Christie and Alex had been married for more than a decade, yet the pitter-patter of little feet had never graced their home. Instead, they poured their passion into their professional lives, inadvertently allowing the flame of their relationship to flicker.
Traditionally, on Valentine’s Day and their anniversary, the couple would share a meal at a modest restaurant. However, as the years passed, these outings evolved into routine rather than romance, leaving Christie yearning for a deeper connection.
Christie’s heart’s desire was always to traverse the globe, to soak in diverse cultures and craft indelible memories. With no children tethering them, she envisioned this dream as a means to fortify their bond.
Yet, Alex consistently rebuffed travel opportunities, citing financial concerns and the need to save for retirement. Christie’s once-vibrant love waned as her life spiraled into the monotony of work and sleep.
Tragedy struck when Alex received a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer, forcing Christie to confront her dwindling connection with him and the harsh reality that their time together was limited. One evening, on her way home from work, a somber call from the hospital urged Christie to rush to Alex’s side.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Christie pondered where their relationship had faltered. When she arrived, Alex, weakened but determined, attempted to convey his feelings.
«Christie, I may not have demonstrated it well, but I want you to understand that you mean everything to me. Somewhere along the way, I realized our love may not have been as reciprocal as I thought,» he confessed, his strained breath betraying the pain within.
Tears welled up in Christie’s eyes as he continued, «I love you, Christie, and I never anticipated leaving this world so soon. There were so many plans I had for us.»
Alex extended his hand, and Christie gently grasped it. «These are my final hours, and there’s nothing I desire more than to spend them with you. When I depart, I want to take a piece of you with me. So, please, at my funeral, place something in my pocket to carry with me for eternity.»
