A Moment Remembered

Frank sat down on his bed. His wife Michele lay sleeping beside him. He looked down at her. Tears welled in Frank’s eyes. A week. The doctor gave her one week to live. He wanted to do something special for her, but he had never been a romantic person. Michele loved him the way he was so it had never been a problem.

Frank put his head in his hands. He remembered the day they met. Thirty years before. He had just finished school and did not have a clue what to do with his life. He was walking along the beach at sunset. He paused to take in the golden glory of it, then he saw her. She was skipping along barefoot near the water's edge. His heart skipped a beat. Her hair was out, the wind gently stirred it.

He strolled up to her. His hands shook and sweat formed little beads on his forehead. Somehow he managed to speak to her, though later he forgot the words. He never forgot that first moment. She smiled at him before reaching out and taking his hand in her own. Somewhere in the distance they could hear fireworks being set off. After that moment they were inseparable.

Frank stood. He knew what to do. He leaned over and kissed Michele’s cheek. Tiptoeing quietly out of the room he turned and smiled.

It was sunset when he returned home. Blues and reds swirled together making almost the most glorious colors he had ever seen. Frank switched the car off. He sat for a moment staring at the house. It was small but they loved it just the same. One week and he’d be alone in it. The thought terrified him. He reached for the brown paper bags beside him and climbed out of the car.

Frank stood beside the bed. Michele lay in it sleeping like an angel. She barely stirred while he worked around her. The big screen television and a VCR sat in front of the bed. Frank gently shook Michele’s arm. With a smile she awoke.

“Frank, honey, what are you doing?” She pushed herself up with her elbows as Frank pulled away the covers. He moved her legs, being as gentle as he could, bringing them to the side of the bed before sitting her up.

“First, I have this.” Frank motioned to the foot spa plugged in and filled with water beside the bed. “This is something to remind you of the first night we met.”

Frank placed Michele’s feet into the spa before turning it on. Frank stood and walked to the television.

“The night we met you were walking along the beach barefoot. The foot spa is here to recreate that feeling.”

“I remember that night perfectly honey. You could not even say your name. You stood there stammering at me. I thought you were cute so I took your hand.” Michele smiled and reached for Frank’s hand. He stepped toward her and took it into his own. “You are still just as cute. I love you”

“I love you too." Frank smiled. "Hush sweetheart, there’s more to come. After you took my hands we could hear fireworks but we did not get to see them. Well tonight we do.” Frank skipped toward the tv and switched it on. He pressed play on the VCR. Fireworks exploded in red, blue and other brilliant colors. Michele looked into Frank’s eyes. Tears threatening to form.

“Frank, I have loved you for thirty years. But tonight I love you more than I ever have. Thank you honey.” Michele slumped over in a crumpled heap.

“Michele!” Frank rushed to her side. “Darling are you alright?” With gentle movements he positioned her back in bed before climbing in next to her. Michele’s eyes slid open. She looked into Frank’s eyes. “I’m alright. I just feel a little weak.”
“I’m sorry if I wore you out.”
“No, no it wasn't you. I’m just a little tired. This has been wonderful.” Michele smiled then closed her eyes.

Frank smiled at his wife. He placed her hand in his own. She was already beginning to grow cold.

“From the moment I saw you I loved you.”

Michele did not reply. She slept. A tear slid down Frank’s face as he held her.

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Winner of the "The Writer's Cramp"  [13+] on 07-03-04. Prompt: Write a Romantic tale including fire works, hand holding and bare feet.