Inspirational Short Story: I Remember

 

Thump.  Thump.  Thump.

 

There it was again. That incessant noise. The woman closed her eyes tightly trying to ignore the irritating sound.

 

Thump. Thump.  Thump.

 

She has been hearing that noise for… The woman frowned in frustration.  It suddenly occurred to her that she lost track of time. She couldn’t remember how long that sound had been going on. Strange thing. Timing. It didn’t bother her anymore. In fact it was as though time was standing still waiting for her to catch up on lost time.

 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

There it was again. That incessant noise. Resolving not to be bothered by the noise, she inhaled deeply; expelling her breath softly; she was shocked by the sharp pain in her chest. She began tapping the side of her left leg.

 

Relaxing…relaxing…relaxed. She was being greeted. She turned her head toward the small window in her darken room. The sun was rising high into the sky.  Its luminous rays were almost blinding. The clouds were billowy and majestic, a powerful sight to see. There was a calling and she felt the need to answer it.

 

She could ‘see’ two little girls playing in the park. Their hair was parted in two sections, held in place by two white ribbons. Their caramel skin glistening with perspiration. Their laughter was refreshing. They were playing ring around the roses. One tripped and began to cry, the other little girl was bending down crying as well. They began to hug each other in comfort and laughter rang out as both girls toppled over. No more tears, just laughter resonating. The image of the two began to fade. The call. It was becoming increasingly difficult to resist its lure.

 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

There it was again that noise. Only this time its sound was fainter.

 

She saw them again, the two girls, only this time they were much older. The older one was getting married.  The younger sister had married, two years ago. Their laughter was stimulating. Both women held inspection of each other in the floor length mirror. Both women eyes shone brightly with unshed tears. Tears of joy.

 

Thump.  Thump. Thump.

 

Their images blurred; then disappeared.

 

There it was again. That consistent sound.  Her eyes widened in sudden realization. That sound was that of a broken heart. Literally. Her heart was broken and no medicine or Doctor could fix it.  

 

It was a struggle to not be bitter. She was compelled to come through the darkness of anger. She didn’t want to leave behind the seed of helpless and hurt. She was not that girl. Her life was that of a planter and a supplier.  She felt the unction to push through the dead weight of giving into despair. Ignoring the noises she made; as she fought her way to consciousness, she was finally able to open her eyes… and saw her.

 

A slightly younger version of herself. She had skin the color of caramel was decorated with wrinkles and liver spots. Her silver hair was up in her traditional bun. Her eyes were the color of chocolate chip.  It was her sister. Time had been good to the both of them even at the age of seventy five her sister was still beautiful to her. They have always been together. Some even liken them to the Delaney sisters. But her time was nigh she could feel it. The call was enticing and she was ready. But her sister….

 

“Sister? Don’t you worry about me. I am going to be alright.”

 

The older one looked at her. She couldn’t speak; her voice was held captive by weakness. It is believed that the eyes are the windows to the soul — and her soul had so much to say; as she remembered the years past.

 

“Sister. I love you too.” The younger one stated. “This bond is not broken, it can never be broken.”  She laughed softly, swiping at her tears. “Do you remember one Sunday morning after church mama took us to the park; we’d just got our hair done that morning?”  The waited for her sister’s nod of affirmation.  “I fell and sand got in my hair…”

 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

“And, sister, do you remember our wedding day? We both cried rivers that day.  Do you remember?”

 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

 

“I remember.”  The bed ridden woman whispered.

 

Thump. Thump. Thump.  

 

Her sister gently placed a hand on her stuttering heart. There was no pity or sadness in her eyes. Only acceptance.

 

The noise was getting lower and lower. She realized as was her breathing.

 

Her sister mouth was moving, but she heard no words. The woman mouthed the words. I remember.  Then darkness.