Forever In My Heart

Epilogue

It has been almost three months since Taevy passed away. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. Every day felt hard to get by without her here. Like my family and friends had promised me, they were there to help me cope with everything. Mr and Mrs Michael ended up moving away. I was disappointed when they went, but they said that the memories of living in the house were too painful. I promised them I would come visit them whenever I can.

I visit our tree every day. I like sitting on it and remembering everything that has happened over the years. I still wonder what it would be like if Taevy was still here or if she had never had the heart condition. I imagine her all the time walking down the aisle, wearing the most amazing dress ever. Thinking of all the things we could have done with our lives. I even like to picture what our children might look like.

I sat in the tree for awhile before climbing down and heading to 7/11 to get myself a Slurpee. Going there wasn’t the same and it felt lonely going there. The guy who owns the store asked me what happened to her, and I told him. He has known us for so long so I guess it was okay to tell him.

I grabbed a large clear plastic cup and filled it with all four colours, just like Taevy and I always do. I grabbed a lid and straw. Just as I turned, I bumped into someone behind me.

“I’m so sorry,” I apologised. “I didn’t see you.”

The girl just smiled at me. She pushed the fringe of her pale blonde hair away from her face, revealing her bright blue eyes. “It’s okay. There was no harm done.”

I smiled. I walked past her and went to pay for my Slurpee. I kept sneaking a few glances at the girl while I waited for my change. I wasn’t really sure if I should even be sneaking glances at her. I haven’t looked at another girl since Taevy passed away.

I walked out of the store, but then stopped, turning back to the girl. I saw her walking over to the counter to pay for her Slurpee where she had raspberry and cola mixed together. She was pretty and I kept wondering if I should ask her out. But Taevy was sitting at the back of my mind and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave her behind and start dating someone else.

I put my hand over my heart where Taevy’s name sat. Her words I will be in your heart forever echoed in my head. I knew she would be in my heart forever and I knew she wanted me to be happy now that she was no longer here. She wanted me to carry on with my life and not give it up for her. I guess there was no shame in asking this girl out and see who I will end up with later. My heart still ached without Taevy by my side, but maybe being with someone else will help me.

She started walking towards the exit and I walked over to her, trying not to feel so nervous. It has been awhile since the last time I asked someone out.

“Hey, my name’s Liam,” I introduced myself.

The girl smiled. She stuck out her hand for me to shake. “Anna.”

I shook her hand. Once I shook it, I slipped my hand in the pocket of my jeans, feeling a bit shy about asking her out. “I-I was wondering if you would like to go out with me some time.”

“Sure, I would love that. Let me give you my number.”

I took out my phone and punch in the numbers as she told me what it was. Anna said goodbye and then walked away. I smiled as she walked away.