The Reality of Life |
Everyday that Summer Seth carried Elizabeth to the spot in the garden. It was their special, secret spot. She was far to weak to walk now. Her strength withered away more each day. To see Elizabeth like this broke his heart. Seth knew though, everything had failed. All the tests, all the blood transfusions, the chemo. There was nothing else that could be done. Seth got his sister Rose to come over and stay with Liz while he went to town to take care of some business. It would be mid afternoon before he got back home again. He told Liz that when he returned they would go to the garden to enjoy the day as usual. He got into town, and much to his surprise found that he got his business over with in a very short period of time. He really thought it would take much longer. He walked along the streets and looked into the shop windows. He was hoping he could find a little gift for Liz. She so loved it when he brought her something. He came upon a little restaurant. He had eaten there several times before. He was starving so he went inside and had some soup and a sandwich. He was sitting by the window and noticed that it was beginning to rain. He finished eating and paid the bill. He knew he better get back home. Liz would be worried. When he got outside it was pouring like crazy. He walked a short way and then as it poured harder, he decided to stand under the awning of a pawn shop until the rain let up. He watched the cars go by for a while. Watched the people hurrying around so they wouldn't get soaked. Then his eyes turned to the window of the pawn shop. There was lots of jewerly there on display. After a few moments, his mouth fell open and his eyes became big as saucers. It can't really be true, is it? He looked even harder at what he saw. Is it? He turned and busted through the door of the pawn shop. Let me see that ring in the window, that one with heart on it he demanded. The clerk got the ring from the window and showed it to Seth. He took the ring from the box and looked for the inscription. There it was, plain as day. To Liz, the woman of my dreams! He was stunned, he couldn't move. He stood there, like he had been hit by a truck. Sir? Sir, did you want the ring the clerk asked? Seth was out of breath and could hardly speak. Yes! Yes, give me the ring. How much is it. The clerk looked at the bottom of the box and said, five hundred dollars sir. Seth took the money from his wallet and paid the man. He went outside, still in disbelief. It had been almost a year since the robbery. He was sure they would never see the ring again. He had paid more than that when he bought it for Liz the first time. They were gone for several hours that day the house was broken into. Liz was so devastated about the ring being stolen. Seth knew when he got home that Liz would not believe her eyes when she saw her special ring again after all this time. He had bought it for her when he was in the service. That was thirty years ago. When he returned home, he went into the house and got Liz. He took her to their special place in the garden. He sat in the chair with her on his lap just like he always did. They chatted a few minutes about the business trip Seth had made to town. Finally he said, I got you a present in town. I just know how much you will love it. Close your eyes, now don't peek he said. He took the little box out of his pocket and opened it. Now you can look he said. Liz opened her eyes. The ring! It's my ring! where on earth did you find my ring? She was crying hysterically. She was in shock. She was hugging Seth and kissing him, and crying all at the same time. Seth explained what had happened and how he had found the ring. They sat in the chair that afternoon until darkness was almost upon them. Seth took Liz inside and put her into bed. He had not seen her smile like that in months. She looked so very beautiful. He felt so happy. He was tired too, it had been a very long day. He laid next to Liz and watched her until she fell asleep. When Seth woke, it was three in the morning. He couldn't believe it. He hadn't even gotten undressed. He looked over at Liz. He sprung to his feet. He turned on the bedside light.This was the day. This was the day Seth had to face reality. He knew it would come, but he wasn't ready. Elizabeth was dead. Seth knew this was the day he must now face the reality of it all! He took her hand and kissed her finger where the ring was. This was the day he had to face the reality of life! |
Written by: S. Matheson 11/12/2004 |
