Undying Love: Maria the Orphan

The rest of the week passed quickly. Every evening, Jack would wait for me outside work to take me home. Often, he would come in to have tea with us. My mother and Sophie had grown accustomed to him thanks to his kind demeanor and engaging conversations. Sometimes, I'd hand him my father's lute, and we'd all enjoy the soothing melodies he played.

The day of our outing finally arrived. We agreed to leave early in the morning to make the most of it. I woke up early and started getting ready. It was a bright and beautiful day, a rarity in London where the sun only makes its appearance in summer.

I stood before the mirror to check my light makeup, put on pants, a sweater, and my sneakers. Grabbing my bag, I hurried down the stairs, my stomach already growling from hunger. I found my mother and Sophie at the table, kissed them, and was about to sit when the doorbell rang.

I rushed to open it, and there stood Jack, looking dashing with his cologne filling the air and his outfit perfectly coordinated. I invited him to join us for breakfast, and he did. By now, he felt like part of the family. I poured him a cup of coffee as my mother shared, once again, stories of her life with my father. Jack listened intently, never showing the slightest hint of boredom. My poor mother clung to those memories, as my father had been her one true love—something she never found in anyone else.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to my mother and Sophie. Jack wrapped his arm around me with affection and excitement as we walked toward his car. He opened the door for me, and I got in, feeling immense happiness. Jack had brought light to my life, replacing sorrow with love and hope, transforming everything.

We headed toward the amusement park while he played my favorite music. He knew I preferred soft melodies, and our tastes were perfectly aligned. The park wasn't far, about a kilometer outside London, so we arrived quickly. Jack parked the car, and we walked toward the entrance. The park was bustling with tourists from all over, enjoying their weekend.

We decided to ride the roller coaster first. I took my seat beside Jack, and as the ride started, the thrilling screams echoed all around. During the steep drops and sharp turns, I clung to Jack in fear, gripping his clothes tightly. Despite the safety measures, I couldn't help but lean into him, feeling a growing sense of trust. Jack had become everything to me—my protector, my family, the one who cared deeply for me.

That roller coaster adventure satisfied our craving for excitement. Laughing together, I suddenly felt hungry and turned to Jack, saying:

"Jack, my stomach is growling. Let's find a restaurant to grab some lunch." 

He smiled warmly. 

"Of course, my love. Right away, anything for my Snow White."

We chose a popular restaurant filled with tourists, enjoyed a delightful meal, and captured memories with photos here and there. As the day wore on and the sun began to set, signaling the arrival of evening, we decided it was time to leave.

On the way back, the sight of the sea at sunset caught my attention. It was breathtaking. Without thinking, I blurted out: 

"Jack, stop the car! I want to enjoy the beauty of the sea." 

He laughed, startled. 

"Easy there, Snow White! You scared me—I thought you'd seen a ghost. Of course, anything for you."

He parked the car, and we walked toward the shore. I ran ahead, with Jack chasing after me, until we reached the water. The sight was mesmerizing—the crashing waves seemed to release their fury on the shore before retreating peacefully. Jack pulled me into his arms, pouring all his love into that moment.

We played and splashed each other with water until we were both slightly soaked. It was pure, unfiltered joy. Free from constraints, we lived in the moment. When we were thoroughly tired, we headed back to the car. The drive home took less than thirty minutes, and we arrived at my house. Sophie laughed at the sight of us, still damp, and shared in our happiness.

I bid Jack goodbye as he headed to the hotel near our house. I went upstairs to shower and change, preparing for a peaceful night's sleep. That night, I felt at ease, recounting everything to my father in my thoughts before drifting off. As I closed my eyes, I wondered: would these moments of happiness last? Or did life have unexpected surprises waiting?