Remember Me, My Love
#1 of Short Stories
A short and somewhat somber story that had popped into my head. There is no real context or explanation for the situation, but just the thoughts running through one's head in a troublesome moment.
Her words kept buzzing in my brain...the expression, and pain shaking her voice. I could not bear to leave her as I looked into her eyes one last time, her soft coat gently kissed by the cool morning breeze as I prepared to depart for an unknown time. It was 4 years ago that my father had told me " One day you will break your lover's heart, when the duties of the pack call for you..and you will leave behind no legacy other than legendary grief". I was barely out of my pup years then, and hardly understood what he could mean by that. Now...as I walk hesitantly to an uncertain future, leaving her behind, her amber eyes welled with fear...I repeat those words to myself, as if they were some omen I was destined to fulfill. Who would have guessed that I would be on my way to defend our territory...It was not long ago when we were settled in a nice home, planning out space for the pups we were anxious to raise.
No, none of that now. I can hear here still, coughing over her tears. I want to turn around, give her a smile or some gesture that would assure her of my safety, some sign of hope she can hold on to. There's nothing to say, though; I cannot even tell myself such a thing. The canvas pack on my shoulders contains all that I will know of home, for however long I'm away, or survive. A small tin-framed picture of her on our wedding day...a beautiful dress that complimented her rusty-golden fur. There was a small hand towel she had knit for me when she was small as a gift, I always kept it in my chest pocket when I would go away. And then there were other trinkets and such that would remind me of home or serve some small comfort from time to time. The orange of the sunrise is starting to glow softly over the forest path on which I reluctantly walk. She's not standing there anymore...she must have gone inside now. I can only imagine how she feels watching me leave like this; to her I'm certainly gone forever.
I have to stop. The cool earth on the pads of my feet remind me of our walks together. I can't do this, not like this. I need to do something before I leave for good. I rested my pack and rifle against a twisted tree, and scurried quickly to the front door. I could hear her still, muffled sobs from our bedroom. A note under the door would have to do, just something for her to know I came back and did not easily walk away; she had to know I am thinking of her always.
The note read:
" Do not fear the mornings here,
nor the letter you may receive.
I'm always close,
and ever near,
calm as the gentle eve.
Though I may not touch,
your soft coat again,
or hear your happy sighs,
I'll always know,
where my heart remains,
with where my love resides."
Please remember me, my love.