Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

Journeys of the Heart

Colin went on a journey with Marie, hoping that new experiences and distant horizons would help him distract himself from thoughts of Penelope. Every morning they set off, exploring new cities and picturesque landscapes. During the day they enjoyed adventures, finding solace in the freedom that travel provided. In the evenings, Colin diligently worked on his journals, trying to capture every detail of his experiences and impressions. His entries were full of passion and honesty, each paragraph reflecting his inner conflicts and torments. Marie, with her editing talents, gladly took on his manuscripts, helping him structure the text and improve his style. She was his support and mentor, but none of these moments could silence his thoughts of Penelope.

At night, when the world was silent, Colin would immerse himself in his fantasies about her again and again. In his dreams, he relived every detail of their passionate encounters, from gentle touches to fiery kisses. Each night he returned to these moments, as if trying to keep them alive in his consciousness. It felt like madness, but he had no other choice.

Initially, he sent drafts of his journals to Penelope. She read them and sometimes responded, discussing his thoughts and impressions with him. It was their little secret, a thread that connected them across the distance. However, over time, Penelope's responses became less frequent. Colin began to feel that he was losing connection with her but didn't want to believe it.

One morning, he received a package. Inside was the pendant he had once given to Penelope. His heart stopped when he recognized it. It was supposed to remind them both of the beautiful moments they had shared.

Marie saw the pendant and, taking it in her hands, remarked, "What a beautiful pendant. Is it agate?"

Colin couldn't speak, his heart shattered. He hadn't thought it could hurt even more, but the fact that Penelope had sent the pendant back was like a knife to the heart. It was a piece of him, something that should have reminded them of their last day together. It meant only one thing—she had given up.

Colin sat in his room, holding the pendant, his thoughts chaotic. He felt his world crumbling around him. This was confirmation of his worst fears—Penelope had decided their love was impossible. He had lost her, and this loss was unbearable.

Marie, watching his suffering, quietly approached and sat beside him. She said nothing, just placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. Her presence was soothing, but it couldn't silence the pain tearing his heart apart.

Colin knew he had to keep living, but how to do it, he couldn't imagine. The only thing he could do now was write. He continued working on his journals, filling the pages with his feelings and thoughts. It was his only outlet now that the part of his soul that belonged to Penelope was lost forever.

Colin immersed himself completely in writing his journals. Every morning, he continued his entries, finding solace in words and expressing his feelings on paper. After some time, his journals began to attract the attention of publishers, and soon he started to publish them. His books, filled with honesty and passion, quickly gained popularity. Readers admired his ability to convey emotions and the atmosphere of the places he described.

Fame came unexpectedly, and his works brought him not only recognition but also a new purpose in life. He was warmly welcomed in different cities, shown the most picturesque places, hoping he would write about them. Colin became a true traveler, his journals turning into guides to countries and continents, capturing the hearts and imaginations of many people.

Three years passed. The pain of losing Penelope gradually dulled, leaving only a slight shadow in his heart. Colin felt happier with each passing day. His books brought him satisfaction and meaning, and his friendship with Marie, which had grown even stronger over the years, gave him confidence and support.

Marie had been by his side throughout these years. She continued to edit his entries, helping to make them even better, and their collaborative work became a symbol of their strong friendship. Colin realized that it was thanks to her that he had found a new path and inner peace. Traveling and writing had become his life, his passion, and his salvation. He discovered new places, met interesting people, and shared his discoveries with the world through his books. Colin felt he had finally found his purpose in life.

One day, as they sat atop a hill, enjoying the view of the bay, Colin reflected on his past. Looking at Marie, he gratefully realized how much she meant to him.

"You know, Marie," he said quietly, "if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to cope with this pain. You helped me find myself, and I'll never forget it."

Marie smiled, her eyes full of warmth and understanding.

"Colin, we've both been through a lot," she replied, her voice soft and warm. "And I'm happy I could be there for you. You've helped me as much as I helped you."

Colin nodded, feeling the weight of the past gradually dissolve.

Marie was his true friend, his travel companion, and the one who had helped him find a new meaning in life. He looked at her smiling face and realized that their friendship was a priceless gift that helped him move forward.

"You know, Marie," he continued after a short pause, "sometimes I think about Penelope and how my life would have turned out if things had been different. But now I understand that these trials made me who I am. And I'm grateful for everything I have now."

Marie extended her hand and gently squeezed his.

"You're right, Colin. It's important to appreciate what we have and find joy in every moment. We live only once, and our task is to make this life as bright and meaningful as possible."

Colin smiled, feeling Marie's words resonate in his heart. He looked at the setting sun, painting the sky in gentle pink and gold tones, and felt his heart fill with gratitude for all he had experienced and for all the people who had been with him on this journey.

Several more months passed. Colin and Marie continued their travels, exploring new places and finding inspiration in every corner of the world. But one day, during another stay in one of the picturesque towns in Italy, they received an unexpected letter.