Heart Treasures

It was early spring. The weather was warm and pleasant. The birds were singing and the fresh green leaves were stirring. The clouds were shifting into different shapes, painting the light blue sky in a beautiful scenery. People were working hard on the fields, taking care of their horses and farms, others looking after their children, and some hanging out with their closest people. 

  There were people like Coleen though, once that were spending their day resting indoors. Coleen was laying in her cozy bed, relaxing as the heated breeze invaded her room, filling it with a scent of soft and moist earth. For once she wasn't in a hurry, because she didn't have any responsibilities, like helping the elderly or taking care of animals. Even so, she chose to get up and have breakfast. 

  As she was going down the stairs, she bumped into her favourite fluffy ball, her cat Paula. Paula rubbed herself on her owner's legs, requesting her daily portion of food. Coleen smiled at her, kneeling to pat her head to reassure her that she will fulfil her wishes. She paced around the room slowly, going towards the kitchen. Once she entered, she went straight to the bottom cabinets, opening the one with all the cat food. She reached inside and took out a can, putting it on the counter as she stood up. 

  Coleen went towards Paula's cat bowl, inserting the little meaty bits into it. Paula happily shuffled towards the bowl, not wasting any time and diving towards the food. Coleen noticed her purring, wiggling her tail back and forth, eating as if someone was going to steal her food. Coleen chuckled, shaking her head lightly at disbelief of how hungry her cat was. 

  She decided to have some cereal and a nice cup of coffee. She prepared her breakfast and set it down on the table. Coleen was eating her cereal slowly, while looking out the window, enjoying the beautiful view. She saw many people on the streets, some of which she knows personally. As she was watching them all do their daily jobs, she thought about her activities and what she could do in her free time today. Suddenly, she remembered that she hasn't cleaned the attic in a while, so she decided on doing so. 

  She entered the attic and froze at the mess in front of her. It really has been a few years since she tidied it. Coleen immediately got to work, as she started from one corner to another. In different places of the floor she piled things like her favourite things from her youthful days, things that need to be thrown out and things that she's sure she'll keep. 

  In the first pile she found many things that made her heart clench at the happy memories. She found objects like books, music disks of her favourite artists at the time, her drawings from 7th grade and many more. She also found some of her parent's objects, like her father's watch and mother's jewellery. She smiled at the memories of her parents. She really missed them, and would give anything to have them back. 

  As she continued to shuffle through boxes and bags, she found her favourite jacket from high school. She cradled it in her arms, pleased to have found it in good condition. All the funny and wonderful memories started flooding back.

  She went back into 7th grade, remembering how she had just gotten the jacket for Christmas. As she tried it on her family gave her many compliments, telling her how well it suited her and how pretty she looked. Coleen remembered the bright smile she wore as her classmates told her how beautiful she looked, how she should become a model and how she would live a rich and successful life. She loved all the memories that led to this jacket, as how her closest friends would try it on and joke around with it. 

  Coleen smiled, her heart warming up more with every memory she remembered. She checked the pockets unknowingly and found an old polaroid picture. The second she looked at the girl in it, she froze. Coleen recognised the person as her childhood best friend, Maggie. They've known each other for 14 years, but sadly they parted ways. Maggie was a person who Coleen could rely on, a person she told all her secrets to and laughed with. They were inseparable, or at least Coleen thought they were.

    It was after they graduated when they stopped talking. She had tried reaching her, but she would never reply to her texts and calls. Coleen thought that she had finally moved to another country or continent and that she had finally gotten accepted into her dream job. But just to be sure, she went to her parent's house that was a few hours away. 

  Her parents lived in the countryside, taking care of the farm. When she arrived, she expected them to be happy and cheerful to see her daughter's best friend again, but they greeted her with sorrowful words. They had informed Coleen that Maggie, her closest friend, had been in a car accident, and had passed away a few days ago. 

  Coleen couldn't believe her ears. She froze in place and felt her cheeks getting wet due to the fresh tears that ran down. She brought her palms to her mouth, covering it as she knelt down to the ground. For several days she stayed at Maggie's parents' house to keep them company. She would tell them of all the moments they've had together, crying and laughing.

  As all the memories of Maggie came back, Coleen felt very lonely. It's been many years since the last time she's seen her best friend, and she missed her lots. Coleen smiled softly at all the unforgettable moments they've had, unaware of the tears that were creeping up her eyes. She held the polaroid in her hands, bringing it towards her chest and holding it there, while she shed happy tears.