The Visit
Days passed in agony. Then, one morning, a timid knock sounded at her door.
When she opened it, she saw him — Ethan — his eyes wide, his cheeks flushed from running.
“Clara!” he gasped, throwing himself into her arms.
She clutched him tightly, her tears finally spilling. “Oh, Ethan…”
He pulled back, his small hands holding something — a crumpled photo of their hands clasped together.
“I kept this,” he said proudly. “So you won’t forget me.”
Her heart shattered and mended all at once.
“Never, my dear. I could never forget you.”
He stayed only minutes — his grandmother’s driver was waiting — but those minutes were enough to give her strength.
Strength she would need soon.
