a short story revealing an awakening too late...the end #4

(sadness - man in the shadows)

Dear Reader

...the finale...

"... And there it was. A situation created over time. A journey travelled together yet, what was to be taken from those shared moments, a meaning and impact different on both him and her. The only similarity being that neither could have imagined the emotion involved would be a question of the heart.
Sitting and watching him she knew that there was going to be some sort of revelation, an admission of some sort, an exposure of an unknown. She knew, looking at his demeanour, It was not something light. A foreboding began to settle.
She asked him to just say it...whatever it was...and he did.
"I am getting married in a few months." and his eyes searched hers beseechingly  painful...scared.
She did not know what to think or feel. An eerie numbness and sense of stupidity settled in the core of her gut. She simply got up, kissed him softly and said
"i have to go."
And left.
He did not follow her out.
He felt it would be wrong. He felt he had deceived her.
He let her go.

HE.
He did get married but, his bride, who had known him as a 'pastel man', began to experience another side of this man she married. His touch was gentler, his lovemaking intense and passionate, his desire to chat about generalities and engage her in conversation was a welcome change. She thought to herself that those months apart, when her work would only allow them an occasional weekend together,  did its magic, and what do they say...'absence makes the heart grow fonder'?
She was a happy new bride and he learnt to be happy alongside his bride.

SHE.
After having walked out on that fateful night, she found herself directing all her energies on projects unfinished and began to make an impression in a space arty and vibrant and colourful. Her philosophical outlook on life showed clearly through her works. Her paintings were hung in prestigious galleries, easily recognisable by the curious use of a small amount of pastel colours among all the vibrancy of her canvasses. It was an identifiable signature that puzzled and intrigued the critics.
The artwork became acclaimed and she renowned and yet she remained an enigma, rarely being present at any of the openings. Being camera shy and opting for a secluded privacy , most of the photographs accompanying the articles about her, were outdated or captured without her knowledge.
Her life was still a kaleidoscope of colour, but her demeanour was a quieter one and a little more stoical.
The biggest question that she faced for quite some time and never managed to answer for herself and eventually let go was...she wished she had asked him how he could have walked away from her and married another. It didn't matter anymore for life had carried on and she had made her peace.

But life knows to play its tricks and not let sleeping dogs lie and an evening where her finest works were on display had him and his bride, now his wife of several years, being among the invited guests. That evening required her attendance as many an international gallery curator would be present in the hope of featuring her works.
And there she stood. Her back toward him. He would recognise her no matter where. Distinguishable in her pose, tall vibrant, so alive in her presence. He felt as if his life was knocked out of him and he stumbled grabbing his chest for the pain that he felt was unbearable.
What had he done? Why had he fooled himself into a lie?
She was none the wiser and would never know the misery he would live with for the rest of his life from that night onwards....why hadn't he stopped her...why hadn't her run after her and held her tight and kissed her dear. His loyalty to keep to a promise he had made...had it been worth it?
Looking at the concern on his wife's face that night...at least for her sake, he had made the right decision."


RB.