Ageless

Years of a Letter

Time had passed since the creation of the watch, and it had been forgotten. The old trinket was put away in a jewelry box, a bronze treasure of the past surrounded by diamonds and pearls.

"Lilly, you have received a letter from Mr. Copper." A knock on the door had awoken her from her slumber.

She leaped from the satin sheets and rushed to the door, snatching the crisp white paper from a silver tray, almost knocking over the cup of tea and scones which lay next to it.

"Thank you Betty!" She took a seat down at her desk, taking a silver jeweled letter opener to the fine wax seal of the envelope. It popped off with ease leaving residue below the fold.

Lilly,
Winters here are cold without you. It's come to be that I still, with no doubt, love you. I know I've said this before, but Time Fix just isn't the same without you. Spring is coming soon, and the remodels on Time Fix are finished so we have a spare room. I've successfully created a secret experiment and I would like for you to come see, and come be with me once more. We are no longer children, and we are unlikely to appear how we did those many years ago while you were at the private school. I'm curious to see how you've grown, so please, do think about paying a visit to my father and I.
Sincerely, Mr. Copper

She sat back in her chair and stared at the words, mumbling, "he wants me to come.. and he still loves me.."

She falls back to the memories of the year before she had returned home. They were coming to adolescence and their bonds had grown stronger. She eventually caught his attention in a way that she was worth more than his work.

She managed to pull him away from time to time, traveling to the fields outside the city and going for walks. After some time she had gotten accustom to randomly falling asleep with her head on his arm at the work desk.

It was a young and budding romance which was forgotten with her leave. The last time she had heard Wesley's voice he had shouted "I have a reason for you to stay! I love you, so fly back to this garden someday!". He had yelled this while running on the platform, following the window she saw him through and holding her hand until he couldn't keep up.

Of all her life, this memory was treasure to her. Just as of all jewelry, the bronze and steel pocket watch was the only thing she considered priceless.

"I have to go." She smiled to herself, it wasn't like money would be a problem.

She takes out her stationary and runs her fingers down the soft fibers of a while the feather. The tip of the quill dipped into the well and she began to write.

Mr. Copper,
I will accept your offer of visit during the spring. I look forwards to seeing the renovations and whatever it is you've created. I also hypothesize you will look similar to your childish years. My expectation is a slim clockwork boy with big glasses and dusty hair. Once a nerd, always a nerd. Do not reply to this letter with a description of yourself though, nor picture, the next time I see you it should be with my what my own eyes. I should also admit a fact that I have been dodging for the past four years. I am in no doubt utterly and undeniably still in love with you. I pray to soon be in your arms once more, if you'll take me.
Sincerely,
Your Butterfly

She dropped the white feather back into the pit of dark water and blew on the letter. Her hand reached over picking up a blue crystal bottle and with the squeeze of a plush circle the letter had been scented with the smell of fresh Lilly's and morning dew.

She waved the paper in the air a bit before folding it and sliding it into the envelope. A few drops of wax fell onto the crease and a butterfly was stamped in crimson waves.

"In less than a month I'll be back in his arms.." she promised to herself.

The letter was then shipped back to London reply to her love.

The expected date for receiving his next letter soon came around, but none came. Days past, then months of silence. Winter was almost over by the time the next note arrived.

Lilly,
I am sorry to inform you that my father, James Copper, has been murdered. He always got drunk on the day of my mother's death, this time he was drunk in the wrong place at the wrong time. Found dead in an alley. The funeral will be held in April, on the 10th. Please, do come. I know he was a part of your life as well.
Sincerely,
Mr. Copper

She scanned over the hard pressed and scraped, harshly written letter multiple times in agony. Questions filled her mind and sympathy for those who have to live with the dead.

Her reply was simple.

I'm coming.