three short stories

8/7/2019 Three Short Stories

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Three Short Stories

Endings are hidden somewhere in the clouds, disappearing as we look up, wobbling as they were

being threatened by our eyes. Ever too slowly we would try to reach them through an endlessladder bounded by time not simply because we wanted to see what is going to happen but

because we are afraid in facing things which are destined to happen. Yet little did we know that

each preordained ending creates a beginning for something new we would never have expected.It also hidden there up in the heavens, though not too vivid as the ending we have fathomed.

This story consists of three set of ended beginnings linked to one another by a resilient

shackle, bringing out something unexpected. These stories, as you continue reading, would teach

you something you already know, but are too numb to understand. It would make you smile, cry,be surprised and moved as long as you walk through the same path the characters have taken, the

boulevard. The boulevard of ended beginnings, just like love and life, you must learn.

First Story

“Alex Loves Alex“

The first story is about two young children both named Alex, a boy and a girl. Best friends ever

since they were six, they simply knew each other so much. Alexthe boyfor example can tell

whether she is sad though she is smiling or happy though she is crying like a baby. He canunderstand her body language and the look on her eyes. He can see her from afar, smell her fromquite a distance and know that “that’s her” even if she facing the other way. On the other hand,

Alexthe girlaside from the things he can understand about her, can tell if he is lying or

telling the truth. She knows when he is sick just by the way his voice sounded and she is the onlyone who can mock and pry him like no other without making him that angry.

So they pretty much complemented each other. With the eleven years they have spent

togethereven bathing when they were youngthey have already become a part of each other.

But even so, just like what I said, they still tease, fight and hurt each other’s feelings from time totime. (Though a day wouldn’t end that they’d still be saying sorry for what they did.)

“You’re such a pain in the ass, Alex,” she said, cursing him for the nth time that day,

complaining about getting them lost in the woods.

“Can you shut your mouth even just for a minute?” he replied, not wanting to hide hisannoyance.

“Why? So that you can figure our way out here?” she continued.



“Crap, Alex!”

“Alex!” she repeated, though enjoying and smiling inside for making him feel that way.

“You promised me you won’t get us lost! You said you knew the way.”

“Of course I know the way! It’s just that I was here about a year ago and the trees justgrew crazy over time so now it’s driving me insane.”

“You’re the one who’s going to drive me insane. So you’re saying that it was the trees’

fault? Then it’s the trees which I should be yelling at now, isn’t it?”

“I said keep quiet!” he shouted again, asking why on earth he had a best friend this loudand noisy.

“If we just didn’t take this way going home, we could have been eating popcorns by now.

The problem is that you’re too cocky.”

“Stop calling me names or else I’m going to spend the night here,” he said, eyes

travelling everywhere, his own doubt hidden.

She paused. “Just lead us home, will you?”

About twenty minutes laterlong enough for her to get tired and boredthey still

haven’t found their way home, he sat on a fallen trunk of a tree, taking a rest.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked, bothered.

“Resting,” he replied silently.

She opened her mouth to say yet other annoying words for him but nothing came out. Soslowly, thinking twice, she sat right beside him, close enough for their arms to brush to each

other.

He said something inaudible then.

“What?!” she asked a bit too loudly.

“I’m sorry,” he almost whispered then he sighed.

“Sorry for what?”

“Are you crazy? For getting us lost.”

She’s about to yell at him again but decided to fight against it. “That’s okay. I know we’ll

find our way soon,” she said, putting a hand on his.



Her hands, for him, was like electricity transferred to his body. It was both warm and

relaxing, and he felt the need to hold it, just to keep it there above his. But he didn’t. He never

tried. “But a popcorn sounds nice,” he added.

She waited for a moment before saying what she instantly thought after hearing his

comment. “Better than this?” she asked softly as she put her head on his shoulders and loopingher arm around his.

He couldn’t help but smile at that before finally saying: “No. This is better.”

A couple of minutes later, they heard honking of horns and soon, a car approaching. Itwas its headlights; they realized it was getting dark. So they simply followed the direction of the

light and ten more minutes passed, they found the road. The only difference was that now, they

are no longer fighting. They were holding hands, in fact.

They were two inseparable people who have known each other almost all the years of their lives.

So falling in love, as if without any of their knowing, wasn’t much of a surprise when it

happened between them. But even so, their friendship was still a greater deal for them. One thing

in the world they’re both very afraid of is losing the strong bond and connection they have built.And moving into something deeper, for its sake, was out of the question. They would never risk

something like their friendship just for that kind of relationship.

“What on earth are you doing?” she asked him one afternoon, forehead creased.

“Fixing that little kid’s bicycle,” he pointed to the kid just outside his work station. He

was about six, dirt all over his shirt and his body, eyes red as if he just cried all day.

“I can see that,” she said in sarcasm. “But do you have any idea what time it is? We’re

going to be so late for the“

“This won’t take that long,” he cut her off. “Besides, look at that guy over there. I can’tlet him see his mother that way and with a broken bicycle.”

“Well, just to remind you, you are my date for tonight. Or my date every time I needed

one. And I don’t ever want to make a grand entrance againlike what we did last yearwhere

all eyes were on us. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Alex” he smiled foolishly, though he wanted to look sweet. “I’ll get dressed in acouple of minutes, I promise.”

She smirked. “I really can’t understand what it is in you that love helping people. You

don’t even know them, in the first place.”



“Come on, Alex, it’s not as if it’s a bad thing,” he said in response, defending himself.

“Why don’t you go in and get dressed already?” He tried smiling again.

“Look, Alex, I know you from head to foot. So you should know that I know that I getdressed faster than you do.” She said while walking away.

It was a night they both would never forget. Alexthe girlleft the house earlier than

her best friend so they didn’t see each other until the ball. And when he entered the hall, all she

could think was how lucky she was for being his date. He was, for herand for almost every girlwho attended the ballwas the most handsome guy present. He wore a black and white tuxedo

accentuating his dark eyes and hair. His body was medium built, unlike the way he used to look

when they were kids. He walked a bit too smartly also. He smiled and waved at her; she almost

lost her balance. She waved back proudly and waited for him to finally get near her.

And it was almost the same story in his eyes. As soon as he stepped in the hall, he didn’t

know how, but he instantly saw her, standing out among the hundreds of crowd. Like him, she

was dressed in a black and white dress. It was long, flowing and made of satin, with a couple of crystal-like stones just beneath her chest. Her hair, though only tied up in a bun, was simple yet

elegant, revealing a face which he seemed not to notice before. She was beautiful, and that was

all he could think about.

“Hi,” he greeted. “So, um, I’m not that late, aren’t I?”

She swallowed hard. “No, you’re just in time.” She wanted to mock at him again, for itwould be nothing but normal for the both of them but seeing him that night made a part of her

change. She was turning eighteen that year and for the first time in her life, she felt something

inside her twitch, at times a bit tickling, like butterflies inside her stomach.

It took him so much time before getting out the words he rehearsed to say before cominghere. “Alex,” he called, “would you dance with me?”

And just as soon as he said those words, she lifted her hands up, letting him get it,

surprised that it perfectly fit into his. She smiled at that, and again, for the rest of the night, they

held each other’s hands.

On their way back homethey were neighbors since birthhe suddenly stopped

walking, facing her so close, something he has never ever done before.

Though a bit surprised by his gesture, she didn’t moved back and instead momentarilystopped her breathing. “What,” she said as she exhaled.

“I’ve been…” he stammered, “wanting to kiss you.”

She didn’t know if it was just her but she could hear both their heart beatings, sounding

like thumping of children as they ran up to the stairs, not wanting to be caught awake by their



parents. “You know that’s against the rules,” she said, losing her balance once again, talking

about the “pact” they agreed into: Just the best of friends. Nothing more, nothing less.

“But don’t you think that’s unfair?” he asked again, almost like a whimper, as if he waspleading for something. She could smell the inside of his mouth, and it smelled a mixture of

fresh breath and the wine they just drank.

“I don’t,” she was finding the right words. “I actually don’t know what to say, Alex,” she

admitted.

“You know I like you, don’t you?”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“Yes,” she said instantly. “I know.”

“Do you like me, too?”

“Why are you asking this, Alex?”

“Because if you say nothat you don’t like methen we’ll just walk home as if nothinghas happened. But if you say yesthat you also like methen I’ll kiss you and walk home

pretending as if nothing has happened.”

“Alex,” she said, not exactly knowing what to do in a situation like that.

“I’m going to ask you one more time, Alex.” He stepped closer towards her, his lips

almost touching her ear. “Do you also like me?”

Then finally giving up from the beautiful nightmare she just been through, she knew what

she had to say. “Yes, Alex. I like you, too.”

And slowly, ever so slowly, he moved his face an inch away from her, looking straight

into her eyes, wanting to remember her image that very moment. He put a hand on her chin, andanother on her lower back, before kissing her cheeks twice and then her lips as passionate as he

could.

They say friendship is love’s strongest foundation. Once a partner has it between them, more

likely than not, their relationship would last long. And if so, for Alex and Alex, that foundationitself was strong enough so what more if they turn into real partners? After that night, they found

themselves avoiding each other for days. Often they would bump with each other at school or see

each other in the neighborhood but they simply pretend they didn’t have. Because like what they



have expected, it is the sudden change that feared them the most. Losing the tight bond they

created. But even so, exactly a week after that night, Alex decided to visit her at home, just to

clear things up.

It was his father who answered the door.

“Hi, uncle,” he greeted, acting normally. He treats her father like his real uncle already

since they’ve known each other even before he learned how to walk. “Is Alex in?”

“Yep,” he replied. “Come on in.”

When he was already seated on their couch, Alex’s father surprised him by sitting right infront of him and asking him a question. “Do you have something to say to me?”

“What do you mean?” he faked a smile. Tiny beads of sweat began forming on his

forehead.

“Don’t worry, I told Alex to come after a few minutes. I said I have to talk to you first.”

He wanted to shout a loud ‘What???’ but he couldn’t. “And what is it that we have to talk about, unc?”

“What’s going on?” his voice, though friendly, continued frightening him more. “I mean,

what’s between you and my daughter?”

“I don’t think I understand what you’re trying to say.”

“Do you want me to say it straight to the point, son?”

He swallowed what might have been the largest lump that has formed in his throat. “Goahead.”

“Alright. Are you my daughter’s boyfriend already?”

He wanted to scream, to cry and run away all at the same time but he couldn’t. Because if

there is a time to face Alex, his parents and their relationship, he thought that now would be thebest time. So after gathering up all the courage he needed, he finally explained. “I don’t know if

you may call it that, uncle, but… you have to know that I like your daughter. Perhaps you

already know that since, you know, you’ve seen the both of us grow up together. And more thanthat,” he paused, swallowing again, “we’ve already kissed. Last week.”

If her father was surprised, he couldn’t tell. He simply nodded, forcing him to add some

more.

“And, um, well, since you knew me that well, would there be a problem if, by any

chance, I’d be your daughter’s boyfriend?”



“That’s not the problem, Alex,” he suddenly replied.

“Then what is it?”

“The problem is… do you love her?”

At first, the idea was like a foreign one to him, like it was an absurdity. But as soon as he

thought and pondered, he realized only one thing. “Yes, unc, I do. I love her.” He laughed. “Iloved her all along.”

And just like that, her father smiled and nodded again. And in an instant he looked away,

focusing on something seemed to be moving near her. That’s it. Alex saw Alex. She was justthere, standing so close to them, hiding in the furniture. She was just there, listening to

everything he has just said, watching him suffer from humiliation and too much frightening. She

was just there and he thought it was worse than the everyday mock he gets from her.

Months passed by and as they entered a more happythough complicatedrelationship,they have learned that what they knew about each other wasn’t all that. On their way, they

learned knew things that they never knew existed before. Take the behavior of Alexthey guy

during the times they are together. He would rarely get mad when she teases him, he was more

gentleman now, he was a good listener, his body was always warm and his lips always taste thesame. And for Alexthe girlher mocking lessened now, her hands gets softer and softer as he

holds it, he noticed that she used to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear when she gets

nervous before they kiss and she was a very thoughtful girlfriend.

But as I have said, this story is about ended beginnings. The Alex-Alex love story must

soon come to a surprising and heartrending end. Nine months after the day he and her father

spoke, the day they decided to go for a trip, a tragic event happened.

It was 9:03am. Alex and Alex just missed the 9am train so they had to wait for another twelveminutes for the next train. While waiting, their hands clasped together, Alexthe guycan’t

help but notice this young boy playing with his big and shiny toy car. He was around ten, though

a bit too slim. He was dressed in a bright red shirt and Bermuda shorts and on his back was acamouflage camping bag. The womanwhom Alex assumed was his motherwas busy talking

to somebody on the phone. The kid simply played there on the ground, not noticing the people

coming and going, or how busy his surrounding may be.

It was 9:09. Alexthe girlalready looked tired from waiting, sensing from her eyes,even though she was smiling. He asked her if she was okay and she said she was fine. He smiled

then and whispered an “I love you” to her and she replied the same.

It was 9:12. She let go of his hand, getting something from her sling bag, as the number

of people increased. Suddenly, he half-ran away from her, as she heard a voice of a womanscreaming for help.



It was 9:14. She heard the train coming as she moved into the crowd, searching for his

boyfriend. They might be late, it was what she wanted to put in her mind but she failed. What

was on her mind that time was what could be the noise and commotion all about.

It was 9:15 and the train is coming. And just like that, like a blink of an eye, she saw his

boyfriend down on the railroad tracks, carrying a young boy on his arms. A terrified-lookingwoman was reaching for the boy but… nobody was reaching for Alex. Seconds later, the boy

was saved, Alex was not.

Soon enough, she learned that he was the only one brave enough to help that little boy

after falling down the railroad track trying to get his toy car. Alex, his best friend, even on the

last second of his life, was helpful to anybody who needed help. And Alex, the man she has

learned to love, died in an accident filled with so much pride and honor. She was everybody’shero.

It was 9:30am. Alex, you know who, kept crying as she continuously whisper “I love

you” to the air, wailing over a man named exactly like her. The beginning they have created hasjust ended then and there was nothing she could ever do to change that fact. Even if he did that

for the sake of another. Even if she loves him dearly. Even if Alex loves Alex.

Second Story

“Letters of Love”

The second story is about Garrett Hughes and his girlfriend, Kate Whitfield. With more thanseven years of being together, their love for each other grew as strong as it could be, like a seed

planted in a very rich and fertile soil. He spent almost a year courting her during their second

year in college but it is not his loveor dedicationthat eventually took her heart. It is neither his care nor affection. Or his thoughtfulness and perseverance. It is through his letters.

After months of courtship and almost giving up, Garrett took his one last chance in

getting the heart of Kate. As simple as it sounds, he wrote her a letter. And this is what he said:

Dearest Kate,

In all the years of my life, I have worked hard to achieve what I’ve always wanted. When

I was a kid, my parents forced me to study things I am not interested with. So I took my stand even at my very young ageand told them that I’d only study things that I’ll be needing to know

when I grow up. That I should only learn at school, study a bit at home and play like every other



kid during my spare time. And eventually, they let me. As I grow up, I held on to things which I knew would help me be a person I wanted to be. And I never let go of them even up until now.

But then you came into my life and taught me that I could not have everything that I wish

for. That despite the fact that I worked and, put my heart and soul with it, no matter what I do

there are simply some things I couldn’t possibly achieve. And I’d like to thank you for letting meknow and understand that.

This is not a threat or something to make you feel guilty, Kate. Courting you was my

decision and accepting my love was yours. This is just to let you know that even after a year has

passed, I am not giving up. I will still love you, with all my heart, and wait for you no matter how long it takes. I took this one last chance and I hope that this would work.

Again, I love you. Perhaps that’s all I wanted to say.

Love,

Garrett

And just like that, as soon as Kate received his letter, a brand new beginning opened for

the both of them. She realizedthough a bit too late nowthat what he saw in the year that has

passed were demonstrations of pure love. He has been through almost everything and the onlything she thought that very moment was ‘Why not?’

So he sent her a message, a brief letter as a reply to his. And this is what she playfully

wrote as a reply:

Garrett,

I just received your letter; write me another one. And after you do, fetch me tomorrow

evening at my house by six then we’ll talk it through. Go knock, my Dad will answer the door.

Kate

Not too long after their first meeting, he finally achieved what he’d always wanted. Butas I have said, Kate fell in love with Garrett not all because of his love but his letters. She loved

reading the letters he sent to her during the time they were still dating and more, after she

proclaimed her love for him, too. Since then, he agreed to write her letters every week no matter how nonsense may it be. She said she only wanted to know what’s on his mind. And luckily, it

was she who was always in it.



But in every great love story lies an unutterable silence one must have to face. Seven long years

have passed, hundreds of letters were writtenthough only a few were given a replystill hehas proven her how much he loves her and how much he was willing to prove that love to her.

And after all those years, as if everything was perfect, they had to deal with something neither one of them has ever imagined.

Garrett found out he had brain tumor. And he was only given approximately six monthsleft to life. It was both a heartbreaking and life-changing chapter of their lives especially to

Garrett for he was only thirty-one. At his young age, he would be leaving so much behind: his

parents, who have successfully raised him and his sister with all their might; his job, where he

put so much effort and hard work; his friends, who have been with him in every step of his way;and lastly, his girlfriend, whom he can’t imagine living without him. After all, they’ve already

built a life together.

So it wasn’t until a week after he found out about his condition that he has come up witha decision. A decision that is about to change not only his lifebut two more livesforever.

To all concerned readers,

Hi. This is Garrett Hughes, a man asking for your help. I am thirty-one years old nowand if what my doctor said was right, sadly, I won’t be turning thirty-two anymore. I am

currently in love with the most amazing girl you can ever imagine. I love her so much that is why

I am doing this.

If, by any great chance, anyone of you has the same handwriting as mine, please contact me through the information given below and I’ll be very glad to hear it from you. You see, I

write letters to my girlfriend every week and what I only wish forbefore the day I dieis to

have someone continue my writing even while I’m gone. I know this may sound like a crazyrequest to some of you, perhaps absurd or whatever. But this is just me, a man who loves

someone deeply. And through the help of the man who writes the same as me and would be

willing to continue my profession of love, I would still live even in the hands of others.

Thank you. That’d be all I’d like to say.

Signed,

Garrett

Weeks wore on and Garrett and Kate tried their best to live a normal life as they possiblycould. Not wasting any of his time left, they traveled to different places, spent days and nights



together though most of the time, they would sit quietly in his porch, bodies so close together,

hands glued to one another as if not wanting to ever let go. Often she would tell him that she

loves him without any reason, like it came just from out of the blue, because for her it wasnothing but normal. Loving Garrett, for Kate, has been something that she simply became used

to do, as if it was a part of her lifestyle, even a part of her being.

There are times, too, during his attacksone when his head pounds so much she feels

he’s already dyingGarrett would still try to smile, reassuring her that he’d still be okay. Shewould nod in understanding though deep within a part of her, it was she who hurts more. Even if

he never told him that he’s hurting, she knew that he is, and that was all it could take for her

heart to be broken every time.

“Remember the first time you admitted that you also like me?” he used to tease her.“You were blushing so much; your cheeks were like sunburned.”

Often times, she would playfully nudge his arms, remembering how good-looking he

was that day and even how that handsome face never faded away. But sometimes, she’d give upto his mocking, like now. “Yeah, right. You know I fell for you the instant I first saw you. You

were so handsome I get jealous with other girls staring at you.”

“But you never stared,” he’d continue.

“Because you’re the one who’s staring! My knees were shaking like hell.”

“That bad, huh.”

“That bad ,” she would repeat.

One day, though, after those usual lines they tease to each other, Kate fell silent,pondering about something.

“But what made you decide to talk to me? You were staring for more than six months

but you never spoke a word.”

“I was shy,” he admitted. “And besides, I was afraid you might not actually like me.”

“But I do.”

“I know. That is why the first time I talked to you“

“I’m the one who never spoke a word,” she finished the sentence for him. “I didn’t know

what to say. My crush talked to me! For the very first time.”

“And you know what?” he asked, grinning.

“What?”



“That’s the moment I realized you liked me, too.”

Four months after they found out about his condition, Garrett received a letter. It was a reply to

the announcement he posted. And this is what it said:

Garrett,

I saw your post three months ago and I thought, ‘Hey, this guy is out of his mind. Who’d

have sent out a letter like this asking for quite a load of help?’ Though I initially noticed thesame handwriting we have, I tried ignoring it as I continue reading the letter.

And yet as I did, I didn’t know how it happened but I just felt the need to help you. You’re

one great guy to do such thing for the woman you love and if it were me, I think I would havedone the same thing. It may be a bit of a burden for me, honestly, but thinking that there is

someone out there willing to show his love for another even after the day he dies was more than

romantic, it could be life-changing.

So here I am, accepting your request, wanting to extend your life as long as you want meto. And if anyone asks me why I am doing this, perhaps I would simply say, ‘Because I have a

heart.’

You may meet me anytime soon.

Signed,

D

Opposing what the doctors have said, Garrett lived for the next three months. After

meeting the kind-hearted man who agreed to write letters for Kate, he was almost ready to leave.He spent days, again, with the people he loves, treasuring every moment and making all the

things they do count. Garrett and Kate travelled and went out of town a couple of times, driving

as far as they could. Through this, they saw the world in a better view. Love, they have made to

understand, is never gone in a person’s life. It is there, hidden somewhere inside us, brought toany place we go. It only comes out if you let it to, and if you let other people get it from you.

Exactly eight months after he was diagnosed, he had his worst attack. He was brought to

the hospital. He was admitted for days, visited by friends and family members every minute. Andthrough all those times, Kate would sit just right beside his bed, holding his hand, both afraid and

unprepared letting him go yet.



“I have something to ask you, Kate,” he said.

“What is it?”

He sighed first before looking straight into her eyes. “You’d learn to forget me, wouldn’t

you?”

“Yes,” she replied, “every day of my life.” Then a tear fell down her face.

The love they began soon had to end. An ended beginning happened during his tenth day

of stay in the hospital. While asleep, she just heard this few beep-beep sounds from the machine

connected to his body, alarming her and everybody in the hospital that day. And just like that, nomatter how much effort the doctors exert in reviving him, he simply had to let go. Love, she

learned again, no matter how great was, sometimes should end not because you’re tired of loving

but because love itself couldn’t be enough.

The night Garrett died, Kate received a letter. And it was another letter that has yet tochange her life. Again. And this is what it painfully, though surprisingly, said:

Dearest Kate,

I probably may be gone by the time you read this. But I just like to let you know that evenif so, I would still continue to love you with all my heart, just like the first time I did. You and I

have shared something wonderful and forever, deep within my heart, it will be cherished like no

other.

I promise to keep writing to you every week. Don’t ask how. And up until the day youfully let me go, I would be here right beside you, letting you know that there is someone out there

who cares for you… someone who loves you.

With all my love,

Garrett

She folded the letter back to how it was. And together with the tears flowing down her cheeks, she smiled, thinking that the beginning they have created may have ended but thatending has only just begun.

Third Story



“The Silver Lining ”

The third and last story is about the people who were left behind during the first and second story

Kate, the man named D and Alex. But it’s not just about them, of course. This final story alsotalks about the lives of the people involving them and what happened after their ended

beginnings. This would be a mixture of the two stories and like what I’ve said before, linked to

one another like a resilient shackle, bringing out something unexpected.

“Hi, there,” it was Kate, twenty years after Garrett’s death, greeting to her eleven year olddaughter.

“Hi, Mom,” her daughter replied, though not looking at her, face almost touching the

desk.

“What are you doing, sweetie?” she continued walking towards her, and when she did,she caressed her daughter’s long hair.

“Just writing stuff, Mom,” she replied nonchalantly. “You write, too?”

Ignoring her question, as if remembering something, she asked again. “What are you

writing, then? Are those school stuff?”

“Um, not really, Mom,” she said, tilting her head. “It’s what I do during my free time.”

“So what are those?” she said, trying to move closer, but her daughter’s head keeping it

from her sight.

“Letters, Mom.” That was all she said that took her somewhere far away from they were

actually sitting onto at that very moment.

“Hi there, honey,” it was a forty-eight year old Alex, greeting her husband as she kissed him onthe cheek.

“Hi,” he replied, looking at her. He waited for her to be seated beside her first before

speaking again. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied with a reassuring smile. “Feeling tired, though. You know,our age,” she chuckled.

He smiled. “About today, I mean, are you okay?”

“What do you mean about today?”



“Come on, honey. I know you never forget the date.”

She sighed and touched his arm gently. “I’m fine.”

“You already visited?”

“Not yet.”

“But you want to, don’t you?”

“That wouldn’t be necessary.”

“You go there every year. And I can give you a ride, you know.”

“Oh, honey,” she said, looping her arms around him sweetly. “You don’t have to do

that.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “Alex, we all had our first loves. And we both know the

feeling of that kind of love, no matter how long it takes, would never be forgotten. It stays withus forever, no matter what.”

“I know,” it was all that she said.

“So you don’t have to worry about me. What you feel is just normal. And if I also

experienced that kind of thing to my first love,” he paused, letting his words sink into her, “Iwould have felt the same way, too.”

After a long moment of silence, she said a bit shyly: “You really won’t mind if I visithim?”

“No, not at all,” he replied, smiling. “Besides, it’s the death anniversary of my wife’s firstlove so, you know, it wouldn’t be bad to pay some respect. I know Alex was a good man.”

Was. The tense, even at this point, made a part of Alex still longing. And with another

pause, she kissed his husband on the lips and whispered, “Thank you, Doug.”

“W

hat kind of letters, sweetheart?” Katie asked her daughter again, the beat of her heart racing.“Can I see them?”

Her daughter looked up at her then, eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and confusion.

“Why? Why do you want to see them, Mom?”

“Um, nothing. I like reading letters, that’s why.”



She frowned a bit then.

“Okay, here’s the deal. I’ll let you see some of my personal letters first then after that,

you’ll let me see yours. Would that be okay?”

Gaining interest from her mother’s proposal, she pouted and smiled at last. Kate smiled,too, and stood up from her daughter’s chair. She went out of the room and retrieved the letters

Garrettand the other manhas written to her.

Minutes later, when Kate entered her daughter’s room again, she was already sitting on

her bed, own letters at hand.

“Here it is,” Katie announced, smiling widely.

“Who are they from, Mom?

Again, she sat down first before speaking. “They’re actually from two different people,sweetie. But the name of the sender was the same.”

“Huh? How is that possible?”

She sighed, thinking that it should be a long story. “You really want to know?”

Her daughter nodded vigorously and smiled.

“Okay,” she said, adjusting herself on the bed. “The sender’s name is Garrett. He was,

actually, my second love. And I met him before your father.” Not noticing the tense she used to

describe him, she proceeded. “We met at college and he’s probably one of the most handsomeguy I’ve ever seen. I had a crush on himshe didn’t knowuntil the day he approached me and

gave me his first ever letter. Are you sure you want to hear this?”

“Mom!” her daughter shouted, grinning, letting her continue.

“So he courted me by giving me a letter every week“

“WOW…. every week, Mom?” she cut her off.

Kate smiled proudly. “Yes, sweetie, every week. That’s why I can’t help but agree to

become his girlfriend soon.”

“Of course! Look, he’s handsome, he’s your type and he gave you letters every week!

Who wouldn’t fall for that?”

“Alright,” she can’t help but smile. “Let me make this short. So there we were, madly inlove with each other until one day,” she paused. “We found out that he had brain tumor. He’s

dying in less than a year.”



As a tear formed in Kate’s eye, her daughter instantly turned silent surprised by what she

just heard.

“We tried living as normal as we could, sweetie. But even so, still, after eight months, hewas taken away from me. From everybody.” It was then that tears fell from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mom.”

She shushed her. “Don’t be. That was long ago, sweetheart.”

“So… what happened, Mom?”

She smiled sadly. “Letters still kept coming.”

“How?”

“It was later that I’ve learned that Garrett searched for someone who has the samepenmanship as him. That man also wrote letters for me every week for seven years, exactly the

number of yearsor even monthsthat Garrett and I have been together. It helped me, in most

ways, to move on.”

Her daughter nodded a few times in understanding. “It was sad, though filled with love,Mom.”

“Yes, sweetheart, indeed it is.”

“So, Mom, can I see the letters now?”

“What do you want to see first?”

She thought for a moment before replying. “I want to see the very last one, Mom. Theone that the man after Garrett wrote for the very last time.”

Kate smiled, thinking that she really knew her daughter for she was so sure that that was

what she would read first. And this is what it said:

Dearest Kate,

It’s been more than seven years since I died and before I finally say goodbye, let me first

introduce to you the man behind these letters. I know you know it wasn’t me. It couldn’t be me.

His name is Doug. And as you know, he is a very good man. He was, at first, too doubtful about what he was going to dowriting every week for seven years, I mean. But his kind heart



still prevailed and he agreed to use his handwriting for me to continue sending letters to you, theone I promised to do.

He is ten years older than me, if I wasn’t mistaken. He is already married, with a son and

a daughter and if you want to see him, you could see the address written below this letter. And if

you ask him why he did all these for somebody he barely even knows, this is what he is going tosay: “Because I have a heart.” He knows how much I love you, Kate.

But seven years is seven years. And it’s a very long time now. I know you don’t grieve

over him so much anymore so you simply had to let go. You loved Garrett dearly and that love

would never go away, no matter how much time has flown away. That is just enough. Move on,Kate.

This is going to be the last letter you will receive and after this, search for the better light

and I know it will lead you to someplace good. You deserve to love and be loved. That’s all.

And before I finally let go, too, let me say this once and for all. In the name of Garrett, I want to tell you that I love you will all my heart. I love you. And I always will.

With care,

(This is the first time I’ll be writing this.)

Doug

“But have you ever met the man who wrote for you? Doug, I mean?” her daughter askedwhile folding back the letter.

Katie smiled again, feeling so good. “Yes, sweetie, I did. Eventually, I did. And it was on

a very special day for his wife. It was his wife’s first love’s death anniversary.”

Her daughter frowned a bit, finding it confusing, and yet she listened.

K ate found Doug’s house using the address written on his letter. It was quite a huge house, with

blue windows and cream painted porch surrounding it. Located near a lake, the view waspicturesque, perfect for a big family, one that she’s always dreamed of. She knocked on the door thrice and waited.

She heard footsteps, as if coming from upstairs before the door opened. A woman

whom she supposed older than heranswered.

“Hi, good morning,” she greeted with a friendly smile. “Is this where Doug lives?”



“Yes,” she replied, smiling back. “I’m his wife. What can I do for you?”

“Oh, I’m Kate”she held out a hand“and I’m a friend of Doug.”

She took her hand and shook it. “Nice meeting you, Kate. I’m Alex.”

“So, um, is he in?”

“Well, he is. He’s just getting ready, actually.”

“Why? You’re leaving?”

“Sort of,” Alex smiled. “Is there something important that you need to tell him?”

“No, not at all,” Katie said instantly. “I can come back“

“I know it’d sound a bit strange but if you want, you can come with us. He’s actually justaccompanying me to the cemetery.”

“Oh,” Kate paused, “you’re visiting someone.”

“Yes,” Alex said simply.

“Well, if it won’t really be a problem or something… then I’d be glad to come, too.”

On their way to the cemetery, since Katie had her own carthey were just convoying

Alex told Doug about her. Doug, at first, hasn’t said a word about what’s their real “relationship”

but deciding that she needed to know all about her, she explained about the letters. Alex keptlistening, asking occasional questions when she thought of something and throughout their ride,

she was patient, kind and most of all, understanding about his husband’s good will.

Around twenty minutes later they arrived, Katie still on their tail, on a cemetery both

foreign and familiar to them. To Alex, Doug and Katie. Especially to Katie. The floor, thoughsome were covered with Bermuda grass, looked old, supported by the rusty fences surrounding

the cemetery’s vicinity. Two more rounds and they finally stepped out of their cars.

Doug smiled at Katie, seeing the face he used to see for more than seven years. He

walked slowly towards her, Alex giving the both of them some time alone, and held out his hand.

“Doug here, at your service,” he greeted.

Katie took his hand, it was warmer than she thought, and in an instant, a tear fell down

her right eye. “Kate here, thanking you for your service.”

He smiled. “You know, if a tear falls down from the left eye, it is sadness. But yours was

right then it is happiness.”



“I’m so happy to finally meet you, Doug.”

“Come on, my wife’s eager to talk to you,” he said in return, leading the way.

Yet as soon as Katie started walking towards Alex’s first love’s grave, she felt the sudden

rush of emotions coming back to her. She remembered everything form the day she first camehere, like it was just yesterday, and there was nothing she could do not to feel what she felt that

day: happiness and sadness mixed together, not a very good combination.

Doug, and even Alex, kept asking her what was wrong but it’s as if she couldn’t hear

anything. She finally stepped on the spot, leaving both Doug and Alex bewildered. It stood thereone poignant and memorable tombstone:

Alex Pratt

A friend, a son and a hero

Alex can’t help but frown. “How’d you know we’re going here?”

And with a trembling whisper, she asked, “Is he the one you’re visiting?”

“Yes,” Alex instantly replied, curious. “Why? Do you know him?”

“Who is he?” Kate asked again.

“He’s… my first love.”

And with that, the tears finally came rushing down Katie’s cheeks. “Oh, my God,” then

both her hands flew to her mouth.

“Do you know him, Kate?” it was Doug. “He died in a train accident. Like a hero.”

“He died saving a little boy,” Kate whispered.

“How’d you know?” It was Alex and Doug in chorus.

Then again, she revealed something almost unbelievable. “That little kid he saved was

Garrett.”



Just as Katie said those words, her daughter’s face went from surprise to sadness to curiosity and

anger to happiness and back again in surprise. Hearing a story like that, though it wasn’t her

own, was like knowing other people’s livesboth family and nottogether with their secret,what they think, how they feel and who they love. It was a boulevard of feelings towards

something unachievable, molded by a beginning, a story and an ending. And even without her

knowing, their ended beginnings unfolded since they have made to understand it, since the daythey learned how to love.

K atie kept touching the tombstone of Alex, silently thanking him for what he has done some

time ago for the man he loved before. He was more than a hero for her; he was a friend, someone

who’s willing to risk and even give up his own life for the sake of others.

“I must say that the world we live into is nothing but too small,” Alex commented.

“Too small for all the people not to know one another,” Doug added, a sad smile writtenacross his face.

“Kate, honey,” Alex called, continuously patting her back, a friendly gesture for a woman

she just met a few hours ago.

“I’m sorry, Alex,” she whispered back.

“No, no, don’t be sorry.”

“Alex“she stammered“Alex shouldn’t have died if not because of Garrett.”

“Sweetheart,” she called again, their age gap exhibited, “you know, sometimes, things do

happen for a reason. Maybe, just maybe, Alex was supposed to die that day. It just happened thatit was the little guy, Garrett, who was saved.”

“But still, you lost him, Alex. You lost the first man you fell in love with.”

“Yes, I lost him. But I learned how to let it go. Look, come to think of it, what if he didn’t

die? What if he didn’t try to save that kid? Then you wouldn’t meet a man named Garrett.”

Kate was silent, wanting to hear more words she needed to hear.

“It was indeed a small world, Kate,” Alex chuckled. “See, haven’t Alex saved Garrett’slife, you wouldn’t have known him and you wouldn’t have met Doug. And in my case, if only

Alex didn’t try to help Garrett, he could still be alive but I wouldn’t have met Doug.” She

laughed hysterically. “Quite confusing, isn’t it?”

Katie smiled at that, and so did Doug, and reached for Alex’s hands. “I want to thank

you, Alex. In behalf of Alex, for saving Garrett’s life.”



“You know life doesn’t end when we think it already has ended,” Alex explained.

“Because if only we take a closer look, we would see that there’s a silver lining written on the

beginning we have created and even though that beginning has ended, life still continues. It goeson, and on. We never have to worry about a thing.”

Kate let Alex’s words sink into her before speaking again. “And to you, Doug”shefaced him and finally smiled“for being Garrett for more than seven years. I could never thank

you enough, you know.”

“Just move on, Katie. That’d be enough.”

And with that, she smiled widely for the first time again and announced to the both of

them. “I already have, Doug. I’m actually pregnant now,” she laughed. “With a man I never

thought I would love this much.”

“It’s such a great story, Mom,” Kate’s daughter said, still in awe, smiling.

“I know, sweetheart,” she replied, though now remembering their deal. “So now that I’ve

told you the story, can I please read those letters?”

Her daughter sighed, and even if a bit sadKate couldn’t figure out whystill she

handed the letters to her mother. It was a bunch of letters tightened by a rubber band. More thanfifty, it’s what Kate assumed. And when she opened the letter right on top, again, emotions came

overflowing. She remembered her daughter’s condition. She learned that letters, in most ways,

can really do express someone’s feelings. She learned it through Garrett first. Then through her

husband who courted her through his poems sent as letters. And now heartbreakingly through her daughter. This is what her first entry said:

Day 1

Dear Diary,

Today I’ve learned that I have Alzheimer’s. Quite impossible for I’m just turning twelve,

but still I have to smile…

Kate’s daughter had her own boulevard. She had her own ended beginning. But now,

Kate is no longer afraid for what’s going to happen to her loved one. Because now, she knowsthat there is a silver lining written on the beginnings they have created, just like what she learned

from Alex. She didn’t even bother reading the rest of her daughter’s entry for she is more than



aware that her daughter, unlike her, has seen the silver lining even from the start. They never

have to worry about a thing.

THE END

three short stories

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