Strawberries in the Spring

The old woman sat before the tall window with the lacy curtains pulled gently aside, slowly rocking in a Boston rocker. The house was silent but for the soft creaking of the chair and the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Outside an early February snow was falling gently through the old oaks that surrounded her small house, while inside a coal burning stove kept the air stifling hot. Yet, still she chilled.

Corinthia Willocks, Corrie to her friends and family, was eighty-seven years old. She had outlived most of the friends she had grown up with, lived a full life despite having never married, and made peace with the inevitability of death. She knew what, and who, awaited her on the other side, and while unwilling to speed the process along, she was nonetheless impatient to be there. To be with him as she hadn't been able to in life.

A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth as her mind wandered back many years into the past. She remembered the very first time she'd met Nathan Jasper. She'd been a girl of sixteen, with long, flaming red hair and sparkling green eyes, while he had been a full grown man of twenty-eight. She'd fallen for his dashing, dark good looks almost immediately. Fallen hard. But, of course, he saw only a young girl and while he treated her respectfully, he still treated her like a young girl.

Nathan, who had only recently relocated to the small town of Parkerburg, was already married though few had ever seen his wife. Rumors had abounded as to the reason for her continued absence, the most prevalent being that she was mad and he kept her in the attic of the home he rented off Main Street. However, those who knew the truth would say nothing except that she was “indisposed.” Because of this, Nathan, who was respected and well-liked, was also treated with compassion.

Corrie's mother had died when she was still a child and her father, Howard, had never remarried. He owned a thriving cartage business and had hired Nathan as his operations manager. By the time he was thirty-two, Nathan was her father's full partner, often visiting their home and taking meals with them. All the while, Corrie was growing up and falling deeper in love.

She had her share of suitors and enjoyed the company of many of them, but she remained unable to give them her heart and therefore turned down several offers of marriage. By the time she was twenty-two, she was fast becoming considered “on the shelf.”

She wasn't certain when Nathan's regard for her had changed. It seemed as if one day he still considered her a young girl and the next realized she had become a grown woman. He continued to treat her with friendly consideration, never disrespecting her with untoward attention, yet she often saw warm appreciation, quickly veiled, in his eyes. While it thrilled her it also troubled her, for he was still married. But as time passed, it became obvious to the two of them that their relationship was in danger of becoming something much more. He also fought the attraction, yet it seemed as if fate would continually throw them together.

Everything changed one April day when he came calling for her father, who was not at home, and instead found her picking strawberries in the garden. As was her habit, she would eat the occasional berry as she worked and was unaware that she had failed to wipe all the juice from her mouth. In the midst of their cordial conversation, he had suddenly reached out and gently wiped it from her bottom lip. Instantly they had both frozen, then he had quickly dropped his hand. But his eyes never left hers. For a few moments there was silence between them.

“I should apologize,” he finally whispered, his eyes filled with pain, “but, honest to God, I can't.”

“I wouldn't want you to,” she admitted in response.

“I am married.”

“Yes.”

“I am married,” he repeated, “yet not married.”

She looked at him, confusion in her green eyes.

“I don't understand.”

“My wife, she suffered a stroke while carrying our child. We lost the child and she never regained consciousness.”

He shook his head and looked away for a moment.

“I have investigated places where I could send her, but I couldn't find one with enough compassion and the kind of care I want for her. So I've kept her with me.”

Corrie's heart broke and she had to restrain herself from touching him.

“I'm so sorry, Nathan.”

“Yes.” He looked back at her. “I've resigned myself to a kind of suspended widowhood, I suppose, and been more or less content with how things are.” His expression softened. “But now there's you.”

She could think of nothing to say.

“I've watched you grow up,” he continued. “I've always thought you pretty. But I've only recently seen how beautiful you really are. How warm. How loving.” His gaze became more intent. “How desirable.”

She felt herself blush and looked away, then back at him when he took a half step closer.

“I would court you if I could. I would shower you with gifts.” He paused, his voice becoming a whisper. “I would shower you with my love.”

“But you can't,” she whispered in return, her face reflecting her own pain.

“No.”

Just then they heard her father's voice from inside the house followed by Mildred, the maid, directing him outside. They sprang apart just as he emerged from the back door.

“Ah, there you are, Nathan. I was told you were here and wanted to see me.” He motioned with his hand. “Come inside and we'll talk.”

With a nod and a sad smile, Nathan left the garden and followed her father inside.

Weeks passed and during that time circumstances often brought them together, but always in the presence of others. They were careful to avoid any evidence of the feelings they had for one another; Though sometimes their eyes would meet and for a few brief seconds those feelings would flourish and haunt them for the remainder of the day.

~

In early June there was a wedding of a popular young couple of the community and most of the town had shown up. During the ceremony, Nathan had sat with Corrie and her father in the family pew with Howard between them Even so, they were each overwhelmed with the presence of the other as the bride and groom made promises that they could not. Her father patted her hand with an indulgent smile, believing her tears were for the happy occasion. Never knowing they were in truth tears of heartache and yearning.

Afterward, a reception was held in the church hall and at times so many people crowded in that it was almost shoulder to shoulder. After about an hour, Corrie begged her father to take her home as the heat and noise were combining to give her a growing headache. To her dismay, Howard turned instead to Nathan and asked that he take her, explaining that he had some business-related socializing he had to take advantage of.

Reluctantly, Nathan did as he was asked and after they arrived at Corrie's home, he followed her inside. As Mildred had been given the day off they were, for the first time, truly alone.

After removing her hat and laying it on the entry table, she turned to him with a tremulous smile.

“Thank you for bringing me home, Nathan.”

He nodded, “It was my pleasure.”

For long moments they stared at one another and it seemed the air grew thick around them. Finally, Nathan moved close enough that she could feel the heat emanating from his body and breathe in his subtle masculine scents.

“I want so badly to kiss you,” he whispered, sending her heart racing even harder.

All she could do was nod slowly and whisper in return, “Yes.”

Carefully he cradled her face between his hands and traced her lips with his thumb. Leaning down, he tenderly brushed them with his, pulled far enough away to again meet her eyes, and when she again nodded slightly, swooped in, sealing them firmly with his. Dropping his hands to her shoulders, he felt her arms go about his waist and heard her moan softly against his mouth as she pulled him closer to her. The kiss gentled as his tongue made tender forays, teaching her how sensitive one's mouth could be to such a loving intrusion. Finally, he pulled away and once again his hands cupped her face as he leaned his forehead against hers.

“I must go,” he whispered. “I don't want anyone to think the worst of you should they see how long I've been here.”

Jerkily she nodded and rested her hands against his chest.

“I know.”

Kissing her forehead, he stepped away and reached for the door.

“Will you,” she took a half step after him, “Will you be here for dinner after church tomorrow?”

He paused for a moment before nodding, “Yes.”

She smiled, her lips quivering a bit.

“I will see you then.”

He nodded again then walked out, closing the door gently behind him.

~

Life for them became an ongoing cycle of excruciating hope and pain. It sometimes seemed as if they lived for glimpses of one another only to be feel painful longing when they did at last meet on the street or at Corrie's home when he came for dinner or to visit with her father. They were never completely alone. The weeks and months went by and each tried to live as normally as they could, careful to respect the social boundaries enforced upon them by his marriage. On rare occasions he would seize a brief moment when no one was watching to touch her cheek or squeeze her hand, but never were they given an opportunity to speak their hearts.

In September, Howard decided a celebration was in order to commemorate her twenty-fourth birthday and plans were set in motion for the third Saturday of the month. With less than two weeks to prepare, she often felt overwhelmed with the demands added to her already busy life, but the day finally arrived. That evening she found herself standing before her dressing mirror gazing without really seeing her reflection. The soft yellow gown had been ordered by Howard especially for the occasion. Her hair was upswept in an elegant chignon. Her mother's pearl drops shimmered on her ears while a matching choker encircled her neck. The house would be filled with people. Would she and Nathan have any opportunity for a private moment?

Later, friends and neighbors did, indeed, fill the house. Music flowed from the spinet in the corner of the parlor, played by the church pianist. Hired servants maintained the punch bowl and finger foods on a festive table while in its center a three layer cake festooned with roses and sweet peas was slowly being consumed. On a separate table was a pile of gifts, to be opened later after everyone had gone home.

Corrie and Nathan often saw each other but brief innocuous comments were all they could manage. Finally, later in the evening, she sought to escape an ardent admirer by slipping outside. It was a moon- and cloudless night and there was only starshine to light the far corner of the yard. Breathing in the crisp night air, she felt herself relax for the first time in hours as she sat upon a cement bench.

“You enchant me.”

Gasping, she turned and watched Nathan walk through the shadows.

“Nathan! I didn't hear you come out.”

“No.” He moved closer, stopping a couple of feet from her. “I've wanted to tell you all night how beautiful you are.”

She smiled, “Thank you.”

“I speak only the truth.” He sighed. “I wanted to throttle George Hinton for monopolizing you like that. I wanted the right to do so.”

“I wish you would have.”

He nodded and they stared at one another through the dim light. Then he reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a small box.

“I didn't want to leave it on the table with all the other gifts.”

She took it from him with a trembling hand and held it for a moment before removing the ribbon and lifting the top. Inside, a delicate gold bracelet shimmered with small, perfect pearls.

“Oh, Nathan,” she breathed, “It's lovely!”

Stepping closer, he took the bracelet from the box and put it around her wrist.

“I would it rather have been a ring,” he whispered as he worked the clasp then took her hand between his. “There is so much more that I would give you.”

“There is so much more I would be for you.”

Leaning forward, he turned her hand over and kissed its palm before looking up at her.

“I need time with you. Alone. Just the two of us.”

She could only nod.

“Can you meet me?” he asked. “I have purchased the Morrison property outside of town. There is a spring there, shaded by trees and hidden from the roadway. Would you meet me there?”

Aware of the risks, she nonetheless answered, “Yes.”

“Can you be there Tuesday morning, about ten?”

“Yes.”

He smiled and kissed her palm once again.

“You need to go back inside before anyone sees us.”

Drawing her up he whispered a kiss across her lips and gave her a slight nudge toward the house.

“I'll see you at church in the morning.”

With a smile and an answering squeeze of his hand, she returned inside.

As there was nothing unusual about seeing Corrie out and about on her bicycle, no one thought it strange when she rode out of town Tuesday morning. Forcing herself not to rush, she appeared to be enjoying one of her periodic rides into the countryside with a small sack of food for lunch in the handlebar basket.

She was familiar with the Morrison property, though Nathan had to slip the exact directions to the spring in a note during his Sunday visit. She was at once anticipating their time alone yet apprehensive at the same time. She was well aware of the risks as a girl's reputation was everything, particularly in a small town where one's family was well respected. But she and Nathan had been fighting their attraction for a long time and their feelings could no longer remain hidden from one another.

It was a pleasant Indian summer day, not too warm, not too cool, so her heavy cotton dress was comfortable enough. In the basket, along with the sack, was folded a sweater, just in case. The road was dry and in good shape so the bicycle had no problem passing over its dusty, somewhat gravely surface. Eventually she turned onto the small tract leading off into the field and ten minutes later she arrived at the spring.

Dismounting, she pushed the bicycle along a narrow path between the trees and found Nathan waiting. Beyond the spring, tied to a low hanging branch, a horse grazed peacefully on the grass growing just beyond the shade of the trees. After leaning the bicycle against a tree, she turned to him with a shy smile.

“Hi.”

He smiled in return.

“Did you have any trouble getting away?”

“No. There was nothing pressing and people are used to seeing me ride my bike everywhere.”

He nodded and watched as she stepped closer.

“It's so good to see you,” his voice was low and husky as he held out his arms, closing them tightly about her when she stepped into them. He buried his face in her sweet smelling hair as he felt her arms go about his waist. “I've dreamt of being able to hold you like this.”

“And I've dreamt of being held by you.”

Leaning away, she looked up at him and their eyes met. Smiles lifted their lips seconds before they met in a joyful union, hers open and welcoming as his laid claim to them. Eventually he broke away and pulled her head against his chest where she could feel the quick beating of his heart against her cheek, and they held one another as their breathing slowly returned to normal. Finally pulling away, he took her hand and led her to a blanket that lay spread beside the spring, where water gurgled from beneath a pile of rocks and made a small stream that ran off into the grass of the field. He waited while she gracefully sat, curling her legs demurely to one side, before taking a seat beside her so that they faced one another. Leaning a little forward, he raised one knee and hooked an arm over it as he watched the color bloom on her expressive face. Her eyes were fixed on a blade of grass that she was sifting between two fingers.

“Are you uncomfortable here?” he asked and she nodded.

“Yes, a little.”

“You have nothing to fear, Corrie. You know I would never knowingly hurt you.”

She glanced up at him and smiled briefly, shyly, before resuming her study of the blade of grass.

“I know.”

He waited a bit before taking her hand in his.

“Then tell me what you've done since I saw you Sunday.”

Slowly he drew her out and as she relaxed they spent the next hour sharing the highlights of their days as well as confidences about their interactions with others. She confessed that her father was beginning to pressure her into making a good marriage and how she had no interest in anyone else. Reaching out, he turned her face to him with a forefinger beneath her chin.

“It would kill me to see you with another, but, Corrie, I can't ask you to put your life on hold and wait for me. My wife could live a long time and it isn't right that you deny yourself the happiness you are entitled to.”

She touched his face with gentle fingers.

“But I do not love any of them. I cannot love any of them when my heart belongs to you alone.”

He grasped her hand and kissed her fingers.

“And I love you. I would marry you today, but I can't divorce my wife when she is so dependent upon me for her care. It wouldn't be right because she has no one else. And I can't put her in one of those places that say they would care for her better than I can. If you could see the reality of them you would understand.”

She nodded as she dropped her hand to rest against his chest.

“I understand. I've heard rumors of what they are like. So I will accept the limitations of our relationship as they are and be content with what we can manage. That is far more preferable to me than a marriage to someone I don't love just to satisfy my father.”

Leaning forward he placed a gentle kiss on her lips then ran the backs of his fingers down her cheek.

“You need to be getting back. I will not have suspicions raised against you.”

Standing, he helped her to her feet and she looked up with a worried expression.

“Can we meet again? I want to see you like this, where we can talk freely and be together.”

He smiled sadly.

“I'm not sure that would be wise.”

Stepping closer she laid her hand against his cheek.

“I'm not afraid.”

“Then I will be afraid for you.”

They gazed at each other until he finally sighed and slowly nodded.

“Yes, my love. I will meet you again.”

She smiled and put her arms around him, laying her cheek against his chest.

“When?”

“I will see when I can safely manage to get away and let you know.”

Standing back, she nodded, still smiling.

“Then I will wait to hear from you.”

Leaning down he kissed her lingeringly before taking her hand and leading her to her bicycle. There she lifted the sack from the basket.

“I brought lunch in case I got hungry. It's just a ham sandwich and a pickle.” She held it out to him. “Please take it.”

He accepted it slowly then watched as she reluctantly pushed the bicycle out of the protection of the trees.

“Be careful going back,” she heard him say and looked up at him after mounting the bike.

“You, too.”

He watched until she reached the road then waited a few more minutes before collecting the quilt and riding away in the opposite direction.

They met at the spring twice more but only for an hour or so each time. Their loving was becoming more consuming, but while Corrie didn't fully understand the urgings of her body, Nathan did, and he was determined not to put her at risk. It was becoming harder to hold on to that noble restraint, however. The fact was, he loved her and he wanted to love her in every way.

Eventually it became too cold to meet and they once again suffered the loneliness that came with distance. Until late in October when Howard announced his plan to go out of town for three days on a business trip. As he always did, he asked Nathan to watch over Corrie in his absence and the two began to eagerly look forward to those few minutes each day when he could safely visit without fear of her father walking in on them.

Howard left Monday morning. Shortly after lunch, Corrie met Nathan at the door with a smile of welcome that radiated her joy. After hanging his coat and hat on a convenient coat tree he followed her into the parlor.

“We can relax,” she told him before he could take his seat before the fireplace in the wingback chair, “Mildred has gone to the grocery and won't be back for at least thirty minutes.”

“We're alone?”

She nodded, “Yes,” then took a hesitant step toward him. “Oh, Nathan, I've missed you so much.”

He paused long enough to glance at the window to make sure nothing could be seen from outside then pulled her into his arms. With a groan his lips met hers and he felt her arms go about him as she eagerly responded. Long moments passed until eventually, he released her mouth so that he could drop ardent kisses across her cheek as his hold tightened.

“I've counted every second this morning until I could see you.” Drawing back he smiled as with one hand he caressed the cheek he had just kissed. “I swear you get more beautiful each time I see you.”

Her already pink cheeks darkened further and she laid her head on his chest for a moment before drawing away.

“Oh! Would you like something to drink? Mildred left some apple cider to cool.”

He shook his head, “No. I want to spend every precious moment I have with you.”

With a happy smile, she led him by the hand to the sofa and drew him down beside her. For a few minutes he held her close while occasionally kissing her hand as they talked quietly, sharing their wishes for what could not be. Then they grew silent until Corrie took a deep breath and tightened her hand in his.

“Nathan,” she began as her head nestled against his chest, “Nathan, I'm alone here at night. Mildred goes home and without Father there is only me.” Drawing away she met his eyes directly, though her cheeks were flushing once again. “I want you to come to me, if you can.”

He stilled even as his heart began again to race.

“Corrie, I'm not sure...”

“Please, Nathan. I-I want to spend the night with you. Or-or at least what part I can.”

Staring into her earnest eyes he felt his conviction begin to waver.

“Do you know what you are asking?”

She nodded slowly, “Yes, I think I do.”

“Do you know what making love means?”

“I'm pretty sure I know.” Her gaze never wavered.

He stared at her a moment then swallowed and asked, “Do you realize how dangerous it could be for you?”

“I know it could ruin me if anyone found out.”

“You could get pregnant, do you know that?”

“Yes.”

For a long while he simply stared at her as emotions ran rampant through him. Then he pulled her close, tucking her head between his neck and shoulder.

“God help me, I can't say no. I want you too much.”

He heard her sigh as she relaxed against him.

“Mildred goes home at eight.”

“But there are too many people about,” he murmured in response, “It will have to be very late. After midnight.”

“I'll wait for you, thenn. As late as I need to.”

“I'll have to leave before daylight.”

“However long we have, I'll be happy.”

He tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head before pulling away.

“I better go before Mildred gets back.”

She followed him as he stood.

“I'll leave a key to the back door beneath the planter on the porch table.”

He nodded and walked into the foyer. Turning to her after he put on his jacket, he cupped her cheeks and gently kissed her before reaching for his hat and opening the door.

“I'll see you tonight,” he said quietly, then closed the door behind him.

The clock in the foyer had just chimed one o'clock when Nathan let himself in the back door. Corrie had left a kerosene lamp burning with a low flame in the hall, which allowed him to make his way quietly to the stairway. Looking up, he found her waiting at the top like a wraith in the shadows, her hair hanging like a veil to her waist and her diaphanous nightgown seeming to shimmer softly in the dim light. For a moment they simply stared at one another before he began to slowly climb the stairs. She waited until he reached the top then smiled softly as she took his hand. The only sounds in the house were the ticking of the old clock and their quiet steps as she led him to her bedroom.

Once inside, he closed the door behind them and turned the key in the lock. Another lamp burned with a low flame beside the bed. The scents of her bath powder and potpourri perfumed the air. When she turned, she looked up at him with love and complete trust, and Nathan caught his breath. When she started to say something, he stopped her with a finger across her lips.

“Shh.”

Moving slowly, he stepped closer and cupped her face, kissing first one cheek, then the other, before finally finding her lips. They opened to him, allowing his tongue to enter and mate gently with hers, and he felt her tremble as her hands slid up his chest. As he ran his hands soothingly down her sides, she pressed her body to his as his arms slid around her.

Releasing her lips, his kisses found their way over her face to her neck as he murmured endearments until she sighed, her head falling back in surrender. Pulling only far enough away to lift the gown, he watched as her body was slowly revealed, looking like alabaster in the soft light of the lamp.

“You are so beautiful,” he breathed, dropping the gown at their feet, before pulling her close and taking her lips again, more forcefully this time. His hands ran soothingly up and down her back then gently pulled her hips against him. She moaned softly and suddenly he lifted her and carried her across the room to lay her gently on the bed.

Shortly before dawn, Nathan carefully slid from the bed and began to dress. Corrie still lay sleeping where he left her and he smiled, his heart full. These hours with her had been a culmination of the love he had been feeling for her for so long. When he was finished, he sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over her to tenderly kiss her awake.

“Nathan?” she asked sleepily, her eyes fluttering then trying to focus on him through their bleariness. “What time is it?”

“About four-thirty.” He kissed her again. “I must go.”

“I wish you didn't.”

“I know. Neither do I.” He kissed her once more before rising reluctantly to his feet. “Stay in bed and go back to sleep. I'll see you after lunch.”

She yawned and nodded, then drifted back to sleep.

The following two days were filled with wonder and excitement for Corrie. Each day Nathan arrived after lunch for his usual visit, which was necessarily constrained because of Mildred's presence in the house. Then shortly after midnight he would let himself in the back door and they would spend precious hours loving and sharing themselves in every intimate way. When he wasn't with her, she often wore a secret smile even as she longed for the moment they would be together again.

Howard returned home on Thursday and life resumed its normal routine. The weeks passed and even though she saw Nathan everyday, Corrie chafed against not being able to touch and kiss him. The looks he gave told her Nathan was feeling the same.

~

Christmas arrived with a heavy snowfall. The house was decorated with greenery that scented the air with pine and boasted red velvet ribbons to hold it in place. A fir tree stood in the parlor, bedecked with ornaments old and new, and surrounded by gaily wrapped gifts. The aroma of roast beef wafted from the kitchen, along with the sound of Mildred's fine voice lifted in a repertoire of Christmas songs.

By one o'clock the house was filled with guests. Nathan, Mildred and her family, and other friends gathered around the table or perched on chairs elsewhere as they ate their holiday meal. Afterward, everyone gathered in the parlor where Howard made a short holiday speech imbued with Christmas spirit and gifts were happily dispersed. Nathan presented Howard with a leather-bound copy of “Ivanhoe,” a favorite book, and to Corrie he gave a new pair of fine gloves. Leaning forward ostensibly to kiss her cheek, he whispered in her ear that she should not try them on until she was alone. Later, in the privacy of her room, she discovered a delicate necklace to match the bracelet he had given her for her birthday, carefully wrapped in white tissue and a thin green ribbon inside one glove. She wished she had given him something more than an elegant black wool scarf in return. Once the other guests had left, Howard quietly handed Nathan a pretty new blanket for his wife, proving that she was not forgotten in the celebration.

~

In January, Howard made another trip out of town, giving Nathan and Corrie their first opportunity to spend a few nights together since October. In February he was able to safely gift her with a large box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers for Valentines Day with no fear of repercussions. Then spring arrived with warmer temperatures and a sudden greening of grass and trees, allowing them once again to meet at the spring as work began on Nathan's new house on the old Morrison land.

~

In early May the weather turned unseasonably hot. For days the town sweltered as thunder rumbled in the distance but no rain fell to cool the air. Then one morning while Howard was again out of town, the weather turned ominous. Clouds began to darken and billow in from the west. By the time Nathan arrived after lunch the wind had picked up dramatically.

“I don't like the looks of this, Mr. Jasper,” Mildred told him nervously as she let him in the door.

He nodded as he handed her his hat, “Just remain alert, Mildred, and be prepared to run for the cellar if need be.”

Corrie was waiting when he entered the parlor and they managed to sneak a quick but fervent kiss before taking their usual seats, she on the sofa and he in the wingback chair, before Mildred returned with tea.

They made light conversation with he telling her of something amusing that had happened at work that morning and she recounting a letter she had received from her elder sister in another state. Shortly before he was to leave, there was a sudden gust of wind and commotion outside as people began running in all directions. Rising quickly, Nathan went to the door to investigate. Seconds later, he ran back in, his expression grim.

“Mildred! Twister!” He rushed to Corrie where she had risen from the sofa. “Corrie, go now, instantly, to the cellar!”

“But what...?”

“Now, Corrie!” Grabbing her by the hand he drug her into the hallway and shoved her toward the back door.

“But what about you?” she cried and he gave her another not-so-gentle shove.

“I have to get to my wife. Go now, Corrie!”

With a last desperate look she fled out the back door to the cellar.

The tornado made a direct hit on the town, ripping apart buildings and scattering death on its way. Debris kept Mildred and Corrie trapped inside the dark cellar for several hours before they were finally rescued and emerged to find the house destroyed all about them. Sick with worry, Corrie made her way over the rubble to the street and looked with shock at the devastation. Sheet covered bodies lie in the street while survivors dug through rubble looking for others. The remains of animals were scattered amidst the mayhem. A woman wailed from somewhere nearby.

Slowly she began walking, then broke into a run as she rushed toward that part of town where Nathan lived, only to stop in horror when she turned at his corner. As with hers, his house was gone. Reduced to a pile of broken lumber. Before it on the street lie two sheet covered bodies.

Shaking with terror and silently screaming denial, she approached the sheets.

“Miss, you don't need to be here,” a man advised quietly, laying his hand on her arm. But she shook him off and kept walking until she stood over them. There she knelt and with trembling hands lifted the corner of one sheet to find a woman, frail and bloodied, eyes staring up at the sky. With a shudder she replaced the sheet, then hesitantly reached for the other.

His face was covered with jagged cuts and punctures, his lips slightly parted, but his eyes were mercifully closed to her. A sob erupted as she touched his beloved cheek and shook her head as the tears overflowed.

“Oh God,” she whispered and leaned down to rest her cheek alongside his. Wrapping her arms around his sheet-covered chest, she began to wail.

~

Parkerburg never recovered from the storm. Few rebuilt and most moved away, including Corrie and her father. They settled near her sister and her family and gradually rebuilt their lives. Life went on but a part of her had died that day.

Over the years came new joys and some sorrows, like when her father died of cancer and her grandnephew was killed in Vietnam. She surrounded herself with family and friends and filled her life with worthwhile projects and activities. But shadows remained in her lovely green eyes and there was sadness behind her smile.

Now she watched as the snow fell silently beyond the window, one gnarled and wrinkled hand playing with the delicate necklace made of gold and pearls that encircled her aged neck. Behind her the blower on the coal stove switched on, blowing more heat into the already stifling room. The only other sound was the ticking of the old clock on the wall.

And as she sat, a glow appeared on the side of her face. Looking around, trying to see where it was coming from, her eyes narrowed as the glow grew to encompass her. A smile lifted the corners of her lips and her hand dropped from the necklace to reach toward the center of the room.

“Oh!” she gasped quietly, her eyes beginning to glisten. “I've been waiting so long...”

Then her hand dropped, her chin rested against her chest. And she was gone.