Like Letters Written in the Sand, Part Four

Although Anna-leis hated leaving the house apart from doctor’s appointments and physical therapy, she still felt a sense of loss even with Clarence by her side, telling her she was beautiful over and over again, but every day she had to remember what had been lost, the scars, the amputations. At times, she felt as if she was going to crumble despite her efforts to be strong.

He was still living in the Mother-in-law quarters, uprooting his life for her. Anna-leis felt a strange mixture of gratitude and guilt for what he sacrificed for her. He had refused to walk away, away from her, and all she could see in his eyes was love, and neither she nor he could deny what he felt was true. As the phantom pains nearly paralyzed her, he had held her hands and comforted her.

There was no way she could pretend she didn’t love him, even if it was for his protection. The question was, how would breaking his heart protect him in the long run?

She loved him, but wasn’t always sure how to express it, just as she couldn’t always express her grief. While she had learned to build up walls, Clarence was slowly tearing them down and teaching her how to feel again.

It’s time we went somewhere.” Clarence said. ‘You do not have to hide away.’ You are beautiful.”

“I don’t feel at ease.” sighed Anna-leis.

“Anna-leis, you are still beautiful. Even though you are grieving, it’s okay to live your life. You survived, don’t let what happened take more than it already has.”

Anna-leis looked into Clarence eyes, and once again saw the love and compassion. If something good came out of this, it was that they had stopped running away from each-other, they were no longer deny the obvious. They loved one another, and now they were no longer denying the fact that they loved one another.

“I love you Anna-leis, that hasn’t changed if anything it has grown.”

“I know and I love you too, but I’m not good at expressing my feelings like you are. Thank you so much for everything you have done, and I can’t wait to get married.”

“I’m ready when you are.” Clarence said.

“I would like to walk down the aisle.” Anna-leis wiped her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks.

I know that you will Anna-leis based on my knowledge of you. “You’ll get the prosthetics and walk.”

“I wish I was as certain of that as you are, Clarence. At the moment, I just feel weak.”

“That’s why we’re going out, so you can get some fresh air.”

It was no longer necessary for Anna-leis to argue or even wish to argue. She nodded her head in agreement. A drunk driver changed her life forever, and she couldn’t spend the rest of her life hiding away.

“It will be okay.” Clarence assured. “You’ll be fine.”. It’s a beatiful day and we are going to enjoy it, starting with a romantic lunch.”

Anna-leis looked at him with a bit of skepticism, unsure of what today would bring. But she knew that he would be there for her, and she would survive a day out with Clarence, because Clarence let her forget for a moment all that happened. Clarence made Anna-leis feel that she was complete.

“I know that no matter what today brings, its going to be special because it’s going to be you and I together.”

He smiled, thankful that Anna-leis wanted to spend a romantic day together out of the house. The two would go for lunch, and to the secluded beach, where they had met years ago. Neither of them could have imagined that they would soon work together in a professional capacity, she as a detective, and he as a reporter. For Clarence, the meeting was more than a chance meeting; it was God’s hand at work.

“I’m ready.” Anna-leis said, after changing into a sundress, a blanket covering her lap. Another thing she wore was a smile, a genuine smile that sparkled in her eyes.

Anna-leis, you’re beautiful. Never doubt that.” he replied, and seeing his expression, she realized his words were true.

Anna-leis smiled as Clarence grasped her hands and embraced them. “What happened was horrible Anna-leis, but it doesn’t change the way I view you or make you any less beautiful. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on.”

The love Clarence felt for was obvious, as was Anna-leis love for him. The crash, loosing her legs, had been horrible but something beautiful had come from it, Anna-leis and Clarence were finally together.

Revised Copyright

Michelle R Kidwell

March 27.2023