Broken Heart Syndrome

                 

22 April 1950

It is a sunny day in Texas, considering it's the beginning of Spring. I glance through my camera lens at a massive tree sprouting blotches of pink and white flower buds and pressed the button on top of the camera so I could capture this glorious sight. I started walking backwards, crushing the half-dead blades of grass under my shoes.

I looked through my lens again: to see if I could capture the whole tree in a photo; it didn't quite fit, so I took two more steps backwards. As I shuffled to gain my balance my heel caught on something and I tumbled backwards, landing with a thud as my butt connected with the ground. I looked up and saw the most dazzling blue eyes I have ever encountered. She was staring at me now, a scowl evident in her features. And even with the expression of true annoyance on her face: she was still the most appealing woman I had ever laid eyes on.

And that's when she hit me. With a book. But it was not just any book; she hit me with a tattered copy of 'Gone with the Wind'. The spine was already full of creases, suggesting it had been read many times before. I looked at her, humour dancing in my eyes and let out a booming laugh. She gaped at me openmouthed for a few seconds before she let out a strangled laugh of her own. And in that moment I fell in love with the crinkles next to her eyes and the dimples in her cheeks.

I held out my hand and said, "My name is Chase, sorry for bulldozing you." She placed her hand in mine before replying: "I'm Violet, and don't worry about it."

The words she spoke echoed through my now vacant home. I breathed in deeply to steady myself and let out a shaky sigh. I gathered all of my strength and gradually lifted myself out of the faded jade armchair I was perched in. One foot in front of the other I led myself, brittle bones and all, towards the staircase that leads to the attic. I grabbed the railing tightly, my knuckles turning white. I ascended the steps, it takes longer now than it used to; the wooden steps creaked and splintered under my weight; they were just as old and outdated as I was.

Stepping in front of the door I could already smell the distinguished scents of moldy wood and something stale; this was the smell of a room that I had not gone into for two year, not since she left. I grabbed the bronze handle of the attic door with my left hand, pausing for a moment as I studied the gold band wrapped tightly around my ring finger, leaving its impression in my papery thin wrinkled skin.

I pushed the door open; a stream of light revealed dust particles that I had just disturbed. I had to switch the light on as all the windows were boarded up – my idea for make shift weather proofing – every box and piece of old furniture was pale and littered with dust in layers as thick as snow. I staggered to a box marked 'Violet's Books' and hesitantly opened the box. Dust tickling my nose as it flew around the room. I dug around the box until I found the book I was looking for; 'Gone with the Wind'. I pulled a sheet off of a chair and sat down, hearing the popping and creaking of my bones and joints as the sound ricocheted off the walls.

I ran my hands over the faded cover of the book; the title now illegible. I opened the book to the first page, in the top left corner was an impression of her lips, left there in melon pink lipstick, underneath in her handwriting was written,

"Dear Chase, I give you this book as a token of our love. This is my favourite book and I expect you to cherish it, like you would cherish me.

Love Vi.

P.S Never forget that I will live in your heart. Forever."

20 December 1952

I hold her close as we walk the chilly streets of Texas; I glanced down at her every now and then, taking in the serenity on her face. Her dimples show as she has that slight smile on her face that I love dearly. And her cheeks are painted rosy due to the harsh icy wind. And in my entire life I can say that I have never been more in love. I place a single kiss on the side of her head and continue walking. This is the moment that I know in my heart; I want to be with her for the rest of my life.