The butterfly- A short story

                     

Theresa sat at the kitchen table, staring at the empty chair on her right. No one would ever sit on that chair again. She won't allow it. It was John's favorite chair, and now that he was gone, she can't imagine anyone else sitting there. She was all alone now. 

For so many years they all sat together at this same kitchen table. While the kids were still growing up, they had all their family meetings here-  a lot of love was shared around this table. 

John was her pillar of hope, he was her everything, and now, she had nothing left. The kids were all grown, but she had become used to their empty places around the table. She would never get used to John not being there.

For the last fifteen years it had only been her and John. He had his research and she kept herself busy during the day.  They had their own morning ritual. John always woke up early, and brought her coffee in bed, then, after she finished her first cup of the day, she went downstairs to make them breakfast.  

John loved pancakes...she always made pancakes. She might never make pancakes again. While she was busy cooking, John drank his coffee while reading his newspaper. It was their favorite time of the day. John loved reading the newspaper, and he shared little interesting articles with her and she listened but usually with only half an ear. She should have listened more. 

Now she is all alone and no one will ever enjoy her pancakes ever again, and no one will ever sit with her here at this table ever again....

Theresa sighed. It has been two weeks after the funeral and she hated every second of her life after John left her.  It all happened so quickly...they went to sleep and he just didn't wake up again. She hasn't slept much since that morning. 

It all happened so quickly. John did not wake up early as usual, and when she touched him he was already cold and there was nothing that she could do.  It was unexpected.  He was healthy, and they still had so much planned for their lives ahead, but they just never had the time.  There was always work, and something always prevented them from traveling or doing what they planned to do.  

John was fanatic about butterflies and he spent hours doing research each day.  It was his long life dream to be an entomologist and ever since he retired, he poured himself into his research.  He really enjoyed that.

They had a trip planned to Butterfly world in a few weeks, and she felt sad that John was going to miss that.  He spent so much time doing research and planning this trip, that she did not even have the heart to go alone.  It will remind her too much of him.  

Theresa sighed again, and got up to place her coffee cup in the dishwasher. Perhaps one of the kids would want to go to lunch with her today. She picked up her phone, to phone Adrienne their youngest daughter, but immediately dropped the phone when she turned around.  On the chair where John used to sit was the most beautiful blue butterfly that she had ever seen.  She knew instantly that John was there with her and he was watching over her. 

For the first time since he left, she felt a little more at peace. She fetched John's laptop and began researching the blue butterfly. It was one of the rarest butterflies in the world, and it was right here in her kitchen.  She took her phone and took a photo of the little blue butterfly, just before it flew away and vanished into thin air....    

She might even go to Butterfly world alone, and perhaps Adrienne would want to join her. 

 

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