Pebbles: A Collection of Short Stories

The Last Leaf

Harper Small stood on the weathered dock of Northport, her heart heavy with the memories that lingered in the crisp autumn air. The small New England town, a tapestry of charm and nostalgia, was beginning its transformation from the sweltering humidity of summer into the enchanting hues of fall. She watched as leaves danced in the breeze, swirling down from their branches in vibrant shades of gold, orange, and crimson. Each gust of wind carried with it a whisper of winter's approach, a reminder that change was inevitable, even in a place that felt so deeply familiar.

As she leaned against the railing, Harper's gaze drifted across the harbor, where boats bobbed gently on the water, their hulls painted with reflections of the surrounding trees. The familiar sounds of the docks—the creaking of wood, the calls of seagulls, and the distant laughter of children—wrapped around her like a warm blanket, anchoring her to the moment. But beneath that comforting facade, a hollow ache resided in her heart, a void left by the loss of Seth.

Harper had lived in Northport her entire life, and the town was woven into her very being. She had once dreamed of leaving for Portland, seeking a life filled with bustling office spaces and city lights, but those dreams had withered along with her hope after Seth's tragic passing five years ago. Leaving Northport now felt like leaving a piece of him behind, as if she would be severing the last ties to the love that had once filled her world with joy.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Harper inhaled the cool, crisp air, feeling the promise of autumn all around her. It was a season of change, yet it brought forth bittersweet memories—of laughter shared, of dreams spoken under starlit skies, and of a love that still lingered in her heart like the scent of fallen leaves.

Harper turned away from the dock, her heart heavy yet resolute as she made her way home. The familiar path was both a comfort and a reminder, each step echoing with memories of Seth. The house they had shared stood at the end of the lane, its weathered shingles and white picket fence embodying the life they had dreamed of together.

Upon entering, the scent of the pine wood and salt air enveloped her, a bittersweet embrace that pulled her deeper into nostalgia. She kicked off her work boots, letting them fall with a soft thud against the floor, and peeled off her worn Red Sox sweatshirt, a relic of the countless evenings spent cheering for their team on the couch. With each garment shed, she felt the weight of the day lift slightly, yet it did little to quell the ache in her heart.

Heading to the kitchen, she rummaged through the fridge, her mind replaying moments with Seth. She settled on a simple sandwich, her hands working automatically as she layered turkey and cheese between two slices of bread. The kitchen was filled with the sounds of quiet, the only noise being the hum of the refrigerator and the rustle of plastic wrap as she prepared her meal.

Once satisfied, Harper made her way to the living room, the flickering light from the television casting a soft glow in the dim space. She sank into the worn couch, its fabric still holding the faint scent of their shared laughter. A reality love show played on the screen, vibrant and chaotic, but Harper's mind drifted far from the scripted drama. She found herself lost in thoughts of Seth—the way his laughter could light up even the dullest day, the way his hands felt in hers, and the promises they had made to each other beneath the vast starry sky.

As the couples on the show navigated their own relationships, Harper couldn't help but compare their scripted happiness to the real, raw love she had known. The contrast felt almost painful; a reminder that no amount of television drama could fill the void Seth had left behind. With a sigh, she set her sandwich aside, her appetite slipping away like the daylight outside.

As she sat in the fading glow of the evening, Harper closed her eyes, allowing memories of Seth to wash over her—his smile, the warmth of his embrace, and the love that had once filled every corner of their small home. In the quiet of the night, she whispered his name, a silent prayer to the past, hoping he could somehow hear her through the veil of time.