When Hope Never Dies

Minutes turned into hours, eventually turning into days and months. Their conversations became silent, she hasn't seen his face in so long. This man she loved so deeply, is slowly becoming a stranger. Her heart is still gaping, aching for him just like the day he said goodbye. The pain has not subsided, despite her prayers for relief.

Monday morning, the sun shines through her curtains. The weather is supposed to be warm today and she has been meaning to go on a drive and channel her inspiration for new photographs. She checks her phone again, and starts to dress. Running through the café to grab and iced green tea for an added boost to her mood. She always dreamed he would be next to her on these days. Both in the car looking for the next spot to stop and capture beauty. It was something they always talked about, driving and singing, stealing kisses and making memories. Sighing deeply she drives off.

The first stop is a dirt road, the barns and fields are a definite inspiration. Pulling off she stops and snaps a photo of a horse nursing her foal. Driving along further she spots a family playing catch in their distant front yard. Finding herself now in the small city she captures photographs of the water, swan, a loving older couple on the bench and a delivery man delivering flowers to a lover. Before she knows it her stomach is growling for food, its well past noon, time had slipped away.

She walks to the corner bistro, one she had old memories of many years ago. There was a time when her hopeful heart sat holding hot chocolate for warmth after a winter photoshoot. She will go here, because these were once good memories. Ordering a half sandwich and baked chips, she scrolls through her photos. Even her broken heart can still find beauty and it gives her relief.

She drives home, lost in her thoughts, wondering where he is and what he is doing. Is he happy? She asks herself, hopeful for both a yes and a selfish no. Pulling into the driveway, she no longer feels the ping of loneliness. Once being her fear, now has turned into security and a welcoming familiar. Dropping the camera off at her desk and slipping into her sweatpants, her dogs wait impatiently for her affection on the couch.

There is a knock on her door, she has been settled for some time and debates on whether to get up and answer it or stay silent as if she isn't home. The dogs are barking and dancing at the knock, like its their favorite stuffed animal in a life size form waiting on the other side for them. Reluctantly she gets up, she tip toes to the peep hole that is almost out of reach for her eye. There is nothing there, rolling her eyes she turns on her heel. 'Knock, knock' her eyes grow big, the first set of knocks were faint, this set was defiantly meant to be heard.

Grabbing the handle she turns the door, opening it slowly. She sees the hand of a man, holding some luggage. Her heart leaps into her throat, and the door swings open. He stood there, on the other side of the glass. His eyes were nervous and his clothes looked to be on the second day of wear. His dark hair was messy while his fingers quickly tried to straighten it back into place. A smile takes his lips, a smile of fear and hope both. She stands there staring back at him, in complete disbelief. Did he come for her? Is he here forever or just a night? The wonder fades and excitement takes its place. All she can think about is wrapping her arms around him and kissing all over his face, becoming completely vulnerable again without a second thought.

She reaches to open the glass door separating them from this embrace. The door is locked, it wont open. Shaking the handle with her trembling hands she tries to open it again, it doesn't budge. She feels herself begin to panic, and shakes the door more forcefully, considering breaking it down. His eyes become sad, she exclaims clarity with hers. She yells to him "the door is stuck!" and he turns to leave. "NO! Don't leave! I will get it! Hang on please!". He grabs his things and slowly walks off the step. She slams the door and runs to the backdoor to catch him before the cab takes him away. Her heart is pounding and she can't breathe. Running down the driveway the cab pulls away into the distance. She reaches for her phone to call him and the call is not going through. She feels her knees give out, collapsing onto her rocky dirt road. The rocks digging into her hands and knees compare nothing to the hurt in her heart. "Couldn't he see me? I was standing right there! He looked into my eyes, he has to know I would have never turned him away!" she yells through the tears that are pouring out of her eyes.

Then she wakes...