Watching The Pond Freeze

He has been coming to this spot for the past fifteen years. He sits, he listens, he waits. She told him if he ever wanted to speak to her, all he had to do, was return here.

The Peterson's pond, their secret little place for many years until the property was finally sold to some out-of-towners. The new owners spent a small fortune turning this land into a destination venue of sorts. For years it lay dormant when the last Peterson boy wanted nothing to do with the land and let it sit. Their house became a haven for youthful parties of the popular and locally rich. The kids all knew how to navigate the overgrown paths and roads; hell, they even cut new paths themselves after Kyle and Darian got their truck stuck after that heavy rainy season. If the old man had the money they were asking for, he would have bought the land and made this his home. Well, their home.

*****

Today is your anniversary, do you remember what you wore that day? I certainly do. It has become an obsession of mine to find the photos from our friends on that day, but everyone seems to have misplaced them. Honestly I think they don't want to show me. They probably think I would break down on seeing your face in a picture, from that day. They probably would be right. I wish you could see how much things have changed since that day. The pond still freezes like it did, crystal clear and it still freaks me out how the flash freeze creates a still life in the water. Remember when you wanted for me to bring my father's chain saw and wanted to cut a piece of the ice that had that frozen flower? I never did try it. I did, however, find a YouTube video demonstrating how to make epoxy art. I think you would like them. I tried to make them exactly as I remember. They are a hit on this website called Etsy. It's a site where people can sell their stuff online. You would probably be a millionaire by now with all of your craft stuff. I did like you asked and gave most of your art away to the local shops and that painting you did to the hospital. They all absolutely love it. You know what? You have become somewhat of a town hero. Famous even. What do I talk about now?

The out-of-towners who bought the Peterson's property said that I could come here whenever I wanted if there wasn't some wedding or party going on the property. Oh! Let me tell you about what they did! So, do you remember how we used to have to walk that small distance from where the road ended to get to the pond? Well, they cut all that tall grass and redid the roads. Now you can cross the gate and park right up against the pond. How crazy is that? We talked about doing the same thing when dreamt about buying this place. They did a really good job. Oh, also, they built a small cabin next to where Quincy used to fish. I'm telling you. They sure did spend a lot of money fixing up the pond and the old house. It seems to be a hit as a getaway, or; what's that thing called? A destination wedding? Remember when we talked about going to Ireland for our wedding? I'm sorry I never could take you. I tried. But things kept coming up, and don't beat yourself up because you got sick. We did our best. What else?

So, as you can probably see, the pond is frozen over. I didn't bring my skates like I did last year. My knees are starting to pop whenever I move, and it kind of hurts now to bend. It sure is a drag to get old. I did rent the cabin this year though. I figure it is too cold for people to have their parties outside, so it wasn't that expensive to rent it out for the weekend. You know me though, I prefer it cold.

I wish you could see our spot right now. Wait, what am I saying; of course you can. Remember that gray fox you tried to pet? You brought it over with that piece of fried chicken. I think it had babies, then those babies had babies. I see them every once in a while. They are adorable.

Well, it's getting late and the kids want smores. I am going to use the Keebler Fudge Stripes instead of graham crackers, it is going to blow their minds.

I miss you. Things have been a rollercoaster, but we have pushed through and we have survived. We are doing okay. Say hi to everyone. I love you.

*****

He sat up and gazed at the frozen pond's water. A gentle breeze swam through the air as he looked at the lights turning on from the cabin's porch. A fire began to roar as his children and grandchildren gathered around the stone fire pit. He smiled and remembered her at their first date. He never stopped smiling.