Wind Chime

He gave me a beautiful wind chime. I still remember that day – the sun was shinning, we were sitting on top of the hill, the wind was blowing through my hair.

I have a gift for you, he said. He revealed a beautifully wrapped parcel with my name lovingly written on it. Excited, I tore away the rustic brown paper and discovered the wind chime among the folds of coloured tissue.

It was precious and antique-looking, yet exquisite. A treasure that must have hung in a collector’s showcase. I lifted it out of its box and closed my eyes as it chimed in the wind. It felt like the world would go on forever, and I would always sit on the hill with him by my side.

Now, the wind chime hangs on my balcony. Each day at 3pm, I would go to the balcony and sit while I waited. It was always only a few moments later when I sat on my garden chair, that the wind chime would sing its song. Each time, he would appear by my side and take me with him.

We’d hear the people singing and the bells ringing as they greeted us. Welcome home, they would shout with joy. It was breath-taking – the sky lit with faint purple and the city glowed amber, radiating light and warmth. The people danced and sang constantly, it always felt like the city was celebrating.We’d spend the hours together, exploring the city and being idle. When it was time, I’d return with a longing for the next day when I would hear the wind chime ring.

Days grew to months, and months to years. One day, among the Marigolds, he asked, Would you not stay with me, here?

What would that mean for me? For my life?

He looked at me sadly and I knew the sacrifice I would have to make. What if I cannot? Will I never see you again?

I will always come to you when you are at the gate. Should there come a day that you decide to move on with your life, break the wind chime and I will no longer be able to reach you. We sat together in silence, the faint purple sky slowly passed us by. The people’s singing grew solemn.

When our time drew to an end, I held him close and whispered. He smiled, nodded and brought me home.

Standing on top of the hill, I looked across the horizon. Starring at the pale colours of the world, I hear the wind chime ringing in my ears. Welcome home, I said to myself.

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