garden of memories (2)

She saw herself as a young woman, dancing in the garden with a man whose eyes sparkled with mischief and affection.

His name was Thomas, and he had given her a crimson rose like this one, promising to love her forever. "Rosemary, love, look at this one," Thomas had said, presenting her with a single rose that matched the hue of the sunset.

The memory was as clear as the fragrance of the flowers surrounding her. The sight of the rose bush brought tears to Rosemary's eyes, tears that carried the weight of a love lost to time and circumstances.