Tuesday, 11 November 2014

SHORT STORY: Return to Paradise


BY: ELIZA RILEY
     Lisa gazed out over the Caribbean Sea. The place was beautiful beyond belief, but it was still unable to ease the grief she felt as she remembered the last time she had been here. She had married James right here on this spot three years ago to the day. They planned their children to have three which are two girls and a boy. They also decided where they would live, and the travelling they would do together. But that seemed such a long time ago now. Three years to the day and they had returned, but this time for one of its equally popular quickie divorces. Lisa let out a sigh that was filled with pain and regret. The man stood watching her from the edge of the palm trees. Lisa sensed the man approaching even before she turned around. She looked at him and felt the instant spark of connection she had only experienced once before. He walked slowly towards her and they held each other’s gaze. Later, sitting at one of the many bars on the resort, sipping the local cocktails they began to talk.Only later, after the alcohol had had its loosening effect, did the conversation deepen. They talked of why they were here and finally, against her judgement, Lisa opened up about her heartache of the past year and how events had led her back to the place where she had married the only man she believed she could ever love. She told him how she had felt after she had lost her baby.She was six months pregnant. She was staying with her mother as James was working out of town. He had not made it back in time. The doctor had said that they could try again. She hated him for not being there. Looking up, Lisa could see her pain reflected in the man’s eyes. For the first time in months she did not feel alone. She began to believe that maybe she had a future after all and maybe it could be with this man. Lisa stood up and took James by the hand and led him away from the bar towards the beech where they had made their vows to each other three years ago. Tomorrow she would cancel the divorce and tonight they would work on renewing their promises.



No comments:

Post a Comment