The taxi pulled up by the gates of the cemetery. A young man stepped out and approached the woman selling flowers.
“Twelve tulips, please,” he said.
After paying in pounds, he bowed his head and walked into the graveyard.
A year ago, Daniel had believed himself the luckiest man alive, deeply in love and loved in return. But everything changed in an instant when his beloved Emily died in a car accident.
It took him a month just to gather himself. His colleagues at work helped him return to some semblance of normalcy.
Near the headstone, Emilys mother sat on a bench.
“Hello, Aunt Margaret,” Daniel said softly.
“Good afternoon, Daniel,” she replied, rushing to embrace him, burying her face in his chest as she wept.
His eyes lingered on the gravestone, where Emilys smiling face looked back at him.
Once shed composed herself, Margaret helped him arrange the flowers properly. They stood in silence before she finally asked,
“Still not married?”
“No. I cant forget your daughter. Its like her heart is calling to me.”
Margaret nodded, lowering her head in sorrow. The events of that day over a year ago were still a blurthe hospital, her daughter lying lifeless, the couple kneeling before her.
She turned to Daniel, about to speak, but seeing the grief etched on his face, she stayed silent.
Daniel had graduated from police college and worked for two years, recently promoted to sergeant. He still lived with his parents.
The tragedy had shattered the familys peaceful life. Their son had spent the last year lost in grief, shutting himself in his room. Even now, he returned home that Saturday evening with a heavy heart.
“Daniel, come eat,” his mother called as she stepped into the hallway.
He nodded silently, washing his hands before sitting at the table. His mother hesitated, then spoke.
“Your father and I visited your grandparents graves today…” She trailed off, noticing his dark expression.
“I went to see Emily too.”
“Son, its been a year. Emilys gone, but you have to keep living.”
“I cant, Mum. Its like shes calling me to her.”
“Daniel, dont say such things!” His mother paled.
“Its fine. I know you and Dad want me to marry, but not now.”
He finished his meal and retreated to his room.
Police work was demanding, often keeping him out late. Exhausted, Daniel lay down and drifted into sleep.
He dreamt of Emily calling to hima familiar dream, but this time, it felt different, as if she were in danger, pleading for help.
He jolted awake and rushed out.
“Son, whats wrong?”
“I need some air.”
Outside, his feet carried him without thought. He reached the park and hurried deeper in, spotting three drunk men surrounding a frightened girl.
“Whats going on here?” Daniel demanded.
The girls terrified eyes met his, pleading silently.
“Whats it to you?” One lurched forwardonly to hit the ground instantly.
“Take your friend and leave. Now,” Daniel ordered.
The others scrambled to obey, dragging their mate away.
The girl stood trembling, clutching her chest before fumbling for a pill and placing it under her tongue. Tears streaked her face.
“Easy now,” Daniel said gently, holding her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she stammered.
“Let me walk you home.”
As they walked, she calmed enough to speak.
“Whats your name?” he asked.
“Charlotte.”
“Daniel. What happened back there?”
“II walk here often. Doctors orders. Those men just…”
“I see. Your heart?”
“Born with it. A year ago, it failed. I had surgery. Its better nowdoctors say Ill be fine.”
Listening to her, Daniel felt an odd lightness, as if Emily walked beside him.
They reached a new high-rise.
“I live here,” Charlotte said, her sad eyes lingering on him.
“Glad we met.”
“Daniel, come inside. Ill introduce you to my mum.”
“Is that alright?” He couldnt hide his smile.
“Of course!”
Her flat was elegant, tastefully furnished. Her mother stepped out, eyeing her daughters rare brightness and the man beside her.
“Mum, this is Daniel. He saved me from those men.”
“Eleanor Whitmore,” she introduced herself warmly. “Come to the kitchen, tell me what happened.”
As Eleanor set the table, Charlotte recounted the ordeal. When she finished, her mother sighed.
“Sweetheart, maybe avoid that park.” She studied Daniel. “Howd you end up there?”
“My heart led me,” he joked weakly.
“What do you do?”
“Police sergeant.”
“That explains how you handled those louts.” She hesitated. “Married?”
“No.”
Her suspicion flareda handsome twenty-five-year-old, still single?
“There was someone,” Daniel admitted, head bowed. “She died a year ago.”
“Oh, Daniel, Im sorry.”
They drank tea in silence. Afterward, Daniel stood.
“Thanks for the tea. I should go.” Seeing Charlottes crestfallen look, he smiled. “Lets swap numbers. Call if you need anything.”
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 Charlottes. He slept past midnight.
Come morning, he shaved, freshened up, then dialed the new number.
“Hello?” Her voice was surprised.
“Charlotte! What are you up to?”
“Just heading to the shops.”
“Wait for me. Well go together.”
At her door, she hesitated, resisting the urge to hug him.
Her mother appeared.
“Good morning, Mrs. Whitmore!”
“Mum, were going shopping. Need anything?”
“Go enjoy yourselves. Ill manage.”
Daniel brought Charlotte home. His mothers face lit upher son hadnt brought a girl home in a year.
“Come in! Lunch is ready.”
“Mum, this is Charlotte,” he said, beaming. “Mum, Maria.”
“Lovely to meet you!” Maria was overjoyed.
His father emerged, stern but smiling.
Over lunch, Charlotte charmed them. Afterward, she helped Maria clear up, chatting as women do.
Daniel approached.
“Charlotte, come see my room.”
He nudged her inside
She gasped, hands flying to her mouth.
Her eyes locked on the photo of Daniel and Emily.
“Charlotte, whats wrong?”
“Thats… Emily.”
“You knew her?”
“A year ago, I was dying… She didnt make it. The transplant…”
“You have her heart?”
Tears spilled. “Yes.”
Daniel stared, their faces overlapping in his mind. For the first time, he thought of fate.
*God must existHes brought my love back to me, and I wont lose her again.*
He pulled Charlotte close.
“Ill be with you always,” he vowed, as solemn as an oath on the Bible.
Was it chanceor destiny? Life sometimes weaves threads too intricate to dismiss as mere coincidence. Love, even in loss, finds a way.
