His return (Short Story)

HIS RETURN She frolicked along the grassy hill, trees lining both sides as if to stand at attention and guard her. Her long tresses danced in the breeze. Holding up her long flowing skirt, exposing her slender legs and bare feet to the fresh, misty morning air, she continued her way up to the castle at the top of the hill. The grass felt cool and lucious under her feet. The cool mist refreshing her spirit. Her heart was full of gladness and excitement for this was to be the day her love was to return from his excursion.   He was the most handsome man she had ever met and her heart was truly his to the end of time. Her mind was focused on finally being able to wrap her arms around him, tenderly touch his face and gaze into his warm, loving brown eyes again. She had longed for the warmth of his embrace, having his strong arms make her feel so safe and secure. It had seemed like an eternity since they had been in the loving arms of one another, since they had made sweet, passionate love. But this would be the day that she would be assured of his desire for her.   As she neared the castle, she could see in the distance, his league of soldiers returning. Her heart danced in anticipation of finally being with the love of her life. He was so close yet so far. She quickened her pace, she just had to get to him as fast as she could. Her heart could wait no longer to feel his closeness. The wait had been excrusiating on her, her love so deep and intense. Although she knew he had to be away for great lengths of time, she dreaded each long, lonely moment, often sitting at the tower window, tears streaming down her soft cheeks, gazing out into the distance dreaming of this very image, his return.   She neared the castle and she could see him more clearly now. His tall strong figure, standing at the castle gate, being met by his servant. She called out his name thinking that if he heard her sweet voice he would come running into her arms and they could feel each other's desire that much sooner. He did not acknowlege her. She began to run, still calling out his name, as she had often done in his absence, as if the winds could carry her voice to him. Each second seemed to stop in time.   As she finally got within feet of him, she noticed a lone tear trickle down his cheek. Why wasn't he looking at her? Why wasn't he holding out his hand to her? This is not the way the long awaited reunion was to be.   She reached out to gently touch his strong but trembling hand. Her touch passed right through him. How could this be? Was she only dreaming again of his return? Her heart would truly break now. She had been so patient yet so sad and lonely for her love for so long. Could her heart endure anymore? She fell to the ground in weakness, tears flowing, her heart aching, yet this dream, this illusion continued.   Her love started to slowly walk away from her being led by his servant to a nearby lonely standing weeping willow. Her eyes followed their movement as they stopped, looking upon the ground, where just under the tree were fresh cut flowers neatly piled. She could hear the faint sobs of her love as the servant expressed his sorrow of the lovely lady's passing.   She had died of a broken heart, her sadness and loneliness had been too much to endure....but her love for her handsome prince was eternal. Written January 26th, 1999 © on Jan 25 2002 04:07 PM PST   0 • 1