For Elise

“Elise…” I called out to her. I wanted to say something but my brain could not form any words to utter. So, her name in my lips lingered and silence enveloped us. I glimpsed at her peaceful face and, as if on cue, my nerves relaxed. I gently touched her cheeks using my thumb then moved to her lips. Everything is probably an understatement of what I am willing to do for her. Beyond everything, that is, if it exists. I moved closer to reach the seat belt and quickly strapped her. I also adjusted my seat and strapped my own. Then, I started the car engine and drove off. My mind wandered off our first meeting. She didn’t appear promising to me when she descended the doorstep of their house. She walks extremely slow and she hangs her head down like a sinner. The cuffs of her long sleeves were constantly pulled to hide her hands. Then, she looked up to meet my gaze. Her eyes were puffy and it was very obvious that she spent an hour, and probably more, crying. Nevertheless, she smiled at me, giving me an access to view her white teeth. She, then, accepted the flowers that I was offering. Her nails were clean and bare, no paint. Then, she muttered her first word to me, “Thank you.” After that, she went inside.