I watched the trucks being loaded from afar. I watched her carry her packed bags into their car. She sat down on their front porch and started reading Tolstoy again. Forget the world, forget her parents who must hate me, forget the fact that she’s leaving, forget everything; just don’t forget me Hope, because I know I won’t forget you. I walked up to her, just like the day we met, but this time, I was sure of what I was going to say. I pulled out my notebook, and opened my mouth.
“I won’t forget, the day we met. It’s the only day I don’t regret. Lips are dry, hands are shaking; my heart is yours for the taking. Tongue is tied, I’m terrified. You’ve taught me how to look inside. Breaths are short, knees are weak. My days without you would be so bleak. So never fret, my heart is set. But always remember to never forget.”
She stood up, took three steps towards me and said
“Catchy… I love you.”
“I love you too. Take this black ribbon, and promise me that you won’t forget.
“I promise.”
She leaned in, planted a soft kiss on my lips, and got in the car. And just like that, she was gone.
I knew why she had to leave. I was happy for her. But for some reason, I couldn’t help but feel… bitter. Hope can get you to wish on falling stars. Hope gets you high, and then Hope drops you from that height. Hope makes you feel that there’s something more to life than what you already have, but Hope won’t give you that something. Hope…
Hope hurts.
Seven days. Seven days to see what’s inside my heart. And Hope, if you’re listening, I saw you.
YOU ARE READING
Hope
Short Story'Strange; that was always the word used to describe me. My teachers knew me as the strangely quiet kid in the back. The other children knew me as the strange kid who was always reading. Their parents knew me as the strange child who was always alone...
