A woman loses her husband and her will to live.Written for a contest.
The Bench
There outside the windows of her room, sat the bench. A place she found very comforting. She would sit for hours on end on that bench. There was no other place she'd rather be.
Sarah pulled her sweater up closer to her chest and sat looking at the little squirrels as they ran and played in the golden burnt leaves that lay on the ground. The month was September. The Month Ralph had died. He had been a wonderful husband to her for fifty years. She had wanted for nothing, but a child which neither had been able to have. So they had each other and loved each other even more as time passed by.
Ralph had worked in the mines for years and afforded Sarah a life of freedom and luxuries. They weren't rich but never wanted for anything. Sarah had spent her days sewing and cooking. She had spent a lot of time baking goods for her church and the community.
Ralph had a jolly attitude and personality and always had fellow workers coming home with him for supper. Sarah didn't mind, as she loved to show off her homemade breads and hot soups. They were a great item on those cold winter nights. Some of Ralph's friends had no family. So he would invite them to eat. Holidays were especially bright around the Riley’s home where Sarah would decorate and cook and have huge parties. She was a very generous lady.
She had been born to a family of a flour mill company, in which she inherited after her parents had both died .Such a tragedy. They had been in a fatal boat accident while on vacation. Sarah was only twenty at the time. Her and Ralph had met then and He fell in love with her. She was a short petite girl with long tresses of golden hair. She had a wonderful smile and a beautiful heart. She was honored by his request to marry, as he too was a handsome young man with high hopes of success. He too was a kind soul. They both went to church and were a tribute to their community.
Sarah spent her days, in the fall sewing and cooking. She even made blankets for the homeless and the children's orphanage. She visited the children there quite often. She was barren and could not have kids of her own.
One September month she was sitting by the fireplace quilting. The ladies of her quilting club were there. They had made a large wall hanging for the City Hall.
A knock came to the door. It was one of the workers that worked in the mines with Ralph.
"Hello, Mrs. Riley... May I come in?”
"Why, yes Sam..." She didn't like the look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"You need to sit down, I have grave news ..."Sam said.
"Oh, no....Please don't tell me ...please ...Oh my God. I can't bare this..."Sarah cried as she somehow knew Ralph was dead.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Riley...The mine fell in and Ralph was at the very end. He died quickly, no suffering, I am told, I am so sorry, he was a good man." Sam said as he held her hand.
Soon he was gone and the women who were there surrounded her with affection.
Months passed by since the funeral and Sarah had stopped sewing and cooking for everyone. Life would never be the same. She had gotten worse that year and had to be put in the Nursing home, because she wouldn't eat. Her heart had been broken and she no longer had the will to live.
The days were filled with loneliness and Sarah was never involved in any of the Nursing Home activities, she'd rather be on the bench even though she was lonely. You see after Ralph passed, she didn't care anymore!
"Are you ready to go inside Mr. Riley?" A woman aide asked as she stood by the old bench.
“Not quite yet, just let me have a little more time!" Sarah said.
"Aren't you cold?" she asked her.
“Not anymore..." Sarah replied.
The aide went inside and Sarah sat alone once more.
“My sweet Sarah... Oh how I miss your sweet face. I have been waiting such a long time for you to come home!”
"Ralph...is that you?" Sarah asked as she looked around. There was no one in sight.
"I knew sooner or later I'd lose my mind..." she said to herself. She sat on the cozy bench as it was warmer there than anywhere else.
"Sarah...can't you feel my love for you? I am here with you now holding you. I am keeping you from the bitter cold ...can't you feel my warmth? I have come to take you home Sarah."
Sarah was a bit frightened at first but then she knew ...her Ralph had come for her. She wanted him so. The voices stopped and she became cold.
Sarah sat for a little longer then went inside. The days passed by quickly and she spent each day on the bench speaking with Ralph.
The twentieth of Oct was the anniversary when they both had married. Sarah dressed in a beautiful dress with a pink sweater. She wore her Sunday shoes. This would be a special day for her.
Outside on the bench...she sat waiting .Are you here, Ralph?" she asked.
"I am here, Sarah. Happy Anniversary my love." he said as he filled the air around her with warmth.
"Mrs. Riley...are you ok, dear?" the aide asked as she tapped her on the shoulder.
There was no response ...just a smile on her lifeless face. She had finally gone home.
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