Love, misinterpreted

Karen tore her eyes away from the new couple. It was time for her to go home. She couldn’t move, though—acceptance was too difficult. They’d been friends since childhood. Together they’d built sand castles, gone camping, and even spent days at school evaluating boys. Life had been simple then.

Throughout college, Karen didn’t realise she and her friend had fallen for the same person. When at last Kevin reciprocated her best friend’s love instead of hers, Karen was crestfallen.

Though happy for Richard and Kevin, she couldn’t forgive herself for falling in love with a man who loved another man.

Keeping promises

Caressing the wrinkled patina of her skin, I realised how fleeting life had become. The woman who once loved, nurtured, and nursed me even, was now ridden to the linen that made up the hospital bed.

She grinned to assure me everything would be well. Despite knowing nothing would ever be well again, I obliged with a silent smile. It was my burden to bear — to watch the light in her eyes snuff out in one painless moment. It was mine duty to stand by her side in sickness and in health, for I’d vowed seven years ago: “I do”.