The symphony of absence

She loved the old park at the edge of the town. Bushy dark green crowns of old trees, bringing shade and coolness on a hot summer day, narrow stone-paved winding paths, large and colorful flowerbeds – all these things were dear to the heart and filled her with joy. In the farthest corner of the park there was a small pond, overgrown with reeds and waterlilies. This part resembled the forest. And that`s why she loved it so much. Here she could always find the solitude and immerse deep into her thoughts and memories. It was their place: they met here, here they spent so many happy hours, enjoying each other`s company and here they said their goodbyes.

Sitting on this carved wooden bench next to the pond, he confessed his love to her and stole her first, slightly awkward, kiss. And here, holding her pale hands in his, with the pain in the eyes he said that he has to go. Go to war. They were going to send him to the battlefront tomorrow.

War… 3 letters filled with the most horrific meaning. War is a ruthless Goddess, holding the bloody sword. It brings only pain, hopelessness, death and bitter tears of mothers and wives.

– “I will come back to you.” – he swore passionately, trying not only convince her, but also himself.

– “I will wait for you as long as it takes. I will wait here at our place.” – she replied, giving him bitter and salty kisses.

He left without looking back. He didn`t want to see her tears and show his. She was sitting on the bench motionless until the tall masculine figure vanished in twilights of the evening park. Only then she burst into tears and screamed, like a wounded animal.

They said their goodbyes 7 years ago. It`s been already 2 years since the war was over and more than 4 years since she stopped receiving the letters from him. Many things have changed. The old park fell into despair. Blades of grass were waist-high now, flowerbeds disappeared and half of the trees dried out. The only thing that hasn`t change is a tiny figure, sitting on the bench in the farthest corner of the park next to the pond. As promised, she has been coming here every evening at 5 pm and sitting until twilights despite the weather. Deep inside she lost all hope, but a promise was a promise and she intended to keep it no matter what.

Today is a very cold day. Winter isn`t the best season for walking in the park, but she came. Barely wading through snowdrifts and dodging the freezing wind. She finally reached the familiar bench and could catch her breath. She looked around. Naked trees, wrapped in silver snow, surrounded her. Imponderable snowflakes were dancing in the air slowly descending on the ground. The pond was covered with a thick layer of ice, which beautifully glisten in the fast approaching twilights. The winter park was completely empty, quiet and calm. She was afraid to make a move, to disturb the deep slumber of the old park. Suddenly this drowsy dusky silence was discomposed by the echoing crackle of the broken branch under someone`s feet. She couldn`t believe her eyes. It was him! He was the same like 7 years ago, he hasn`t changed at all. Just his eyes. He used to have bright eyes shining with vitality and joy. Not anymore. Now he had the eyes of an old man, who witnessed the horror of war. He was standing there with a gentle smile and arms outstretched. She ran towards him and hugged him tight, insatiably inhaling a familiar scent. They stood there, afraid to let go. He was kissing every inch of her face, every fallen tear.

– “I came back.”

– “I waited.”