Chapter 11
The AnniversaryExactly one year after their visit to the railway station, Harrison returned alone.
The platform looked almost unchanged.
He carried a single white rose.
Standing beneath the old clock, he closed his eyes.
"I made it," he whispered.
No answer came.
Only wind.
He smiled anyway.
"I've been living."
He spoke aloud about Noah's school projects.
Lucy's wedding.
Thomas's promotion.
June's terrible cooking.
Even his own aching knees.
The conversation felt natural.
As though Margaret had simply stepped into another room.
Before leaving, Harrison placed the rose beside the bench where they had sat together.
A young couple arrived moments later, arguing softly.
The young man seemed nervous.
The young woman looked ready to board a train.
Harrison recognized the fear immediately.
As he walked past them, he stopped.
"Young man."
The stranger looked up.
"If you love her..."
"...tell her."
The young man blinked.
Then smiled.
"I will."
May you like
Harrison continued toward the parking lot without looking back.
Some lessons deserved to be passed forward.
