Forever Young At Heart

Episode5

That night as Sophia lay in bed, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had connected with someone special. Henry's smile, his laughter, and his warm eyes kept flashing in her mind. A flutter rose in her chest, something she hadn't felt for a long time.

Meanwhile, Henry lay in bed, his thoughts filled with Sophia. He couldn't believe how much he had been attracted to her company, how much he had learned from her or how truly amazing her passion and creativity were. He found himself sense of anticipation, feeling if whether he would see her again soon.

As the night wore on, Sophia's mind returned to the ways in which Henry had listened carefully to her, asking questions and showing genuine interest about her artwork. She felt observed and listened after in a way that she had not for some time.

Henry's thoughts turned to Sophia's infectious laughter, her dazzling smile and her captivating stories. He warm energy and vitality made her seem even more attractive.

As the night wore on neither Sophia nor Henry could shake the feeling that their lives had taken a meaningful collision. Both felt a sense of expectation, wondering what fate might hold for them.

**********************

In the morning, Sophia awoke to a sunny light and felt freshened and full of energy. When she reached for the phone in hand, two E-mails from the most famous art galleries in this part of America appeared on screen. What’s more, both were contracts offering contracts for future showcases. She couldn't believe her eyes! Excited by the news, Sophia put on her clothes in a hurry, then set out to her favorite cafe so as to meet her friend, Emily.

She arrived early, and was sipping on a latte, and waited for Emily to turn up.

As Sophia saw Emily come in, she could not contain herself. "Oh, Emily! I just picked up two contracts from top art galleries."

Emily hugged Sophia delightedly. "Ah, congratulations, darling! It's such great news! You deserve it. I am so pleased for you!"

Sophia smirked. "There is more news but I need to be at the studio now, I will tell you over a bottle of wine."

Now Emily from Piqued. "What is it? But can't you tell me now, Sophia! It makes me so curious!"

But Sophia just winked and smiled. "Then wait until this evening, my girl. What I have to tell you is worth the wait!"

Emily nodded, interested. "All right, then. I'll be there. But you're making me so curious! I just can't wait to hear what happened!"

Sophia, sat across Emily briefing her on the details of her two contracts and their respective exhibitions. Emily listened intently and cheered her on.

"Good for you, Sophia," Emily said, moved by their talk. "You've put in an inordinate amount of effort for this title. It's certainly nice to see you becoming more and more successful."

Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, Emily. Coming from you, that means more to me than you know. You've been my advisor and support system in this whole journey."

As they hugged, Sophia realized tonight's celebration would be all the more special with her sweet friend beside her. And yet, She was still thinking about Henry. She wanted to meet him.

**********************

Henry looked out from the window, his thoughts full of Sophia’s sweet memories. For 75 years he had lived on the earth. No one had ever recognized, listened to or even remembered him … until Sophia, who seemed more different.

Year by year, the weight of his loneliness grew heavier. He had tried to form connections, to find friends and love, but it was no use. People would forget him and he would be left with nothing but the echo of his own existence to listen to.

But Sophia was different - her smile, her laugh, her eyes. All of them had captured him. For the first time in 75 years, he felt the warmth of hope.

Perhaps Sophia would break the curse. Maybe she would remember him, and see the person he really was deep inside. Then perhaps she'd love him for eternity as well.

Henry's longings caused an ache in his heart as he thought of her. He couldn't wait to see her again, to hold her hand, look into her eyes and see his own reflection.

The curse had taken so much from him, but he was not going to let it take Sophia too. He would fight to be remembered, he would fight to be loved, and he would fight to be free of the chains of forgetfulness that had bound him for so long.

Henry's mind was going a mile a minute as he thought of Sophia. The last moment passed, his regrets mounted higher and higher. Why hadn’t he asked for her phone number! Why hadn’t he made sure to keep in touch!

He thought about their conversation, replaying every word, every laugh, every smile. He had been so captivated by it that he had let the moment slip away.

But now, only memories were left for him, and he wondered when and how he would see her again. How fools selling curses of forgetfulness were crueler, sometimes suggesting to him that Sophia might herself might forget him too,

With this in mind, he forced himself to move. The gallery, the showcase, the people around her -- he replayed everything in his mind. Perhaps...someone will be able to provide contact information for her.

Determined, Henry called the gallery. " Hello, It's Henry West. I would like to ask for Sophia- the artist who exhibited her work last night. Can you help me send her contacts?"

On the other end of the line a voice hesitated, "I am sorry, we don't give contact of our confidants. But if you wish I can pass your message on to her."

His heart fell, but he would not give in. "Please, let her know Henry Called. I simply must see her again"

The phone call ended, and then Henry waited with bowed head--hoping against hope that Sophia will receive the message.

******************

Sophia's brush danced across the canvas, colors forming an handsome face which was Henry-- Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Henry.

Something she could not rid herself of, that feeling was there deeper down inside her. His smile, his laughter -- everything about that man brought her in. she definitely had feelings for Sophia. Sophia herself was more fascinating than ever before.

While painting, Sophia wondered if she could ever hear his voice again. She was eager to know more about him, hear all of his tales, and tell some herself.

"Why didn't I get your number?" she thought, regret weighing heavily on her heart. Sophia's eyes fell on her silent phone, lying on the table. She doubted she would ever hear from Henry again.

Just then a message entered her phone from the gallery which sent her to her feet immediately.

"Henry wants my contact"

She felt excitement all over her body and immediately replied " send it to him", patiently waiting for his call.

I guess I shouldn't loss hope, she thought with a smile.