Desire Next Door

Dannie knew it in the pit of his soul, like a slow ache that never really left. His sadness wasn’t the sharp, fresh pain of grief anymore—it was the hollowed-out emptiness of loss, like a tree struck by lightning that still stood tall but was dead inside. Two years had passed since the accident that took Mirrie away. Two years of reliving the worst day of his life. And now, as he drove toward a small, quiet town nestled in the green valleys of the countryside, he dared to hope that maybe—just maybe—he could find a reason to live again. The boxes stacked in the back of his old pickup rattled as the uneven road stretched before him. It wasn’t much—just a few clothes, his laptop, and some old books Mirrie used to love. But it was all he needed. Starting over didn’t require much when everything he truly cared about was buried six feet under. His mind wandered as the engine hummed, and as much as he wanted to push the memories away, they came anyway, as they always did. It was their wedding day. Mirrie had walked toward him, radiant and impossibly beautiful, like something out of a dream. Her dress was an elegant masterpiece, simple yet stunning—ivory lace hugged her frame, the intricate details catching the golden light that streamed through the arched windows of the small chapel. The long train flowed like water behind her, the fabric shimmering faintly as she moved. Her dark brown hair cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, gleaming like polished mahogany under the light. A delicate veil framed her face, and when she smiled, it was as if the entire universe held its breath. Dannie had never been more nervous in his life, but the moment their eyes met, everything else fell away. Her lips, painted a soft, inviting red, curled into a smile that felt like coming home. The orchestra played softly in the background—a string quartet they’d saved for months to hire—its music weaving through the air like magic. The melody was familiar, the kind of timeless tune that carried the weight of countless love stories before theirs. The faint murmur of their friends and family seated in the pews faded into silence as Mirrie reached the altar, her hand slipping into his. “I thought this moment would never come,” she whispered, her voice trembling just enough to betray her nerves. He squeezed her hand gently. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for it.” The ceremony passed in a blur, though certain moments burned themselves into his memory with vivid clarity: the way her eyes sparkled as they exchanged vows, her voice steady yet filled with raw emotion as she promised to love him in sickness and health, for better or worse. He remembered fumbling with the ring, his hands shaking as he slid the delicate band onto her finger, and the laughter that rippled through the room when she teased him about it. When the officiant finally pronounced them husband and wife, Mirrie had thrown her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss that was less about propriety and more about passion. The cheers and applause of their loved ones echoed in the background, but Dannie only had eyes for her. The reception was just as perfect. The hall was bathed in warm, golden light, the tables adorned with soft pink and white roses, their scent mingling with the aroma of the catered feast. The cake stood tall in the center—a three-tiered creation adorned with sugar roses and delicate gold accents. They’d laughed as they fed each other the first slice, Mirrie smearing a bit of frosting on his nose just to see him blush. Their first dance was unforgettable. The opening notes of Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do filled the room, and Mirrie led him to the center of the dance floor, her hand warm in his. She fit so perfectly against him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder as they swayed together. The music seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in a cocoon of love and light. Dannie pulled back slightly to look at her, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her blush. Her cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink, and he couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly beautiful she was. “You’re my rose among the thorns,” he whispered, his voice low and thick with emotion. Her laughter was soft, almost musical. “That’s poetic of you.” “Can’t help it,” he murmured, leaning closer until their noses brushed. “You inspire me.” The world around them disappeared. He kissed her, deeply and passionately, as though he could pour all the love he felt into that single moment. Mirrie’s hands clutched at the back of his suit, pulling him closer, and he lifted her off the ground without thinking, spinning her gently as her laughter rang out like church bells. In those moments, Dannie had felt invincible. Mirrie was his everything—his light, his anchor, his home. He didn’t know how he’d gotten so lucky to find her, but he thanked every star in the sky for leading her to him. Now, as he stood in the dim confines of his new apartment, the memories felt like a cruel joke. The love that had once filled him to bursting now left an ache so deep it seemed impossible to fill. The apartment was modest—nothing like the home he and Mirrie had dreamed of building together. The walls were painted a dull beige, the kind that seemed to sap the energy out of any room. The floors were scratched, and the faint smell of fresh paint mixed with something more earthy and old. But it didn’t matter. This was supposed to be his fresh start.