There’s a moment he will recall forever of her walking towards him along the winter path. They had arranged to meet beside the shrouded bandstand that gave protection from a bitter wind.
She looked so beautiful, wrapped in a knee length fur lined coat with red hat gracefully balanced atop her vivid hair.
The detail remained as sharp as ever.
Why didn’t he tell her he loved her there and then?
Why didn’t he announce it to the world?
He knew why he couldn’t speak and it stung his soul. He knew why and burned inside with the knowledge.
He had grown up in a home where love remained silent; an absent emotion that withered on the vine. He knew this as he took her hand, kissed her cheek, paid her a silly compliment about her frozen nose and made small talk as they headed towards the warmth of a restaurant.
Read more: Short Story: A Moment To Remember | Shortbread