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Rachel
 
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I came home with a smile on my face.
The muffled sound of sobbing emanated from the bedroom.
She was sitting on the bed, tears rolling down her cheeks, streaking her makeup.
She didn’t want to leave.
But it was over.
And she had to move on.

I wanted her to feel better before she left.
I told her I’d miss the way her big blue eyes got bigger when that moment of discovery crossed her mind.
I said I’d always remember her cartoon-character laugh at the slightest thing.
I’d miss the way she studied her food before she stuck it in her mouth.
I’d never forget that horrendous red stone she found at a flea market and made into a necklace.
Never again would I appreciate the way she hung on every word when we spoke.
I’d always cherish the soft moist kisses on steamy summer nights and her fiery lips on cold winter afternoons.

But it was time for her to go and she realized that.
She smiled finally and then walked briskly out of my life.
And I sat on the bed with tears streaming down my face.

 

Reprinted from "It was easy to say goodbye"
Copyright 2002 Keith Gery