Happiness Begins with You
Excerpt from the short story, Sandy's Valentine
“You need people.”
“I have work.”
“That’s not enough.”
Sandy sighed again. It wasn’t worth the exhausting energy to keep
arguing with her. Cathy’s heels were dug in deep and Sandy would follow her
parents’ wishes to the letter.
So, she took acrylic painting lessons.
Several months after that, she took pottery and ceramic lessons.
Then, she took ballroom dance lessons.
It didn’t help. She continued to feel off balance and
out-of-whack. She needed time. The last several years were a rough go of it.
Sandy got up and poured herself another cup of coffee. Returning
to the living room she could see the photograph of her parents, Sandy, and her
ex-boyfriend, Jake. Not willing to shove it away in a box, she’d placed it on
the bottom shelf of her end table. It was always within view of her favorite
chair.
It always made her smile.
She should’ve stored it in a box somewhere years ago, but it was
such an awesome picture. The Disney castle was in the background, the weather
was warm, and everyone was thrilled to be sharing the day together.
She couldn’t believe she’d known Jake for so long, and still
wanted him after all these years. They’d met while both of them were in
college. He’s the one who convinced her to take a stab at real estate.
Best decision she ever made.
She and Jake always seemed to be on the same page. The two of them
stayed up all hours of the night and talked about the future and what they
wanted out of life. They never considered they’d end up going their separate
ways. They thought it’d be forever. They were young and naïve.
The bright future sparkled in their eyes. If they’d only know what
sadness the future held for them.
Ah, no regrets. Sandy would have loved him and cherished him
regardless of how it all turned out.
Secret desires were shared. She’d whispered how she wanted to
teach art classes and illustrate children’s books on the side. He dreamed about
working on Wall Street.
The promises they’d made to each other...
Purchase Sandy's Valentine
https://mybook.to/SandysValentine
No comments:
Post a Comment