trembles slightly and a warm tear slips from my eye. Again, the auburn shifts into my vision, this time more directly. A small somewhat sad chuck - le fills the air. The warm pressure from before, a pale hand, settles on my right knee. The wind picks up even more, the petals growing more aggres - sive in their dance. Sunlight, previously lighting up the whole area, vanish - es. A quick glance upwards reveals dark clouds moving in. A brewing storm. “Of course. How could I ever forget the best night of my life?” Autumn says, voice steady and happy. Just like always. A perfect contrast to the building sadness in my chest. My tears pick up frequency, quiet sobs trying to make themselves known. I don’t let them. Memories play out in my mind, a perfect night that ended in tragedy. It happened five months ago at the end of May. It was mine and Autumn’s three-year anniversary, and we had reservations at Atlantis, a fancy sea- food restaurant. The night started off wonderfully, with Autumn and me heading to the restaurant and ordering. We were so happy, just eating and laughing without a care in the world. I still remember the peaceful music playing in the background, classical, Autumn’s favorite. The violin mixed beautifully with Autumn’s laughter. Her carefree laughter. I remember the way the dim lighting seemed to set her auburn hair aflame. It was stormy that night, the rain coming and going in waves. Autumn always loved nights like that one. “Hey, I’m gonna use the restroom quickly. Don’t miss me too much while I’m gone!” Autumn said as she stood from her chair. A laugh pulled its way from my chest. “I’ll try!” I said, grinning at her back. The second she disappeared from my sight, I reached into my purse and pulled out a small heart-shaped box. The box was made of wood and dyed black, the words “I love you” painted on the top in silver. Inside the box was a white-gold ring lined with small diamonds. One large, round diamond was in the middle. Engraved on the inside of the ring was “my heart” in fancy cursive. The waiter came over and quickly removed the used dishes. Another brought over two slices of
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