A Summer Memory

-Part 4-

(Charlie)

I wanted to wake up a little early to make Cat breakfast on her last day here. I didn't know it that night, I wish I did, but she wasn't there. I went to the bar first because it was closest, then their beach house, and finally our spot on the rock. She was nowhere to be found. I headed back, my mind filled with worry, wonder, and hopelessness. I remember sitting on the bed, where she was last night. "Why did she leave?" I asked myself over and over. I stared off into space but that's when I noticed it. It was a folded up piece of paper sticking out of her sketchbook. Cat would never leave that there by accident so it must have been for me to find. I first took the note, seeing her handwriting.

Dear Charlie,

The past week has been amazing. I'm not sure why God gave me such a wonderful gift if He was just going to take it away. I write this to you as I sit here on the beach watching you surf. I hope that, despite my leaving, you will follow your dreams and become a professional surfer. Knowing you're following your own dreams will continue in inspiring me in following mine. I was offered a huge internship position for my art. I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you, but I knew I couldn't. Otherwise, I would've stayed after college. I know that these memories we've made will never fade, but I ask that you forget about me so that you can focus on yourself. In all, I will miss you and the newfound memories we have made. I hope I will get an opportunity to come back to you at some point, but the last thing I want is to make you wait for me, I know that isn't fair. And, sadly, I don't know when I'll be coming back. The art industry is unpredictable and I didn't want to make false promises. Follow your dreams, Charlie.

Best wishes, Catherine

I was speechless. If she was here, I'd just sit there in her presence, not knowing what to say, staring at her. She probably wanted to avoid that. The first thing that came to mind though was why? Why did she lie to me? Was I not enough for her to stay? More questions came and went all the typical self-doubt and blame, but I reminded myself that Cat's leaving was inevitable. She had to finish college. I just hoped that she'll come back soon. After all, it was only a week. That's what I kept holding on to, a week. A week with a great, unforgettable girl.

The letter had one of Cat's drawings in it as well. It was of a surfer with a follow your dreams statement to it. She also left her sketchbook for me. I spent hours flipping through the pages of sketches, a few colored. They reminded me of her and the short time we shared together. She was the artist with a big dream who thought so much outside the box. She was logical, smart, and kind.

Besides my dad, Cat was one of the few who wanted and believed in my success, because seeing that aspire made them happy. Other girls I met only liked me because of what I did, or how hot I was. They wanted me for what I did. Cat was completely different and I missed her for that.

We never really dated, so I told myself that I had to get over her because we only met for a week. I convinced my mind over time because if you say something enough times, you'll soon believe it.