The Day
- Oct 10, 2017
- 4 min read
It’s finally today, the day I get to meet her again. It has been so long since I last saw her. The last time we met, we couldn’t talk that much. It was raining heavily that day and I didn’t want to bother her about my visit so after a bit, I left, but today is different. I promise to stay the whole day, to talk to her and spend time with her.
Today, I woke up early to get ready for our meeting. I wore my best clothes; the clothes she gave me on my 17th birthday and the shoes she loved so much. I went to a flower shop to get her some flowers.
As I entered the shop, the florist greeted me.
“Oh, Ian, what brings you here today?” She asked as she arranged a bouquet.
“Good Morning, ma’am.” I greeted as I looked around, “I came to buy a bouquet.”
“For who?” She asked as she wiped her hands, “I just got newly cut tulips, roses and a lot more.”
“It’s for her.” I said as I got a red carnation, “It is today after all.”
Giving me a small smile, she replied, “You must really need them now.”
“Yes.” I answered.
“Well, I will be right back then.” She replied.
Giving her a wave, I looked around. It was the same as usual, the flower shop that we used to go to. The shop was where she used to play around in. This was also the same shop we first met. She was always a shy girl, always hiding behind her mother’s back. She would always peek out of her back before hiding once more after making eye contact. She was a sweet girl, she was gave me support and comfort, she truly was my everything.
“You looked like you remembered something nostalgic, Ian.” The florist called as she held out a bouquet.
“I did.” I said as I closed my eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers, “This is a very special place for her.”
“Here you go, then.” She handed the bouquet, “You wouldn’t want Leah to wait for you, right?”
Giving her the money, I left the shop. I rushed to the fields where we used to play, the place where she usually stayed, and the place where we usually met. I got to the fields, feeling a slight breeze. The vibrant green of the fields, the bright colors of the flowers and in the middle, the great big oak tree, where we used to hang out.
“I’m sorry I’m late. You’ve been here for a while now, I guess.” I said as I got to the tree, “Are you still angry about before?”
I sat down by the oak tree, holding onto the bouquet. I hummed a tone, the song that she loved. I looked up the tree, seeing the birds chirp happily.
“Do you still remember the day we tried to climb this tree?” I asked as I reminisced, “I fell from the tree when I tried to help you, I broke my arms from the fall. Do you remember how you thought I was dying and that you cried so much?”
“It was painful but seeing you cry made it more. I tried to comfort you while my mom called the ambulance.” I slowly got up, “Do you remember the flower I gave you?”
“It was a red carnation.” I said as I got a carnation from the bouquet, “Do you know what it means in the language of flowers?”
“It means that my heart aches for you.” I smiled, “I have all your favorite flowers here, do you want to know what they mean?”
“Yellow Tulips means sunshine, Violets mean modesty and faithfulness, Yellow Poppy means wealth and success, and Yellow Roses means friendship.” I said as I laughed, “You did love the color yellow, it was a bright color like your personality, Your smiles were contagious as well as your laugh, you were always happy. I couldn’t seem to get used to your smiles. It was too much.”
I slowly placed the bouquet onto the grass, a smile formed on my face. I sat down and talked about our childhood. By the time I was finished, it was already sun down.
“Leah, I’m sorry.” I said as I got up, “I couldn’t be with you on your birthday. I hope you would forgive me someday. Even if it was just for a bit.”
“I brought something for you,” I said as I got two more flowers, “It’s a dark crimson rose and cyclamen.”
A tear strayed from my eyes as a bittersweet smile slowly formed, “They mean mourning and…goodbye. It’s been 2 years. I am now 19 years old and you’re turning 18 today. Yet, this agony never changes, I’m sorry…I’m really sorry. I couldn’t save you. I didn’t see through your smiles. What friend am I to let his best friend fade into the brink of death? It’s my fault, if only I could turn back time to the day you were still here. I didn’t know about anything, I was foolish and ignorant to your pain, now you’re gone.”
“You must have suffered so much to result to suicide,” I answered, “Leah…may you rest in peace, and be in the land of the free.”
I placed the flowers on the grass by a tombstone under the tree. I looked down onto the stone, a sharp pain piercing my heart.
“A loving daughter, a caring sister, and a generous best friend, May your soul find eternal happiness and freedom wherever you are now.”
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