Ophelia? (Entered In 2022 Wattys Award)

Are Memories Always Sad?

" You remind me of my first love."
Sammy says.

" It isn't a good memory, I guess."
Shawn continues.

"Yup. Bitter one. He betrayed me. Pretty bad, right?"
She looks gloomy.
"You are thinking about where you fit in here."

He nods.

"We were also close friends like both you and Sandra. You already made her cry today. I don't know when the betrayal may come."
She says softly.

"I will not betray anyone!"
He wanted to say that. But he couldn't; considering the situation, he was in. He was betraying Amelia after all.

"You might be angry at me. I mean who gave me the right to think you the bad guy?"
She continues, "Sorry to say. But you look like one. Funny, easy-going, and handsome but may be cruel enough to stab in the back one day."

"Let me stop you here, Ms. Sammy. You have had a rough experience, no doubt. But it doesn't mean you can go around forming the wrong opinion about people based on that."
He says in a raised tone. His pain is increasing.

" True. But I had to say to you one day.
Sorry for offending you. I am just a protective aunt, I guess."
Sammy says with a sad expression.

"Here are your pain killers. Sorry, I took time."
Sandra comes hastily.

He takes the tablets and mumbles thanks. His eyes are red already.

" You don't look good at all. Stay here and rest. If situations worsen, we will take you to the hospital."
Sammy says worriedly. If her action has severely hurt him, she will never be able to forgive herself.

"Damn it! Why did I hit him like this?"
She thinks.

"No need. I will do it myself. It's okay."
He motions towards the door.

Look. I am sorry, okay? Please don't make me more guilty than I already am."
Sammy requests.

Shawn gives up as he understood they won't listen.
"Okay."

---------------------------------------------------------

Sandra and Sammy reach their destination. Her parents' grave.

Sandra comes out of the car. Some weird feelings crowd in her mind. It's been a long time since she came here.

"Come."
Sammy gently pushes her forward.

It's a short walk. Nervousness is surrounding Sandra.
"Why am I feeling like this? Crazy heart!"
She scolds herself.

She takes a turn on the rocky road and stands some distance away from the grave. She takes a heavy breath and starts walking again in a small step.
Finally, she arrives and sits in front of the tombstones.

The stones are standing proudly in glowering sunlight.

The first one says,
Here lies Jonny Fields
(1966-2006)
A person who will always love Tinkerbell and her Mommy.

It's a quote her father wanted to write on his tombstone when he died.
Her Mom told the folks who helped to bury him.

She places the red roses there.
"Hi there, Dad! It's been a long time, right? "
She whispers.
"Did you wait for me? Don't. I feel sad. I talked with you yesterday too. I will do it every day. So, don't wait for me to come here, okay? It's heartbreaking to know you lie here, quietly."
She sighs.
"Are you alright there, Dad?"
She sighs again, suppressing the tear.

Sammy was standing all the time a little far from the grave. She wanted to give Sandra some alone time with her family.

"Mom! Are you okay?"
She looks at the second tombstone.