Writings By Kids:
Writers:
Our Sponsors:
Writings By Adults:
Writers:
|
"Picking Up the Pieces", by Kim Godwin
Copyright © 2000, Age 39
There were no witnesses to the accident. It was a hit and run, she was struck down by a car in the early hours of the morning as she crossed the road. Her young life on this earth ended on the pavement that fall morning. A simple hole was dug in the ground and the body was placed in. There was no funeral; we all said our silent good-byes. The leaves on the trees were turning crimson, and the air was fresh. It's funny how everything around him remained the same, yet his life at this moment was forever changed.
In the days following her death he frequented their favorite places, haunted by memories of her. He thought he could pick up a scent of her that was imprinted in his memory. Family members gathered around to console him, and to try and ease the pain. They were of little comfort. Nothing could replace the hole that was left in his heart. His life seemed meaningless with no sense of direction. He ate very little and slept much too long. In the still of the dark, silent night was when he felt the overwhelming sense of loss. In those quiet hours he reminisced of good times in their life together.
As the days went on, and the last few leaves had fallen from the trees, the pieces of his shattered life were being picked up. The frost in the morning was a sure warning that winter was approaching. He started visiting neighbors again, and playing with the neighborhood dog. His life was simple...walks in the country, hikes in the woods. His appetite was coming back, and the weight he had lost was being put back on. He started hunting once again, bringing home the occasional catch.
Winter was fast approaching, the nights freezing and the cold days chilly. It was going to be a long, hard winter this year, was the conversation around him. There wasn't much to prepare for except a winter coat. He laid by the fire on cold days trying to remain warm and occasionally dozing off. He would then yawn and stretch and wander to the kitchen for a snack and a drink. Occasionally he would walk for miles through dense bush and swampland, in touch with nature and his surroundings. The cows and horses in the neighboring fields seemed to look at him knowing the reason why he walked and hiked alone these days and feeling his loss also.
The days grew colder, and he was very thankful of his winter coat. Darkness approached earlier these days as the heart of winter set in. Warmth seemed to be his only mission these days as the brusque winter air chilled him to the bone. Laziness set in, as it was such an effort to approach the outdoors to below freezing temperature. Security seemed to be by the warmth of the fire.
The long, cold winter days turned to spring as the flowers started peeking their heads above the ground. There was much work to be done. Butterflies were out and about, as well as flies and other pesky insects. In the distance you could hear frogs croaking. These were all sure signs that spring was approaching. Daylight time was extended, as the days grew warmer. Her face was starting to become a faded memory to him as he strained to remember the intricate details of her.
Summer quickly approached, and the outdoors were warm and inviting once again. He took advantage of the hot weather by spending more time outdoors. Fall was approaching much too quickly.
His healing had come full circle with the change of the four seasons. Jack, the cat had lost his twin sister Rose, but had gained a very valuable insight on life. Live for today, for there may never be a tomorow.
Comment on this writing in our Forums!!
| Back to Short Stories by Adults |
|
