| General Fiction posted December 12, 2024 |
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It started with a kiss
Everlasting Love
by Peter Jarvis
Under the Mistletoe Contest Winner
In the heart of Goldcroft Care Home, a gentle hum of festive cheer filled the air. The lounge was adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant wreaths, bringing warmth to the chilly December evening. Among the residents, James and Margaret sat quietly, their wheelchairs side by side, their hands intertwined like vines that had grown together over the decades.
It was Christmas Eve, a night that held a sacred place in their hearts. The clock on the mantel ticked steadily, counting down to 8:45 PM—an exact moment in time that had become a cherished ritual for the devoted couple.
It was in 1965, amidst a lively holiday party, that the young James first laid eyes on Margaret. The room had been filled with laughter and music, but all he could see was the twinkle in her eyes and the grace of her smile. As the evening unfolded, the two had found themselves standing beneath a sprig of mistletoe. In that one spontaneous kiss, a lifetime of love began.
The years had flown by in a tapestry of shared experiences—raising five children, watching with pride as their family tree expanded to include 15 grandchildren and eventually three great-grandchildren. Through it all, their love remained a constant, a steadfast anchor through the joys and challenges of life.
Now, at 88, they shared their days at Goldcroft, surrounded by memories and the comfort of each other's presence. As the hands of the clock neared the special moment, the staff at the care home gently suspended a sprig of mistletoe from the ceiling, directly above where James and Margaret sat. The symbolic gesture was a nod to their enduring love story, one that had inspired residents and staff alike.
The room grew quieter as the other residents and staff gathered around, sharing in the anticipation of the moment. James looked at Margaret, her face still radiating the beauty that had captivated him all those years ago. Her eyes, though now framed by the soft lines of time, still sparkled with the same warmth and love.
As the clock struck 8:45, James and Margaret leaned towards each other, bridging the small gap between their wheelchairs, even the wheels were gently kissing. Their kiss was tender and gentle, a moment suspended in time. Around them, the room erupted in applause, a celebration of a love that had withstood the test of time.
Withdrawing slightly, James looked into Margaret's eyes, his voice soft yet filled with emotion. "I love you, Princess," he murmured, the endearing nickname he'd used for her since their early days.
A tear escaped Margaret's eye, tracing a path down her cheek, like a torrent of love, was a tear of joy, gratitude, and the profound bond they shared. In that tear was the essence of a life lived together, full of love and shared dreams.
Under the mistletoe, amidst the warmth of Goldcroft and the love of their extended family, James and Margaret celebrated not just the past, but the enduring promise of their hearts. Together forever until death do us part.
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Writing Prompt Create a flash fiction story with 'Under the Mistletoe' as its theme. *Any fictional genre. No poetry *100-500 words |
Under the Mistletoe Contest Winner |
What more can be said. This short story mirrors the life of my mother and father in law.
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© Copyright 2024. Peter Jarvis All rights reserved.
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