The hospital room was near complete silence. Nothing, but the rhythmic snap of the heartbeat monitor, provided an ease to the quiet. In the dimly lit room a man sat, holding his wrinkled hands up to his chin. His gaze locked on the small, frail woman lying in front of him. Her peaceful slumber would fool anyone into thinking she was perfectly healthy.
The sudden movement of the door brought the man out of his thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Mr. James, I just have to perform a real quick check.”
The nurse explained as she began to examine the IV.
“Miss Anna, you’ve helped my wife and I for months. We consider you family. So please, call me Logan.”
Logan’s deep voice quietly echoed through the room.
Anna smiled and finished the check-up.
“Is Joanna on her way?”
“She’s just a few miles out. Should be here in a couple minutes.”
Logan replied.
Anna nodded her head and left, closing the door behind her. Silence regained control of the room.
Logan stood up and approached his sleeping wife. Gently brushing his hand over her smooth head where long, flowing hair once was.
Then the silence was shattered.
The heartbeat monitor erupted into beeps and alarms. The sudden noise shook him to his core.
“Claire! Wake up!” Logan yelled as he gripped her hand.
His wife slowly woke and looked him straight in the eyes. Fear swallowed Logan as he saw the look on Claire’s face. The look of total exhaustion and tiredness. Her eyes told the message of a warrior who didn’t want to fight anymore, but was shackled down from the refusal of her husband.
“Let me go, Logan.”
Claire’s weakly, soft voice pleaded with him.
“I can’t do this alone.” Logan struggled to release his words.
“You will never be alone. I will always be with you.”
Logan couldn’t say anything, but nod in acceptance.
The heartbeat monitor began to slow and though he was not dying. Logan’s life flashed before his eyes as he heard the final Eleven beats from Claire’s heart. She looked at her husband’s weathered face one last time.
“Good bye, Logan”.
11-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
1 Year Ago
“Claire, I know it’s terrifying, but we’ll get through this together. Like we always have.”
Logan provided reassurance as he sat down next to her on the porch.
“You heard what the doctor said. It’s cancer of the heart.”
Claire softly placed her hand on the middle of her chest.
“And? You’re beyond strong. Throughout our whole marriage you’ve never let anything defeat you. This cancer will be no different.”
Claire looked over at Logan. A slight smile took form on her mouth.
“I’m not letting it defeat me. I’m just trying to make peace. We’ve been married for 64 years and every single one of those days has been a blessing. This house, our marriage, our sweet Joanna. I want to remember all of this as a gift.”
“You will.”
Logan looked down at his watch.
“Nurse Anna is about to be here. No matter what you want. I’ll be with you every step.”
The two sat on the porch. Listening to the blowing of the wind.
10-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
7 Years Ago
The summer heat beat down on the roof of the house. Vibrations flew through the panels of the building as Logan continued to swing the hammer. Claire slowly walked around the corner of the house. A cold cup of water sloshing in her hand with every step took.
“You know you’re not a young man anymore, right?”
Claire yelled over the sound of the hammer.
Logan laughed and swung the last nail into place, fixing the loose side board.
“Claire, I’m more capable of doing this work then most of the men nowadays.”
“I’m sure you are, but 80 years of age and the way you’re currently standing on the ladder would beg to differ.”
He looked down at his legs only to see them shaking while placed on the top of the ladder. Surprise fell on his face. He hadn’t noticed till now, but his work was now done so he began to climb down.
When he touched the ground a slight shock flew through his legs, causing him to flinch in pain.
“Don’t say “I told you so”. That was only bad timing.”
Logan insisted, while grabbing hold of the cup of water.
“If that’s what you want to call it. I think we should eat supper before you have another “bad timing” moment.”
Claire laughed as the two strolled towards the front porch.
9-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
9 Years Ago
“Papa James, are you sure this is safe? I’m not scared or anything it’s just, why this hill out of all the other ones?”
A little boy asked.
Logan huffed while pushing an old tire to the top of the hill.
“Because, This is where you’ll get the fastest speed and the most amount of fun.”
Logan said between breaths.
Claire was waiting at the top of the hill when the two of them arrived. Logan dropped the tire and spent a few moments catching his breath while taking in the view. They could see most of their farmland from the hill and the sight of their home never failed to amaze Logan.
He finally stood up and began to prep the tire into position.
“Alright, Tommy. Are you ready for the thrill of a lifetime?”
he asked.
“Yeah. I’m ready.”
“Just don’t try anything stupid like your Papa used to do when he was a kid.”
Claire said with a smirk.
“I won’t Grammy.”
Tommy climbed inside the tire and, with some adjustment, fit perfectly in the middle.
“Here we go!”
Logan yelled as he pushed the tire down the hill.
Wind rushed past as the tire rapidly gained speed. Tommy could see the green grass and blue sky blend together like a painting. With each tiny bump the tire received a small boost. As it approached the bottom of the hill. One final bump in the ground sent the tire up into the air.
The airborne journey was only a few seconds, but felt like ages to Tommy. The tire came crashing down into the grassy patch at the bottom of the hill. Its speed began dropping until finally circling into a spiral, bringing an end to the ride.
“Tommy! You alright?”
Logan yelled down the hill.
A victorious little boy came jumping out of the tire. Ecstatic from the adventure he took.
Logan and Claire watched with smiles as their grandson came rushing up the mountain. Ready to go again.
8-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
15 Years Ago
The morning was chilly and beautiful, but no time was wasted observing the beauty. Logan and Claire rushed through the twin doors and quickly made their way to the front desk.
“Hello, where is your delivery room?”
Logan quickly asked.
“Honey, calm down. We’re looking for a Mrs. Joanna Knight. She’s our daughter.”
Claire said calmly.
“Mrs. Knight, she’s currently in room 2. Just go down the hall and through those two doors. She’ll be in the second room on the left.”
The receptionist pointed to the left of the desk at a set of doors near the end of the hallway.
“Thank you.”
Claire said as Logan began to speed walk to the doors.
With the press of a button the doors automatically opened up to a quiet office. Doctors and nurses roamed from room to room while Logan and Claire finally found where Joanna was being kept. A quick twist of the handle opened the door up to a brunette haired woman, sleeping peacefully in bed. A hefty man sat next to the bed and smiled when they walked in.
“Hey Samson. How’s she doing?”
Logan quietly asked.
“She’s doing good. The doctors wanted to let her rest, before they brought Tommy in here.”
“Your first child. This day will be unforgettable. Trust me, we know.”
Claire said.
Samson nodded his head in agreement as he stood up to stretch. Logan and Claire smiled while watching their sleeping daughter. They were eager to meet their grandson.
7-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
22 Years Ago
“Logan, don’t forget the camera.”
Claire asked.
“I knew I left something at home.”
A look of shock took form on Claire’s face, but quickly dissipated as Logan shuffled through the back of their car. He pulled out a small yellow camera and laughed while handing it to her.
“Very funny. Now let’s hurry and find a seat before they’re all taken.”
“It’s our daughter’s wedding, Claire. I’m not a gambling man, but I’m willing to bet she has spots reserved for us.”
“I think she said there’s a fee if you show up late.”
Claire joked.
“Looks like we’re not going then.”
The two laughed as they approached the lakeside pier. Rows of pearly, white chairs had been set up and placed on the grass facing towards the wedding arch. Logan and Claire walked past multiple friends and family members of Samson’s that had already filled most of the chairs. They quickly found their seats that had been saved for them at the very front.
“I’m so happy for Joanna. This is a lovely wedding set-up and such a beautiful location. Reminds me of our wedding.”
Claire mentioned as they sat and waited for it to start.
“The thing I remember most about our wedding is that darn ring we lost. Hopefully Joanna has better luck.”
“If I recall correctly I believe you lost the ring.”
Claire said.
Moments of talking and laughing passed when music suddenly started playing. The gathering of people fell silent as the bride began to walk out. Tears rolled down Claire’s face and Logan sat in quiet as the realization hit. Their little girl was now a beautiful woman.
6-/-/-/-/-/-/-
31 Years Ago
The sounds of cooking and cleaning filled the morning. Claire moved from flipping the pancakes to sweeping the floor and folding clothes. Logan was tying his tie in front of the hallway mirror, but couldn’t help watching in awe as she managed to switch tasks smoothly.
“You sure you don’t need help?”
Logan asked.
“I love you dear, but I have a rhythm going and you have to go to work.”
“That was a polite way of saying absolutely not.”
Claire snickered as she continued her tasks. The sudden sound of footsteps came rushing down the steps of their house. Logan turned to see his daughter rush into the kitchen.
“It smells delicious.”
Joanna said.
“Well I hope so.”
Claire said while passing her a plate.
“When does your class start today?”
“In about an hour and a half.”
Joanna said.
Logan finished fixing up his tie and walked into the kitchen.
“You’re first day of college. You’re mom and I are proud of you, Bug.”
Joanna smiled and ate the last of her breakfast. She handed it to Claire and pulled out her keys.
“Can I go and pick up my friend, Sarah. We have the same classes together.”
Logan looked over at Claire who shook her head in agreement. Joanna excitedly gave them a hug and walked out the front door. Logan and Claire watched their daughter as she drove down their driveway and out of view.
5-/-/-/-/-/-
45 Years Ago
“Joanna, where are you?”
Logan said.
Claire and Joanna hid behind a tree and watched him look around for them. Logan examined the nearby playground and saw no evidence that they were there. He started to walk further through the park, but stopped when he heard the giggle of a little girl.
With a slight look to the right of him, he could see the eye of a girl attempting her best at being sneaky. Logan smiled and started to walk towards the tree.
“I wonder if she’s right here.”
Logan jumped to the back of the tree and quickly grabbed Joanna. A mixture of screaming and laughter erupted from her.
“Daddy, you cheated. Count again.”
Logan laughed and nodded his head. Joanna bolted to a neighboring tree and started to hide. The two smiled as she periodically poked her head out from the tree.
4-/-/-/-/-
50 years Ago
Logan’s hands were shaking while he walked back and forth in front of the nursery. He checked the clock again while he waited. He hardly got scared of anything, but at this moment, he was terrified. Each time the nursery door opened his breath would escape him.
It felt like he had been waiting for centuries, but then the door opened again. A nurse walked in carrying a tiny blanket in her arms. As she set the blanket down to reveal the little baby, Logan froze.
He slowly walked up to the glass and looked down at his daughter. She was only a few minutes old, but was already a master thief that had stolen Logan’s heart. He forced himself to walk back to the room and tell Claire all about their daughter.
3-/-/-/-
62 Years Ago
“Okay, are you ready?”
Logan asked, while covering Claire’s eyes.
“I’m ready.”
Logan slowly removed his hands to reveal a two-story house. Claire’s face fell in shock.
The house had a new coat of red paint and white outlines around the windows. Claire stepped on the front porch and slid her hand on the wood railing surrounding the porch.
There were still parts that needed painting and furniture needed to be brought in, but it was more than Claire ever imagined. The house sat in the middle of an open field that now belonged to the two of them.
“I love all of this.”
Claire exclaimed.
“Well, I figured we need some place to start a life.”
Logan said.
Claire rested her head on Logan’s shoulder while they looked out at the land they now owned.
2-/-/-
65 Years Ago
Logan and Claire looked lovingly into each other’s eyes as the pastor prepared to marry the two. They didn’t have any family members, but their friends filled the chairs and happily watched.
“The rings?”
The pastor asked.
Logan reached into his pocket to pull out the ring, but felt nothing. Claire watched as he checked each of his pockets until finally pulling out his handkerchief.
With a partial straight face, he began to tie it around Claire’s finger.
“I suppose that works.”
The pastor said while holding back laughter.
“I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride.”
The room filled with celebration and laughter as Logan and Claire kissed for the first time as newlyweds. They were ready for their life together.
1-/-
67 Years Ago
Logan had been waiting at the post office long enough for tiredness to kick in. His eyes started to feel heavy, but he quickly woke up from the voice of someone yelling.
“I can get whoever’s next.”
A postal worker called from behind her desk.
Logan made a sigh of relief. The post office was slow today and he was almost ready to leave and come back tomorrow. He made his way to the open desk and sorted his mail in order, while walking to the far end of the room.
When he reached the desk his hand hit the chair next to him, causing the mail to disperse on the ground.
“I’m sorry. Give me just a second.”
Logan said.
He leaned over and picked up the envelopes of mail, having to resort them back in place. After a few seconds, Logan got up and sat in the chair. His eyes met the postal worker and he froze.
Her beauty entrapped Logan. Time felt like it went away, but her sudden gesture towards him brought him back to reality. He handed her the mail and tried to fight that moment of embarrassment.
She began to check each envelope and make sure everything was in place. Logan tried to think of how to start a conversation with her. He looked on her desk and saw a nameplate, but loose papers covered half of it.
In a moment of desperation, Logan said the only thing he knew about her.
“Hello, Claire.”
Claire looked up and slightly smiled before looking back at the envelopes. Logan looked down at his watch and replayed it in his head, over and over again.
“I’ve been sitting here for nearly three minutes and the best I could think of, was randomly greeting her.”
He thought to himself.
Logan sat silently and watched her finish the last of his mail. He started to stand up and leave when she placed the last envelope away, but stopped when she looked up at him as if she was going to speak.
“Hello, Logan.”
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6 comments
I'm sorry I'm late, I had some things to take care of. The story was beautifully written and the pacing was fabulous. You got all the perfect 'beats' if I may, and it was quite clever that you used the word in the heartbeat sense as well as the beats of the story. I could see their whole journey unwind in front of my eyes, and it was perfectly imperfect, and that's what made it so enjoyable to read. Well done. If you have time, I would appreciate some feedback on 'Forget-Me-Not'.
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Hi Jacob! This was really good:) I loved how you started with an emotional relationship and worked it till the beginning! The details were great and I think this was very creative, good job!!!
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Thank you very much, Vimal. It means a lot. Did you write a short story for this past prompt? I don’t see a story on your profile.
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Of course Jacob! My pleasure:) No, i didn't because all my writing skills go into my novel so I haven't had time to write on reedsy:(
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I want to be able to write a full book. That’s the main reason why I’m writing on Reedsy. To get better at writing, I hope. Will you be publishing your novel once you finish it?
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Yeah, same here. I hope so! I'll have to write a chp, edit it and post it on wattpad. its better than writing everything and then editing it.
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