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As long as I've remembered, we've lived by the sea.
We've had each other. Just her. Just me.
But life doesn't always stay the way you want it.
She fell in love, with someone else. And they had a son.
I adopted a boy, and stayed there in that seaside town.
I couldn't bring myself to part from her.
I don't know what happened, but they fought.
And she started spending time with me again.
As if nothing had gotten in between our previous relationship.
As much as I wanted to hate her, I couldn't bring myself to hold that anger towards her anymore.
After all, her ocean eyes always did drown me before, why not let them take me again?
Sometimes she'd bring her son with her.
He was small, weak , annoying.
He always wanted to be held.
He had his father's hair,and that was about it.
Everything else was a spitting image of my Ulla.
The ocean eyes, so bright and full of wonder. The sea of freckles on his face, and every inch of him.
His dark hair was curly, a mess around his small face, like waves.
She called him Varian.
Her son.
I don't understand why she wanted to make up for "lost time" as she said.
We had forever to do so.
Days, weeks, months and even years went by.
Our sons grew to be friends, and slowly, I started to fall for her all over again.
Time seemed to hurt her. She was more plump, and filled out, her young figure lost in the new one of a mother.
She seemed tired, but she never let it dampen her spirits.
And on the occasions when her husband was around, they seemed happy, yet- I could sense a sadness looming over them.
But, I let the world I live in blind me with love.
For despite the warmth and goodness, there is always darkness lingering near.
And just like the sea, it rolled in on thundering waves.
I remember, it was late.
Hugo, who was 7 at the time, was brushing his teeth, as I went through the house to lock up.
A tropical storm was hitting us, or just barely. But it was still a storm non the less.
And that's when the thunder struck.
With the sound of the house phone.
Hugo called for me, yelling in his small voice that the phone was ringing.
I remember walking to it, socks against the oak wood floor.
But- I wasn't ready.
I wasn't ready.
Hugo saw me drop the phone, and he was scared. I knew the look on my face gave it away.
Scrambling for my shoes and jacket, I called my bother, Cyrus over to watch Hugo.
And, getting into my pick up truck, I left.
Rain beat down against the windshield, the world around angry and fierce.
As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I fumbled to park the truck, tripping on my way out of the vehicle.
Boots splashing, hands shaking, I burst through the doors, slipping on the white tile floors.
The woman at the desk tried to slow me down, but I didn't have time.
I rushed over my words, the look she gave me striking me as pity.
"She's in room 4, 2b" she said, softly.
I didn't even give her a reply, as I ran for the stairwell.
Flight after flight after flight, I rushed up the stairs, bursting through the 4th floors entrance.
I saw Quirin stand up, from a bench, walking towards me.
He grabbed my arms, as I hit against him.
"WHY!? Why didn't you tell me!?"
"Don- "
I didn't let him finish, as I pushed past him, headed for the room towards the left.
4. 2b
I opened the door, and everything came crashing down.
There she was.
My Ulla.
And she was dying.
Had been dying for years, and never told me. Why didn't she tell me?
She looked towards the door, giving me a small smile.
"Hi Donnie "
He voice was soft, hardly there. She looked depleted, her frame weak against the pale blue bed sheets.
I was by her bed in an instant, sitting next to her gently, taking her hand in mine.
It was cold, her bronze freckled hands pale.
She squeezed my hand, putting her other against my left cheek.
I closed my eyes, as her thumb traced my face lightly.
" Your shaking Donnie? Why are shaking?"
I went to speak, but a huff of air was all I managed. I opened my eyes, her bright blue ones staring at me.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
My voice wavered, as I tried to remain calm.
But who was I kidding, I was far from calm.
"I didn't want our time to change. " She said quietly." I wanted us to take our time-time to- "
She sniffed, bringing a hand to wipe at her eyes.
" I messed up Donnie- I really have."
"W-what are you talking about?"
"Don't get me wrong, i- I love and care for Quirin, and Vari- hes my world, but-"
My words stuck in my throat, as I understand what she was trying to say.
She coughed a few times, before looking back at me.
"I- I love you."
I nodded my head, trying to stop the tears from filling my vision.
"And maybe, maybe in a different world, we could have been."
She pulled my face closer, and I didn't pull away.
I leaned over her, letting he cold hand guide my face to hers.
To her lips.
Oh how long I've waited for this kiss.
It was different then I'd imagined.
Her lips were salty, and chapped, but they were gentle and they were mine.
I pulled away, leaning my forehead against hers.
She was looking into my eyes, smiling softly.
"I can here it" She whispered.
"Hear what?"
She smiled more, a stray tear rolling down her face.
" I can hear the ocean."
Then, the storm stopped.
Just like that.
The wind and rain dying away, and taking my Ulla with it.
The heart monitor when flat, and my eyes widened.
I grabbed her face, tears finally falling.
"Ulla, hey- look at me." I pressed my forehead against hers tightly. " don't leave me, please, I- I love you."
My words broke into a soft crying, as I heard the door open.
I forced myself to pull away, as the doctors and Quirin rushed in.
My heart broke for the man.
His huge towering frame hunched over, crying and whispering to the still figure of his wife.
I turned away, walking back to my truck.
The drive was quite.
And the years passed on.
Quirin raised Varian, and we stayed close.
And eventually, our boys ended up together.
But everytime I look towards the sea, I can see her.
Thin, hair wind blown and tangled, her skirt wet and wave kissed.
Her eyes reflecting that of what lay before her.
Just her and the sea.