Thє ℒαst Eɳтry (A Short Story) [PRIZE WINNING & PUBLISHED]

Chapter Four: My Regret

I pulled my eyes away from the writing scrawled over the page.

I had so many questions. What did he mean?

My eyes widened as I realised that I, of all people knew all too well. Staring at my newly polished shoes, I let the memory coil its tentacles around me.

***

He and Rose had glided across the polished wooden floor to an old love song, effortlessly spinning around as if they were seamlessly connected.

The years had melted from his face and his bright brown eyes shone. Their faces were pink with delight and exhilaration.

However, I could only feel my own face turn crimson from both jealousy and embarrassment.

It was absolutely absurd - how could my uncle be so shameless?

Ignoring all the strange stares and disapproving glares, he had spun my bride around with ease. I remember how the sweet sound of Rose's tinkling laughter soon filled the entire room. Uncle had looked so happy...so content.

But I did not even let him have that single moment of happiness.

It was then that I saw him - a drowned young man.

A man who had tried so hard, despite knowing deep in his heart, he had not a hope in the world.

A man who had become tethered with invisible shackles and chains, yet believed resolutely in his fated place and his fruitless future.

A man who had loved and lost.

A man who yearned to be understood.

But I did not want to understand.

As soon as the record came to an end, I pulled her away quickly. I had watched his face fall, devastated.

But I did not care.

***

I gave myself a shake, trying to dismiss the discomfort and misery that had enveloped me. Looking back up, I found myself still in the dark room - this time, alone.

Something gripped my heart, refusing to release its hold. Was it guilt? I gulped, the lump in my throat getting bigger. With my emotions in turmoil, I turned the page...

...but it was blank.

Warm tears began to form in my eyes, blurring my vision, and with it came an indescribable sorrow that overwhelmed me. Something that could only be described as regret had me in its cruel clutches.

That was his last entry.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜ

I dedicated this part to  tainted-soul to thank her for dedicating a chapter of her novel "Protective of Her" to me. I wanted to thank her but had no idea how other than well, dedicating one to her :) If you have the time, please check out her works. I know that she would really appreciate it.