Spring had fully arrived, breathing life into the world around them. The snow had melted, revealing the vibrant greens of grass and the delicate blossoms that adorned the trees. Vivienne, Dylan, and William had decided to take a day off from their responsibilities to celebrate Althea's memory in a way that reflected the beauty of life she had always cherished.
They gathered at a local community garden, a place Althea had loved. It was filled with blooming flowers, lush plants, and the cheerful buzz of bees flitting from blossom to blossom. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the garden, and Vivienne felt a sense of peace settle in her heart.
"Let's plant something in her memory," Vivienne suggested as they walked through the vibrant paths, taking in the colors and scents surrounding them.
Dylan nodded enthusiastically. "What if we plant a tree? It can symbolize growth and new beginnings."
William's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! Althea always talked about wanting a garden of her own someday."
They made their way to a section of the garden where trees were available for planting. After a brief discussion with the gardener, they settled on a small cherry blossom tree—a beautiful reminder of Althea's vibrant spirit and the beauty she had brought into their lives.
With shovels in hand, they began to dig the hole for the tree. Laughter filled the air as they playfully bantered back and forth, reminiscing about Althea's quirks and the moments they had shared.
"Remember the time Althea tried to cook that fancy dinner for us?" Vivienne giggled, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "She ended up burning the pasta and we had to order pizza instead!"
Dylan laughed, shaking his head. "And she was so determined! She kept insisting it was going to be gourmet. I can still hear her saying, 'Trust me, it'll be delicious!'"
William joined in, a grin spreading across his face. "And then she made us eat her 'masterpiece' anyway. I can't believe we actually did!"
As they dug, the sun warmed their backs, and they felt a sense of connection to each other and to Althea. With each shovelful of dirt, they felt the weight of their grief lift, replaced by memories that brought them joy.
Once the hole was ready, they carefully planted the cherry blossom tree, its delicate branches swaying gently in the breeze. They stepped back to admire their handiwork, and Vivienne placed her hand on the trunk, feeling its solidity beneath her fingertips.
"This tree will grow strong and beautiful, just like Althea's spirit," she said softly, a tear rolling down her cheek. "And every spring, it will remind us of her."
Dylan wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "And we'll come back to visit it every year. It'll be our little tradition."
As they stepped back, William pulled out a small box he had brought along. "I have something for the tree," he said, opening it to reveal a small, hand-painted sign. It read: "In Loving Memory of Althea, a Blossoming Spirit."
With careful hands, they attached the sign to the tree, a permanent reminder of their friend and the love they shared. The three of them stood together, taking in the sight of the tree and the sign, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over them.
"Let's make a promise," Vivienne said, her voice steady. "Every spring, we'll come back here, and we'll celebrate Althea's life. We'll tell stories, share laughter, and remember her together."
"Agreed," Dylan and William chimed in, their voices filled with sincerity.
As they sat beneath the newly planted tree, surrounded by the beauty of the garden, they shared a simple picnic. They laughed, reminisced, and even enjoyed a few of Althea's favorite snacks—chocolate-covered strawberries and homemade cookies. Each bite was filled with sweetness, a reminder of the joy she had brought into their lives.
In that moment, under the cherry blossom tree, Vivienne felt a sense of hope blossom within her. Life would always have its challenges, but it was also filled with beauty, love, and the memories of those who had touched their hearts.
As they finished their picnic, Dylan reached for Vivienne's hand. "Thank you for today. This was... special."
Vivienne smiled, squeezing his hand in return. "I'm glad we did this together. Althea would have loved it."
The sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the garden. They lingered a little longer, enjoying the peaceful ambiance, sharing stories of Althea, and laughing until their stomachs hurt.
As they prepared to leave, Vivienne looked back at the cherry blossom tree, its branches swaying gently in the evening breeze. She felt a sense of closure, knowing that while Althea was no longer with them, her spirit would forever live on in their hearts—and in the garden they had nurtured together.
With the promise of new beginnings and the memories of a beautiful friendship, they walked away, ready to embrace life's journey with hope and love, knowing that Althea would always be a part of their story.
YOU ARE READING
Breaking The Silence
Thơ ca"Breaking the Silence" follows the intertwined lives of four friends - Vivienne, Althea, William, and Dylan. Each grappling with their own mental health challenges. As they navigate the complexities of life, they find solace in their friendship, sha...
