Prologue
"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.
I smiled at the register of the memory. And so, I allowed myself to enjoy some music; Passenger Seat played on the speakers. This only heightened our romantic moment, making it even lovelier to savour.
I rolled the car windows down and let the wind touch Elise's face. Once, she shared that she loved the wind, how it caresses her skin and how liberating it feels. I, then, assumed that she didn't feel free, or otherwise, she wouldn't have said those. But now, with me, she will be unlocking those shackles that have been binding her for so long. I will allow her to live according to her wishes. We will be building a new life together and I promise that she will be extremely happy.
I promise you, Elise, you'll be more than happy.
The music stopped to a halt just when I pulled over in front of our home. I slowly unbuckled our seat belts. I pulled her hand to my lips and planted soft kisses. "We're here," I said.
I stared at her sleeping face for a while before letting her hand go. Then, I moved my face close to hers. "I've got all that I need, right here in the passenger seat," I hummed the lyrics in her ears.
Without hesitation, I carried her out of the car. I didn't want to wake her up just to tell her to go to bed and sleep again. I walked, as if she weighed nothing, until I get to the backyard.
Her dream was to be laid down under the dark sky with different flowers surrounding her; and I made a flower bed specifically for her. In it, were full of flowers in different colours, big and small. Everything, for Elise.
"I love you," I said to her.
I laid her down and kissed her goodnight.