The Path

She arrived with dreams, aspirations. She was engaged to a Doctor. They were planning on starting their life together in a new country. He arrived first. He wanted to get established. He wanted to provide for them. He had plans. She had plans.





She arrived later. Her anticipation was immense. She had not seen him for months. She was hoping to surprise him. He did not know her date of arrival.





She was the one who was surprised. The ring he wore on his left hand was not placed there by her. His baby was not growing in her body.





She arrived too late. His life took a different direction. His look of pity enraged her.





She arrived just in time. Her strong will and zest for life showed her a different way. She made her own life. She was successful, she was happy, she was fulfilled.





His life was difficult. His family was needy. His life was draining. He was empty.





Their chance meeting was brief. They spoke volumes with their eye contact. Her look was direct and open and honest. His look was vague and downcast and remorseful.





She had forgiven him. He had not forgiven himself.





They parted again. Their chance meeting was poignant. They both wondered - "What if?"





They met again. Their lives had crested the hill and they were on the other side. Her successes she wore on her shoulders. Her experiences she wore in her soul. His loneliness was his scarlet letter. His children had their own lives, his wife was gone.





He asked for her forgiveness. She said it was not hers to give. Forgiveness comes from within.