Weeping Willow

I sat high in the tree, leaning against the strong trunk. I closed my eyes and reveled in the serenity of nature. It brought me a peace that had been lacking ever since he’d left me, three months ago. Was it pathetic that I was still deeply in love with him—that not even an ounce of my love had abated?1

Caden Hasley had been the rock in my life for so long. We’d met in school, become best friends, and he had always been there for me. I’d fallen in love with him while he’d remained unaffected. Maybe that was why it hurt so much, his sudden leaving, with no word of goodbye. I woke up one day and he…just wasn’t there.2

I hadn’t seen him since.3

I rubbed at the horrendous ache in my chest. I’d been walking around with an invisible, gaping hole through my heart, and no one seemed to see it. No one seemed to care. 4

“Monica.”5

Startled, I screamed at the sound of my name and lost my balance. I wobbled back and forth for a moment before, as if in slow motion, I fell from the limb. My hand shot out reflexively and took hold of a branch. Somehow, I managed to hold on to it, the action nearly wrenching my arm from its socket. I clung to the tree desperately.6

I dazedly heard harsh swearing beneath me, and I looked down. Panic burned in me...the ground was so far away. 7

But my thoughts screeched to a halt as recognition kicked in.8

“No…” I whispered, numb. “It can’t be…”9

Caden. It was him. I would recognize his tall, magnificent form anywhere. He looked like Apollo, with his bright blond hair, tanned skin, and overwhelming beauty. 10

“Let go of the branch, Monica,” he said. His worried face stared up at mine. “I’ll catch you.”11

I laughed wryly. “You expect me to trust you? After everything that’s happened?” My heart pounded wildly. Happiness bubbled from inside of me and covered my skin in a warm glow—but despair and loneliness also ate me like acid. 12

“I can explain.”13

“Yeah, I bet you can!” My hold was starting to slip. “Why did you leave me, Caden? You knew what would happen to me.”14

“Monica, I never forgot about you, but for God’s sake, let go!”15

Hope was the worst kind of torture, but there it was, blooming inside of me. Tired of holding on—to everything—I released the branch.16

He didn’t catch me. Instead, I crashed into him and we both fell to the ground.17

His arms closed around me and I sighed. Being held by him was like coming home after a long war. 18

“I love you,” I whispered. “I always have.”19

His hold tightened, and for the first time since my parent’s died, I felt cherished.20

“I know.” His deep voice trembled. “I love you too, but your future is so bright. You’re going to college, and I couldn’t hold you back from that. I don’t have the money or the grades to go. But I’m weak. Selfish. I couldn’t bear being away—”21

I kissed him, and everything suddenly was...okay. The darkness I’d been stuck in was wiped away as I drowned in the pureness of him. My heart fluttering, I felt him smile against my lips and return my kiss. He loved me. It was all that mattered.