Short Stories: A Romantic, End-of-Summer Short Story with a Surprise

Everyone loves short stories because they're quick reading. And when it comes to short stories, what's more fun than summer-fall romance stories? Nothing! Well ... practically nothing. So, hold onto your hat-or your heart, as the case may be-and sit back and enjoy this short story about a summer-fall romance.

A Whisper in the Wind

Dr. Callister looked out the open window at the rising moon. A cool, end-of-summer breeze beckoned and teased, but it did nothing to erase the pain in the doctor's heart. "Come back to me, darling," the doctor whispered into the night air.

But, there would be no coming back. Only a moving forward. Forward from summer into another dreaded fall, and then cold, stark winter. Forward into a life without Robin. Since the car accident, Dr. Callister had eaten little and slept less. But now it'd been a year since the tragedy, and after spending the last two weeks of summer at their cottage on the lake, the doctor felt convinced it was time to sell. Returning to the cottage had been a heart break and the only hope was to find a quick buyer so the memories of Robin would fade away. Memories of barbecues on the deck, badminton games on the side lawn, boating and swimming. All the things Robin had loved.

The front door slammed downstairs, and Dr. Callister jumped.

"Hello," a cheerful voice called.

The doctor scowled, angry at the impertinence of anyone who dared to intrude on the past with such irreverence. After a moment of annoyed silence, Dr. Callister answered, "Who is it? What do you need?"

"I'm staying at the cottage next door and was wondering if I could borrow a cup of sugar. I guess I didn't do a very good job of stocking the pantry."

The voice below held a touch of laughter, and suddenly, the doctor realized how that sound of happiness warmed the air.

The wind rustled through the tree near the window, almost making the weeping willow's leaves sigh, and for a moment Dr. Callister heard Robin's voice murmuring, "I'll always love you" on the breeze.

But the doctor knew it was only imagination. It wasn't possible to hear Robin's voice. Robin was gone forever.

With reluctance, the doctor started down the stairs, and then stopped short at the sight below. Blue eyes, the color of denim but with the depth of the oceans, looked up. Blond curls surrounded a face that in the days of ancient Greece would only have been described as beautiful. And for the first time in a year, and without being granted permission, the doctor's heart skipped a beat.

A grin spread across the visitor's face. "Hi. My name's Adam Cleveland. Would you happen to have any sugar for a poor guy who's not very good at grocery shopping and is trying to make a batch of cookies?" He stepped up the stairs and extended a hand.

The doctor moved forward and said, "So nice to meet you. I'm Dr. Eve Callister. My husband ...." The doctor paused, and then corrected herself, "My late husband, Robin, and I used to come here every summer. I've often forgotten to stock the sugar myself, but it just so happens you're in luck this time. I might be willing to loan the sugar, if you're willing to share the cookies."

They both laughed, shook hands, and an undeniable spark ignited between them. As it did, the words, "Goodbye, my love" floated on the breeze, and then drifted across the lake ... until the farewell was merely a whisper in the wind.

Source:
Personal experience