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Dirt.
Earth.
Memories.
My world slowly sharpened against the muted sky. I strode amongst upturned flower beds, impaled by amputated pine branches. The storm didn’t just destroy, it altered my world. It ripped away one reality and gave birth to another. Something I’d never expected.
My boots were soundless on the grass as I turned the towering hedge and came face to face with what was left of my wife’s devotion. Steel. Ruin. Flashes of red amongst the black earth. I looked down. One rose had survived. Bent. Broken. Still blooming.
Theresa would’ve knelt here first. Before the glass. Before the broken steel. She always saved the flowers. I hesitated for a second, then bent. My fingers found the broken stem. I lifted it. Straightened it. Supporting it in my palm. Just one more broken thing…
“I tried,” I spoke to the flower in my hand. “Bled myself empty for you… and our little girl. I waited to come to you.”
I slowly lifted my gaze.
Sheared steel pierced the sky.
“I would’ve gladly come…” I breathed deep. “Until now.”
I turned my wrist, watching the flower slip from my palm and flutter to the ground once more. Then I rose and stared at my past.
“If I don’t come back…” My voice barely carried. “We’ll see each other again.” I lifted my gaze to the broken steel reaching into the sky. “But this time is different.”
Silence.
“I’ll fight. I’ll bleed. I’ll break.” I inhaled hard. “Because I want to live.”
My throat tightened.
“For her…”
My words almost disappeared.
“If she’ll have me.”
For the first time in years…
The promise wasn’t to the dead.
It was to the living.
I turned around and left the past behind.
When you need, Alaric. Come to me.
Nyssa’s words resounded as I walked around the hedge and headed for the house once more.
There was no falter in my steps now. No hesitation as I unlocked the rear door and stepped in. I headed along the hallway and then turned, heading back to her wing.
I didn’t knock this time.
I just turned the handle and pushed the door open wide.
Her head turned as I stepped in.
Fear.
Hope.
