The first time I saw her was at the graveyard behind St. Mathew’s church last Sunday after Mass. The sky was dark, and the rain was pouring down. Yet she stood there, her hat covering her face, the raindrops entering her empty flower basket and the last red rose in her white gloved hand. A lone drop appeared at her eyes, slid down her cheek and fell to her lips.
I took a step toward her, but a restraining hand touched my shoulder. I turned behind to see Father Donovan there. “James, let her tears come. Lily has been mourning without tears for a year now. Her father was murdered when he walked down the aisle for a second time, a knife through the heart from the lady’s former lover. His blood fell on her roses, and she’s been unable to reveal her sorrows ever since.”
Another tear appeared on her cheek, as she fell to her knees and sobbed in front of her father’s grave. A lone tear slid down mine, unable to imagine her sorrow. I let Father Donovan lead me away, leaving her tears to mingle with the rain.
I returned to St. Mathew’s yesterday. Father Donovan wasn’t there, but she was, still in her flower girl’s dress. She saw me, came and took my hand. “I saw a tear slide down your cheek the other day. You are a very sweet person. How can I thank you for sharing my sorrow?” she asked. I just smiled as she led me behind the church. Father Donovan was presiding over a burial. She stood on her toes and kissed me on the cheeks. “I’ve to go now. You might see me again soon. I’m happy now”, she said and walked back inside. I went to stand by the grave and throw a handful of mud on the coffin. Father Donovan saw me and shook his head. I didn’t know what he meant.
As the family of the deceased slid the marble lid on the grave, I saw the inscription on it. I looked back, and saw her smiling from near the door to St. Mathew’s. Another tear slid down my cheek as my eyes drifted back to the inscription, “Lily Cartwright, 1990-2002, “Entered an angel, Left an angel.””
For Thursday Tales With Image By IzNoGood
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing to me are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
Oh gosh… sent shivers down my spine, after finishing the last line!and goosebumps, too!You are so very good Leo! Never thought of something like that about the pic!It's your pic anyways…but sure it speaks a thousand words!Unique rendition of the pic prompt!Congratulations for a job well done! Keep up!
This one belongs to the classic group of spooky romance :)loved it to bits :)take care dude… cheers…
Leo..you are the best..!!each phase of the story brought me a tear, by the end, i dont know why, but i felt very sad about loosing the angel…you wrote it wonderfully well..!!!somwhow, i felt Lily was someone living in our life but we are yet to find her..!!!wonderfully written Leo.!!
a thousand words AMITY, nah.. just 380 🙂 😀 glad u liked it a lot, and found that shiver in ur spine at the end.. i did make that ending unexpected! 🙂
haha 😀 ARV, the li'l Lily was just 12.. too young for romance, just the spooky :)glad u liked it! 🙂
God, I hope no such Lily is there Ms.MEDURI, it'd be very tragic a tale..! 🙁 glad u liked it!
the end left me shocked… death of the angel was a painful to read..:(the picture u used is so damn gud…
Amazing !! Too good..This was the best TT I have read of al in 7 weeks …Left me speechless , as the story was wonderfully narrated , the plot had kept me hooked and the twist in the end left me spellbound ..and thats the magic only you can do it Leo ,..The pic was wonderful but the story was jus amazingggg !!
OMG this is terrific Leo.. the last few lines…… amazing.. kind of chilled feeling 🙂
hi PJ, thanks very much. yes, a twist is sometimes needed isn't it? 🙂 glad u liked the story and the pic we selected at TT.. !
DREAMY, best TT so far? thanks yaar. much obliged! 🙂 glad u liked it to give such a wonderful comment! 🙂
scary, huh MIYA? 🙂 glad u liked it!
I am left speechless!Only a great writer like u could weave such magic in such less words!Bravo!
Leo, a staggering one from you!
what an ending which I didn't expect but I like that Lily has someone to share her sorrow, nice story
nah.. u can too NABILA, coz ur a greater writer i think! 🙂 thanks for the words of praise! 🙂
thanks BROSREVIEW, glad u liked it!
many thanks LISSA, i guess spirits can find solace in us mortals sometimes! 🙂
Wow!! I had Goosebumps reading it!!Like the quite serene atmosphere created in the story. "Entered an Angel, Left an Angel" is the highlight of this story for me. Great Work!! Keep them Churning!!
many thanks RUMYA, glad u liked the story, the setting and the ending line as well! its normal for goosebumps coz the end was very unexpected…
This is amazing Leo. I love the details you've drawn from the story to craft such a beautiful girl. What an ending!! Amazing writing here.
thanks WRITEGIRL, glad u liked the detail in imagery i've given. yours was delightful to read too…
This is beautiful, so very touching. Wonderful.
thank u, L McGregor 🙂