Aurora

By Gomathi Sridevi Radhakrishnan

Senior couple dancing in their living room

"Seeing these kids in love gives me so many emotions. Do you know why?

It reminds me of the good old days we had.

Do you remember how our love story began?

I still remember the time when you asked me out. It was on the day before Valentine's Day.

Typical, I know.

But that's for someone. Not for me.

I had butterflies dancing in my stomach, and my head was exploding with happiness at that moment.

I would have hit you on your head had you never asked me out.

I was giving out signals, for god's sake.

You are dumb when it comes to dating, Jack. But luckily, you had me.

It was just a simple coffee date, I know. But deep inside, I knew this wouldn't end in a day.

Call it a connection or spark or whatever. My heart would never lie to me. And when I say your name, I can feel my heart beating faster than usual.

It's abnormal, right? And do you know what doctors name this symptom?

LOVE.

All those butterflies, tingling sensations and faster heartbeats represent only one disease.

Called the 'I am in love with you' disease.

I knew the moment I was in love with you when you pulled my chair to sit.

Oh, what a gentleman you are.

I wished you had been this gentle when we were in kindergarten

You always loved pulling my ponytails and throwing paper planes at me.

Ah! Fun old times.

I felt a little bad when Mr Lee made you stand on the table as a punishment. But you deserved it because you ruined my beautiful ponytail.

I have always admired your beautiful blue eyes. I had dreamed of getting lost in those ocean eyes.

You captivated me with those eyes, Jack. Don't think I dated you for something else.

Those innocent and lovely eyes showed the world to me.

When did we have our first kiss? Do you remember, Jack?

Ha! Recently, I have had issues remembering some precious things. And I don't want to forget the beautiful moments we had together.

But what to do? Time is our enemy, and we can do nothing about it.

Ah, yes. Now I remember. We shared our first kiss in the back seat of your dad's car.

It's not the best place, but you couldn't wait until we made it to the prom.

"I am sorry you look so beautiful, and it would be a sin had I not kissed you first," you said.

We had our first dance together at the prom. The song was 'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel.

The stage was full of people who looked at us, not because of our dance.

But because you cried. Your tears were falling down your beautiful face while listening to the song.

I remember you wiping your nose with my long-sleeved top. Did you know how hard it was for me to wash it off? I never got to wear that dress in my life.

Look at the clouds, Jack. It's turning darker. Guess it's going to rain, like on our wedding day.

You were always ahead of me in everything, darling. I envied you for a long time.

Even now, you are one step further. Why didn't you take me with you?

All these machines beep and medicines are making you weak, yet you take them so that you can stay with me a little longer.

Am I selfish to hold you back so that we can go together?

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I have been ignoring my medications for quite a few months.

This time, I would be the first to be gone, Jack.

I'll be waiting for your arrival, honey. I hope you won't make me wait longer. You know my patience runs very thin when it comes to you.

Let me hold your hands, Jack. Look at this needle on your wrinkled skin. Oh dear, don't cry, honey. We have all the time we need in the other world. "

Jack replayed the recorder once again to hear the beautiful voice. No matter how often he had hit that play button, he wouldn't be satisfied.

After all, it was his only way to listen to the love of his life's voice. It's been a year since Rose left him while he was in the hospital getting treatment.

And now he doesn't regret staying a little longer because he had a chance to listen to his wife's beautiful melody.

"I hope I didn't make you wait much longer, sweetheart."

Jack whispered and placed the recorder on his wife's cemetery.

The sky was dawning, indicating the beginning of a new day.

And indeed, it is for Jack and Rose in another universe.