Forever..

A packed bus.Filled with conversation, laughter and music.
The bus passes fast past a suburban area never stopping.
Outside late summer stretches to infinity.



Amidst the loud bunch, two figures are unmoving, silently holding each other’s hand.
He is going to the raging war out there, away from their world.
It came suddenly, crashing reality breaking a peaceful dream.
Things like duty, honour, pride and patriotism surfaced leaving her confused and oh so very afraid.
The vehicle jolts to a stop. The bustling ceased and a sombre atmosphere circles its passengers.
Exiting, she tightens her hold on his hand afraid that she would lose him at the spot. The sun blinds them momentarily and a flashback unfolds itself before her eyes involuntarily.



A sunny afternoon envelopes the valley in a warm embrace. Under the lull of the lush trees, two hearts collide and young souls are bound. Holding each other close seemed as natural as breathing. Promises of love sealed with numerous kisses.

He looks down at her and smiles, trying to hide the unease and trepidation he feels, even though he knows it to be impossible. She just rests her head on his shoulder as they continue their walk to the pier.

The first time they danced was on a country fair when everyone else left home. There was no music but the music coming from their hearts. Twirling her around, he couldn’t help but laugh at her expression mirroring his own – pure happiness.

The seagulls called out as they sailed above their heads and the heads of soldiers boarding the ship. He stops and turns to her smiling face and she launches herself into his arms. They stay like that for what seems like forever.
‘I will kill you if you don’t return back to me. Understood?’

His heart clenches as he smiles against her hair.

-‘Yes, ma’am!’

She breathes deeply trying to hold his scent inside of her. They pull away just so they can kiss and the world melts away. The ship horns loudly signalling it’s soon departure. He parts slowly from her and looks at her eyes.

‘Wait for me?’

She nods and caresses softly the side of his face.

-‘Forever.’



He kisses her hands and the top of her head and backs away slowly joining in the few remaining men boarding. Her hearts beats painfully and she fights back the flood of tears rimming the corners of her eyes. After a while, they pull the bridge up and lift the anchor.
A moment later, he stands on deck looking at her. She stands on her toes and waves vigorously. The ship horns again and the engine roars to life. Shouts of ‘I love yous’ saturate the warm air as all the girls left ashore wave to their loved ones.



The ship moves and backs out of the harbour yet all she could see is his face moving farther and farther away until she can’t see him anymore. Her hand falls down to her side and she stands unmoving. The ship is just a black spot on the horizon.
Most of the women already left with broken hearts and only hope for their dearest.
She turns around and starts walking, each step as heavier than the last one. Tears are streaming unbound down her cheeks smearing her red lipstick. She stands on the bus stop clenching the hand he kissed over her heart.
The cloudless blue sky feels like his eyes.
She smiles, wiping her tears and doing the only thing she can – hope.