Picture Imperfect

Sometimes, a call can be heard. A call to return, to try again. Sometimes, it should be allowed to echo.

 

A fateful encounter, long ago, caught in a single moment. The day was nothing if not normal and remained so for the majority of its duration; time had other plans. A single action. The first domino was pushed, the wheels set in motion. Energy. 

 

Two spirits, kindred in many ways, collided and bonded as though they had never been apart. Time dilated; days felt like weeks, passed like months but reality testified: In the time they had known of one another's presence, a caterpillar would have been hard pressed to metamorphose. 

 

Sensitivities rose as expectations did. Neglectful silence like shots at empty bottles; children at heart playing with forces neither understood. One sided effort to keep the other alive, unreciprocated but expected nonetheless; their bond not of blood but soaked in it.

 

To pastures new they ventured, a day to reignite the flame; passion burnt too brightly. Blinded by the absence in her mind. Pleasure changed her and she took it, regardless the cost. Placated by love, by naivete, they let it continue.

 

It should have ended there.

 

Time and time and time again, the storm, a constant reminder. One ignored until far too late, the damage seemingly irreparable. Two choices ahead of them. Two paths to walk:

Continue together and the storm would strike; a part of them forever lost in the carnage; a part of them never to be spoken of or seen again.

Alone, laden with the knowledge of their own, personal hel, they'd survive. Alone they'd walk and to them, she'd be dead. Alone they'd heal.

 

In their hand, the key to it all. Something so innocent yet cursed. 

 

 

It's said that the history book on the shelf is always repeating itself so this book remains near; every day it contains, a warden against the calls; a reminder against the temptation. Rewind the sands of time, reforge the rose tinted lenses. Never.

 

To return to that day, the picture was taken, never to take it again.