Whisked Away

Untitled Part 6

Persistent honks and speeding vehicles filled the road. A nearby cafe called Spoons along the sidewalks was attracting the crowd with its chalkboard that read, 'LUNCH HOUR SPECIAL- $7 PER MEAL'. Tanya glanced at the impatient people waiting in line as they incessantly glanced at the time. Tanya headed towards the traffic light and crossed the road. Time held no meaning for her; she didn't know what she was waiting for anymore. When Pete was around, she was always peeking at her watch to see if it was time to knock off so she could race back home into his arms. Now, the only reason why she was wearing her watch was because Pete got it for her as an anniversary gift. It was  a rose gold Cartier watch, similar to the one Pete got for himself; a lovely, matching pair for a lovely matching couple. Walking towards the familiar park, her right hand reached out for her other hand and she clutched her watch tightly, hoping to fill the void of Pete's absence. 

Tanya slowly walked as she took in the sight of familiarity; the place where she used to enjoy coming was now an empty shell held together by memories to painful to reminisce. How long more will it take for this aching pain to sober down? When will I be able to think of  Pete without hurting like I am going to die? When will this weight on my chest go? Tanya stifled a sob and walked on. A cheerful sight greeted her- children were squealing with delight as they scurried around while their parents kept an eye from afar, young lovebirds gazed longingly into each other's eyes and others came to escape the bustling city. It was her against the world; no one knew how much pain she was in and even if it knew, it was doing a darn good job at hiding it. She slowly walked towards a bench secluded behind a huge oak tree and took a seat, remembering how many conversations she had with Pete at the exact same spot. 

"Hey, Tanny," Pete called her, "how about we hold our wedding here?"

"Hmm? Definitely not, without a ring!" Tanya hid her smile.

"Okay, wait." Pete ran off, living a confused Tanya behind. A few minutes later, he came back with a vine twisted round. Cupping her hands with his, Pete declared his informal proposal of undying love to Tanya that day. 

"My dearest Tanya," He got on one knee, " this might not be the type of proposal you have envisioned but lets just get on with it because the sand particles are hurting my knees."

"Pete!" Tanya giggled.e

"Tanya, you are the woman I have always wanted to spend the rest of my life with. You make me a different and a better person and you complete me. I may not always have been the best man for you but I promise to love you with all my heart till the day I die. Thank you for loving the hand-COUGH!-some  man that I am. Difficult times will cross our paths but I will do so with you and protect you no matter what. Will you marry me?"

Tanya's eyes welled up with tears as she nodded her head. Pete slid the circled vine into her finger and as he enveloped her into a loving hug, a delighted Tanya molded onto his body perfectly. 

"Tanya, is that you?" Abruptly interrupted from her delightful memories, Tanya glanced up.

"Oh, hi, Derek," Tanya replied, "yes it is."

"Are you okay? You haven't been in the office for weeks and you look awful."

"Wow, thanks."

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way..."

"It's fine."

"Well, I guess... I'll see you around?"

"Yeah."

"Bye."

"Bye."

As Derek disappeared into the distance, Tanya got up and followed the trail of memories Pete left behind. Each spot in the park reminded her of him and no matter how hard she tried, she could not bring herself to stop thinking about him. Visiting the park was harder than she thought; she wasn't ready to face the fact that Pete would no longer be there with her to walk down the park again. And acceptance slammed her hard in her stomach. As she took lonely steps, tears rolled down her cheeks.