Spirituality Guide

Corey tried to cheer Gem up. He tried to crack jokes to ease the uncomfortable silence that enveloped them. Looking at Corey’s earnest eyes and infectious smile, she could not help but play along. At least they would be a couple for one day - one final time?
For the umpteenth time, Gem felt like crying.
“You’re not eating.�? Corey said.
Gem forced a spoonful of lasagna in her mouth.
After dinner, Corey went to the bedroom again.
Gem stayed at the living room.
Minutes later, Corey went out of the room. He bid Gem goodbye and kissed her on the forehead. “I’m going to get something at the store.�?
Gem forced a smile as she bid him goodbye.
She went inside the bedroom to get the dirty laundry in the hamper. She noticed the freshly made bed. In her rush to get things done, she forgot to attend to the bed. Corey must have noticed it and made the bed himself.
She noticed a letter neatly folded on top of her dresser when she passed by. She opened it and read the letter. It was from Cory, addressed to her.

“Dear Gem,

I know what you are going through, honey. Whatever I did, to bring you to this point, I apologize. I didn’t mean it. I wanted to give you heaven but I didn’t know that you are in hell. I respect whatever decision you can come up with, as long as you will be happy.�?

Gem had to pause as tears blurred her vision, then resumed reading:

“I will not justify my actions. I am not perfect. I admit I have wronged you sometimes. But before you decide and seal our fate, please take a moment to look back what we once had. Remember I may not always show you love but I was there through the worst times.

When your car stalled, I drove all the way to where you are to fetch you.
When you fell ill, I held you in my arms to soothe your pain.
When you failed at something, I was there to comfort you.
When you felt bad, I would make you feel better.
When you want to cry, I brought a smile to your face.
You see, after all this, I know I cannot let you go. Not because I’m selfish but because I worry who will take care of you? Until such time that you will find a man who will love you as much as I do, I don’t have the heart to let you go.
I gave you a shiny gold chain the night you said ‘yes’ to my marriage proposal. I will give you another one tonight. If you take it, it means you agree to stay. If not, I understand.�?

Love you honey,

Corey

Gem cried as if she had never cried before. How many times had she overlooked Corey’s gesture of love? She wanted more from him but she realized she should be more for him.
Gem went out of the bedroom to look for Corey. She saw him standing by the door, looking so uncertain. He was worried. Gem could tell. He was holding a tiny red box in his hand. When Gem approached, Corey opened the box. The shiny gold chain glittered under the light. Gem’s tears fell in quick succession. Corey looked at her. She took a few steps forward then took the chain from the box.

Corey smiled. Gem smiled at him. She nodded in silent agreement as he fumbled on the lock and struggled to put the chain around her neck. They hugged for a long time.

Outside, the world was a picture of stillness. The smell of the world after a rain storm pervaded. Finally, the storm has passed.

- End -