Farewells

The humidity in the air felt like rain, but not a cloud was in sight. The mood was gloomy, but it wasn’t supposed to be that way. Standing on the northbound platform with the wind whipping through his hair, he held her close. The smell of a fresh summer breeze, with a hint of vanilla wafted up to his nose and he inhaled deeply, while hugging her tight.

As the train approached, they stood there unmoving, as if their actions could make time stand still. That bubble of silence—where nothing changed—was broken when he heard her move and a sigh escaped her lips. They had known this day would be coming. They had known it all along.

She looked up at him with those soft brown, doe-like eyes. She smiled a small, sweet smile and gazed at him with compassion. It was the same smile that he loved so much. Closing his own eyes, he captured that look in his memory for all time. Leaning his forehead against hers, he took another deep breath and held it. He imagined that if he breathed, she would float away, never to return.

She finally broke away from his hold. Picking up her bag, she shouldered it and he bent to pick up her other ones. She turned and walked toward the train as he followed close behind. The doors waited there, open and inviting. Turning toward him, she grabbed a bag and he held onto her arm. His eyes spoke volumes about the thoughts and feelings that were churning inside his mind. Her eyes misted over and she closed them, quelling the tears that were rising.

She leaned toward him and kissed him. Words that could barely be heard fell from her lips. “No tears. I don’t want to see any tears. Be strong for me.” He nodded and kissed her mouth one last time. A slow, deep kiss that conveyed his love, affection and appreciation for being given the chance to love and be loved.

She picked up the other bag and boarded. Turning around, she looked at him one last time, gazing at him as the doors slowly slid shut in front of her. Before they closed all the way, he shouted,”I will always love you…that I promise.” She gave him a small wave and mouthed,”I love you too…”

As the train pulled away, he started following the train. A walk broke into a run and finally slowed to a stop, knowing that he could not possibly catch a moving train. Looking up at the sky, a plethora of thoughts flew through his mind. As quickly as they had filled his mind, they were gone. A comforting feeling enveloped him and all at once he knew.

He watched his future roll away down the tracks, knowing that one day it would roll back toward him.

When that time came, he would be ready.