It’s been five years since Alexander Dash died. Five years since their love was forgotten from the people of the town. Five years of loneliness, five years of sadness, but it’s been four years since Lily Cassandra Dash was born.

Her mother, Laurel Amanda Dash, stood in front of her father’s grave. Laurel carried a rose in her hand for it was the anniversary of Alexander’s death. Tears ran down her cheek as she placed the rose on his grave.

“Mommy,” Lily spoke softly, “What does it say on the stone?”

“It says, “Alexander Dash, loving friend, son, husband, and father”. It’s true about your father. He was a loving friend, son, husband, and he would’ve been a great father . . .” She broke off as a sob crawled up her throat. “Come on. Let’s go and visit Salsa.”

“Okay,” Lily said in an innocent voice. They walked down towards Sandra Doll’s house in silence. “Lily! I’m so glad you came!” Salsa exclaimed as they made it to her house. “Hi, Salsa!” Lily squealed in excitement. Sandra pulled her in a tight hug then looked at Laurel.

“Are you okay?” she asked a little concerned.

“I’m fine. Just a little sad, that’s all,” Laurel assured.

“Come on, Salsa! Let’s play!” pleaded Lily.

“How about I watch Lily while you go and meet with Sean?” Salsa offered.

“Are you sure, Salsa? The last time I let you watch her your house nearly collapsed.”

“It was only a few dents in the wall. You need to go and see Sean. It will cheer you up.”

They stood in silence until Laurel finally replied, “Yes, I do need to see Sean. Just promise me you’ll be alive by the time I get back.”

“I promise,” Salsa said a little annoyed. Laurel smiled and headed towards Sean’s house. Sean was standing at his mailbox and seemed to be expecting Laurel’s surprise visit.

“Hey! How are you?” he asked as he pulled her into a hug.

“Good. How did you know I was coming?” she questioned.

“I didn’t. I swear!” he said as Laurel gave him a skeptical look.

“Salsa called you didn’t she?”

“Yeah. She did. She thought you needed some cheering up. So this may seem cheesy, but . . .” He pulled out a bunch of laurels.

“Oh Sean! That’s so sweet!” Laurel exclaimed and gave Sean another hug.

“Sean!” yelled a voice in the distance. They both turned around and see Patrick Hall running towards them.

“Patrick! What are you doing here?” Sean asked surprised.

“I thought I’d pay my boyfriend a visit. Am I allowed to do that?” Patrick asked jokingly.

“Of course,” Sean said and looked at Laurel. “Did I interrupt something?” Patrick asked concerned. “No, you didn’t. I was just leaving,” Laurel said and started to walk away.

“Wait Laurel. Patrick, can you excuse us for a moment? I just need to talk to her for a little bit more,” Sean asked. “Of course.” With that, Patrick walked towards Sean’s porch. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Sean asked Laurel.

“Yes, I’m fine. Now go to your boyfriend. It’s quite chilly out here and he might need some warming up,” Laurel said in a suggestive tone. Sean smiled and started to go. Then he stopped and said in a low voice, “And you thought I would never have him because he was straight. Goes to show you that unexpected things happen.”

“Yeah, I know,” Laurel said quietly. Sean gave her another hug and went to go “warm up” Patrick.

Laurel walked on the sidewalk, not knowing where to go. She passed the Good Diner restaurant and thought of the first time she met Salsa. She was so caught up and lost in her memories that she didn’t notice the house she was passing. It’s the house Alexander used to live in. The house where they first made love, the house he proposed to her in, and now it’s the house where her and her daughter currently occupy. Laurel kept all of Alexander’s belongings. She even changed her last name to Dash just so she can feel complete.

She kept walking in silence not noticing a thing in the world until she came upon Adam Lane High School. She walked onto the campus as the memories of Courtney Hartney flashed before her eyes. Then she saw the stump of her apple tree. She would climb that tree and hide behind it when she was a child. It was the apple tree she sat in as she saw the car hit Alexander. Tears ran down her face once more at the tragic memory. She still remembered it very pellucid as all of her dreams were shattered in the very apple tree that was her home free. She had dreams of taking Lily to this apple tree and climb with her to the top as Alexander complained about how childish Laurel was acting. Now the dream was shattered into millions of pieces by a single cruel turn of fate.

She looked over the sidewalk and walked towards the spot where she held Alexander as he slipped into Death’s hands forever. She stood there staring at the spot for a moment, then she sat down on that very spot. She could still feel Alexander’s presence in her arms. Still feel his hand caress her cheek as he spread his blood on her face. Still feel his lips lightly kiss hers as she succumbed into darkness. But now, Laurel knew he was still with her. He will never be lost on the gusts of wind. She knew he would always be there when she needed him. He would just be in the shadows, just beyond her view, just beyond her reach. He will always be here with her and he would always care. She would always love him. She would always cry for him.

It grew dark outside and stars began to show against the dark velvet night. She looked up and it immediately reminded her of Alexander Dash. Quietly she said to herself, “I shall whisper your name to the heavens. I shall search for you in the stars. I shall not forget you. I do not think I ever can. Oh, Alexander! I miss you so much! The past five years have been lonely without you. I’m glad I have Lily, but she has no father to hug, kiss, or love. Why did our love become such a tragic romance?”

She sobbed even harder as she remembered Alexander even more. Then she remembered her promise she made to him before he asked her to marry him. She smiled as she looked down upon her engagement ring and realized that she kept her promise.

“I love you, Alexander.”

She stood up and walked towards home and wiped her tears away as she thought of how their love will always be a romantic tragedy.

The End