely alone. On the west end of the field she could see children clamouring out of a bus, clearly dropping them off after school. The dead silence that engulfed her was briefly broken by the cheerful laughter and friendly banters of those children. She was glad that she wasn’t the only living soul present, nor the only company lying peacefully six feet under across the twenty yard radius.

creak…creak…creak…creak

Then her footsteps came to a stop, and instantly she knew she was at the right spot. Even without referring to the paper slip that she held so tightly in her palms, she knew, because it felt like home. That presence, so reassuring and safe, was there, even when it was entombed in black marble. There was nothing alive in it, yet the glare from  his eyes was so alive that as if he was seeing right through her.

Maybe you have always seen through my facade.

But why didn’t he tear down the barrier between them, she couldn’t tell for sure. But she wasn’t going to let this  come between their reunion. What still remain a mystery, she’ll treasure it in her heart. Seating herself at one of the corners, she laid a bunch of tulips on the surface. Uncontrollably, with her eyes closed so hard that it started to bleed tears, she ran her trembling fingers across the golden lacquered words. The word that once spelt the whole world to her.

ISAAC (1979 - 2012)

Dearly beloved brother and friend that the LORD graciously receiveth unto His Kingdom.

He  had always known, but elected to never tell her. Amidst her teary eyes she looked up upon that beautiful smile, adorned by the very deep blue coloured tie that she bought him for his graduation present. Having vaguely known his feelings for her, she chose to ignore it and immersed herself in her career. But she knew, every single time she suffers a broken heart, he was the one who again and again puts the pieces back together. But now, there are no more broken hearts to mend anymore.

creak…creak…creak…creak…

The fury in her breathes ceased a little, as a palm landed upon her right shoulder. With her left she reached for the hand and wrapped the arm around her. She didn’t intend to come and mourn, or drown herself in grief and guilt. She came to move on, with the one that recently picked up the shards of her shredded heart,shredded by the very loss she is now recuperating from.

Some things are just not meant to be, for fate had cruelly set them apart. Complacency and indulgence in her pursuit of advancement in her career had robbed them the bliss that both of them could have had together.

“It’s time to go…”

She nodded in response. All things have come to an end, including what is left between him and her.  Not knowing whether she’ll ever come again, but she knows, he will always watch over her.

Thank you. And goodbye.

Turning around, her face still drench in her own tears, she dived into the arms of her protector, arms with such warmth and strength. They stood there for a whole minute, each mouthing their own silent prayer. Then Isolde broke the equilibrium.

“Let’s go, Tristan…”