The Rose That Never Withered (Wattys 2017)

‡Chapter 3 - Young Master ‡

"I recognized you instantly. All of our lives flashed through my mind in a split second. I felt a pull so strongly towards you that I almost couldn't stop it." - J. Sterling, In My Dreams

As I held the package between my hands, the first thing I noticed was that it was average sized and fairly light.

A book maybe?

Holding the starting point of the knot, I pulled on the knot and took the ribbon off. I wanted to save the paper for myself, so I carefully held each side and slowly unveiled the item inside.

I was right, it was a book.I scanned the front and the title read, "Frey' Monstratosei".

What language is this?

I flipped the first page. Written on it was someone's letter, thankfully it was in English, as was the rest of the book. It didn't have any name in it, but I doubt it could be anybody but Dianne, I mean, she was the one that gave me the book right?

To my dear Elizabeth,

May this book feed your imagination. Explore new heights. Listen to your heart. Relive your memories as if it was yesterday. Spend every moment as if it was your last. I will be here, just like before.

I will love you, forever and always.

Somehow, the thought of losing Dianne had brought me to tears. Although it is the truth, it never crossed my mind. We all have to die at some point right?

I wiped my tears with my nightgown. That's odd, I don't remember changing last night. I discarded the thought. Dianne must have simply changed it while I was asleep.

I flipped it to the next page of the book, to what looked like the Table of Contents.

This book concerned monsters, the creatures of the night. Legends hunted the manor of such creatures, but I never paid any attention to it, finding several tasks a better activity than listening to children's stories, though secretly, I liked listening to them and imagining what it would be like to meet one.

These creatures haunt your children's imagination. They go bump at night and keep your children awake till sunrise. She really knows me to know which books I opt to read. I fancy those kind of books that spark up my interest and keeps me at the edge of my seat with every single word. I have a feeling I can't put down this book even if I wanted to!

I gripped the book in between my hands; enjoying the smooth surface of the item. There's a specific smell of books that I find almost addicting. It was like an earthy, cinnamon, mixture.

Where did she get the money to buy this book? Books were some of the privileges given only to the elite. Did she save up for this book? There you go again Eli, you're crying again! Dianne why did- Why would she spend her money on me? Lots and lots of those sloppy, wet kisses are needed later.

I carefully placed the book on the wooden table situated on the left side of my bed, careful to avoid any damage. I heaved a heavy sigh.

It was a happy one; happy that I had someone like Dianne to take care of me all these years.

After opening the package, I went downstairs to the kitchen as instructed. I opened the door, finding Dianne seated on a chair at the island, in the middle of the kitchen, having her daily cup of coffee. It was still too early for work and Dianne loves her coffee like religion.

She saw me coming towards her with light steps and casually places her cup on the table top "Is it to your liking?" she beamed.

She was asking about the book.