A cab pulled up outside the cemetery gates. A young man stepped out and approached the woman selling flowers by the entrance.
“Twelve tulips, please!”
He paid in pounds, bowed his head slightly, and walked through the iron gates into the quiet rows of graves.
A year ago, Daniel wouldve called himself the luckiest man alivemadly in love and loved just as fiercely in return. But everything changed in a single moment when his fiancée, Emily, didnt survive a car accident.
It took him a month just to function again. His mates from work dragged him back into the world, bit by bit.
Now, by the headstone, Emilys mother sat on a bench.
“Afternoon, Aunt Margaret,” Daniel said softly.
“Hello, Daniel.” She rushed to him, burying her face in his chest as tears spilled over.
He stared at the photograph on the graveEmilys smile, frozen in time.
Once shed composed herself, Margaret helped arrange the flowers properly. They stood in silence before she finally asked,
“Still not married, then?”
“No. I cant forget your daughter. Its like… her hearts still calling to me.”
Margaret nodded, her head drooping. The day of the accident was a blurthe hospital, her daughter on that sterile table, the doctors speaking in hushed tones…
She turned to Daniel, opened her mouth, but seeing his grief-stricken face, said nothing.
Daniel had graduated from the police academy and worked in the force for two years, recently earning his promotion to sergeant. He still lived with his parents.
Emilys death had sent shockwaves through his family. A year on, their son was still lost, spending his free hours shut in his room. This Saturday was no differenthe returned home somber, shoulders heavy.
“Daniel, dinners ready,” his mum called from the hallway.
He nodded, washed his hands, and sat at the table. His mother wasted no time.
“Your father and I visited your grandparents graves today…” She trailed off, noticing his dark expression.
“I went to see Emily too.”
“Love, its been a year. We cant bring her back, but you have to keep living.”
“I cant, Mum. Its like shes pulling me towards her.”
“Daniel, dont say things like that!” His mother paled.
“Its fine. I know you and Dad want me to move on, but… not yet.”
He finished his meal and retreated to his room.
Being a detective meant odd hourssometimes late into the night. Daniel lay on his bed and fell asleep without realizing.
He dreamed of Emily calling him. Not unusual, but this time felt differentlike she was in trouble, begging for help.
He jolted awake and bolted for the door.
“Daniel, whats wrong?”
“Need some air.”
Outside, his feet carried him on autopilot.
He reached the park and veered off the path. Three drunk louts had cornered a girl, their taunts sharp in the night. Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto his.
“Whats going on here?” Daniel stepped forward.
The girls fear melted into desperate relief.
“Mind your business, mate,” one bloke snarled, swinging at him.
A second later, he was on the ground.
“Take your friend and clear off. Now.”
The other two didnt argue, hauling their mate up and slinking away.
The girl stood frozen, clutching her chest, then fumbled for a pill and slipped it under her tongue. Tears streaked her face.
“Easy now,” Daniel said gently, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Th-thank you,” she stammered.
“Let me walk you home.”
As they walked, she steadied her breathing.
“Whats your name?”
“Lily.”
“Daniel. What happened back there?”
“I walk here most eveningsdoctors orders. Those boys just… appeared.”
“Your heart?”
“Born with a defect. Last year, it failed. Had surgery. Doctors say Im fine now.”
As she spoke, something in Daniels chest loosenedlike Emily was beside him again.
They reached a modern block of flats.
“I live here,” Lily said, glancing up at him shyly.
“Glad we met.”
“Daniel… come up? Id like you to meet my mum.”
“Is that alright?” He couldnt hide his smile.
“Of course!”
The flat was spacious, tastefully furnished. A woman emerged from the living room, blinking at her beaming daughter and the stranger beside her.
“Mum, this is Daniel. He saved me from some drunks.”
“Eleanor Whitmore,” she said warmly. “Come through, tell me what happened.”
Over tea, Lily recounted the ordeal. Eleanor listened, then sighed.
“No more walks alone, sweetheart.” She eyed Daniel. “And howd you end up there?”
“My heart led me,” he joked weakly.
“What do you do?”
“Police.”
“Ah. Explains how you handled those louts.” She hesitated. “Married?”
“No.” Her eyebrows rosetwenty-five, handsome, single?
“There was someone. She died a year ago.”
“Oh, Daniel, Im so sorry.”
The rest of tea passed quietly. Daniel stood to leave.
“Lily, lets swap numbers. If anyone bothers you, call me.”
That night, sleep eluded him.
*Whats happening to me? Walking with her… I swore I heard Emilys heartbeat.*
He closed his eyesbut for the first time, Emilys face blurred, replaced by Lilys.
Morning came. He shaved, washed, then dialed Lilys number.
“Hello?”
“Fancy some company at the shops?”
“Daniel?”
“Be there in ten.”
Outside her building, she waited, hesitant.
“Good morning, Lily.”
“Daniel!” She nearly hugged him but stopped herself.
Eleanor appeared in the doorway.
“Morning, Mrs. Whitmore!”
“Mum, were going shopping. Need anything?”
“Just enjoy yourselves.”
Daniel took Lily home. His mothers face lit uphis first visit with a girl in a year.
“Come in, come in! Lunch is nearly ready.”
“Mum, this is Lily. Lily, my mum, Margaret.”
“Lovely to meet you,” Margaret gushed.
His father feigned sternness but couldnt hide his smile.
Over lunch, Lily charmed them effortlessly. After, she helped clear up, chatting easily.
Daniel led her to his room.
“Lily, this is where I”
She gasped, hands flying to her mouth.
On the wall hung a photo of Daniel and Emily.
“Lily? Whats wrong?”
“Thats… Emily.”
“You knew her?”
“A year ago, I was dying. She didnt make it. Transplant.”
“You have her *heart*?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Yes.”
Daniel staredLilys face, Emilys heart. Fate, or something more?
He pulled her close.
“Ill never leave you, Lily.”
As promises went, it felt sacred.
Socoincidence? Destiny? What do *you* think?
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