Life Can Do Terrible Things // Ben Bruce

Epilogue. Only Time Can Heal The Pain

~ ONE YEAR LATER ~

BEN P.O.V

Almost a whole year had gone but I didn't want to forget anything that had happened for us. Issy deserved to be remembered, not forgotten. She still lingered around our home. Her pillow still smelled like her shampoo and I occasionally rolled over to face her side and pretend she's still there. Her toothbrush was still in the holder by the sink and her clothes still intact in our wardrobe. It's like she never left.

This was one of the first days in a long time that I had to myself, to gather my thoughts and to be alone. I made my way to the piano downstairs, Issy's piano, and I sat at the bench, indented from where she had sat over the years. I lightly tinkled on the keys, letting my fingers guide me to the right keys to form the chords. My fingers found their way to the melody Issy had composed to go with the song she wrote about her sister. I played it over and over, having flashbacks of every single time we had together. Words spilt from my mouth and I started to sing the words Issy wrote in tune to the piano;

"I dug you up this morning and took you home.
To have you here beside me cold but close,
I made my mind up last night that heaven just can't have you.

I made you breakfast but you would not eat,
So I took your black dress off and washed you clean.
I made my mind up last night that heaven just can't have you.

The sheets are creased from your last day,
A silhouette of where you laid.
They'll find your headstone in the yard with your black dress and my guitar.
I'll carry you back to your grave where you and I will always stay.
I close the casket, it gets dark, they'll find us in each others arms."

This was exactly how I felt about Issy. I sang the rest and I immediately started playing another tune, repetitive, but slow and gut wrenching to play. It was in tune with how I felt, even a year on. I started thinking about the kids and how they feel and I started to sing for them, even though they weren't here;

"By the time I was your age, I'd give anything. To fall in love truly was all I could think. That's when I met your mother, the girl of my dreams. The most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen.

She said; "Boy can I tell you a wonderful thing? I can't help but notice you're staring at me. I know I shouldn't say this but I really believe, I can tell by your eyes that your in love with me.

Now son, I'm only telling you this because life, can do terrible things.

Now most of the time we'd have too much to drink and we'd laugh at the stars and we share everything. Too young to notice and too dumb to care. Our love was a story that couldn't compare.

I said; "Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing? I made you a present with paper and string. Open with care now I'm asking you please. You know that I love you will you marry me?"

Now son, I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things. You'll learn one day, I hope and I pray that God shows you differently.

She said; "Boy can I tell you a terrible thing? It seems that I'm sick and I've only got weeks. Please don't be sad now I really believe, you were the greatest thing that ever happened to me."

Slow, so slow. I fell to the ground on my knees.

So don't fall in love there's just too much to lose. If you're given the choice then I'm begging you chose. To walk away, walk away, don't let her get you. I can't bear to see the same happen to you.

Now son I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things.

I couldn't sing anymore. I just got off the stool, walked to the couch and buried my face into the cushion. I couldn't take this anymore. God should've taken me not her! She was too perfect to go, the world is colourless without Issy. She should still be here with me! I still can't believe she's gone.