Finding New Life
There was no other time but now.
She had been waiting for the stars to align for the perfect time, but she realized that if she kept waiting she would never accomplish her task.
It had taken over a year to get to this point. She had sat on it long enough, and she knew if she didn’t do it now it would never come to fruition.
She cradled the old box in her hands, holding it gently so that she didn’t cause any damage to the already well handled and fragile piece.
The sandy beach was easy to navigate, the moon full casting enough light for her to find her way. The waves crashed gently along the shore, and she made her way closer to the water’s edge.
Making it to the surf safely, box still as it was when she received it, she kneeled gently, water soaking her pants but paying no attention.
She looked at the box, the memories resurfacing against her will.
It had been a difficult road to get to where she was, to be able to finally find peace when she had nothing but tainted recollections.
The box in her hands held the ashes of the one person she thought would always be there for her; the one person who was never supposed to leave her.
They had spoken in great length about the future, happiness and giddiness about all the places they would go and all the experiences they would have together.
They never got the chance.
Throughout their time together, they had also discussed what they wanted if one were to perish. Most people don’t talk about the morbid thought of an early death, but they discussed everything.
One wish.
To be released into the ocean so that their ashes could explore as they scattered through the waves. Maybe reaching the places they always talked about going.
She recognized the tears falling from her cheeks, but she didn’t wipe them away. She let herself feel the loss, her heart broken as she had lost the chance to do all they talked about.
She placed her hand on top of the box and prayed that the ashes would do exactly what they were supposed to.
Explore the world.
She gently and gingerly opened it to expose the ashes that had been trapped inside. Trapped when they should have been set free long ago.
Taking a moment for her heart to say goodbye, she watched the waves roll in and out.
She tipped the box slowly, watching the ashes being taken away by the waves.
A love that should have lasted forever cut short.
It was time to let go. It was time to respect their wishes to be set free.
She poured the last of the ashes into the ocean and cradled the box as she felt the weight lift off of her shoulder.
A weight she should have never had to feel.
Sitting in at the edge of the water, she said her final goodbyes. It was time to let go.
It was time for her to live again. To find hope. To find joy. To live the life she had promised she would.
She ran her hand through the surf and stood up. Box still cradled in her hands, she turned and walked away.
She walked away with a newfound freedom that she hadn’t wanted but was now greeted with.
It was now time to learn how to live again.