Time stops

As mourners gather, their faces etched with a mix of sorrow and nostalgia. The small gathering soon begins small talk with memories of the loved one displayed at the front of the room. Stories are shared, memories, and laughter through tears amongst the group. The atmosphere is one of reflection, celebrating the unique spirit that the woman brought into their lives. The ceremony soon begins with heartfelt speeches, capturing the essences of her life- a life filled with love, compassion, and a zest for adventure. Each one of those mourning carries their own personal connection to her, their own cherished moments and shared experiences, yet there in one amongst them that held the greatest connection of all to her. 

The room is quiet, filled with many people standing around, a few greet an older man sitting in front of a window. He looks out and watches the young children play, some screaming, others sitting on the grass playing quietly.  He smiles, his eyes fill with a mix of joy and sadness as his mind wanders to his earlier days.  

It was warm, spring had finally arrived when he met her. She was a waitress at the only diner in town. They both felt it when their eyes met, that undeniable connection between them. For him, time seemed to stop. Even when the diner was busy, she would always find a way to wait on him. By the end of the week, she had his order memorized like the back of her hand. Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks all of which were filled with talking, laughter, and sharing their hopes and dreams. Deep down they both knew they had found someone who understood them on a personal level, someone that was truly special.  

He vividly recalls their first kiss- her soft lips against his that made it feel as if his heart set on fire and it sealed their fate. The moment their lips touched, every moment after became intertwined in a tapestry of love, trust, and unwavering support. They shared countless moments of joy, conquered storms of sorrow, and celebrated milestones that marked their journey together; such as the birth of their first child. He learned to be a father and to find love for her all over again, yet it was much stronger now than before. 

  Many years had rolled past them; sitting on their porch, hands intertwined, weathered and worn, a testament to a love that has stood the test of time. Her hair had turned grey and wrinkles filled her body, yet she still looked like the same woman who he had met way back when. Her smile stayed the same, the light in her eyes shined just as brightly as they did back then. When her health declined, they spent every waking moment together. Cherishing eachothers presence and finding solace in their enduring love. She remained the beautiful woman he had always known, even in the last moments. 

  With gentle tenderness, he leaned in, his trembling lips met hers. It wasn’t like the first time, there was no fire igniting in his heart. Her lips lacked the warmth they had the day prior; she looked as if she was sleeping, as if she had finally found peace. The gentle kiss conveyed a lifetime of love and a farewell filled with both sorrow and gratitude. In this moment he had realized she had already passed, leaving him to carry all of what they were forward in his heart. 

He blinks as a hand is placed onto his shoulder, it is his turn to speak now. Standing to his feet and taking heavy step forward, a path is cleared for him and he stops just short of the polished wooden casket. He smiles once more and takes a deep breath before turning and facing all those in front of him. Eyes look up to his face, sniffles filled as a background noise as the older man clears his throat. 

“To my dearest. You were the light of my life. Through the trials and triumphs, the joys and the grief of it all you stood by my side with unfaltering strength and grace. The mere presence of you brought me warmth even on the coldest days, your love illuminated the darkest of nights." His voice is filled with a quiet resolve. 

“You were everything I could have ever needed and so much more. To this day, I have no idea what I did to deserve you.” were his final words before turning his back to the crowd.  

He faced her, his hand gently resting on the side of her face. She looks as if she was sleeping, resting in such blissfulness that he wanted to doubt she was truly gone. His eyes close as a tear rolls down his cheek and the memory of her holding his hands one last time plays in his mind. The kiss was tender and filled with a lifetime of memories and unspoken words conveyed. It was a delicate exchange, filled with a deep understanding that their paths would soon diverge. As they parted from the embrace, their eyes meet, and a silent conversation takes place- an acknowledgment of the depth of their love, a farewell laced with both pain and acceptance. An unspoken promise to carry each other's presence in their hearts.

“They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops. And that’s true. What they don’t tell you is that once it begins again, it goes by fast to catch up with you... Please wait for me on the other side. I promise I won't be long love. There is just a few more things I need to take care of before I can join you."

The last kiss serves as a poignant farewell, a culmination of a lifetime of shared experiences, joys, and sorrows. It is a moment of closure, a tender goodbye that encapsulates the beauty of their connection and the profound impact they have had on each other’s lives.