Petals Of Remembrance
953 Words
*Till I See You Again*
Chapter 1: _Petals Of Remembrance*
With the fragrant calla lilies in hand, Tris leaves the shop, his car now directed toward the graveyard. The petals, a symbol of purity and reverence, sway gently as he embarks on a heartfelt journey to honor his father's memory before he leaves for the surgery.
*St. Martin's Graveyard*
The overcast sky broods, echoing a distant rumble of thunder as mourners bid their final farewells in the graveyard, readying themselves to depart.
The rain drizzles softly, gradually intensifying. Amidst the hurried exits, a sleek blue Aventador cuts through the somber atmosphere, its engine purring with controlled power.
Tris steps out, in a dotted white shirt from the shopping, the embodiment of quiet elegance. With measured steps, he closes the car door, the car's electric hum fading into the ambiance as he strides purposefully towards the cemetery's entrance.
Song{In The Stars-Sami Rose. The original song is by Benson Boone}
_Sunday mornings were your favorite_
_I used to meet you down on Woods, _ _Creek Road_
Memories of shared moments with his father intertwine with each step.
The rain grows heavier as he walks amidst the rows of tombstones, the droplets mingling with his tears.
_You did your hair up like you were famous_
_Even though it's only church where we were goin'_
His gait remains steady, a testament to both his strength and the weight of his grief. He strides purposefully towards the solitary tombstone nestled farthest from the others—engraved with the name [Chris Martin]. His head bows, tears streaming silently down his face, though a faint smile tugs at the corners of his lips.
_Now, Sunday mornings, I just sleep in_
_It's like I buried my faith with you_
Tris pauses, a silent moment of reverence. His father's words echo once more, the warmth of guidance and love wrapped in those simple yet profound words, “It's okay to cry in the rain, son…" He sobs audibly and takes a hesitated step forward, ignoring the taste of the salty rain.
_I'm screamin' at a God I don't know if I believe in_
_'Cause I don't know what else I can do_
With a quivering voice, Tris murmurs, “I brought your favorite, Dad,” as he slowly forces as grin. He gently places the bouquet, battered by the rain, in the vase he replenishes after each visit. The weight of recollection grows stronger. Thunder rumbles louder, mimicking the turmoil within him.
_I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and gone_
_I don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means forever_
Beneath the deluge, Tris recalls the days when his parents guided him, teaching life's lessons with patience and love. He reminisces about the times spent with his father, crafting stories and practicing penmanship, seated side by side in peaceful companionship.
His father’s illness tethered them closer; Tris, always by his side, ensuring timely medication and offering comfort. The pain of loss hits him harder than anticipated, a poignant ache that refuses to subside.
_And now you're in the stars and six-feet's never felt so far_
_Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers_
He falls to his knees, and he reaches out to touch the tombstone, crying his heart out. Memories of his promise to show his father his wife and children set in, and his cries become louder, filling the whole graveyard.
_Oh, it hurts so hard_
_For a million different reasons_
He hears some footsteps drawing in behind him, but he totally ignores them, and focuses on his grief.
_You took the best of my heart_
_And left the rest in pieces_
Tris fights to open his eyes, his chest tightening with each labored breath, the illness clawing at his insides, stealing his breath in ragged gasps.
_Diggin' through your old birthday letters_
_A crumpled 20 still in the box_
Approaching footsteps echo, accompanied by stifled sobs. Collapsing beside the tombstone, he battles against the encroaching darkness, clinging to the epitaph with a gaze filled with tears, thunder roaring in sync with his weakening breath.
_I don't think that I could ever find a way to spend it_
_Even if it's the last 20 that I've got, oh_
As unconsciousness draws near, Tris senses its looming grasp tugging at him, amidst the storm's crescendo, drowning him in waves of cherished memories and overwhelming sorrow.
_And I'm still holdin' on to everything that's dead and gone_
_I don't wanna say goodbye, 'cause this one means forever_
In the throes of fading consciousness, a figure kneels beside him, her tear-filled eyes reflecting regret and desperation. With trembling hands, she administers a syringe into Tris' shoulder.
_And now you're in the stars and six-feet's never felt so far_
_Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers_
“I'm sorry, Tris... I should never have obeyed Mother,” she quivers, her voice a blend of remorse and agony as she buries her face into his chest. Tears mingle with the rain, her heart burdened by guilt and unspoken anguish, weighed down by regret.
_Oh, it hurts so hard_
_For a million different reasons_
Tris slowly turns, his vision blurry. A lady comes into view, and sensing his movement, she lifts her head. She tries touching her face and suspends her shaky arm in the air. “I'm sorry I caused all this,” she sobs, slowly rising to her feet.
“We'll meet again, Tris,” she says, wiping her tears as she leaves. Tris begins to black out, his final memory tracing the unknown lady's departure.
_You took the best of my heart_
_And left the rest in pieces_
_*Till I See You Again*_
Next: Dawning Changes.
- Writer
