Walk towards the light - Fiction

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Emily sat at the kitchen table sipping her tea. Jasmine tea with a little honey always made her feel better. She had been feeling anxious these past few weeks but she felt more relaxed sitting here at her kitchen table. She and Joe used to sit here in the mornings drinking coffee before breakfast, and it was her favorite place to be since he passed.  It's been two long years, and she still missed him every single day. 

When Joe died it felt like a part of her died too. Their daughter was all grown up and had her own busy life. When she suggested that Emily sell the house and move in with her, she refused. She had to learn to live on her own. Life had to go on and it didn't matter how difficult it was. 

It was hard cooking only for one person and in the beginning she always had plenty of leftover food in the fridge. Nothing was easy and she became depressed. She still felt Joe everywhere and at night when she went to bed it was the most difficult to sleep alone. 

Things became easier once she joined a support group but was difficult to talk about Joe. As the months went by, the pain faded a little and one day she found herself laughing at a comment someone made at the group and for the first time in a year she felt a little bit normal again.  

The support group became her friends.  They had a dinner party each week and last night was her turn. She didn't really feel up to it, because she hasn't been feeling herself lately, but she didn't want to spoil anyone elses fun. Emily took another sip of tea and tried to make sense of what was really bothering her.  She had been dreaming about Joe lately but the dreams felt so extremely real. Last night after everyone left she lay down on her bed and could have sworn she felt his presence next to her. She could smell him.  She wasn't sure if she was dreaming but the feeling only lasted a few minutes and then it went away.  

She woke up with a headache  and came downstairs to make tea to relax her.  She still had the awkward feeling that someone was watching her and she couldn't shake it off.  

Emily took a deep breath and stood up to put the cup in the dishwasher.  She had a sudden pain in her left arm and tried to keep her balance, but it was too late.  She fell to the floor and expected to hit her head, but instead she had a soft landing.  When she opened her eyes she looked straight into Joe's eyes.  

"Hey baby...I came to fetch you sweetheart...."

Emily couldn't make sense of what was happening to her but suddenly nothing mattered anymore.  She felt calm and relaxed and felt happy and safe for the first time in months.  

"Were you here last night?"

"I was. I wanted to give you enough time to say goodbye to your friends."

"You have always been so considerate."

Joe smiled and helped her on her feet.  

"It's time babe. Let us walk towards the light."

Emily smiled and took his hand. 

With Joe by her side she was ready for whatever was waiting for them. 

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