Roses by Alison Lopez
The rain poured just outside my window. It was cold and desolate inside. I push back my chair and stretch my arms above my head. Looking at the clock beside me, I sigh and stand up from my chair. A brown trench coat and burly hat to match are hanging next to the front entrance. With a sullen expression, I shove my wallet into my pocket and leave my work where it lays on my desk. Shuffling over to the front door, I put on the hat and coat and grab the house keys. Ready to leave, I open the door and am greeted by the frigid wind and rain. Cars pass as I make my way down the path to a shop. A bell rings signaling my entrance. A familiar fragrance hits me and I smile at its nostalgic embrace. The smile lasts only a second before It drops and I take up my previous expression. I look around, making myself look interested in the other items available but I know what I want. I grab a bundle and take it to the counter. The cashier smiles at me but says nothing. She has grown accustomed to my silent nature. I thank her with a tip of my hat and leave without a word. Once outside, I shield the bundle from the wind and rain under my coat and make my way up the path. I walk for what seems like ages, mulling over nothing in particular. The rain, once heavy, now falls gently to the ground.
At the end of the path is a big wrought iron gate. The chain binding it together is gone, welcoming in all who enter. It groans in protest to its old hinges as I make my way past. I try not to trip over stones as I continue my journey. Down a path that goes up a hill to a lonely tree. The view from the hill is beautiful as it shows the entire town now bathed in the setting sun’s light. The clouds that once carried heavy rain are all cried out and are brought to life by the different pinks and oranges and purples that the sun grants them. A lonely stone sits atop this hill under the tree. It’s a lucky stone for it has the best view in the entire town. I kneel down beside the stone and place my bundle of roses on the ground. Though the sky has stopped crying, my tears threaten to slip past my defenses. I place a hand on the stone and read the words engraved on it. “Delilah Winters. Loving mother to few but always a kind heart to all.” My precious Delilah how I miss you so. We had planned to be together till the end only to find out fate had other plans. Feeling myself about to break, I stand and look out over the town once more, my hand slipping from the tomb stone back into my pocket. “Till next time my love.” Turning my back to the world’s fading beauty, I leave her grave until I bring her roses another day.
Author Biography:
Alison Lopez is an aspiring author who writes to inspire the hearts of many with her stories. This is her first-time ever being published and she’s super excited about it since this is her dream. What inspired “Roses” was a writing contest among friends that lead to much more.
