Far Away

By Simon Hole

Beth could only feel her way into memory. She closed her eyes and—shaking slightly—reached out with her wrinkled hands.  Touching his face, she was transported.  They were young, standing on the beach before the minister, smelling the saltwater, hearing the breakers, and saying their vows.  A smile spread across her face, then and now.

Tears leaked from Steven’s eyes as he watched his wife of sixty-two years smile.  Afraid his voice would disrupt whatever memory she was enjoying, he whispered, “I know you are still in there, Beth.  I wish you could come back to me. I love you.”