“Join me. I want to let you in on something.”
“Like what, Mom?”
“Patience, Kev. Sit down first.”
I did as she requested, without further argument.
“Do you know why your dad and I are practically inseparable?” She asked, smiling calmly with her legs crossed.
The answer was obvious. “Because you love each other,” I replied, confidently.
She laughed. “Indeed, we love each other, but other than that, we have had our fair share of misunderstandings and fights.”
This was news to me. My parents didn’t seem like the type to ever argue about anything. If my memory serves me right, while growing up, my dad would rather allow my mom to have her way than for it to degenerate into an argument. It happened not once, and definitely not twice.
“Who would have thought?”
She smiled radiantly. “We almost didn’t end up together, because of the many doubts I had about things.”
“So what changed?” I really wanted to find out. Maybe it would give me some perspective.
“Your father didn’t throw in the towel. He had his flaws, but he relentlessly kept trying to make things right. He fought for what he loved, and here we are today, married and living our best lives with you and Lexie. So, fight for your woman if you really love her. Words can only get you so far.”
I nodded pensively. I liked the sound of Licia being addressed as ‘my woman.’ “I will give it my best, Mom.”
“That’s good to know. I will leave you to get going now.”
“Bye, Mom.”
***
The sun was already taking a dip behind the clouds when I got to the beach. Though it was still hot, the cool breeze made it soothingly warm.
I took off my shoes and walked down towards the cave that once served as a haven for Licia and me. I wondered what it would look like now. It’s been ages since my last visit.
I felt the cold smooth white sand underneath my feet as the wind ruffled through my shirt. It hit me with a soothing sensation that calmed my frayed nerves.
I spread out my arms and inhaled the fresh air deeply, enjoying its warm embrace, before quietly letting it out slowly.
I strolled around to enjoy the scenery for a while, listening to the music of the waves crashing against the shores.
The surfers were making the most of the billowing tides on their boards, giggling and laughing with no cares in the world. I envied their free-spiritedness.
Licia and I used to run the length of the beach in the cool of the evenings. We listened to the birds chirp from a distance and watched the sunset together while planning our future.
But all that is just sad memories and wishful thinking.
If only I could turn back the hands of time, I would right my wrongs and devote myself to making her happy.
As I drew closer to the cave, I saw someone bent over with their back to the entrance. It was already dark, so I couldn't quite make out the figure. I was about to turn back when I heard a sniffle, drawing my attention.
“Sorry,” I began slowly, “permit me to ask. Are you okay?” I enquired, tentatively. There was no way I would leave someone crying out here, without at least trying to be of help somehow, despite the fact that I was burdened with my own issues.
She raised her head and I almost passed out. It was Licia.
“Are you stalking me?” She fired at me, amidst sobs.
“No, no. Not at all. This was purely a coincidence,” I was quick to reply. I couldn’t have her thinking worse things about me.
