Writing for Fun
December 2015
Heavens Scent - Gerry Miller
The tall grey smartly dressed man attracted more than one glance as he walked down alongside the River Cam. He glanced only occasionally to either side; his head was bowed as though in silent prayer. The aura around him was in direct contrast to the jollity coming from the river, an air of sadness and of loss was like a palpable cloud enveloping him. Many a river passenger passed him, he presented to them almost a moving representation of Munch's Scream, the face was handsome as though chiselled out of granite and his eyes were dark and sad. The tourists giving more than a second glance looked at their companions and returned to the hilarity, they were suddenly grateful for what they had.
Another watcher sat on the bench staring at the beauty of Kings College, the sign had just been put out, Queue here for Evensong. Her eye was caught by the slow stately movement of the elegant gentleman as he walked across the green. He most obviously was a gentleman and whilst not in his first flush of youth he moved well. She could sense the heavy burden he appeared to be carrying, almost weighed down by a sack of despair and perhaps a life unlived. He joined the queue that had now started to form and she fell in not far behind him. It had been a glorious day and Sara, whilst not having one religious belief in her body, loved the sound and beauty of the Kings Choir.
Edward came out of his reverie as the young watcher passed; his senses suddenly were awakened by the heady fragrance that she wore. Indeed he would recognize that perfume anywhere. He had always called it 'Heaven's Scent', its wonderful floral aroma brought vividly to mind the one and only true love of his life. Of course he had cared greatly for his wife and he loved his twins to bits. His life had been sacrificed to doing the right thing, staying for the sake of the children. Barbara had found out about his passion and he had been gutless and foolish. Sophie gave up her job and disappeared, as she had said he left his marriage because it was not for him, not because of her. What a king sized pratt he had been, he had dithered, and she went. From that day forward his life had meant nothing, but of course as if knowing no other way he continued to do the right thing. It had taken many years for him to actually question 'Right for whom?'
Edward carefully steered himself to sit behind the gift that heaven had actually sent him today. He kneeled and could smell the fragrance in her golden chestnut hair, and he breathed in deeply. The memories assailed all of his senses, his skin tingled and his eyes glazed over. The congregation rose as the choir entered and voices as of angels rang out, the setting sun shone through the stain glass windows and a myriad of colours danced on the walls. Edward saw Sophie float before him; and his heart soared and split asunder, they were together at last.