I always went there. Like one of my daily routine. To be honest, it's the only one for me. " Valentina's Garden " that's where I went. A perfect place to rest mind for a widower like me.
I always sat under a mango tree . The reason why I sat there is because of the white orchids that hang on the branch of the mango tree. White orchids! My Emily's favourite! Just watched the orchids reminded me of her who was no longer with me.
There's a man who often sat on a bench that was opposite to the mango tree . He carried two legs that can't help him . He walked with two walking cans . We do our own business and never ever talked to each other. Until Emily's birthday as well as her death anniversary.
I wake up very early and went straight to the garden. To my surprise, it already opened. I still went to the mango tree as usual and sat under it and watch the orchids. How beautiful they are! But they are nothing compared to my Emily whose smile can melt hearts . Suddenly, tears rolled down on my cheeks . I have always controlled it but today not anymore. Why do she have to leave? Why can't we end happily together? I broke down. My Emily who always stand beside me with a big smile, who always spend time with me and who always give me courage has gone. Without her, Who am I?
" Young Man! Are you ok?" a voice which turns out to be that man asked me which almost frightened me.
" I am fine" I replied whipping away my tears.
" Are you sure? You seem really sad."
" I am fine . But how do you get here? I didn't saw you coming."
" I already got here before you, Young Man. You just didn't noticed me."
"My Apologies. So, You are watching me all this time . Aren't ya?"
" Sorry! But you seem so down. It's ok. You can tell me anything. It will help I am sure."
I told him everything, "Sir I have seen you many times. So did you, I think. But we never got to know each other. I am Adrian Stewart , by the way."
"So, you are Adrian Stewart, the winner of the Bill's Trophy 1980. The famous athlete? That's why you seem so familiar. I am a big fan. But how come you stop, Son. You were incredibly."
" I told you. After Emily died because of the fire at the store. I no longer have the courage to do it or it will never make me happy . The Trophies, the Titles , they are just nothing without her"
" Son! Do you know who own this garden?" he calmly asked me.
" No, I don't. Do you? " I replied confusedly.
" I do since I am the owner."
" You are the owner?"
" Do you know how come I , someone who would never can run like you, own this place?" He started telling his story." This was just my small garden where I grew up with. Where my Valentina plant many flowers and trees and I gazed on it. She always tried to make me happy. She always told me not to give up just because I am handicap. She even teached me how to plant. She always did the best she could. She never said that she was tired taking care of me who can't do anything but a burden to her. She always stand beside me until a day came. She might have knew that she will dead that day. The moment before she left the world, she told me not to waste my time crying for her instead to work hard, be strong and be happy."
I am pretty sure that I am crying really badly while hearing his sad story. But I didn't saw any tears from him. Not even a drop. He do what his wife told him . He must have really love his wife. Really, really!
" I followed everything she told me",he went on," I planted as much as I could and enlarged this garden as a public place and make everyone rest their mind for even just a second. I always came here every day and opened this place. I stayed all day here."
" But I didn't saw you around much" I asked him."
" That's because you never left the mango tree not even once.
Son! I know Separation is hard especially love ones. But it's a rule of this universe . We can't never change it. Just because you lose her doesn't mean you lost everything . Everytime I saw you, you always seem drunk. You are wasting your time, Son. If you keep on being an athlete and achieve big success instead of drinking, how happy your wife would feel. Don't you wanna make her happy? You are so lucky to have those legs. Do you know how much I love running but these legs, Son! If I were you I would never do like that."
What he said really inspired me. He is right. All this time I've been a fool. But now I realised that separation can't change love . I still love her and I always will. That old weak man make a garden that reminded of his wife, why healthy athlete like me can't?
" My days are near and I will sold this place. I can finally be with her. Please keep visiting my garden even after I am gone. I wish you the best in your life. I may take my leave now. I have some works do to . Bye, Mr. Stewart."
" Bye, Mr. ?"
" It's Mr. Parker. Tom Parker"
Thanks for reading my story. It's my first time and I am not very good at English and writing. Please forgive me if I made mistakes. Hope you enjoy reading. Bye!☺️☺️😁😄😅😉
