A Sunseed berry
Something was different in her eyes. I couldn’t tell what that something was but I could notice a change. With each breathe of wind pushing her red hair in a wavy motion and the sincere smile on her face she looks absolutely beautiful tonight.
It may seem like just another warm Summer night, but this night is special. This is the first time I’ve been able to see her in a long time, so I wanted it to be an enjoyable night. I intentionally brought her to the place where we had our first date just for that nostalgic feeling. The aged tree is still where it was a year ago, but only now a small bush has formed around the base.
The lukewarm gale dies out right as she turns her head. She has on her favorite white summer dress with her favorite red ribbon. She always liked to dress like this, she says it reminds her of her small, quiet hometown.
She now stares at that old oak tree without saying a word. This scares me. Usually she is illuminated and cheerful but she hasn’t said a word since we’ve gotten here.
“Nell, what’s wrong?” I ask worriedly, hoping I could make it better.
“It’s just…our tree looks different. It makes me sad.” She responds with great sorrow smothering each word. This is unbearable to me. I feel as if I’m suffocating with each heavy word that exits her mouth.
I turn my head to look at the small bush around the tree. I notice that it’s a Sunseed berry bush. These rare bushes only grown in the South, so I’m actually surprised to find one here.
“That’s a Sunseed bush.” I say, walking towards the subtle bush.
I smile once I find nice, ripe Sunseed berry right for the picking. What luck! I need something to try to lift her sprits. I pick it with the utmost care and tenderness. I pray that my hand shaking nervously doesn’t crush the Sunseed berry.
“Here.” I say calmly to her. She focuses her attention on the small, light red berry in my hand.
“What the hell is that?” She says in an unpleasant tone. I’m actually taken off guard by this.
“It’s a Sunseed berry, you ever have one?” I ask her.
“Should I have?”
“They’re found in your hometown.”
This stopped her, as if my words commanded it. I could see a tear form at the bottom of her eyes. I now know that I’ve stepped on a landmine.
I can’t say I know how she feels. This small, red berry is the only connection she has to her old life, the life she left to be with me.
There is a long awkward pause. I don’t know what I can say to her to make her smile. I really would do anything just to make her happy.
“Sunseed berries are supposed to represent new life, that’s why I want you to have it.” I say. “I want us to start a new life, together”
“You know…” She says, wiping the tears from her eyes. “I’d like that.”
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