Ripples

The forlorn figure slowly walked to the edge of the river's bank
Ripples in the water gave her no feeling of comfort as it did when she was a child
Her life had changed after one night of passion
Slowly, she untied her grey cloak and dropped it to the cool muddy earth
She looked around and then put her hand on her swelling belly
She was forsaken, because she loved someone who lived outside the village

The normal passage through her valley was blocked by mudslides from the previous rains
A frequent peddler of wares found an older route to reach his intended destination
He had items for everyone, including a simple clock that was beautiful to see
But in no time, he won Charlotte's heart
They promised each other true love that would never end
Her dream was to leave with him the next day
But he deceived her and left while she slept
The villagers soon noticed a change in Charlotte
Her eyes showed a sadness and a distance that they had never noticed before

Now a few months later, she decided to end the shame for her and her family's sake
After the first step into the river, she began shivering with its cold effect on her
She heard a rustle and turned to see a well known hunter approach.
His steps came closer as he reached for her arms to stop her entry into the passage of death
Their hands touched and tears began to flow from her eyes
Charlotte's life would now be changed
She would be in someone's life with a new hope for love.