The Willow Tree

Chapter 3 (Final)

The doctor told us the report she had gained lung cancer. Because it has been going unnoticed and she hasn't gotten treatment for it, she will she had only got 4 more months left to live.

They tried to give her as much treatment as possible to help her, but it wouldn't work. She spent most of her time in a hospital instead of spending time at home with me. To make her feel better, I'd read her all the books she had given to me under the Willow Tree, I gave her my walkman so she can listen to the music we both fell in love with. I would spend nights with her at the hospital to help her pass the time, anything to help her to forget the pain.

After 4 long months of useless treatment, the cancer was still in her system and she had only got 2 weeks left to live. Most people would cry and be scared in Heather's situation. But not her. Not my girl. She took it like a champ, still making smartass jokes and laughing around like nothing was wrong with her. When I look at her i dont feel sad, I feel proud that Heather was my wife.

As a last wish I took her back home. Not back to out home in Arizona, but home home. I took her back go our countryside, to our willow tree. We sat down near the tree and once again reminisced. But this time on our short life together.

I could feel her getting weaker by the second as she tried to squeeze my arm but hurt herself instead. She layed her head on my shoulder and her eyes looked to be heavier. Her breathing had slowed and she tried to talk to me but nothing left her mouth. She began struggling so to calm her down I wrapped my arms around her, rocked her back and forth and to her.

"Hang in Heth, I know you're tired but theres something I want you to see before you go."

It was the sunset. The exact same. The same in every detail on how we first met. Even when night fell it was still as bright as day.

She loved it. Every second. Tears began to drop from her face as she looked up at me in adornment. She leaned up to me and placed a soft kiss onto my lips. I then kissed her forehead and we just held each other. Knowing sooner or later we'll have to let go.

Heather let out a weak laugh and said six words.

"I love you Amb, thank you"

As those words left her mouth a last hiff of air left her mouth and her body went limp in my arms. I cried into her chest. I miss her. I miss my lady so much. But there is nothing I can do.

I weeped into her now cold body under the tree. The willow tree now has a significant meaning.

The Weeping Willow tree

I had her buried underneath the willow tree, I still live in Arizona but I come to the Countryside every year to see her. I put dahlia or her grave, her favourite flower. Sometimes I just sit there next to her grave and think about what we could've been doing right now if she hadn't had gone. But it was bound to happen, and I'm happy with the time that I spent with my Heather.

It's been nearly 30 years now and I am 57. I miss her with all my heart. I'm getting old and I know sooner or later I'm gonna kick the bucket. But that's ok. Because if I do I'll get to see the love of my life again. And that makes me more than happy.

I'm having problems with my organs and I've had numerous operations. In fact I've already signed the paperwork so I can be buried next to Heather.

Now I just sit by her grave and stare at the grave stone.

"Here lies Heather Smith
Loving wife of Amber Smith
We all miss you dearly. May the angels treat you well.

1973 - 2017"

I look up at the sky as I let myself get consumed by my thoughts.

Heather you were my light, and I just want you to know, no matter what, you will always be my light. My world. My soulmate.

The weeping willow tree is where we met.

Where we found each other.

Where our story began.

And now it is where our story ends.