I cant believe it. Once again, just as I did twenty years ago, Im twirling with you in a waltz. Do you remember our last meeting? It was at the school prom, and we danced together. Happiness hung in the air, and I was drowning in the depth of your blueblue eyes. That evening I wanted to tell you the most important thing that we would soon become parents. When I said it, you blew up with anger and snapped, Its far too early to think about that. We have to wait. It knocked the wind out of me, as if a cold gust had hit my lungs. I knew I was out of step with the timing, but what could I do? Nothing could be changed. We went our separate ways, yet my love for you lingered for a long time. You had crushed my heart then; my spirit was shattered into pieces. I knew you would never change, never realize, never feel remorse. Your character was as hard as flint, and that was what I found oddly compelling about you.
Our old school friends kept me posted on your private life. I learned you were married, had two grown sons, and were divorced. I also learned you still attended every classreunion, always asking about my life, while your former classmates knew nothing about me. I never went to those gatherings. I was terrified of looking into your eyes and disappearing, of sinking and never resurfacing. That fear lasted almost a decade.
Then he appeared the man I would marry. I threw myself into the marriage without feeling anything for him except gratitude. He understood that and never pushed. He welcomed my daughter as his own. By the way, I named the little girl Love; I didnt consider any other name. Her curls remind me of yours. My husband loves me, I feel it in every cell. His deeds, his words, even his glance all speak of tenderness. About five years into our marriage I realized I had fallen for my own husband. He somehow managed to wrap his arms around my soul, becoming my anchor, silently finding the key to my heart. I walked through his doors of kindness and understanding with relief. No one could ever breach the love we built.
Love saves everything, Val. You never truly loved me; I was just a youthful amusement for you. Thats the ringing truth.
Oh, why am I talking only about myself? How have you been, Val?
Oh, Emily Im living handtomouth, a bit unsettled. In short, life is like a horse without a bridle. The boys are on their own, each with his own worries. Im on my own. I think of you often
Hmm My husband and I have three children Love and a pair of sixyearold twin girls. Do you remember your best friend Jack Ustin?
Ustin? Of course! He was not just a best friend, he was the only one. After school he cut off contact, ignored my calls, avoided meetings I have no idea what happened to him.
Val, lets go to the window. Look at the schoolyard.
Valentin gazed out the open window and couldnt take his eyes off what he saw.
I understand, Emily. I get it now What tangled paths our lives have taken!
Down on the playground stood Jack Ustin, holding two little childrens hands. Beside him was a young woman, about twenty, with eyes as blueblue as yours.
Goodbye, Val, she said. Im going to my family.
Emily, why did you decide to come to the reunion this year?
I stopped being afraid, Val. Looking at you now, my heart is finally quiet.
The night settled, and the lingering lesson emerged: love, in all its forms, can heal, guide, and reveal the true compass of our hearts, but only when we gather the courage to face it honestly.
