To Infinity and Beyond

Rendezvous with the Dead

Mark's POV

I sat at the edge of my bed, as many scattered photos of her were laying on the floor around me. My fingers traced through the face on those pictures and I reminisced how beautiful she looked.

My trembling hands managed to scan every feature that was carved in perfect symmetry; and I silently coveted, if somehow, she could come back to life again.

How I wished, her long lashes resting on her lovely grey eyes could blink one more time;
How I wished if I could see her smile again;
How I wished I could turn back time and make her stop on that un-fateful day.

Today was her death anniversary. Five years ago, shortly after Mia turned two, she left for the heavenly abode, leaving behind a part of her, in my life.

"Dada, you cover the living room, and I will water the ones in the balcony." Mia reasoned, before she swiftly walked out through the glass door.

While we were waiting for Rose and Casper to join us, I kept Mia occupied in helping me water the green houseplants that decorated all the small and big corners of our living space.

All through the year, we grew and cultivated Mia and her mother's favourite daylilies plants in our house. On today's occasion, we took them to the graveyard and planted them around her memorial headstone. The essence was to leave a part of us with her so that she could feel our company through the stamp of time. So that she could find solace in her afterlife.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Mia ran towards the entrance in excitement. As soon as Rose entered the house, Mia hugged her by her big waist.

"Miss Rose! We have been waiting for you."

"Hey, princess. How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Miss? I am not your elementary school teacher anymore. Remember?"

"Yes, but you will always be my favourite Miss, even if I go to many big schools." Rose chuckled at Mia's persistence.

She then turned to me and gave me a playful smile.

"Hey, Fatty! You look big, like huge." I let out a deliberate taunt. Teasing her was my favorite hobby.

"Oh shut up you ass! Never call a girl fat, especially when she is heavily pregnant." She retorted after gesturing at her baby bump.

"Shh... Language Rose. Please stop swearing. We don't want our little champ to learn all this." Casper entered the room as he hugged Rose from behind and gave her a soft peck on her cheek.

"Then tell this idiotic friend of yours to stop reeling me." Rose spat in annoyance, giving me deadly stares, as I gave her a mocking wink.

"Bro, just cut her some slack, ok? You know she is all hormonal, and I am sick of playing referee between the two of you. Behave like adults for once, please." Casper was clearly not at his best today, quite expectedly though. I put both my hands up, gesturing him that I surrendered.

"Sorry, Rose. Truth been told, you look radiant." I complimented her as I took her hand and helped her sit down. Instantly, she gave me an adorable smile.

Rose and Casper had been dating for three years now, and they were soon expecting their first child. As Rose settled on the couch, Casper gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, "babe, I hope you will be fine by yourself for a couple of hours. If you want, I can stay back with you."

"No baby, go ahead. I know today is important for you. I will be fine by myself here."

"Are you sure, Rose?" I asked again, just to ensure she was comfortable.