Autumn was always his favorite. The reds, golds, and browns dripped around him, creating a landscape made for a dream. Slowly he walked, the grey sky above him, the old path below him, and for a moment he was at peace. He allowed the breeze to kiss his cheek and watched as it wisped the crisp leaves along the ground. The iron gate slowly grew closer along with its tiny homes inside. With his hands deep within his pockets he walked on, burying his chin and lips deep within his scarf.
Entering the gate, he worked his way through the stones on a path he knew all too well, though it had been years since he had been here. He stopped in front of the one beneath the large drooping weeping willow. Years had worn away at the stone, its once hard edges gave way to smooth, moss-covered letters.
Kneeling, he pushed aside some dead flowers and moved aside the dying grass so he could read the name.
He stood there for a long time, his eyes reading and rereading the solemn words. Memories, long forgotten, danced a smooth ballet in his mind.
It was the grave of his long dead friend, a wonderfully kind spirit of a man taken too soon before his time.
Bending down he picked up a smooth rock and wiped the dirt from it with his black overcoat. Although it was a Jewish tradition and he and his friend were both Christian, the man placed the rock on top of the headstone. It was to say, ‘I was here, and I miss you.’
He let his hand rest there for a long while, his fingers heavy with regret. The leaves rustled up around him as he stepped back, bidding his final farewell to his departed friend.
Turning, he started his way back to the main path, back through the iron gate, and farther away from the grave and the body that lay beneath the cold dark earth.
Only once did he looked over his shoulder, and only once did he speak, though only in a weak whisper.
“Good-bye Alex,” and he turned, and left the cemetery, never to return.
Author's Chapter Notes:
This story starts and the ending and goes back to the beginning.
Please review if you want more. Thank you.
Carpe diem!
Please review if you want more. Thank you.
Carpe diem!
