.. we returned to the rally point. It was complete, our last job. We were greeted by an empty park which seemed silent beyond words.
" So, what are your plans after this? " I said.
" What else is there to plan, see my wife and kids obviously! I don't know about you, but this job made me realise that I can't be doing this forever. The thought of one day not being able to come home to see their warm smiles strikes a chord in me, " he muttered.
" Haha, Mr tough guy mellowing up eh, talking about the little devils, your kids are over there," I said toyingly.
" Oh, stop it you.. *ufff*.. Hey jack, how many times do i have to tell you not to head butt me on the family jewels ". He lifted his son up and proceeded to greet his wife and his daughter with one big hug. Fitting, for a man of his size. Sometimes I wonder of how'd he even find such a petite wife who seems to not mind his, well, rough mannerism.
" Good morning my dear, I hope this big brute here didn't get in the way of the assignment like he always does " as I was greeted by the warm smile of Marty's wife. "Like I always say Mary, he's the brains and I'm the brawn," as my partner tried to defend himself, only to be greeted with a playful belittling chuckle from his wife. They were madly in love with each other, it was pretty obvious to anyone who talked to them.
" Alright, shall we go and get ourselves some pancakes with the kids, Mary? We wouldn't want to take Wilson's precious time away. After all, he'd want to see his beloved wife doesn't he. hahahaha, " said Marty with a big hearty laugh.
" Good day to you then Wilson, do drop by for some dinner when you have the time " mentioned Mary.
I nodded and smiled as they made their way across the park towards their car.
" HEY WILSON! TAKE CARE BUDDY ", shouted Marty as he waved goodbye.
I strolled along the park, looking for that special spot where she would always be, waiting for me. With the sight of falling leaves everywhere, I realised that it was autumn which gave the park a rustic charm about it. Especially with the serene lake which covered the major portion of the park, reflecting the soft rays of sun, orchestrating a light display on the trees surrounding it.
There she was, fast asleep on the bench. She must've waited quite a while, I thought to myself. I proceeded to greet her with a soft whisper to her ears," Hey, it's time to wake up darling ". She proceeded to let out a long yawn, well, she wasn't exactly the most graceful person when it came to waking up.
" You sure did take your time ", she said while rubbing her eyes and giving a half yawn.
" Well the job this time was pretty tough, but it's fine, there aren't any more after this", I said as I looked into her eyes with a smile. She smiled back in acknowledgement. She had been waiting for this moment, all these years, the moment where we could just spend our days together forever without any worries of whether I'd be there to greet her at the same ol' spot in the park after each assignment.
We gazed at each other with our hands held tightly together, fearing that this moment was only a fleeting dream, we wanted this moment to last. From the first time I met her, I've always been attracted to her eyes. Those beautiful eyes which seemed so soft and inviting to gaze. Those eyes which make all wrongs to become right. Those tender eyes which makes you utter.. I'm home.
Just as we were prepared to make our way back, a mother and his son seemed to be looking at us with a searching gaze.
" Hey mum, I thought I saw two people here, where did they go? " said the son.
" It must be your imagination, there's no one here," said the mother. They walked away while looking back occasionally at where we were standing.
Our hearts sank. Time seemed to be running out. After all these hard years, couldn't we just spend some time together for once.
" We've lived that long huh," she said in a soft manner.
" I believe so, it's like we've become ghosts or phantoms," I said in a dejected manner.
" What if one day, I became invisible to you and we'd not be able to hold each other any more, nor can we talk to each other face to face, nor can we look at each other's eyes like we are doing right now, " she asked as tears started to roll down her cheeks.
" Even if that day were to come, I'd still love you with all my heart. I would come to this bench every day in every season in hopes that I'd see you here waiting for me," I said as tears started to stream down from my eyes as well. "After all, I'd be waiting expectantly for the messages through the phone because I know, you'll always be there" I added with a faint smile.
No more words were needed to explain the depth of love we had for each other. As we looked at each other, both teary eyed, we began to walk home, grasping our hands tightly, not wanting to let go, fearing that at any moment, we would disappear from each other's plain sight.
There we were, two phantoms of time, making our way up the stairways of the park, disappearing with each passing moment.
"Darling, I'll always love yo....", she said in the faintest voice. She was gone.
"Don't worry, I'll be there soon my love", I said, kneeling down in tears.
