There was something special about the garden chair. It sat underneath the tree, alone. Weathered by turning of seasons and lack of care it still radiated a sense of peace. In a world filled with noise and bustle, it invited the weary to sit, let go of their worries and sink into its peace.
Anna carefully made her way through the dappled sunlight, making sure the four sided foot of her cane was steady before taking the next step. She no longer trusted her body. To many times it had betrayed her, leaving her vulnerable, at the mercy of strangers having to pick her up. She felt the edges of her life crumbling away, like a cliff-face crumbling into the ocean after years of wear. She tired easily now, just the walk across the uneven grass had tired her out. She gratefully sank into the conveniently placed garden chair. As she sat she sighed out a soft breath and closed her eyes.
The world around her changed, she felt it in the softness of the air on her face and she was imbued with a vitality that had been missing from her life for many years. It was as if she had taken a sip of mead and golden light filled her. Slowly she opened her eyes. Joy filled her heart as she gazed into the warm, brown eyes of her beloved, Michael.
“Annie girl, it is so good to see you again” Michael murmured.
Anna reached out her hand and cupped the side of Michael’s face, her lips breaking into a smile.
“Ah! Michael, it has been such a long and lonely time. You promised you would never leave me.”
Michael took her hand. I’ve been here all the time, I didn’t leave you. I just had to wait until you were ready” he replied.
Anna looked to the sky and returned her gaze to Michael. “Am I ready? She asked.
“You know you are.”
Later in the day the gardener came by, noticed the old lady slumped over it the garden chair. He looked at the old chair “You up to your tricks again” he said to the chair as he pulled out his phone and dialed 111.
