by Reza Ali
“Sister Theresa, promise me you will make sure he goes to the monastery.” She tried her best to be as clear as she could, as loud as she could, but it still came out as a whisper.
“Father Tarly is here, waiting outside. I promise you, Princess, he will be well.” Her voice broke as she spoke and unbidden tears flowed unrestrained.
“Thank you, Sister Theresa.” She smiled, then moved her eyes to Jamie. “I love you, my Jamie; I love you so much.” Tears welled in her eyes and descended down her cheeks.
This time, she didn’t fight; the darkness once more consumed her. With Sister Theresa’s promise, her only remaining fear had dissipated. Sister Theresa felt the princess’ fingers clutch hers tightly for a few moments, and then she breathed her final breath and her grip relented, and there was nothing. At that moment, the pewter vase of roses came crashing to the ground. The vase bounced off the wooden floor, the water spilt across the cabin and the fresh red roses lay strewn across the floor, inexplicably black and shrivelled.
* * *
Melissa sat at her table, planning her budget for the week when she was interrupted by someone at the door.
“Blessing to you, My Lady. I am Father Norman Tarly and I search for the Lady Melissa Wallace. Do you perchance know where I may find her?” Father Norman asked politely.
“I am Melissa Wallace. It is my pleasure to meet you, Father Norman Tarly. How may I be of assistance?” Melissa replied with a warm smile.
“Oh, please call me Father Norm,” he said shyly.
“Then I insist that you call me Mel.” Her smile remained.
“Very well then, Mel. I have a letter that I was asked to hand deliver to you with urgency. The contents of which will explain everything, I was told to tell you.” He handed her a neat scroll with a red ribbon and a stamp of rubber melted with the unmistakeable signature of Princess Evangeline Brooking.
“Thank you, Father Norm.” She took the scroll and hurriedly ushered Father Norman to the door.
When he was gone, she undid the seal and began reading the letter.
Dearest Melissa,
I write this with a distinctive image of you sitting in the back room at the table that we once shared, working assiduously on the forthcoming week’s budget. If this is indeed correct, I applaud my extraordinary precognitive abilities. I invite you to do the same. Unfortunately, you are reading this letter because I did not make it through the birth of my son. Forgive me for the manner in which I dispense this terrible news, but I could think of no other way. Mel, I want you to know that you meant everything to me. You opened my eyes and my heart to something so extraordinary that I experienced complete fulfilment for the first time in my life. Compassion is a word that always resonated with me, but, when we opened the doors to our sanctuary, I was the happiest I had ever been in all my life. I will never forget the days we spent together, planning and restoring the old shed. Most importantly, I will never forget the people we served, and continue serving through your sole efforts now; their place in my heart is etched solidly. I love them all, but I love you the most. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for the many wonderful years that await you at the sanctuary. I hope you will meet my son one day and tell him about our wonderful time together. I hope you will inform him about how compassion set our souls free and allowed us to bathe in the glory of unbridled joyousness and love. I hope you will tell him that his mother loved him more than life itself. I hope the years ahead greet you with the happiness that it bestowed upon us in our time together.
Farewell, Melissa Wallace, the great soul whom I had the privilege of calling my friend.
Princess Evangeline Brooking.
Melissa was filled with grief as she set down the letter. Teardrops descended upon it like the melancholic rain that it brought to her heart. Just at that moment, the large city bell sounded the hour of change. The bell did not roar with its usual might. It seemed subdued. It seemed so much less.
“But the world now seems so much less!” Melissa said to herself.
